I will be expanding my music publishing catalogue with the acquisition of Saben Music from my good friend and legendary record producer, John Snyder. The catalogue covers Blues records including Lucky Peterson, Mavis Staples, Larry Garner, Carl Weathersby and Billy Branch. Blues Is My Business!

Larry’s new release

I wrote this song last January to pitch to Larry, and a year and a later, it’s a hit! (Doesn’t often happen this way) youtu.be/UGcsqFWy-94

Larry McCray’s Arkansas written by Walmsley and McCray

Larry McCray’s new release, the first single from his Heartbreak City album. I am a very happy songwriter today! youtu.be/UGcsqFWy-94

So glad Larry McCray helped me out on this one! Finalist in blues!

It’s here. Brand new! My new album has been untethered. Official release date is April 1, but copies are here and ready to ship to you. It’s called A TASTE OF ASHES. I have been hunkered down in my studio, writing and recording pretty much nonstop. Here's a taste: on.soundcloud.com/Nd2z5kMuyjK5...

Business Lunch with legendary record producer John Snyder, conspiring to make the music business less evil.

My personal tribute to Bob Seger. Credits on video. youtu.be/MPwhw0YsQDM

Tune in to part one of the Michigan Music History podcast. It’s available online and Apple Podcasts. Honored to be invited to this one. I could be the biggest fan of Michigan music. We had a great chat. Give it a listen …

What a fabulous show Hayes Carll with Band of Heathens at MM0 Music Festival- my new favorite band!

I don’t always read every article, but every article I do read is worthwhile.

It’s a tough business.

A nickel here, a dollar there…

The story behind the #1 song on the #1 Blues Album of 2022… www.charliewalmsley.com/arkansas.htm...

LIQUOR LAKE From April demo sessions www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAaH...

A ten-minute lesson in basic blues piano. youtu.be/3C-QYqMvm20

Dylan fans - Here is a great song to listen to a few times before you see the (A Complete Unknown) movie. youtu.be/1ST9TZBb9v8

Songwriters - Bob Dylan never recorded a song with a “bridge” (or middle 8) until his 6th album. Then he broke the #1 rule by beginning the bridge with the same chord the verse begins with. BTW it’s a great song! To bridge or not to bridge. youtu.be/yDC0b7rfK5U

Songwriters - Check out the rhyme scheme in this classic. Oh wait, there are no rhymes here, but Simon makes it work, and it works great! youtu.be/Eo2ZsAOlvEM

Misty Blues has a deep and real sound.

Doing research on the Nashville Scene. These six top country songs list between 4 and 11 songwriter credits each, averaging 7.33 writers per song.

With rich wealthy parents who provide and protect him And high office relations in the politics of Maryland Reacted to his deed with a shrug of his shoulders And swear words and sneering, and his tongue it was snarling - Bob Dylan

Played a local gig last night with my jam band buddies (Rising Walrus). Rock & Roll, Beer, and a full Dance Floor make good medicine for an aging soul. The Fountain of Youth.

This collection of interviews is brimming with truly inspiring stories, and so many revelations and ideas for songwriters. Highly recommended.

If you have recordings out there getting streams, you might have money waiting for you at the MLC. It’s legit.

I’m switching from ASCAP to PRS (UK) to collect only my European royalties. Late next year, I will see if it was a good move. Anyone else out there use PRS?

Not a bad year for a small time operator like me. The song placements on a potentially big record make it all good. Now I hold my breath until release date.

My heroes hang in the music studio room.

If you make to one of these 19 shows, say hey to bluesman Larry McCray (my frequent co-writer).

Give a listen…

Happy Thanksgiving to my new BlueSky friends! Live long and love.

Spent a few hours sorting through several folders of lyric sheets and session charts. Now, a hefty stack is bound for the recycle bin. The periodic cull is a good thing.

Check out Steve McCray’s soulful vocals on this 1997 demo. youtu.be/Q2aDyNwNq08

It’s a tough business.

Jive at Five, a Michigan institution of swing dance & jazz. Basically, Jive at Five is six guys having a lot of fun with vintage tunes.

December 2015 - Steve McCray, Larry McCray and I visited producer Michael Crittenden in GR for a demo session. We recorded the original demo version of “ARKANSAS” which became the #1 song on the #1 Blues Album of 2022. (Larry McCray / Blues Without You / KTBA Records). I love those demo sessions.

Sometimes Music Royalties seem to hide in the corners. This chart is not all-inclusive but it covers the most common locations. A nickel here, a dime there, it all adds up.

October 2022 - Crazy Chestur assembled in Michael Crittenden’s GR studios to record 3 originals and 2 covers for our 5X5 EP. Chestur has no ambition to become radio stars or to perform outside of Michigan, but I am damn proud of that record.

In 2013 after a ten-year recess from active songwriting, I began attending Lamb’s Retreat for Songwriters in Northern Michigan every November. Our great state is home to a vibrant songwriter community and Lamb’s Retreat is the heart of that community. Highly recommended for songsters at any level.

This past April, I got together with old buddies Larry McCray and Steve McCray at new buddy Andy Reed’s studio to run some demos. Always working on that next big thing.