At the Regional Sites

Texas Tech University at Waco Hosts Second Chords and Conversations

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

There was a little extra excitement in the air at this year's Chords and Conversations hosted by Texas Tech University at Waco March 30 at the Hilton Hotel. As the crowd was gathered for the second annual event, it quickly became a watch party for the Red Raider Basketball NCAA Elite Eight game against top-seeded Gonzaga University.

The event showcased three of Nashville's most recognized and prolific songwriters: Bob DiPiero, Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobely. Texas Tech's Masked Rider made a special appearance.

Lewis Snell, director of Texas Tech at Waco, says Chords and Conversations was created to raise awareness about Texas Tech's programs in Waco by connecting with the local alumni base and offering an evening of entertainment to raise funds for student scholarships.

“Having the Masked Rider attend is always the highlight of the evening,” Snell said. “I also enjoy hearing the stories behind the songs and watching the audience react as they hear the first notes played. Even those folks that do not listen to country music on a regular basis can appreciate the process of writing a song and enjoy the lyrics behind the music.”

A few of DiPiero's 15 No. 1 songs include: “Blue Clear Sky” recorded by George Strait; “American Made” recorded by The Oak Ridge Boys; “Wink” recorded by Neal McCoy; “That Rock Won't Roll” recorded by Restless Heart; “Little Rock” recorded by Reba McEntire and “The Church On Cumberland Road” recorded by Shenandoah.

Grammy-nominated Miller has seven No. 1 country hits, including "The World,” "I'm Still a Guy," and "Perfect Storm," all recorded by Brad Paisley; "You're Gonna Miss This" recorded by Trace Adkins, and "Southern Girl" recorded by Tim McGraw. Miller also co-wrote "Whiskey and You," with Chris Stapleton.

Mobley has written No. 1 hits for Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney, and has had his songs recorded by Joe Diffie, Kenny Rogers, Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw, among others.

Snell said they doubled the number of participants this year compared to last year's event. “We were also fortunate to have Provost Michael Galyean and his wife Charlotte attend Chords and Conversations this year.”

He said also among the attendees was an alumnus who graduated in 1965 and a transfer student who will attend Texas Tech University in Lubbock next fall, who anticipates graduating in 2021. “That is quite an age range,” he said.

Planning has already begun for next year's event and Snell hopes to bring in a good group of song writers. He also expressed his thanks for those who made this year's event a success.

"I can't express my gratitude enough for all the individuals who make this event possible," he said. "From the main chef to the volunteers who helped seat our guests, it takes so many people to make it all work," he said. "And, it was really extra special to celebrate Texas Tech's first entry into the Final Four with 200 Red Raiders in downtown Waco."

And by the way, the Red Raiders won that game over Gonzaga 75-69, moving them to the Final Four against Michigan State University's Spartans.