Chris LeDoux is a hero to me. One of only four that I’ve had in my entire life. My dad, Ralph Turner, those of you who know us understand how much he means to me. I stand nearly six inches taller than he does, but I still feel like I am looking up at him. He’s never been wrong when it has come to what was best for me. Even if I didn’t listen, it still turned out that he was right. 

My mother, Delia Panici, has had a very trying life. She has been through more than most and still come out ahead. It took her awhile to get to where she wanted to be, but at 54 years old, she is getting ready to receive her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Development. Of course I should mention that she will be getting it, just one year after earning her Bachelor’s. She has overcome so much to become the woman that she is today. 

More recently, Shelly Rann, has come into my life. What an amazing woman she is. Twelve years she has been in Nashville, still pursuing what many believe is rightfully hers. Twelve years and she still has the determination that she came to Tennessee with. Always a smile for everyone around her, despite what is happening around her. And now it seems that patience is beginning to pay off for her. Look for Shelly’s song “Chains” to be released by upcoming artist Morgan Hayes. Should be later this year. She also saved me. She found the person that had once been buried and brought him back to the surface. Not many people get the opportunity to know their guardian angel, even fewer fall in love.

I tell you about the heroes in my life to illustrate that “hero” is a word that I don’t use lightly. He wasn’t just a great writer and entertainer. He was a family man. More than any accolade he could ever receive, he wanted to be remembered as being a good husband and father first. The rest was just window dressing, something to put on the mantle. I don’t know how many times Nashville told him no, but it never changed the man. He kept making his music, as he knew that he had everything that he needed in life. He also knew that there would never be a shortage of album sales as he had a fantastic fan base who would forever remain loyal to him. Not just because he made great music, but because he was a great man. His priorities were firmly set. 

Whether the words are “influenced by,” “in the shadow,” “footsteps,” or “shoes to fill,” I will always be honored to be included in the same sentence as the man, who will always be esteemed highly by me, along with some other great company. I hope you enjoy the song.