Legends - Extraordinary Lives

Over ONE million Former Students of Texas A&M University love and honor General Earl Rudder. 

Today, we pay homage to an American hero and THE leader who changed the landscape of Aggieland forever. 

Earl Rudder, the quiet Texan with the steely gaze, was born to a world of flat plains and boundless skies in Eden, Texas. His story, though, reaches far beyond that humble beginning. It was the 6th of June, 1944. D-Day. Normandy. A day when the free world stood on the brink, teetering between tyranny and liberation. And standing on Omaha Beach, with 225 Rangers under his command, was Lt. Colonel Earl Rudder. Their mission? To scale the 100-foot cliffs of Pointe du Hoc under a rain of fire and fury. The odds? Grim. The stakes? Unimaginable. But Rudder didn’t flinch. He didn’t waver.

 Leading from the front, he inspired his men with a quiet determination, the kind you couldn’t fake. Those men climbed, clawed, and bled their way up those cliffs, silencing the German guns that threatened thousands of lives below. Two-thirds of his men fell that day. And yet, they succeeded. Why? Because Rudder led with his heart, his grit, and a sense of duty larger than himself. But the story doesn’t end on those cliffs. Earl Rudder’s battlefield leadership was just a chapter in his tale. When the war ended, Rudder came home—not to rest, but to rebuild.

A soldier, yes, but also a teacher, he turned his attention to shaping the future. By 1959, he was named President of Texas A&M University. At the time, A&M was a struggling military school, isolated in tradition, shrinking in relevance. It was said that the university’s future looked as bleak as those cliffs at Normandy. But Earl Rudder? He saw potential. He opened the doors to women, integrated the campus, and transformed A&M into a modern institution—one where the Corps of Cadets and civilian students could learn side by side. His reforms weren’t always popular. In fact, some said they felt like a storm. But Rudder knew that true leadership wasn’t about being liked; it was about doing what was right. And so, just as he had climbed Pointe du Hoc to clear the path for freedom, he scaled the walls of resistance to clear the path for progress. By the time he passed in 1970, Earl Rudder had left a legacy on two battlefields—the beaches of Normandy and the grounds of Aggieland. Today, his name is etched into the history books, the hearts of Aggies, and the cliffs of Normandy. In a fitting celebration of the General, Rudder Tower stands 110 feet tall, the exact height of the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc.

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Dr. Jane Goodall is emblematic of the Power of Significance. 

In a quiet English town called Bournemouth, a young girl named Jane found her passion for animals both in books and in the backyard. At the age of five when visiting family friends. Jane Goodall hid in a hen house to learn about chickens and how they laid their eggs. Fast forward to 1960. A determined Jane arrived at the Gombe in western Tanzania with nothing but a notebook, binoculars, and an unshakable belief that she could unravel the mysteries of the animal kingdom. You see, at that time, women didn’t venture into the jungles of Africa to study wild animals. But Jane wasn’t just any woman. She sat. And she watched. Day after day. Month after month. Her patience and persistence paid off when she made a discovery that would upend everything we thought we knew about our closest relatives: chimpanzees made and used tools. For years, humanity had clung to the belief that tool-making was the exclusive domain of human animals. But there they were—chimpanzees, stripping leaves from twigs to fish termites from mounds. Jane proved what many scientists refused to believe—chimpanzees were more like us than we ever dared to imagine. Her work didn’t stop with the science. She gave her chimpanzees names—David Greybeard, Flo, and Fifi—because to Jane, they weren’t just subjects of research. They were individuals with emotions, relationships, and personalities. A radical notion at the time, but one that made the world take a second look at its kinship with the animal kingdom. Then the story takes a different turn. In 1986 Jane saw the forests where her chimpanzees lived begin to disappear. She saw communities struggling in poverty, forced to encroach on habitats just to survive. She realized that if she wanted to save the chimps, she’d have to save the people, too. And so, Jane Goodall became more than a scientist. She became a conservationist. In 1991, launched Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, a program to empower young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects of their choosing to benefit the community, animals (including domestic animals) and the environment. Roots & Shoots is now active in more than 75 countries One of its shining moments came in Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis. A group of students took action, distributing clean water and planting community gardens. Their efforts gave their neighbors hope—and reminded us all of the power of young minds to change the world. Then followed the TACARE project and Dr. Jane and the Jane Goodall Institute launched initiatives that helped local communities adopt sustainable practices—like agroforestry and clean water programs—that not only lifted people out of poverty but allowed them to become partners in conserving their heritage and also preserved the forests her beloved chimps called home. One village at a time, one program at a time, Jane showed the world that conservation isn’t just about saving animals. It’s about saving ourselves.

Today, Dr. Jane Goodall is a household name. She’s traveled millions of miles, spoken to millions of people, and inspired countless individuals to join her crusade for a better planet. She’s been knighted, honored with awards, and was appointed by Secretary General Kofi Annan as a UN Messenger of Peace. But she’ll tell you her most significant accomplishment isn’t a title or a trophy. It’s the spark she’s ignited in others—a spark of hope, of empathy, of responsibility. And so, Jane Goodall’s story isn’t just about chimps or science or even conservation. It’s about the courage to follow your curiosity, the humility to recognize the interconnectedness of all life, and the determination to leave the world a better place than you found it.

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He was just a boy from Greenville, Mississippi. A shy dreamer, with his head in the clouds and his hands often full of felt and string. Young Jim Henson didn’t want to be famous. He wasn’t chasing the limelight or the applause. No, Jim wanted to make people smile—genuinely, innocently, and wholeheartedly. His journey began not in the grand halls of Hollywood but on a small local TV show. A green sock turned into a frog. A frog that would one day leap from local screens to prime-time stardom.

That frog, of course, was Kermit. And with Kermit came a motley crew of unlikely heroes: a diva pig, a nervous bear, and a cookie-obsessed monster. Each one became a reflection of us all—our quirks, our dreams, our flaws. But Jim wasn’t just building puppets. He was building a bridge—a bridge to imagination. You see, he believed that laughter could heal and that kindness could be taught. He understood that the simplest lessons, delivered through a fuzzy friend, could change a child's world. He once said, "The most sophisticated people I know—inside, they are all children."

And so, he created worlds where that inner child could feel safe, seen, and loved. "Sesame Street" taught us how to count and spell, but it also taught us about friendship and empathy. "The Muppet Show" gave us belly laughs, but it also reminded us that even misfits could create something magical together. But Jim’s creativity wasn’t confined to puppets. It was in his storytelling, his belief in the power of wonder. Whether he was crafting a labyrinth of fantasy or taking us to a dark crystal world, Jim Henson dared us to dream bigger. He gave us permission to believe that a frog could talk, that monsters could love cookies, and that the world was full of possibilities.

When Jim Henson passed away at just 53, the world mourned a man whose work had touched millions. But Jim didn’t leave behind an empire—he left a legacy. A legacy of joy, of creativity, and of significance. For Jim Henson’s true genius was not in his ability to entertain, but in his ability to connect. And so, today, when you hear Kermit’s banjo or see Big Bird’s wide wings, remember: Jim Henson didn’t just show us a world of puppets. He showed us the best of ourselves, the most significant of being childlike. 

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Today is Ronald Wilson Reagan's birthday and we are celebrating his life of significance with author Robert Charles, the masterful storyteller of Cherish America-Stories of Courage, Character and Kindness. 

Enjoy the "Reagan Riffing" on the principles that guided President Reagan through The Cold War, on his communication skills, the words that inspired us, and on how he cherished our country with action. 

Happy Birthday President Reagan. Your work of significance still matters to us. 

Visit www.Towerpub.com for more information on Cherish America. 

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Stand with us today to honor a man who helped shape the soundtrack of our lives, though you may not have known his name. His name was Mark James, and his gift was the ability to pen the kind of lyrics that reached into the soul and stayed "Always on Our Minds."Born in Houston, Texas, Mark James grew up surrounded by the heartbeat of America’s music—country, blues, and rock 'n' roll.

Mark wasn’t just a songwriter; he was a storyteller, weaving melodies with words that captured heartbreak, hope, and humanity. But what set Mark apart was his ability to write songs that transcended time, resonating with millions across generations.Take Suspicious Minds, for instance. It wasn’t just a song—it was a seismic shift in pop culture. Sung by the one and only Elvis Presley, it gave the King of Rock 'n' Roll his comeback anthem, a soulful declaration of love fighting against doubt. With its pulsating rhythm and haunting lyrics, Mark James' words pierced through the clutter and reminded us all of the fragility—and strength—of trust in love.And then there was Always on My Mind. Oh, what a masterpiece. A song so tender, so achingly beautiful, that it became the anthem for anyone who ever wished they had expressed their love more fully. Sung by legends like Willie Nelson and Elvis Presley, it became more than just a hit—it became our song.

Mark James gave voice to the universal regret of unspoken affection and taught us that love, though imperfect, deserves its moments of grace.Mark James didn’t just write songs; he wrote emotions. He didn’t just craft lyrics; he crafted memories. He taught us to sing our hearts out, even when they were breaking, and to hold on to hope, even when it seemed far away.So today, we say goodbye to a man whose words will never truly leave us. They’ll linger, as echoes of love and longing, in every corner of our hearts. Mark James is gone, but his music—ah, his music—will always be with us.

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Enjoy legendary Ralph Carmichael . Honoring Ralph in one of his final interviews, he was a highly influential music composer, arranger, and conductor, particularly known for his contributions to Christian music. His significance lies in several key areas:

1. Pioneering Christian Music: Carmichael helped shape the modern Christian music genre, blending traditional hymns with contemporary and popular music styles. He was instrumental in bringing jazz, pop, and other secular musical forms into the Christian music scene.
2. Innovative Arrangements: He was renowned for his innovative musical arrangements, especially within the context of church and gospel music. His work demonstrated a deep understanding of both classical and modern styles, which allowed him to bridge the gap between sacred music and secular trends.
3. Collaborations: Carmichael worked with many influential figures in the music world, including notable Christian artists like Billy Graham, and he was the musical director for many of Graham's crusades. His influence extended beyond the Christian community, as he also worked in mainstream music, including for television.
4. Impact on Worship Music: He composed hundreds of hymns, anthems, and choral works that remain staples in Christian worship. Songs like "The Savior is Waiting" and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" have become beloved classics.
5. Recognition and Awards: Over his long career, Carmichael earned numerous awards and honors, reflecting his immense contribution to both religious and popular music.

Through these achievements, Ralph Carmichael left an enduring legacy, particularly in the blending of sacred and contemporary music. His work continues to influence the way Christian music is performed and appreciated today.

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Imagine what it’s like to make hundreds of key decisions on “live” network television with millions watching. That’s what a sports television producer does behind-the-scenes each time they sit in “the big chair” in charge of the show. It’s a responsibility that requires good instincts, judgment and passion.

Not everyone can handle the pressure or responsibility, but Robert Steinfeld has done that for the last five decades.His work has earned him 10 Sports Emmy Awards for producing and or directing local, regional, and national network sports television since the early 1980s, and during that time has covered Major League Baseball; NBA, WNBA and college basketball; college football; NCAA Championship events; World Cup Soccer, the Cotton Bowl Classic for four decades; and three summer Olympic Games. He’s produced and or directed for ESPN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox Sports networks, Bally Sports, the NBA and more. In addition to his Emmy Awards and additional five nominations, he’s received a national Cable Ace Award nomination for Outstanding Programming Achievement, five Telly Awards, and more.

He’s produced five highly successful and critically acclaimed baseball pitching instructional videos – including Nolan Ryan’s Fastball with Randy Johnson. He’s been fortunate to work with some of the greatest athletes and broadcasting talent, and he learned a lot along the way.Robert is a native of New Jersey, but grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he’s lived since 1965. He attended Dallas Hillcrest High School then the University of Texas-Austin, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Journalism degree. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Elaine and Lee (AKA Leonhart on YouTube), plus two grandchildren.Robert Steinfeld is Executive Producer of the WNBA Dallas Wings and National Lacrosse League Panther City Lacrosse Club.

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Legends are shaped by hard knocks, family experiences, and often miltary service. The story of Bob Parsons is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Hear what motivated Bob Parsons to start GoDaddy. 

Listen to his experiences in Vietnam and each event moved his life. 

Understand how self started businesses and a whole lot of hard work can still happen. 

Learn how his leadership helped galvanize a culture of excellence at GoDaddy. 

Buy Bob's book and read it today. Fire in the Hole is destined to be a bestseller.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYHGBFH3/?bestFormat=true&k=fire%20in%20the%20hole%20book&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k1_1_16&crid=1VEZ2ODN66ILG&sprefix=Fire%20in%20the%20Hole

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Hall of Fame songwriter Kent Blazy debuts his newest album My Life So Far. Enjoy listening to this song by song analysis with a particular nod to tunes like Can't Sleep With You, Feeling Alive Again, The Devil's Music and For a Minute There. 

Blazy was raised in Lexington, Kentucky. At an early age, he played rhythm guitar and sang in various local bands. He became musically inspired when he heard Roger McGuinn playing his Rickenbacker guitar on "Mr. Tamborine Man". This revelation created a new choice and Kent traded in his baseball glove for a guitar. He began his musical journey playing with a series of bands all over the eastern half of the country, citing The Byrds, Rodney Crowell and Joe Ely as influences. By the mid-70’s, Kent was band leader, playing guitar and touring with Canadian legend, Ian Tyson.

Sound advice and the timely first place win in a national songwriting contest persuaded him to move to Nashville in 1980. Kent’s commitment was now to focus his efforts at the craft of songwriting. It was a very fine decision.In 1982, sooner than expected, Gary Morris took "Headed for a Heartache" to number 5 on the charts. In the years that followed other artists, such as The Forrester Sisters, T. Graham Brown, Donna Fargo and Moe Bandy recorded Kent’s tunes.In an effort to develop more knowledge of the recording side of music and for the benefits of a “day job”, Kent opened a home recording studio. The studio offered an option for Kent’s demos as well as a demo service to other writers.

This studio introduced Kent to some of the new demo singers and songwriters of Nashville; names like Randy Travis, Billy Dean, Trisha Yearwood, Joe Diffie, and Martina McBride, now well-known country artists.In 1987, Kent was introduced to a new demo singer by Bob Doyle, then with ASCAP, soon to be the manager for this emerging talent, Garth Brooks. Garth became Kent’s most requested demo singer and Bob Doyle also advised, “Garth writes a little bit too.”The first song Garth and Kent penned together was "If Tomorrow Never Comes" which became the first number one song for both. The friendship and writing partnership continued as Garth included eight more of their songs on his albums.Four more of theirs songs captured the number one slot:"Somewhere Other Than the Night", "Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)", "It’s Midnight Cinderella", and "She’s Gonna Make It Shoulder” and the George Jones duet “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?).” He also co-wrote “That’s What I Get for Lovin’ You” by Diamond Rio and “Can’t Get Enough” by Patty Loveless in the late 1990s.

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Ray Herndon is the legendary vocalist and guitarist for the award winning group McBride and the Ride. As a part of the 90's group, McBride and the Ride shot to the top of the charts with hits such as Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run, Sacred Ground and Going Out of My Mind. His life is defined by a very diversed approach to the music industry. 

Ray has worked with Lyle Lovett from the start. He lived in Nashville for 13 years. 
He did a solo album in 2007. Eventually Ray moved back to Scottsdale, Arizona to help manage the family bar/restaurant/recording studio Handlebar J.

Ray recalls the final 10 years of his Mom's life, caring for her in Arizona. What a noble role. 

Hear Ray's admiration for his Dad and his hard work ethic. He regrets never telling his Dad "I love you." 

Enjoy hearing Amarillo Sky and many other diverse songs on their newest EP. 

Visit www.mcbrideandtheride.com to see where they are in concert and hear their newest music. 
THEY LAUGH A LOT AND MAKE A LITTLE MUSIC.


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