My Friend Fred

Have you ever been to a Cowboy Mouth show? More than twenty years ago, I stood in front of the stage at a Cowboy Mouth concert for the first time. I was immediately shocked into a different reality - I knew this was not going to be a "normal" rock and roll show. The lead singer and drummer is a man named Fred Landry LeBlanc, and to say the least, he is the most intense live performer I have ever seen. Today, I am glad to say we are like brothers.

Engagement

Fred approaches every concert as if his life depends on it. In fact, he always says to the crowd, "Tonight it does." As he banged the drums as if he never wanted to play them again, I was swept up by his childlike enthusiasm and maniacal energy. He refused to let one single person in the audience not get involved. He turned the night into pure, unadulterated joy.

"Are you with me?!" Fred would scream at the audience. This was more than a concert; this was a rock and roll spiritual experience designed to get people to put all their worries away for three hours and truly, "Let It Go," as he says in the song, "Jenny Says." The most amazing part was everyone did that as they sang along, danced, and screamed at the top of their lungs.

Light It on Fire

When Fred takes the stage with his band, he plays with a passion that's hard to convey in written words. It's like the force of a hurricane leaving you no choice but to be engulfed by its power. As his eyes widen, and sweat flies ten rows deep, the energy surge hits you in your soul. Then Fred continues to challenge the crowd to, "Scream a little bit louder, put your hands in the air," and it just continues to build like a force of nature.

We Must Meet

I left that night knowing Fred and I needed to meet. Since that day, we have spent tons of time together. His band opened up our Level 10 retreat in Wildwood, Georgia. He graced us by playing for our Mardi Gras in the fall fundraiser last year to raise money for underserved youth in Chattanooga. We have spent holidays together, published a book together called, "Always Give Thanks." I even got to sing a song or two on stage - I have played drums with him and much, much more. He is someone I deeply admire and respect!

Lessons Learned from Fred

• Never Give Up on Your Dream
• Play Your Ass Off
• Give Your Audience More Than They Paid For
• Never Stop Writing
• Energy Is Contagious
• Use Your Platform for Good
• Every Show Must Be Special
• Be True to Your Vision
• Don't Forget Where You Came From
• Respond to Adversity with Zest
• The Best Revenge Is Winning
• Love Your Fans
• Engage Your Audience
• Never Act Disinterested
• Every Conversation Matters
• Kindness Goes Along Way
• Always Give Back
• Don't Play Scared
• Keep Your Feet on the Ground
• Keep Your Eyes on Heaven
• Let It Go
• Be Grateful

In closing, the name of the band is Cowboy Mouth from New Orleans, Louisiana, born and bred in the greatest city on earth. A man true to his art and master of his craft. If you ever need a lift, go see them live. Be ready to be taken on a magical journey. Go up and talk to Fred after the show and tell him Paul Cummings sent you.

Closing Thought

After the show, when your ears are ringing and your clothes are soaked with sweat, and you have no voice left, ask yourself, "Do I give that much when I do what I do every day?

Make a difference today. 

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Copyright 2016: Paul Cummings Enterprises.

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About the author: For over 30 years, Paul Cummings has taught dynamic life changing strategies on sales, customer service, communication, building a better business, and leadership. Millions have had the opportunity to learn what it means to live and work at Level 10.

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Photo Credit: https://www.freeimages.com/photo/drummer-1197980

Photo Credit: https://www.freeimages.com/photo/rock-concert-1421444

Photo Credit: https://www.freeimages.com/photo/firewood-on-fire-1-1153765

Photo Credit: By Ddrinnan - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11884810