Fired by a Country Music Diva

This is the "teaser" for the story as posted on DIGG:

Organist James Weinberg of "Going to the Chapel" in Nashville was slated to play for the wedding of Jo Dee Messina at Scarritt Bennett's Wightman Chapel October 21st, but she showed her true colors when she let him go only 3 days before her wedding for suggesting Ave Maria was too long to be played during the lighting of the unity candle!

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Going to the Chapel - Nashville Wedding Musicians

Going to the Chapel

How I Was Fired by Diva Jo Dee Messina

This should be of interest to all JDM fans. In early 2007 I was contracted by a wedding planner to play organ for the October wedding of Jo Dee Messina to her soundman Chris Deffenbaugh. I was excited at the prospect of playing a celebrity wedding, anticipating there could be residual business from the guests. But about two months before the ceremony, the couple switched wedding planners. The mantle passed to Martha Greenwood of Big Events in Franklin. They do mostly corporate parties and such. Well, Martha did not contact me, even though I'd been retained by Jo Dee. I had to contact her, and then began the arduous chore of dragging information out of her. I only obtained a music list a couple weeks before the event. Then about 4 days prior to the wedding, Martha emailed me and said Jo Dee wanted Ave Maria played during the lighting of the unity candle, but only enough to get them to the candle and back in their places. As an experienced musician, I knew that Ave Maria was way too long for that spot (since it only takes about 30 seconds) and that there was no place to gracefully cut the music short. I suggested alternatives and the next thing I hear is that JDM wants me at the rehearsal to discuss the unity candle, to which I agreed. Then the very next day, without any further discussion, Martha sends me a curt email saying I had been replaced!

I was shocked, of course, so I called her. She said I had a rigid attitude and was dictating what I would and would not play. I said I was just making suggestions, but she (or Jo Dee) felt it was easier to just toss me aside like a nobody and get someone they'd worked with before. Naturally I was offended. I wrote to Jo Dee to express my disappointment that she would fire her musician without discussion when I was merely trying to do my job, which includes making recommendations based on 20 years of experience. But I suppose when you get to a certain level of stardom, you gain a high-and-mighty mindset that precludes taking other people's advice. So I really don't expect to hear back from her. Good luck with the marriage, JD! This whole ordeal will probably cause me to steer clear of any "celebrities" in the future, and certainly to dissuade anyone from working with Big Events.

What one thing would I say to Jo Dee if I met her face to face? "It really doesn't matter how many benefit shows you sing if you treat individuals like dirt."

Post Script: I found out that Russell Davis of Wedding Musicians Company was my replacement. He had no problem playing a portion of Ave Maria and told me the wedding was an easy gig. The lack of musical integrity amazes me. But everyone has their price.

Going to the Chapel

NASHVILLE WEDDING ORGANIST Wedding Music Consultant and Contractor		James A. Weinberg, BMus, MME Organist-Choirmaster Holy Cross Anglican Church Franklin TN Instructor, Belmont Academy, Belmont University School of Music Member of TWESA 2006-07 COMPLETE MUSIC PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE SERVICES Put my network of contacts in Music City to work for you. I can subcontract any combination of Piano, Organ, Bagpipes, Strings, Brass, Woodwinds or Vocalists for your Ceremony and Reception.
Click on the cross for an Actual Wedding Program Feel free to print out. MAIN INDEX Wedding Plan Sample plan and data sheet-- just fill in the blanks! FEE SCHEDULE REPERTOIRE POPULAR VENUES   Only need a music planner or consultant? I can assemble any combination of singers and instrumentalists--to perform in any style--free as your keyboardist.		ORGANIST SERVICES Call 615-268-2296 to inquire into availability for your wedding or just to ask a question. Consultation Session You may choose to meet at the organ to audition pieces from my repertoire (see Fee Schedule for rates), or you may listen to recordings and inform me of your choices by phone or email. Couples frequently elect to have me choose their music. The couple can greatly assist the process prior to the consultation by listening to and identifying the style of music which most appeals to their tastes. Specific composers (like "Bach/Gounod") and periods (like "Romantic") and names of works (such as "Ave Maria") will greatly aid the organist and make the consultation session more productive. See Repertoire below for suggested pieces with sound samples. You may also bring sheet music of favorite songs, tapes, or programs from other weddings when we meet. If you are having your ceremony in church, use discretion when requesting love songs and other secular music, keeping in mind the sacred nature of the event and place. Your minister or wedding coordinator might offer guidance on this subject as well. Rules defining restrictions vary from church to church, so ultimately these decisions should be made in conjunction with the officiating minister. If your ceremony is at a mansion, country club, garden, etc.—or simply less religious in tone—I'm very open to non-traditional styles of music. Sheet music for specially requested songs is to be given to the organist at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony and will remain the property of the bride and groom. Rehearsal The walk-through of the bridesmaids' processional, bridal march, and recessional should be at the beginning of the rehearsal, as the organist is generally not needed for the remainder of activities that take place. It would be appreciated if this is communicated to your wedding coordinator. For a wedding with a Scottish or Irish flavor...