COUNTRY MUSIC DISH

Why do we sometimes weep and not know why? My son, Terry, was on the road with the Grascals when he called and told me Michael Jackson had died. I cannot tell you why I cried, but I did.I don't own any of Michael's music, but I did enjoy watching him dance. For the life of me, I could not hum a Michael Jackson song, but my mind began rushing, thinking back and seeing Michael interviewed when he talked about his father beating him and forcing him to work constantly -- essentially stealing his childhood.It was just before our Wednesday night Bible study -- we're Baptists, so we eat first -- when I was asked what I thought might have caused Michael's death. I immediately replied, "My thoughts are that the same thing that killed Elvis, killed Michael -- prescribed drugs." It may be weeks before an official cause of death is determined, but I've seen too many lives destroyed by substance abuse.I think about all the country talent from seeing them on CMT, reading about them in magazines and hearing their songs on the radio. Knowing that some of our finest have shortened their lives with the same things that took the lives of Elvis and, possibly, Michael, I wish I had the where-with-all to stand on a soapbox and beg and plead with our wonderful poets to take care of themselves. Look at all the musical genres. We really have the finest flock of singers and songwriters in the world right here in Nashville. I say to each of you, even if I don't know you, that I love you. And I want you sober.I hate that some members of the music community are making some nasty drug lord rich from the sale of their poison while there are hungry children in the U.S.A. who just need some food. Hit songwriters and hit singers, we need you alive onstage -- not as a casualty on some highway.If you've got a problem, you know it. Don't be afraid to tell someone. And, above all, don't be ashamed to get help. We've got some of the best doctors and hospitals in the world here in our town. Go for a cure, not a habit. It is not cool to get high and die. Sending sympathy and love to Michael's family, friends and fans. I AGREE WITH HAZEL SMITH. c