Random Acts

Chris Keaton
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Random Acts of kindness, stories, a song or two, and a guest.  Seeds of hope and love and the randomness of it all through the eyes of Music Industry Expert, Chris Keaton.

  1. 09/19/2025

    Painting the World: John Murrell's Mural Journey

    What happens when your last name literally predicts your career? For John Murrell, the answer was written on the wall—quite literally. In this captivating conversation, muralist John Murrell shares his remarkable journey from creating tiny, hyper-realistic charcoal drawings shipped in boxes across the country to painting massive 300-foot murals that transform communities throughout southwestern Virginia. The magic of Murrell's work extends far beyond his technical skill with a spray can. As he dangled from lifts 60 feet in the air to complete his recent "Welder" mural, what truly shines through is his philosophy about public art as performance. "I think of being a muralist as almost being a performer," he explains, describing how the creation process itself becomes part of the artistic experience as onlookers gather to watch him work. Having taught high school art for nearly a decade, Murrell brings an educator's heart to every wall he paints. There's something profoundly beautiful about his approach to skeptics who question his work—"I think in my head, I'm going to convert you," he laughs, noting how these same critics often return days later with newfound appreciation. This transformative power of public art speaks to its accessibility; unlike gallery pieces hidden behind admission fees, murals meet people where they are, creating unexpected moments of wonder in everyday spaces. Perhaps most inspiring is Murrell's vision for the future—telling the rich stories of Appalachia through his art and bringing diverse artistic voices to Roanoke. As the city's public art scene blossoms partly through his advocacy, he's helping craft a visual language that celebrates the region's "cool fusion of cultures" while making art accessible to everyone. Check out John's stunning portfolio on Instagram at John M Draws and discover how blank walls become windows into Appalachian storytelling, one spray can at a time.

    30 min

  2. 09/05/2025

    Dapper Days: Chris Keaton Talks Style and Music with Eddie Perez

    Eddie Perez from The Mavericks joins Chris Keaton for a captivating conversation that feels less like an interview and more like eavesdropping on two friends catching up. Their natural rapport, established through annual Grammy event encounters, creates an intimate atmosphere where Eddie reveals the soul behind his distinctive guitar style. Growing up in a musical Mexican-American household in Southern California, Eddie recalls how his grandfather would distribute instruments to everyone during family gatherings, regardless of their musical ability. This communal approach to music, combined with his father's diverse musical tastes – "there are only two types of music: good and bad" – laid the foundation for Eddie's remarkable versatility as a guitarist. By age eight, he was already teaching himself Beatles chord progressions, unknowingly training his ear for a future in music. The conversation follows Eddie's journey from local gigs at swap meets and birthday parties to his pivotal 1995 meeting with rockabilly artist James Zinfeld, who connected him to Nashville's music scene. Since 1996, Eddie has been almost constantly touring, developing the extraordinary stage presence and musical vocabulary that makes his performances with The Mavericks so captivating. What truly separates Eddie and The Mavericks from other acts is their approach to performance. "The show starts an hour before we even step on stage," Eddie explains, describing how the band's pre-show ritual of music, cocktails, and camaraderie creates the energy they bring to their audiences. This creates what Eddie calls a "communion" between performers and audience – a joyful circle where everyone contributes to the experience. Beyond his musical prowess, Eddie shares insights about his distinctive fashion sense (he almost attended Fashion Institute in LA as a graphic illustrator), his pride in fatherhood as his son begins college, and his philosophy on staying creative and inspired throughout a decades-long career. His approach to life mirrors his approach to music – authentic, joyful, and always focused on connection. Want more of Chris Keaton's unique conversations with fascinating people? Follow him on Instagram @ChrisJKeaton, Facebook at Chris Keaton Music, and YouTube at Chris Keaton Random Acts. Also check out his books "Dapper" and "Confidence on the Fly," available now on bookbaby.com and amazon.com.

    32 min

  3. 08/25/2025

    Entertaining Across Generations: T-Fox's Journey from Motown to Virginia

    Some people carry stardust wherever they go, and entertainment legend T-Fox sprinkles it generously throughout this captivating conversation with host Chris Keaton. From his childhood surrounded by Motown royalty to Vegas stardom and now his revolutionary impact on Roanoke's entertainment scene, T-Fox's journey exemplifies what happens when extraordinary talent meets unwavering persistence. Growing up in Detroit, T-Fox had a front-row seat to musical history as his aunt, Sylvia Moy—Motown's first female songwriter—welcomed legends like Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Diana Ross into her studio. By age ten, he was already writing jingles for McDonald's and Burger King, setting the foundation for a remarkable career. His path took him from San Diego (where he unexpectedly crossed paths with Bill Clinton before his presidency) to Las Vegas, where a planned 25-night engagement at the Tropicana Hotel evolved into a 15-year residency performing 47 songs nightly in marathon four-and-a-half-hour shows. The conversation reveals how divine timing brought T-Fox to Virginia during the pandemic, accepting an invitation to become entertainment ambassador for Rosie's Gaming Emporium. After over 400 shows and nine sold-out dinner performances at Hotel Roanoke, he's now launching Fox City's Jazz Club, reviving his Fox City Band with top local talent including Brian Mesko and David Ferguson. Throughout his extraordinary journey, T-Fox has remained grounded in the present moment while building on past successes to create future opportunities. "Don't ever think that you can't do nothing," he advises, "because if you don't try, you don't know. All you can do is try." His philosophy echoes Keaton's shared quote: "Surround yourself with people who remind you more of the future than of the past"—a fitting description of T-Fox himself, who continues reinventing while honoring his musical roots. Follow T-Fox on YouTube at T-Fox TV or on social media as Tyrone Fox, and visit Fox City's Jazz Club at Hotel Roanoke for an unforgettable experience with this entertainment powerhouse who proves dreams don't have expiration dates.

    30 min

  4. 08/07/2025

    Crazy Lucky: Inside Stories from the World of Celebrity Icons

    What does it take to become the trusted advisor to some of music's biggest legends? Entertainment attorney John Mason pulls back the curtain on his remarkable career in this captivating conversation about his new memoir "Crazy Lucky." Mason reveals his counterintuitive approach to success: making himself hard to find. "If nobody could find me, I would become the guy they wanted to find," he explains, describing how he maintained an unlisted number and low profile long before the era of lawyer advertising. This strategy allowed him to cultivate deep relationships with a select group of iconic clients including Olivia Newton-John, the Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, and Shakira. The most touching moments come when Mason speaks of his decades-long friendship with Olivia Newton-John. His voice softens as he recalls finding a thank-you note she'd written years ago, and shares a poignant story about visiting her just months before her passing. Despite needing a walker and IV drip, she greeted them in her garden with characteristic warmth and humor—embodying the grace she maintained throughout her battle with cancer. Mason offers fascinating glimpses into music history, from attending Beach Boys business meetings amid the fallout of their father selling their catalog, to navigating the complex dynamics of the entire Jackson family. His unique perspective combines insider knowledge with genuine affection for the artists he represented, creating stories that humanize these larger-than-life figures. Before his legal career, Mason himself was a musician whose band performed with the Beach Boys, giving him firsthand experience of the joy music brings. This background informed his approach as "the conciliary" for his clients—coordinating all business matters while focusing exclusively on contract negotiations in film, television, and music. Ready for more stories from the entertainment world's inner circle? Mason's book "Crazy Lucky" delivers countless memorable moments from his front-row seat to music history. The upcoming audiobook will feature Priscilla Presley reading the foreword she wrote for the book. Have you ever wondered what it's like behind the scenes with your favorite music icons? Share your thoughts and follow Chris Keaton on social media for more fascinating conversations with entertainment insiders.

    27 min

  5. 07/11/2025

    Present in the Moment: Jay Messina's Studio Wisdom

    What happens when five life-changing albums lead to a conversation with a man who helped create the soundtrack of rock history? Grammy-nominated recording engineer Jay Messina joins host Chris Keaton for a fascinating journey through music, connection, and the power of living in the present moment. The episode begins with Chris reflecting on records that shaped his musical journey - from witnessing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan to how Rod Stewart inspired him to form a new band at 69. This perfectly sets the stage for Messina, whose engineering wizardry crafted the sound of Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, John Lennon, and even jazz legend Miles Davis. Messina's remarkable career began with a friend's simple offer: quit his electronics job to become a studio engineer for just $25 a week. That leap of faith placed him behind one of only five 8-track recording machines in existence in 1965, launching a storied career spanning rock, jazz, and beyond. His hilarious account of winning over the notoriously difficult Miles Davis with a pair of Japanese sneakers reveals how authentic connections transcend music industry hierarchies. The conversation takes a profound turn when Messina shares his philosophy on success: while many engineers complained about jingle work while dreaming of album projects, Messina fully embraced each moment, perfecting skills that would later make him invaluable to producers like Jack Douglas (who had once been his assistant). "If you're not present, you're going to miss it," he explains, a mantra that guided his work from Tokyo to New York throughout decades of innovation. For aspiring music professionals, Messina offers wisdom that extends beyond the studio: forget distant goals and focus instead on what you want to be doing today. His current projects, including work with Zebra and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, prove his philosophy continues to generate extraordinary work across musical boundaries. Whether you're passionate about classic rock, fascinated by recording technology, or simply searching for inspiration to live more fully in each moment, this conversation bridges the gap between technical mastery and timeless human connection. Subscribe now and tell your friends about Random Acts with Chris Keaton!

    28 min

  6. 05/30/2025

    Finding Your Voice and Building Your Brand in the Digital Age

    What does it take to see the future of digital marketing before anyone else? In this fascinating conversation, Chris Keaton reconnects with his longtime friend James Lucente, who pioneered social media marketing strategies when most people still viewed platforms like YouTube and MySpace as mere distractions. James shares his remarkable journey from Connecticut recording studio owner working with legends like Nile Rodgers to becoming a digital marketing innovator who saw monetization opportunities that traditional music executives completely missed. Through colorful anecdotes about pitching viral YouTube stars to confused record labels and turning his infant son into a brand partnership magnet, James reveals the core principles that have guided his success: finding authentic voices, connecting them with receptive audiences, and creating content that resonates. The conversation takes listeners through the early days of social media when James and Chris collaborated on artist development projects, including Preston Leatherman, whose Christmas dance video generated millions of views before TikTok existed. Their shared history provides a fascinating glimpse into how drastically the digital landscape has transformed while illuminating principles that remain relevant today. Perhaps most valuable is James's insight into building sustainable business models in the digital age. His advice to artists—"For every dollar you spend on development, you should have $2 for marketing"—challenges creators to think strategically about resource allocation. As James explains, the modern brand landscape demands personality and authenticity, regardless of industry. Whether you're a content creator, artist, entrepreneur, or marketer, this episode offers both historical perspective and practical wisdom from someone who saw the digital revolution coming before most people understood what hit them. Visit LucenteSocialMedia.com to learn how James continues to help brands find their voices in an increasingly crowded digital world.

    40 min

  7. 05/09/2025

    Crafting Melodies: A Songwriter's Journey

    What gives your creativity purpose? In this deeply personal conversation, host Chris Keaton welcomes acclaimed Nashville hit songwriter Tommy Lee James to share wisdom from his decades-long career crafting songs for major artists. The two forge an immediate connection over their shared Roanoke Valley roots before diving into Tommy's fascinating journey from middle school songwriter to Nashville success story. With refreshing candor, Tommy reveals how four years playing piano bars in DC taught him the bones of songwriting, mastering hundreds of songs before making the leap to Music City with dreams of becoming a professional songwriter. Tommy doesn't sugarcoat the Nashville experience, describing his humbling first years where, despite thinking he was "good enough," he quickly realized how much he had to learn. His persistence eventually paid off with a publishing deal at Reba McEntire's company, though at just $75 weekly, it was passion rather than paycheck driving him forward. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Tommy illuminates the dramatic evolution of the songwriting industry. From the days when writers could comfortably make a living crafting album cuts to today's streaming-dominated landscape where "pure songwriters are a dying breed," his perspective offers rare insight into how dramatically the business has transformed. Most poignantly, Tommy shares about his recent foray into releasing solo music for the first time, inspired by his wife's encouragement during a challenging personal period. Rather than following Nashville formulas, these songs represent his true musical influences and allow him to explore more personal themes. The most powerful moment comes when Tommy recounts his elderly father's aircraft building hobby, continuing to put "one rivet in a wing every day" despite declining health, because without this purpose, "why would I want to get up?" It's a philosophy that's shaped Tommy's approach to creativity and serves as inspiration for anyone pursuing their passion at any age. What small, daily creative action keeps your purpose alive? Listen now and discover why Tommy believes he's a better songwriter today than ever before.

    38 min

  8. 04/21/2025

    Three friends, two Instagram shows, and one mission to elevate small local businesses

    Community-building through content creation takes center stage as three Roanoke locals share the fascinating origin story behind their popular Instagram series. Elliot Broyles, John Park (aka Hungry Asian), and Zach Jackson have captured the attention of food and drink enthusiasts with their authentic approach to showcasing local establishments through "Hey Bartender, Whatcha Drinking?" and "What Can I Get for $10?" Unlike typical influencers, these creators reveal their refreshingly honest methodology—they pay full price for everything they consume, demand no special treatment, and focus on genuine connections with the businesses they feature. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: highlight small businesses that often lack social media presence while creating entertaining content that benefits the entire community. The conversation dives into memorable moments where they've faced initial resistance—walking into establishments with camera equipment only to be met with suspicion or outright hostility. Rather than leveraging entitlement, they order drinks, engage in conversation, and allow relationships to develop organically. These moments of transformation, where skepticism turns to friendship, create some of their most compelling content. Beyond the entertainment value, their work serves a deeper purpose. Many small restaurants and bars in Roanoke lack resources for professional photography or social media management. By creating high-quality content featuring these establishments, they're providing a valuable service while expecting nothing in return except the experience itself. It's content creation with a conscience—using their platform to elevate others rather than simply promoting themselves. Whether you're a content creator seeking a more meaningful approach to your work, a small business owner looking for authentic marketing strategies, or simply someone who appreciates genuine community support, this episode offers valuable insights into how social media can be leveraged for collective benefit. Subscribe to learn more about creating content that matters and discover how these three friends are changing Roanoke's food and beverage scene one post at a time.

    31 min
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About

Random Acts of kindness, stories, a song or two, and a guest.  Seeds of hope and love and the randomness of it all through the eyes of Music Industry Expert, Chris Keaton.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Keaton
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Random Acts
  • Show Website
    Random Acts