Rhonda Layne Denham is a smart, beautiful, talented, nice, and giving person. I will explain why in a minute, but right now, all you need to know is what I just said about her.
Do you know how hard it is to put together a “benefit concert”? One must find a location, find some bands to play, arrange for a sound system and someone to operate it, advertise the event, go out and beg for prizes to help raise money, and the list goes on and on. Rhonda put one heck of a benefit on for Roger Carlton on Sunday at Bud’s Sportsbar. A couple weeks ago, she helped put one on for the family of the late Dan Lee. I doubt you could count all the fundraisers she has helped with or put together.
One of the first I attended was a benefit for Chattanooga Music Hall of Fame drummer Bill Brewer – or “Yoda” as I call him, because the is the master when it comes to drummers. That was several years ago and Rhonda has been doing these things ever since and even before that one.
I don’t pretend to know what drives Rhonda to help so many people and give so much of her energy and time. Perhaps at some point someone helped her. Surely she has faced a major obstacle in her life before. (Actually, I know she has, as she had to “settle” for her husband Jim Denham, a great bass player and great guy – since I was already taken) That alone would cripple many a fine woman.
Whatever it is, I believe there is a special place in heaven set aside for people like Rhonda. I can only hope that if I ever get real sick and need help, Rhonda is nearby, with her team of angels ready to help out.
As for all those things I said about Rhonda in the first paragraph, I stand ready to prove them, as any good writer should. Well, she has to be smart to put together such big and successful events and to find such great helpers. Take a look at her picture and anyone can see she is beautiful. Go hear her sing and perform and you will know she is talented. As for nice and giving – go ask Roger, or Dan’s family, or Bill, or countless others.
While Rhonda is a wonderful entertainer, this column is dedicated to Rhonda the person, not Rhonda the singer. Thank you for all you have done over the years. My friends – the musicians in this town - really appreciate it. It makes me proud just to say I get to call you a friend!
For local music info, try www.chattanoogaentertainers.com or www.chattanooganightscope.com. They both have great local music info and schedules. For local info on Country music, try Jim Boles’ site www.chattacountry.ning.com.
Email Bob Payne at davrik2000@yahoo.com or catch him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/davrik2000 .
Bob Payne
- Photo2 by Keith Corey