I think someone should take a closer look at what is approved for the paper ("Indecent Exposure," Feb. 17). When Darian Trotter's story aired, he distinctly said that the prostitute would not talk unless he was paid. I don't know if Matt Pulle ever thought about what "undercover" means, but anyone in their right mind would know that you would have to fit into the environment of whatever you are reporting.
This was a stupid story. The reporter never deceived us by not telling us he paid the guy. I most certainly don't think it was intended that way. This seems to be some malicious way to discredit someone who has style and brings us the news in a manner that all can understand. This story was aired long ago, as was the story that the reporter did on bootleg DVDs, so why is this now coming to light? I think someone within the station has it out for this reporter who has everyone watching.
Channel 4 should applaud him for the efforts Trotter puts in his stories, for he has everyone talking about it over coffee at work. Many people here at work feel the same way, and I can truly say that he is the main reason that many people I know watch Channel 4 news. That may just be the reason this came to light. Jealousy. Why would anyone at the news station have any concern as to what type of tag he has on his car? Does he park illegally? Shame on the man who must put down another to lift himself up.
Marcus Wooden
mwooden@genesco.com (Nashville)
Remembering "Girl Hero"
Mr. Cantwell's article on Sammi Smith was outstanding ("Sammi Smith, 1943-2005," Feb. 17). Although he said he had seen her in person only once, he wrote about her with the same warmth with which Sammi sang. I can assure you that many of her friends and admirers printed Mr. Cantwell's article for inclusion in their memoirs.
It is my opinion that the music industry did not treat Sammi well, and her admirers and supporters were short-changed by not getting to hear more of her. And it is a crime that none of her albums have been put on CD. We are most appreciative of Mr. Cantwell's fine article on this lovely, talented, gracious, proud lady.
Bill Clark
wclark7@kc.rr.com (Overland Park, Kan.)
More memories of Sammi
Thank you so much for the tribute to Sammi Smith. We are former Nashvillians and were friends of Sammi's, and were fortunate enough to have her visiting in our home in Palm Springs for the month of November, and—ill and in pain as she was—she was still delightful company. Her wit never failed her.
Many are not aware of what a talented artist Sam was, not only as a singer-songwriter. She did beadwork, fashioned jewelry and made beautiful creations out of found items—bits of metal, scraps of lace, backstage passes, used airline tickets, old photographs, etc. She could lay pieces of clutter together to make something truly awesome appear, in much the same way she strung notes and words together.
She was a clever, witty, loving, generous friend who can never be replaced—in our lives or in the world.
Thanks for noticing.
Connie and X Lincoln
lincolnconnie@aol.com (Palm Springs, Calif.)
...and still more
The obituary for Sammi Smith was the finest obit I have ever read. A special thanks to the author, who has as much respect for Sammi Smith as I do.
Royce Gladden
texasroyce@alamedanet.net (Alameda, Calif.)
Alt viewpoint
In his review of the book Country Music Goes to War ("Bocephus in the Trenches," Feb. 10), Paul Griffith characterized Aaron Fox's essay "Alternative to What?" as a Marxist critique of alt country. It sounds much more like predictable faux populist Karl Rove spin. It is the same misappropriation of authenticity so brilliantly sold by legions of conservative con men. Regardless of their socioeconomic status, artists like Steve Earle and Gillian Welch have recaptured a deeper vein of Americana, one lost on those whose sense of individuality is influenced more by pickup truck ads and talk radio than by honesty confronting life's inherent dilemmas. To refer to the Depression era country music of O Brother, Where Art Thou? as "citified" is downright Orwellian. Alt country exists because so much of mainstream country is the opposite of what it pretends to be. If it is "citified" or elitist to have a functional heart and mind in this age of the market fetishist, then so be it.
Stan Sitler
stanps@earthlink.net (Nashville)
A brother's gratitude
Please thank Jack Silverman for memorializing my brother, Hunter Lee ("Requiem for a Piper," Jan. 20). Jack did what is an impossible feat, capturing Hunter's essence as a person and as an artist. It was a masterfully worded article that helped those who loved Hunter grieve his death and celebrate his genius. Thank you. And thank you for researching the Harp and Shamrock album, which were it not for this article, I would have known nothing about. Thank you for remembering a truly beautiful man who was so tragically taken from a world that loved and needed him.
Mike Waltman
mike.waltman@ded.mo.gov (Columbia, Mo.)
Correction
In the Feb. 17 issue's "A Face in the Crowd," vocal coach and author Renee Grant-Williams website should have been listed as www.myvoicecoach.com. We apologize for the error.
