About
A veteran musician of more than a half-century, primarily as an instrumentalist and songwriter, Lee Schappell first stepped onto a stage in 1959, as a guest guitarist in a backup band. More than a half-century later, Lee has exchanged that rock’n’roll hairdo for flowing, snow-white locks, although the raw, rural juices still flow through his music today.
Lee’s early influences were Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and that entire Sam Phillips Sun Record Company family of artists, such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich, and Bill Riley. Later influences on his music creation included Carole King, Phil Spector, and Leon Russell.
Lee did enjoy a brief “cup of coffee” (yes, it was decaffeinated!) with Cameo Records in 1961, as LeRoy & His Rockin’ Fellers, before a most memorable and fortuitous encounter with Chocolate Chip Cookie icon Wally “Famous” Amos, who was at that time a representative of the William Morris Agency, during which Mr. Amos offered Lee some sage, sound advice, which resulted in a major course correction in Lee’s life, placing him on a path that would eventually lead to a comfortable home in Country Gospel music.
Following stints with various local country and folk Gospel groups and individuals artists, Lee formed “The New Earth Band” in 2006, and began cooking up that down-home brand of loose-and-easy, organic, raw-boned, retro-Country-Gospel music, that has become his signature.
In reality, The New Earth Band’s music is entirely about the Gospel message that’s embedded in the heart of each song. Lee’s focus is on carrying God’s incredibly good news of rescue and redemption in Jesus Christ to a judgment-bound world that is now reeling and rocking like a drunken sailor. So, taste The New Earth Band's music and see for yourself - enjoy and share it!
Website
VISIT: www.thenewearthband.com
CONTACT: thenewearthband@gmail.com
Stats
The Devil's Cadillac
The DEVIL’S CADILLAC (A Parable) E
(Lee Schappell) Copyright 2011 Little Buford Music ASCAP
The devil sold me a brand-new, flaming-red Cadillac convertible
some time back - noooo money down
It’s got the big engine, full power accessories, surround-sound stereo,
velour upholstery – slickest ride in town
He gave me zero-APR financing; the payments, only 200 bucks-a-month –
all interest free
I grabbed the keys and said, “She’s a real beauty - this one’s for me.”
Well, I fired up the engine and dropped her in gear, squealin’ the tires
as I drove off, the wind in my hair, deep into the night
And with that radio blastin’, I cruised down the Interstate, headin’
right for those big city lights
It wasn’t easy, keeping up with those payments over the years, and
trying to maintain my life in the fast lane
And I had quite a time keepin’ that Caddy’s big, thirsty gas tank
filled with premium high-octane
Instrumental Break ...
I stopped by to see the devil the other day; made another payment …
and He asked me, “How do you like your ride?”
I said, “I’m having the time of my life – I’m the envy of every man, and
all the women want to climb inside.”
“But tell me,” I said, “how long must I keep making these payments?” and
he whispered, “Forever,” then he laughed, “that’s the way it goes!”
I looked him straight in the face, handed him the keys and said,
“Hang your Caddy on your nose.”
I said, “I’m done doin’ business with the likes of you, Bub; I know
what you’re all about.
“’What good’s a Cadillac that’s ‘interest-free’ and ‘nothing-down’ –
if the payments are gonna wipe me out?”
I said, “I got a better deal, now - Bro
I found it at the Salvation Store.
I’m simply gonna be walking with Jesus from here on in . . . and I
won’t be making these here payments to you any more.”
Y’know, the devil’s got tricks and traps for everybody – and you, too!
There’s no exceptions to that rule
You wanna read that real fine print, ‘way down at the bottom of the
page - KNOW the terms, so you won’t wind up the devil’s fool
So, who needs is a “no-money-down” Cadillac, “interest-free!”
If the payments are gonna do you in?
And never cut a deal with the devil in exchange for a season of sin
You tell him he can come and pick up his Caddy – and the ignition keys?
Well, just leave ‘em in
You’re gonna get a far better deal with the Savior - payment-free//
and forever-peace// within
Love it!!