SONGWRITERS GEM, EDDIE," IS AN EMOTIONAL AND POWERFUL HOMAGE TO STATION FIRE VICTIMS & FAMILIES

D.J. Stone grew up in Warwick, where he worked as a musician and producer. So, in spite of the fact that he moved to Texas years ago, he related all too well to the tragedy that struck so many Rhode Islanders.

Stone moved to South Texas, San Antonio, specifically, to make a living as a songwriter. One night, as he was writing, he saw the ghastly images of the Station Fire on his television. After the tragedy and the familiarity of the scene set in, he did what all artists would do-he tried to express himself and his grief through his art. He wrote a song. I wanted to write a song that would be healing," he says, so I ... tried to see it from a friend and co-workers point of view."

Stone brought his song, along with an acoustic guitar, all the way from Texas to Rhode Island, in an exclusive unplugged performance of Eddie" for the Station Family Fund (a portion of the proceeds will go to this cause), people acutely affected by the fire, and select members of the press. The private listening for the media/industry took place on Thursday, November 6th, from 5-7pm at the Brown University Faculty Club and there was not a dry eye in the room.

Eddie" is powerful and moving, and, without question, the most literate song yet written about the Fire. With a country flavor and a gruff vocal style, Stone is a songwriter of immense talents. In this case, his ability to tell a poignant story with subtlety and skill helps Eddie" transcend so many of the songs written about the tragedy that didnt allow sufficient time and space to pass before tackling the subject.

The song tells the story of a young music fan with a family who went out one night and didnt return, all told from the point of view of his friend and co-worker. The details are chilling and remarkable. He always came in first and made the coffee/He couldnt wait to turn the music on," he sings. Another line ties in locally, with the narrator recalling some childhood moments: Wed ride the rides down at the Point, end up in some greasy joint..." And finally, the powerful chorus line on which the whole song turns: Last night he went to hear the music play, Eddie wont be coming in today."

Stones tact and sensitivity here play major roles. He obviously has some pretty heavy influences, perhaps a reflection of the time he spent learning his trade in Texas and Nashville. In the early 90s Stone was nominated for songwriter of the year by the San Antonio Current Magazine and was invited to play at the prestigious Blue Bird Café in Nashville. In fact, in Nashville he met and began working with legendary producer Bob Johnston (Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Johnny Cash). After several stalled attempts, he recorded a CD featuring some of the citys finest musicians. Eddie" was recorded during those sessions.

After recording the song in Nashville, D.J. decided it was important for him to return home to be closer to the emotions and people that inspired him to write the song. Eddie" was released on Stones own label, Yankee Records, on Tuesday November 18, 2003. A percentage of the gross sales of the recording will be donated to the Station Family Fund, as we approach the anniversary of the fire on February 20th.