Philip Gibbons: It’s Deja Vu All Over Again

James E. Akenson

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Willie Nelson sings that it’s “funny how time slips away.”  It does happen!  It seems like yesterday that I wrote a piece for Country Underground Australia about Phillip Gibbons 40^th anniversary in radio. The Country Giant 94.7 in Cookeville is a major Country Music presence in Middle Tennessee and into southern Kentucky.

Philip Gibbons dominates the 10:00am to 3:00pm time slot each day.   Philip even has the noon hour designated as the Classic Country Café. You can actually hear Country Music in which you might hear a fiddle, steel guitar, and even the lyrics. Bring on The Hag!  

Now it’s a 50^th anniversary celebration for Philip Gibbons in radio. Of course, make that Country Music radio. How did the ten years fly by so fast? Easy.  One day at a time. No, we won’t drag in Kristy Lane into the discussion, but you might want to click on the link to see and hear Lane’s classic of sorts.

Check out the pic of Philip Gibbons for the 50^th Anniversary.  He’s aged rather well I’d say. 

Way back when a long ten years ago, Philip Gibbons 40^th celebration took place at the Salt Box Inn on the north skirts of Cookeville Tennessee. It had a rustic country, barn like appeal. 

I remember that the McCarters…at least two of the three McCarter sisters were present and seated at our table or at least at a table close by. I also remember sitting near a Country Music executive and his wife. The barn was opened on one side for easy entrance. 

Since Phillip Gibbon’s 40^th anniversary the Salt Box has been transformed a touch so it is a bit less rustic and a tad more elegant.  It’s now a touch more YupScaleRustic. There’s an emphasis on weddings. That’s particularly true if you check out their Facebook page.  

Take a look at the Rolls Royce pic with the bride all in white. Ya think The Salt Box is now a little more yupscale? The swimming pool, the landscaping, and the night lighting all contribute to a hipper vibe.

I think Phillip Gibbons is like a fine wine…maybe a Chateau Lafite Rothschild perhaps. No, no perhaps. Definitely Chateau Lafite Rothschild.  Take a look at his 40^th anniversary celebration pic publicity. Now take a look at his 50^th pic publicity. 

I think Philip Gibbons looks more authoritative and distinguished than ever. He is a man who grasps the Country Music radio world big picture and small details and their relationship. Nice aging Philip. He probably did this without male hormones being prescribed by his primary physician. 

This all suggests that there is no doubt great Country Music Testosterone song just waiting to hit the charts. Come to think of it, perhaps it should be combined with a Viagra song. How about this?  “Love came to me with T and V. My Tennessee cabin home doesn’t need me to roam.”  It’s a start anyway.

When it is written, an up and coming Country Music singer can perform it. Philip Gibbons will play it. Showcasing new and upcoming Country Music artists is a hallmark of Philip Gibbons. It keeps Philip Gibbons young and it’s part of why he’s aged so well. 

Enter DelMonaco Winery. It’s in the country eight miles west of Cookeville. There have been previous Country Music themed events at DelMonaco. Philip Gibbons hosted a Country Giant 2018 charity event to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Country artists Stephanie Quayle and Mo Pitney provided the entertainment. No reason not to have Philip’s 50^th at DelMonaco Winery. The setting features a subdivision surrounded by the vineyard with the DelMonaco Winery a center piece. It’s not exactly ‘Down Home’ but is Country.

The official schedule showed a carefully thought out procedure

5 pm- Doors Open

6 pm- Dinner

6:30 pm- Live Music by Caleb & Leann

7 pm- Program and Special Guests

The doors opened at 5:00 so folks could try the DelMonaco wines, socialize, and get a professional pic with Phillip Gibbons. I decided to go quasi–Johnny Cash with black loafers, black socks, black jeans, black belt, a black shirt with a V of white on the chest and shoulders, and a black sport coat. Besides honoring “The Man In Black,” it would have a country touch with jeans and the shirt, yet with black be a touch evening wear. These things take some thought. 

A celebration of this sort created a check list in my mind.

1^st An arrival sequence that suggests an appropriate, impressive, and welcoming impact. 

2^nd  Time for pics, taking a look at artifacts honouring Philip, and socialising.

3^rd  Time to eat and chat over dinner.  Despite the Bible Belt setting this DelMonaco is winery and some folks partook of alcohol.

4^th  A clearly defined focal point for pics, videos, performances, and ceremonial events.

5^th Some connections to Country Music beyond Cookeville. Most likely Nashville should be included.

6^th Government should be present at least the city and county level to bear witness to Philip Gibbons impact.  Proclamations and resolutions should be presented.

7^th People who have worked with Philip Gibbons should make comments.

8^th Some Country Music should be part of the program.

9^th The Man Of The Hour Philip Gibbons should close the evening with some comments and a standing ovation.

I’m a believer that the nine items made it possible to have literal and symbolic impact. They reflect that Philip Gibbons’ fifty-year career counts for a lot. He’s been “The Soundtrack To Our Lives” for many people, including me. 

Let’s check if my idealized literal and symbolic progression played out as desired.

DelMonaco winery impresses with its Euro style, accompanying vineyards, and the sign announcing Philip Gibbons 50^th Anniversary in Country Music radio.  Check number 1.

Upon arriving, the photo op presented itself upon entering the reception hall and dining room.  An arch of balloons and a backdrop screen with Philips 50^th Celebration logo and corporate sponsor logos suggested that the professional photographer worked in a worthy setting.

Take a look at a symbolically important pic.  Philip Gibbons poses with former Grand Ole Opry announcer Keith Bilbrey and Putnam County Register of Deeds Wayne Nabors. That combines two important literal and symbolic items in one pic.

The Grand Ole Opry is longest running program in radio, is heard all over the United States, and has a crucial history in the history of Country Music.   Cookeville and The Country Giant are part of Putnam County. Government is putting a stamp-of-approval and legitimacy on Philip Gibbons. 

The dining room provided a central focus for activities. Take a look at how the stairways create a frame for Philip Gibbon’s event. 

Entertainment should be part of an event honoring a Country Music personality.  How about a performance by Caleb and Leeann. Since Leeann is Philip’s daughter it keeps Country Music literally and symbolically in the family. Their performance included my former student Andrew Buckner providing guitar accompaniment. Take a listen.

There were lots of opportunities for video and in-person comments from former colleagues, employers, and coworkers. Since Cookeville is in the Bible Belt maybe we should say testimonials or witnesses. After all, there was a blessing followed by a lot of “Amens.” 

Videos included more Grand Ole Opry comments and former personalities at The Country Giant. In person comments from current Country giant personalities became a bit ‘roast-like’ but showed their love for Philip Gibbons as a mentor and a champion for their interests. Former employers such as Drue Huffines pointed out that they hired Philip Gibbons at age fifteen. Just a youngster! 

Sports plays a significant role in Philip Gibbons life. He’s been the announcer for the Tennessee Tech University (TTU) women’s basketball team forever.  The university is a type of governmental institution with a good bit of prestige in the Upper Cumberland region.

It was a symbolic and literal necessity that the TTU Athletic Director, the head women’s basketball coach,  and the assistant basketball coach presented Philip Gibbons with gifts. You can see the pic. 

In between, all the proclamations and testimonials some extra entertainment seemed appropriate.  Jake Hoot, winner of The Voice nationally televised singing program made for a fine choice. Jake thanked Philip Gibbons for his support over the years and then performed. Of course, I was pleased that former student Andrew Buckner provided guitar accompaniment. 

Government showed that it valued Philip Gibbons. To have a celebration without official government recognition would be a major omission. Since Cookeville, Tennessee is in the Bible Belt let’s say it would be a SIN of Omission. Did government come through with official presence and proclamations? You can bet your Sweet Tea they did, Morgan Wallen.

Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter and Cookeville Mayor Lauren Wheaton made comments and presented a proclamation. So did Register of Deeds for Putnam County, Wayne Nabors. State Representative Ryan Williams also made comments. Can’t say that the State Senator was present. 

Finally, Philip Gibbons celebration demands a conclusion in which The Man Of The Hour says some heartfelt words of gratitude.  Did Philip Gibbons come through. Yes indeed.  He recognized current and former coworkers, his family, the radio community, and the listening community of the Country Giant.

Was it symbolically and literally necessary? Yes.  Was it done with utmost sincerity?  Absolutely.  Totally believable, authentic, and Down-Home sincere.  Philip Gibbons made it clear this wasn’t good-bye. He isn’t retiring. That’s good news for The Soundtrack of Our Lives.  Country On Philip Gibbons. Country On!