Tracking down songwriters for this podcast can be challenging. Publishing companies don’t return your email. A songwriter doesn’t return your email.  Publishing companies really don't return your emails. But, just when you think it’s time to hang it up, the universe throws you a bone and you get a random email from a podcast listener named Keith, hooking you up with the writer of one of country music’s greatest songs of all time. And a few other hits too. Thanks, Keith!

The Dance is one of those rare songs that transcends its era. It’s one of those songs that, even if you’re hearing it for the ten thousandth time, its simple yet elegant production and lyrics still pack an emotional wallop. BUT...that song and Tony Arata’s whole legendary career –which includes being a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame-might never have happened had it not been for the one single he released as a brief country solo artist in 1986. The song didn’t even chart...but there was this new-to-Nashville guy named Garth who heard it. And liked it. And, well, Tony was already in the middle of spinning the story when I remembered to hit record and he will take it from there. Enjoy!