A chance encounter on Twitter reminded me of one of my Turkish road trip stories when we made one of our many sixteen hour journeys from Tinky Town back to Ahmed’s family in Kahramanmaraş
You may remember Ahmed’s reluctance to spend money and subsequently on one overnight trip when our hunger pangs got the better of us we decided to stop for something to eat. Ahmed speedily passed all the brand new roadside inns and pulled up in a tiny remote village alongside a ramshackle building with a corrugated iron roof.
I was less than impressed with Ahmed’s choice of venue but not altogether surprised nevertheless at this point as I was so famished and tired that I grudgingly climbed out of the car, slamming the door behind me to register my displeasure.
On walking through the door the biggest surprise of all was hearing the golden tones of Wynonna Judd coming from a ropey old sound system in the corner of this tatty café where the only customers were two elderly Turks drinking çay, sat amongst the mismatched plastic tables & chairs. Well I thought if it’s good enough for Wynonna it’s good enough for me and if the worse should happen and I should perish from food poisoning then at the very least the last thing I would hear would be a decent tune.
The elderly Turk behind the counter sporting a white apron informed me “very, very good girl” pointing to a very old but treasured picture, taking pride of place on the wall “you know her”?
I assured him not personally but I was the very proud owner of the Judds’ greatest hits CD which I had played to death especially “Grandpa“. How could one not be a fan of Wynonna; she has the voice of an angel, is a fellow animal lover and as a bit of a wordsmith myself who appreciates a great lyric, sings some kick ass songs.
My mood lightened and I relaxed whilst Ahmed placed the order which was swiftly delivered to the table by the elderly waiter. A few minutes later calling to his colleague he turned the volume up for “Mama he’s crazy” and accompanied by the other two customers performed a traditional Turkish dance to the melody. I’ve never laughed quite so much but I’d like to think I was laughing along with them as they hopped up & down waving their white napkins in the air and singing the word “crazee” with abandon.
It occurred to me as they danced that Wynonna had probably never dreamed that when she recorded this track it would be playing in a dusty old café on the other side of the world but I felt sure somehow she’d approve of people united in laughter and music, regardless of race, culture or religion, on one crazy hot summer’s night in Turkey.
Aw Tink…you do my heart wonders. I too love Wynonna…have seen her in concert a time or two and would highly recommend it should she ever put on a show across the pond. Her lyrics ring of true life and real feelings and I relate to her on several levels. I love this story and love how you reacted to it all once you went inside.
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Another thing we have in common my friend. I haven’t seen her live but I bet she’s amazing especially as she is one of the few performers who really wouldn’t need a band & that is a sign of true talent but I would like to see her dressed a little 40s with a big band sound behind her
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She’s a gift.
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What a wonderful story, Dallas, and beautifully told!
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Thank you, Naomi; its amazing how far music really does reach and influence
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You knocked it out of the park again, miss Dallas, my favorite writer over the pond! So intrigued, I had to watch the video of the Judd’s singing that tune. Never heard it. She was so soft and pretty back then, with a terrific range as a young singer. Thanks for a wonderful Sunday morning treat! – your late bloomer
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Bless you Kaye! I think that Wynonna is one of those rare singers like a fine wine that keeps getting better & better
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what a great story. thank you.
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I’m really touched you took the time to read it; as we say in the westcountry “cheers m’dear”
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Oh, imaging that scene make me laugh out loud 😀
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God love them they were so enthusiastic which made me think they’d done it several times before although I’m not quite sure they understood all the lyrics but you have to admire a fan like that
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As usual, your story is one very great one to wake up to… although it’s been a struggle.
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Happy to oblige and that reminds me how I used to read all of you in Turkey with a cup of Çay
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Wonderfully told story to read and imagine, Dallas! It went down really with my mango and strawberries for breakfast. 🙂 I would love to have seen that Turkish dancing. I’m sure it was a night you’ll never forget. xx
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Dallas, you painted a vivid picture with your narration of this delightful story. See what you would have missed if Ahmed had stopped at one of the newer places! 🙂
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What a great story! You know last year, I worked at a benefit where Wynonna and Michael McDonald performed. I was assigned to Wynonna and escorted her to and from her bus during the show. Sometimes I call it star “wrangling”….
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How envious am I & Ms Rhonda! As she’s a huge animal lover I suspect that she’s a Tedstar fan as well!
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Another lovely told tale. I love that you always find a connection with people!
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That’s a lovely thing to say Linda, thank you
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