Hank Bell

This is a tribute to my elder brother Hank Bell, who righteously went home to Jesus in February 2009.

Hank stood 6'2" and 245 pounds; a decorated Vietnam veteran who suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, "agent Orange" exposure, drug abuse and alcoholism. He returned home from Vietnam totally different from the big brother, band member, and totally cool guy that I grew up with.

Hank's heart and personality were as big as his physical presence. He had a special quality about him that made people take notice when he entered the room. This attribute and his natural good looks and charm made him popular with audiences and especially with the ladies.

Hank and I started out as bright-eyed young country boys with a family and a heart for music. Hank was sixteen years old and I was ten when we first started doing gigs and practicing. Hours turned to days and then years. We were encouraged and supported to pursue our music by our mother who also sang and played guitar, and who loved to hear us pick and sing.

Hank also played with Curtis Gordon, international hit country rockabilly artist, at the American Legion Hall in Tallahassee. As hank and I began to get more serious, Mr. Gordon delivered on a promise an introduction to Chet Atkins, head of RCA records at the time.

Chet Atkins loved our "sibling harmony" and compared our sound to the Everly Brothers. Our audition so impressed Mr. Atkins that he offered us a contract for a two-record deal which required us to submit original songs to RCA and go on tour. The tour included top named acts on RCA's new artist list. The Bell Brother's Band toured with "The Grand Ole Opry Show" which included the likes of Johnny Paycheck, Stonewall Jackson, Connie Smith, Tayna Tucker and numerous other upcoming country acts at that time. Hank was then placed on active draft status for the Air Force. Chet Atkins kept the contract open contingent on Hank's safe return from the Vietnam War.

Hank's first tour of duty unfortunately damaged him both emotionally and psychologically. Upon his return, Hank's behavior and character had shown deterioration and Hank became a classic example of the "tortured" veteran who was neglected by the Veterans Administration and the country he served; one who had experienced the worst atrocities, death, destruction and chemical poisoning that time revealed was devastating to many vets. Unfortunately, my brother experienced a living nightmare that would haunt him for the rest of his life- all at the tender age of 19.

Hank's Air Force unit, The Red Horse Squadron, was the construction crew for base facilities and field reconnaissance air strips. His squad engaged in several major missions. In one major initiative with 200 troops, only Hank and one other squad member survived to plant the U.S. flag on the captured hill. Hank received over a dozen commendations, but the death of so many of his brothers turned Hank into a "fearless killing machine."

Upon returning home, Hank divorced his first wife (of five). I prayed that music might help Hank get back on track as my parents sought help from the U.S. military. What we know now is that post traumatic stress disorder, in addition to the effects of Agent Orange exposure had transformed my brother into a wild man. Hank was known to fight and destroy a club if provoked. He garnered an extensive record of misdemeanors. Due to his condition, Hank would use every bit of his military training during brawls and once he went off it took almost an "act of God" to protect people from his unpredictable behavior.

Chet Atkins got wind of Hank's problems and regrettably dropped the Bell Brothers six months after Hank's return. We continued to tour even though Hank's condition had blown our big break. We toured for a few years after that, but once I saw Hank's unfortunate demise, I had to drop him from the act. My parents made every effort to keep Hank out of trouble but it was of little use. Hank was the poster child of the tortured Vietnam veteran. Because of the negative and disrespectful responses of the American public towards service men, Hank probably felt that he was still in the midst of "enemies" all the time.

Although Hank had to deal with the trials of his disabilities, he continued to spread love, joy, and music throughout his life. Even as his condition progressed, Hank would routinely gig at nursing and retirement home, bringing light into the lives of others. He touched and inspired many through his perseverance and kind nature. As his health severely declined. Even with all his misfortunes, Hank loved his family and God, and his spiritual wealth and spiritually enlightened all who knew and loved him. I love him and I miss him to this day. God Bless Him.

Terry McMillian

Of all the people I have met in my life, Terry McMillan is one of the most loveable and talented. He was a great Christian and indisputably one of the greatest musicians and producers to come out of Nashville, TN.

Terry learned from and recorded for Chet Atkins at RCA's 16ht Avenue Studio. Chet Atkins was like a father to Terry and taught him all if the inside secrets of the Nashville recording scene and the music business I general. Chet Atkins' knowledge and skills helped Terry become "the" A-list session player and producer on hundreds of hit recordings during his 30m tear career; Terry also recorded two of his own albums.

Terry taught me many things, including how to practice my music. We developed "The Bobby Keith Studio Concept", which entailed hiring only the best musicians and producing in the top studios in Nashville.

I met Terry in early 80's and together we established much of the basis for the "country rock" music genre working on many major label projects including Mickey Newberry, Ronnie Milsap, Brooks and Dunn, George Jones, Garth Brooks, and many, many more. The industry called Terry "The Diamond of Country Music" because he played for everyone in the country music industry.

If there was anyone who deserved to be in the Country Music Hall of Fame, it would be Terry McMillan. He was a founding member of the "Original Nashville Cats" recording band. His signature sound is also archived in Blues, Gospel, and Rock recordings as well.

An outstanding harp player, percussionist and producer, Terry had a love for playing the harmonica. He was a natural superstar and super picker. He played harmonica on more hit records than any other musician to this day. Terry McMillan established the highest standard of excellence for country music. The art and mastery of harmonica musicianship has been drastically influenced by his skill and creativity.

As I recall stories of Terry working with President Bill Clinton as he played saxophone at his own "Presidential Inaugural Ball". Terry played with Elvis Presley, and once had to dash from one studio to record "Ain't Going Down Until the Sun Comes Up" with Garth Brooks.

I continuously reflect on Terry's amazing personality. Terry never really met a stranger, because as soon as you'd meet him, he would make you a friend. He had a heart of gold and was a great Christian. Terry was my big brother, and I loved him and his family very much.

I always called Terry "The Diamond of Country Music" and he'd call me "The Key to Nashville Tennessee."

Terry, I know you are In heaven with Hank and Chet, picking and singing for Jesus. You will always be missed and I will Keep the fire burning with our music - just liked I promised.

...Keith