by Scott Turner

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked, (from aspiring new writers) is "How do you make it as a writer in Nashville?" And "How long does it take to land that first cut?" Naturally, the question can be answered in many ways, but it helps to have that unique competitive song. Recently, I read an article in a music publication where they interviewed a highly successful writer and, in his case, it took seven years. As a classic example, I'd like to talk about a close friend of mine and a regular at our breakfast club whose name is Rick Tiger. Yes, that's his real name.

Music brought Rick here in 1991 from New Iberia, Louisiana, the home of Tabasco Sauce. Rick's first job was a desk clerk at the well-known Hall Of Fame Motor Inn, but he saw a chance to take over the lounge there and jumped at the opportunity. Along with many new writers, quite a few notables in the industry frequented the lounge and Rick, being very congenial, held open mic sessions every night and gave these few and established writers a chance to show their wares, a brilliant move because it gave Rick a chance to meet prospective co-writers and also many stars. That's when I met Rick and I appreciate the fact that he didn't push his songs to the many entertainers who graced the lounge. In fact, I didn't know Rick was a gifted writer until someone brought it to my attention about six months after I had met him.

When the Music Row Hall of Fame Lounge shut down, Rick immediately moved to another location, The Hall of Fame Lounge on Trinity Lane and his people moved with him. Later on, he grabbed an opportunity to move his club to the famed Printers Alley and named the new venture "The Long Hall Tavern" and again the loyal customers followed. Because of the work overload, Rick finally decided to concentrate on his writing ability so the Long Hall shut down operations. This morning I was curious as to when Rick landed his first cut and he said it was in 1996 with a song he co-wrote with Craig Martin titled "What Will You Do With M-E" and cut by "Western Flyer". Then came a stroke of luck. Rick read in the Hollywood Reporter that they were looking for songs for the hit series JAG and, he didn't land one, but rather TWO on that show - "Let Me Know Where You Stand", co-written with Anthony Smith and David Atwood and "A Love Wirth Saving", written with Don Phillips.

He then landed a cut by my all-time favorite true-to-his-roots country singer Gene Watson with a song titled "Just in Case" co-written with Shawn Hammonds. Then came "The Fine Line" again co-written with Anthony Smith and cut by Montgomery Gentry. He also has (as we say) "one in the hopper" - or not released yet titled "Gettin' Old" co-written by Anthony Smith and recorded by none other than Willie Nelson. Watch for that one!

When I pseudo-interviewed Rick this morning, he stressed that I should mention his co-writers and that shows what kind of a fella Rick is. He resides in Portland, TN with his wife Joyce and he still has a late night job at The Sheraton Hotel in downtown Nashville so he can devote the daytime hours to his songwriting endeavors. In fact, he mentioned today that he just co-wrote "a very competitive" song with Randy Martin, another gifted writer who works nights at the Renaissance Hotel, right near Rick's venue.

His highest chart number to date is #28 with the Western Flyer cut, but trust me - the best is yet to come as Rick not only has excellently crafted songs, but he also has great inside connections with many of Nashville's heavies, mainly because of his attitude and naturally great material.

No, it didn't quite take seven years for Rick to grab the brass ring, but it was close. So if you're ever visiting Nashville and staying at the Downtown Sheraton, look up Rick Tiger - you'll like him!!