Good morning all. I am sympathetic to those who find the song Dixie symbolic of slavery and oppression and who find it offensive.

I'm concerned this morning, now, that the songs that Susette and I sing, including Are You From Dixie, and Peach Pickin' Time in Georgia, use many of the words mentioned above. For me they are lyrics of songs I love to sing, and symbolize, when I think about it, magnolia blossoms and fried catfish and Spanish Moss. I think of cornbread and black-eyed peas, southern nights and warm hospitality.

I fervently hope that folks who hear our CD and our performances are reminded of these things, or their own warm and pleasant image of the South, and not slavery.

I have no choice but to go on singing the songs of my heritage, but understand me, friends, my heritage does not include oppression and racism.

Chance Shiver