Merry Xmas from Walmart

 

Vernon has been living with Helen in his car since returning to Nashville after the Thanksgiving holiday.  They park their 20 year old car at various Walmarts and rely on the corporate policy of welcoming travelers to overnight in the parking lot.

 Last night, someone asked me if Vernon was still homeless, and why, with all of his friends and fans, does he live this way?  To see my old friend live like that is shocking.  But all I know is that reading the Keith Urban biography, Fortunate Son:  The Unlikely Rise of Keith Urban by Jeff Apter, Vernon has been homeless for nearly 25 years.  Still, it's hard to see a friend live this way.  Especially one so gifted.



Vern told me recently that his old friend and writing partner had been telling folks that Vernon had died a few years ago.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Alive and pretty well at least, Vernon has a new creation, a record company he is forming, and a new song soon to be released.  All from the parking lot of Walmart, Tennessee.  Merry Christmas.