Medley inks record deal

The Park Theater has seen a wide variety of events over its storied history, but Monday may have seen its first record contract signing.

Barry Medley, who served as General Sessions judge in Warren County for 16 years, inked a deal with longtime friend and collaborator Jack Jack White's Bob White Music and Sucarnochee Records during a ceremony at the theater April 27 at noon. The event was free and open to the public.

Following the official signing of paperwork, Medley and White spoke to the crowd about their partnership which currently has a song, "She Didn't Bother to Say Goodbye," which debuted at No. 71 on the Cashbox Americana Chart and is now sitting at No. 66.

After Monday's deal was signed, White presented Medley with a plaque of recognition.

The former judge released his first album, "I Hate Roosters," in 2007. Upon recently reconnecting with White following the death of their mutual friend and business partner Thomas Vaughn, the duo began revisiting some of those songs. With some minor rewrites and studio wizardry from White, the songs have found new life, being released in their newly polished form on SoundCloud, YouTube and other digital platforms.

Monday's lunchtime crowd at the Park was treated to the playing of videos for "She Didn't Bother to Say Goodbye," "Rebel Pride," "I Hate Roosters," "Sitting in the Park in the Dark" and "Gracious Lady" on the Park's screen. Then, after a short question-and-answer period, Medley grabbed a guitar and performed "You Can't Get Enough of the Fair" before ceding the stage to White who played "If I Didn't Love You," a hit he wrote for Steve Wariner. The hour-long ceremony was brought to a close with Medley performing a live version of "I Hate Roosters."

Medley expressed his appreciation to the family, friends and fans in attendance with hopes Monday's signing will help expand his following.

"I cherish each and every one of my fans. You really do when you don't have that many," Medley said with a chuckle. "I hope to have a lot more of them as we go on this journey."

For more on Medley's music, see the Main Street Journal's previously published story here.