My Many Hats and Marshall Crenshaw

I've known Marshall Crenshaw over the years while wearing many different hats. He, however, seems to always be wearing the same hat. The one that says 'excellent songwriter, guitarist and artist' all-in-one. I first met him over a tape machine. I worked as a tape-maker pitching songs at his publishing company, and fell in love with one called, "Favorite Waste Of Time". Among many others. I was a bit of a little fish in a giant pond rumbling around L.A. in my youth and his jangling and sunny guitars made me feel REAL. I eventually even ended up hand delivering his demo of that song to Bette Midler and she covered it on one of her most successful records ever. I actually got to take it to her house. (But that's another story). I wore another Marshall hat one night when I got to attend an awards ceremony to celebrate his success for writing a huge hit song for The Gin Blossoms "Til I Hear It From You". He co-wrote that one with Jesse Valenzuela, who eventually became a compadre of mine as well. (Yet, another story). Over the years, I have only grown to respect him as a musician. He's been a good inspiration to "live the life" as they say. When I eventually came out of the closet as a songwriter, (yep, another story too), I recorded two records for a little label called HighTone under the name ASTROPUPPEES. I wrote most everything, but on the 2nd record I wanted to cover a song I loved called, "Crowded Town". It was written by Marshall and the great LeRoy Preston. There was a groovy version I'd heard by Jeannie Smith. So I put on my 'artist' hat and covered one of HIS songs. He then responded in kind, and slapped on a beautiful jangle-guitar on another track on that same record. I've since admired him and his career as he continues to make music on his own terms and the quality improves with each day. He's been successful in movie music, oh many things, but now I get to wear one of my favorite Marshall hat's ever. As co-writer. I am pleased to say I have two co-writes with Marshall on his new record JAGGEDLAND..."Passing Through" and "Just Snap Your Fingers". I may have 10 hats stacked on my head by now, while he still wears the ONE, classy musician hat, but I can definitely say, I am proud to be sparring in the same boxing ring with him. Lucky ducky girl that I am.