As it flows past Natchez, the Mississippi River shapes the land that tries to hold it in check. As I stood on the bluff watching the river, I thought I how much history the Old Man had seen. And I thought about how it much change it had brought. Unlike a noisy waterfall on a mountain stream, the Mississippi quietly goes about its business as it carves the land around it. It doesn’t need to brag. It’s actions speak louder than mere words. It’s not called “Mighty” for nothing.
This week I interviewed five people from Natchez who are much like the river itself: In their own way, they are quietly changing the world.
Chef Regina Charboneau is as mighty as the river that runs near her home, Twin Oaks. First of all, I appreciated her allowing us to use her home to tape my show Conversations. But I have to say, it’s hard to stay focused when the amazing smell of brisket is wafting through the house. Regina is a force of nature. She and her husband Doug have several companies and ventures they tend to. Want the best biscuits you’ve ever tasted? Call Regina. Want a Gold-Medal winning Natchez-produced rum? Call Doug and their son (Chaboneau Rum). Want to learn how to feed 145 people for Thanksgiving? Regina can do it. She doesn’t know the word “Can’t.”
Talking to her I learned a very important key to success: Planning. She doesn’t react. She is very proactive. She bakes, cooks and freezes things months in advance of the big day. She plays chess, not checkers. She’s looking ahead three and four steps and getting things done. I would normally “I don’t know how she does it all.” But after talking to her, I get it now. She’s busy working with a cruise line, writing for the Atlantic, teaching classes at her house, running a bed and breakfast.
Did I mention Regina makes amazing biscuits? Now if she could just bottle her energy. I’d buy a case.
Jennifer Odgen Combs is a producer. She has been VP for 20th Century Fox. She has produced Tuesday’s in Morrie. She has worked with Hollywood’s greats. To quote Jennifer, a producer is the hub of the wheel. I get that. She’s playing chess, too. Right now, she’s in charge of Natchez’ 300th Birthday celebration — producing and connecting all the spokes of that wheel. And she’s is now interim of the CVB. She’s busy. Very busy. But she gets things done. She told me that good planning was the key to success. I believe her. “Anticipate the problems and plan for them.”
Glen Ballard is one of the top record producers in the world. And one of the best songwriters, too. Little Jagged Pill? He co-wrote the songs and produced it — and it sold 33 million copies. Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror? That’s Glen. He has worked with Barbra Streisand, George Straight, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Elton John — and has written a movie soundtracks and a Broadway musical. Quincy Jones is his mentor. But what I find amazing is that he has written 10,000 songs. Yup, 10,000. That’s another secret for success — plain hard work. That’s Glen. This weekend, he’ll be coming home to play a concert in Natchez with another amazing talent, Greg Iles. Yes, the world-famous author is from Natchez, too.
Charles Wright was in the Army’s 1st Cav in Vietnam, among the first Army troops to fight in the mid 1960’s. His second cousin also happens to be acclaimed author Richard Wright. But Charles is a storyteller in his own right. He shows visitors the places his cousin wrote about in his books and short stories. Charles puts Richard’s words into context for us. You understand how the harshness of his childhood shaped his later writing. What I learned from Charles is that our pain is like the river. It shapes us and makes us great. He told me about a couple of his experiences in Vietnam and I noticed his eyes watering. Like the waters of the river, Charles’ feeling and wisdom run deep.
Marc and Chesney Doyle claim Natchez is the center of the Museum world. And since they have created and produce the award-winning PBS show Great Museums, I believe them. Marc is a former CBS executive (he worked with Walker Cronkite and discovered Deborah Norville.) Chesney is a 2015 Governor’s Arts Award winner and an 8th-generation Nachezian (I guess that’s what someone from Natchez is calleD). They could live anywhere. But they’ve chosen to raise their (very cute) twins at home. Natchez truly is the center of their world. A home base is important for the greatest explorers. From Marc and Chesney, I learned the value of home.
Ideas are like the Mighty Mississippi. They constant flow past you and alter your world. I appreciate my time with Marc, Chesney, Doug, Regina, Jennifer, Glen and Charles. Getting to interview them was an honor. As I drove away from river, I felt felt both proud and inspired. My life had been changed for the better.
