Jetblasted posted the thread about Barry Gibb buying John and June's home, and it got me to thinking.
I spent many hours in John's home, one of the most beautiful homes, and settings I've seen. Mostly rock, wood and glass. Right on Old Hickory Lake, with two berths for large boats, a couple of pools, and lots of other things. Scenic views in three directions. The home just climbed the hill, and blended in. There weren't really different floors, just room after room on different levels, some up a few stairs, some down a few more, on the side of the great hill.
Lots of memories there, and good meals by Armando's wife. Armando was head of security for the estate, a short Italian who was a martial arts expert, and one of the most dangerous and nicest men I've met. His wife made lasagna that took two days just for the sauces. John loved Armando.
The home was full of authentic American antiques, that were insured for more than the worth of the house. John and June had a man on the staff full time just to find them quality antique items. John loved history, the Civil War, and old things.
John and June's bedroom was a five room suite, something to see. The chandlier over their bed was amazing. John's guitar collection was extensive, and kept right in the bedroom area, in one corner. The value of the twenty or so guitars would astound you.
The wall of one of the winding staircases was lined with hundreds of pictures, with John pictured with several Presidents, the pope, and Queen Elizabeth, along with almost everybody else who was anybody. There were many pictures of one of his best friends in the world, the Reverend Billy Graham.
June had her "fur room" where she kept many many fur coats, from exotic animals. She normally wore them just a few times for performances and special invitations, like to the White House. Then she would make them available to others, at a very low cost.
Some of the best unadvertized concerts in the world were held there. Just picking and grinning with John and his friends . . . like Merle, Waylon, Willie, Chris, Jessi Coulter, Bob Dylan, John and Paul (a couple of guys from England) and many more. Good memories.
John's favorite home was Cinnamon Hills, his estate in Jamaica, but he loved this house. This was home base. He didn't build it, he found it under construction for someone else, and had to have it. It wasn't for sale, but John bought it anyway. He also had the cabin, the farm, and his home in Florida. The "House Of Cash", his museum and fan center was not far down the road, and his recording studio was closeby too.
It was a sight to see his touring busses and semi-trailer trucks all lined up. Every one jet black. His personal bus was "Unit One". It was an honor to be invited aboard to ride with John.
One of my favorite memories was the day John and I took a walk around the massive estate in Hendersonville, not far from Nashville. There were incredible views of Old Hickory Lake, and thousands of trees. Neither of us said a word 'til finally John turned to me and in that deep voice said . . . "God sure did a good job on Tennessee." And we just kept walking.
I miss him. Miss him a lot. He was a very special man. And what you saw is what you got with John. One of the most humble and honest men I've ever knew. Another good memory is of me sitting in a huge leather and wood chair in the big house, with John sitting on the floor. He looked up at me and said . . . "Tell me what's happening in your life." He liked to hear about "normal" things, outside the "plastic world" of the music business.
I'm a private pilot. Often John would call and say . . ."Can you come on over?" He just wanted to talk. There would always be a limo he'd sent waiting for me at the Nashville airport. Usually it was an old Jeep. John himself liked old beat up pickups.
Freak circumstances allowed me to meet several very famous people, but there was no one like John. And I thank several of you who have sent CD's and other items of John's. Mighty good memories.
Tuck
