In a continuing series, "Lifeinsights" American
Success Stories interviews notable men and women from
all walks of life.
As one who, in his own words, "Listens to the music
of life." Hewlett Crist has become the "voice of the
heart" to fans of his captivating "Rio Grande" music.
"Deep, haunting connection to the soul....," they say.
By Bob Roundtree
National Bureau of American Success Stories
allas, TX Hewlett Crist
was featured recently on a
live broadcast of American
Success Stories, originating
from the Dallas/Fort Worth-based
studios of 100,00-watt KWRD the
WORD 94.9 FM.
In a wide-ranging interviews---also
heard in live simulcast worldwide on
thewordfm.com----Mr. Crist addressed
the phenomenon his "Rio Grande" music
has caused in the lives of fans and even
unsuspecting first-time listeners.
Where the Heart is
Your music has been referred to as "the voice of the heart." What does that mean?
"I believe everyone's heart has a voice. The
lives of my listeners are filled with the
memories and feelings of their lifetimes---the
same as me. We relate.
"I remember the hot sun on my body as a
young child in Laredo, Texas, the pleasant
memories as a young man living in Juarez,
Mexico, and the high desert mountains of the
southwest as voices in my heart that are
expressed musically."
Hewlett Crist was featured
recently on a live broadcast of
American Sucess Stories.
Mr. Crist had brought his
compelling "Rio Grande" songs to
the Dallas-Fort Worth area much
to the delight of his fans.
What is the "music of life"? "In each
rhythmic mile of the Rio Grande, we feel both
the enchantment and the awe of a deep mystery
that at times can only be explained musically.
"The music of life" rolls on in much the
same fashion as the Rio Grande. Sometimes a
puddle of uncertainty.
The Spring Floods
"But then the spring floods swell its banks
and we feel alive again as the river follows its
course while changing it's dynamic.
"Remembering, as I so easily do, the twists
and turns of my own life, it seems that as I
express those various moments musically, they
also touch others---those who seem to readily
identify with what those moments mean to
me."
Who buys your music? "I find myself
looking into the eyes of people of all ages. The
young listen with a sense that the drama of life
is unfolding for me."
"Those in the middle years of life are
wrestling with the longings of the soul for
deeper satisfaction. They feel 'at home' they
say and can listen to the music for hours on
end.
"And satisfaction is probably the main
word I see in the faces of my older friends.
Listening and reminiscing on a lfe well-spent,
a youth remembered for it's quiet puddles and
its raging currents and, now, a search for
peace, a time when life is more settled and
rolling surely onto its own Gulf of Mexico."
Your music is considered very spritual. Why? "The human soul is moved by things majestic, our spirits are elevated as we ponder the mysteries of life and the magnificence of our Creator.
"In each rhythmic mile of
the Rio Grande, we feel
both the enchantment and
the awe of a deep mystery
that can only be answered
in music."
---Hewlett Crist commenting on the
personal impact of his "Rio Grande" music
"I composed the Rio Grande songs out of gratitude for the gift of music the Creator has given me. I know how often I am moved by feelings of adoration as I perform the music.
A river of melodies
"I see all around me the lives of so many
people living the melodies of their lives or
searching for a melody to live.
"The Rio Grande runs deep with the
melodies of life."
Hewlett Crist may be reached by visiting
his website at www.rivergrande.com.
Copyright©2000.American Success Stories 972.333.5855 All rights reserved.