Ain’t This a Top Ten: This Ain’t My First Rodeo (#5)

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Let’s dispel with the pleasantries first: LIINDA? NO!!!!!!!!! Yeah, this is “real deal” country music for today’s song that has “ain’t” in the title. One of my favorites is up next, and here he is! #5: This Ain’t My First Rodeo - Vern Gosdin They called him “The Voice.” A most appropriate nickname, because man, Vern Gosdin had a voice. And a half. Gosdin’s career began in the 60s with his brother Rex in Alabama. Together they backed Gene Clark on his first post-Byrds album (for those of you who thought Sweetheart of the Rodeo sounded “weird for the Byrds,” Gram Parsons wasn’t the only one leaning in a country direction). After a lack of success, they quit singing professionally. After brother Rex’s death in 1983 Vern decided to do something to honor his late brother. He went back to music, and this time he was a rousing success. His lovely voice and gifted songwriting earned his a string of hits, including the classic “Chiseled in Stone.” He was in less-than-optimal health for years (he passed us in the halls backstage at the Opry one night and my friend said, “Is that Vern Gosdin??”), finally dying of a stroke in 2009. I’m waiting for his Hall of Fame induction. As for this song, it’s a slightly humorous take on a guy who knows his wife is cheating on him (“honey, ain’t your mama sick a lot?”). One of the greats of the 80s neo-traditional movement in country music. This Ain’t My First Rodeo Written by Vern Gosdin, Hank Cochran, and Max D. Barnes Recorded by Vern Gosdin From Ten Years of Golden Hits, 1990 I’m not dumb and I’m not blind: