I had the pleasure of working for Buddy Killen, a successful man in many areas of the music business, including publishing. Killen was born in Florence, Alabama. He was a bass player in the Grand Ole Opry before he was hired, in 1953, to listen to new songs in a new business started by Jack Stapp, the manager of the Grand Ole Opry. When Stapp died in 1980, Killen became the sole owner of Stapp's company, Tree International Publishing. During his early career he worked with artists such as Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Diana Trask, Exile, Roger Miller, Joe Tex, Ronnie McDowell and T. G. Sheppard.

Garth Brooks approached Buddy for management, but He told him he wasn't interested in his kind of Country. Buddy personally told me it was the biggest mistake he ever made. His big regret.

When Buddy passed away from cancer I attended his service at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville with John Jay Hooker, former mayor of Nashville. The place was packed . I was sitting up front and the three seats next to me were reserved. One was John Jays and I didn't have any idea who the others were for. John Jay was delivering the eulogy so he was up on the stage.  Suddenly the door opened and in walked Dolly Parton and her husband. I looked around and didn't see any other available seats. My heart started pounding , sweat formed on my brow because I knew The seats next to me were for her. Its good that I was sitting down because I would have fainted right then and there. She walked to the front , smiled and sat down next to me. I could see John Jay grinning because he knew how much I loved Dolly Parton. She was my first country music love, my first concert, and one of the reasons I am a songwriter. I took a deep breath and tried to stop the tears from forming , but too late. I looked at Dolly and said.." Buddy was a good man and will be missed. I have loved you since I was a little girl . Thank you for your music and sweet soul. Forgive me for crying but you are an inspiration to me." She reached over, hugged me and said, "Aww thank you sweetheart. I loved Buddy. I wouldn't be where I am if it were not for his help. He was a good, good man." During the service she would pat me on the knee. We both laughed and cried. There was a reception afterwards and I got to hand out with Dolly for about 30 minutes before she had to leave. That was a memorable day.

I was sitting in the control room in Studio B  at Woodland Studios Nashville Tennessee, when they played the demo for “I Hope You Dance.” I immediately knew this was a very special song . I was there from beginning to end and I can’t count the times I cried when another track was laid down.Lee Ann Womack was charming and incredibly humble as she recorded the lead vocal. Then Sons of the Dessert came to record background vocals and I knew it would be song of the Year. I will never forget the special moments at Woodland. 

It was a cool fall Sunday afternoon. The line around the building was a mile long and  I was about half way there.  This was a big day; my audition for The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee and I was shaking in my shoes. There were 6 young girls ahead of me chattering away about how this was their 6th audition to try and perform here. I had several songs picked to sing even though you only get one minute to show what you got. The girl ahead of me was young and very short, so she had to lower the microphone to her level. I didn’t even hear her sing. The sweat was running down my back as I stepped up to the stage. I looked at the audience anxiously waiting. I plugged in and turned to the audience.  The microphone was pointed at my waist and I was too nervous to pick it up.. I said “Thank you for this opportunity. Heres a little salsa country..I hit first chord and immediately started singing a song I had written titled “SENORITA”. When I finished the first verse and chorus one minute later the audience broke out clapping and cheering. Two weeks later I received a letter..Dear JoJo, we are pleased to tell you that you have been chosen to perform at the BlueBird Cafe. Please contact us for available dates.  I fell to my knees and thanked God. My first try had landed me places where people dream to be….