"The title hit me in Biloxi, Mississippi. I was there performing an acoustic set for a charity event summer 2002. I met a fellow songwriter, a Cool Cat wearing a 1920's gangster hat named Jonnie Barnett. We were staying at a casino and since neither one of us were big gamblers, we started talking music...a few hours later we had this idea..."the lower east side of life". As soon as I got that hook out of my mouth, Jonnie said, I love it!

We spent the rest of the night coming up with scenarios and angles for writing the song. I was still touring heavily at the time and continued my tour from Biloxi and told Jonnie I'd call him when I got back to Nashville in a few weeks and we could finish the song...that was the last time I ever saw him.

He passed away before I got home. His wife, Barbara, mailed me a tape of Jonnie singing a rough demo of what we started. It brought tears to my eyes when I listened to it. I hope I did him justice by finishing the song. I loved it so much...it became the title cut of the record! I regret not having the chance to hang out more with such an artistic, intelligent human being."

"I met Jonnie at an industry function in Nashville three years ago. I had just moved to town and as most aspiring writer/artist know it can be a real eye opener and struggle trying to get anywhere when you first arrive to town. Jonnie liked my "realness", I was who I was and he agreed to meet with me and hear my songs. Shortly thereafter we started co-writing and finish the song "Just Like California".

We started on a second song and then I got the call from his wife Barbara. Jonnie was in the hospital and it didn't look good. Jonnie truly affected me as a person. I was completely myself in his presence in a town where most "play the game". I was so inspired when he himself told me about the story behind the chain of love.

I am so happy to have been a part of the chain and my attitude is forever changed thanks to knowing Jonnie and his openness to help a young songwriter learn the craft a little more and most of all be "real"."

"I first met Jonnie through Rory Lee Feek, his co-writer of "Chain Of Love". As I got to know him, I realized that this was a guy who had so much passion for real music that it just rubbed off on you and you couldn't help but love him for it.

Jonnie reminded me of some of the most successful, well-known and absolutely larger-than-life characters that put Nashville on the map. Guys like Faron Young, Merle Kilgore and Bobby Bare. I wasn't in Nashville when they were making it big for themselves, but I've heard the stories and read a lot about them also. I didn't get to be around them, but I got to be around Jonnie Barnett. And he was just like those guys must have been. People with real personality who think their own thoughts and do things their own way.

They don't make 'em like that anymore and it's guys like Jonnie that built this town. I miss Jonnie Barnett. An whether Nashville knows it or not, it misses him too."

"Jonnie Barnett was friend when I needed one. No matter where he was living or performing, if I showed up as planned or unannounced I was welcomed with open arms. And of all of my friends, far and away, the funniest. We laughed ourselves silly every time we got together.

He was also an inspiration to me as a songwriter. He never quit. He never stopped believing that he could write a hit. And he did. And whenever i showed up with a new album of my work, he would sit us down in front of the speakers of his stereo or his studio, burn one and we'd listen to if from one end to the other.

No other friend has been so very generous with his gift of time. There is an empty space in the world shaped like Jonnie and it will not be filled in my lifetime. I miss him like crazy".