Shane Daniels

The Face in Cincinnati Country Music

REMEMBERING

My Father passed away on Feb. 6, 2007 after a long battle with cancer. He was by far the greatest musical influence in my life. Countless hours, miles, and money was spent with no regaurd for himself to help me live my dream.  A man of his word, he taught me to be true to myself and to treat everyone with respect and with love.  There is so much to be said about a man of his calibur and those who had the chance to meet him, will never forget him.  He had help so many people without question and lead with his heart.  Dad had always told me that no matter what, to do what makes me happy.  He was never fond of me playing in bars and always wanted me to get back into church and sing where it all started.  Even though his feelings were strong about it, he still stuck beside me to make sure I was safe and to show his support. My father is my world and to say I can do this without him would be a lie, but I remember what he had told me about my music and the people that come out to see me play and I hope that you will remember this too...."Shane, there'll always beone more favorite song that someone will want you to play.  So keep playing until the last person goes home, and you know you've done your job".  I hope that everyone will remember my father as a man who was there for anyone when they had a need, a man who was strong in his faith in God, a man who lead by example. But what kind of man would he be considered to be?

Let’s take a look at his life and find out:

We are Born to Die

Dad always told me we start to die the day we come into this world and everything in between is what we are remembered for. So make it count he’d say. Dad wasn’t born with a silver spoon in is mouth as most of you already know. The only silver he probably had growing up was the silver he stole.

Gangs, fights, dirty streets, and pool halls

This was his life. I can’t count how many stories my dad had told me of the chaos that surrounded him growing up on the streets of Newport.

But that Soldier Boy Moved Out

Dad joined the service in 1962 to try and make something of himself. Maybe to just get away from the world he was used to. Living outside of D.C., he continued to struggle with his newly started family that definitely started to toughen him up.

He Found God in a Leather Jacket?

As salesman for J.C. Noyes, dad was urged to attend his employer’s church. Finally after some prodding, he found himself at the pulpit of Crescent Spring’s Baptist Church weeping like a baby all the while, dressed like a character in an Al Pacino movie. Dad was COOL.

But his Family Always Came First

Raising 4 kids on 7th street in Covington, dad knew if he was going to keep us safe, he had to move. He brought us out to Independence and tried his best to give us everything he didn’t have. Well, if anyone knows us kids, we got more than we ever deserved.

But There Was Room to Give

My father was a giving man. If he wasn’t helping with the senior citizens at church, playing Santa Clause for orphans, leading my boy scout troop, or organizing a walk against hunger for the homeless, or supporting me in everyway with my music, he wasn’t living.

His Word Was His Bond

Dad has told me time after time that a man keeps his word. If you don’t keep your word, no amount of money, muscles, or women will make you a man. When my father said he would do something, come Hell or High Water, it would get done even if he had to grab a fire extinguisher while paddling a raft. It would get done.

But Is He Gone?

Those who truly know my dad and believe as he does, knows he’s not here. Our bodies are just vessels he’d tell me that carry our souls around until the body wears out. I know where my dad is. Do I still hurt? Yes. Will I still cry? Yes. These things are normal feelings. But dad would want us to rejoice for him because he is finally at home with Jesus. We’re all going someday. We don't know how or when. Remember to live each day like it’s your last. Prepare for tomorrow but take time to smile and make someone else smile. Give when you can and don’t ask for anything in return. (unless you can get interest) Be true to yourself and take care of your families. I have learned so much from this man. The amount of lives he has touched may never be really known. So take something he has taught you and put it to good use. Let him know that he made a difference.

Because the measure of a real man starts and ends with this man here...

My Father. My Teacher. My Best Friend. I Love You Dad!

"Shane, there'll always be another favorite song that the people will want you to play,  so keep playing until the last song ends" 

 

Earl E. Hinte Jr.

1944-2007