The Lesser Known Tony Snow

By now I'm sure you've already heard that former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow has died. He died today, July 12, 2008, after a two year battle with the same menace that claimed the life of his mother...cancer. Tony Snow was a conservative republican who made the traditional moves of any man of his ilk and in his particular position. He was a frequent guest host on The Rush Limbaugh Show; he had a self titled talk radio show, and he was a regular fixture on The Fox News Channel.

The thing that most people didn't know about Tony Snow was that he was somewhat of a bona fide rock star. Tony was a member of a cover band called Beats Workin'. The band is a group of professionals who sometimes traveled the circuit dropping classic tunes infused with a bit of their own signature style. The straight laced, right winged pressman was a gifted musician who played a variety of instruments, and he had penchant for playing jazz. Who knew?

Undoubtedly, Tony Snow will be most remembered for his press and White House background. For a liberal like myself, I had often come to think of him as nothing more than a right winged, propaganda spewing conservative aligned with what some have termed, The Nazi Network (FOX), and its group of cronies. However, I admired the man because he wasn't afraid to speak his mind and at times he seemed to be more party blind than the average conservative...or liberal too for that matter. People are complicated beings with a multitude of different layers, and Tony was no exception. The fact that Tony Snow wasn't afraid to get down and dirty and play the blues, and that he was actually good at it, gives me more reason to believe that I would have liked the man had I known him. Rest in peace Tony.

You can listen to a sampling of Tony's talent by clicking here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1PEyzk4ADU