Vocal by Margaret Lynn scoggins; sax solo by Carl Ratliff.
This song was an attempt to capture the sound and spirit of a 1940’s jazz club, and a love song from that era. First written in 1976, this is the oldest of my songs on the album, inspired by the few gigs I was lucky enough to play with The Mellow Men led by Buddy Fields during the mid-1970’s.
Vocal by Danny Stevenson. Brass section: Bobby Plair, Victor Plair and Carl Ratliff.
After binging the entire series of Dawson’s Creek, I found myself captivated by the character of Jen Linley (played by Michelle Williams) – this is a tribute to all those who “fall in love” with characters on screens, large and small. Of course, it’s silly – some songs are just about having some fun or making fun of ourselves!
I must admit that I’m in love with Jen Lindley,
even though I’m pretty sure she isn’t real.
Every time I see her smile she gets to me
I just can’t believe the funny way I feel.
She’s my television love, sent to me from high above, or from Hollywood or somewhere
They create reality to confuse me, or to maybe guarantee I’ll fall in love.
I hope she doesn’t think this love will last forever;
I know that sometime soon this show will have to end.
Until then she’ll find me watching every day, drying all her tears and stealing her away.
She’s my television love, sent to me from high above, or from Hollywood or somewhere
They create reality to confuse me, or to maybe guarantee I’ll fall in love.
A fantasy with a girl on TV is all good fun until it makes you cry.
I think you’ll see that won’t be me, unless they let Jen Lindley die!
(Horn break)
She’s my television love, sent to me from high above, or from Hollywood or somewhere
They create reality to confuse me, or to maybe guarantee I’ll fall in love.
She’s my television love
The oldest of three children was born of Carl M. and Janice Ratliff in Lumberton, NC. Beginning at age six, he attended Anson County Public Schools as a result of his family moving to Morven, NC where he spent most of his childhood. Carl began playing saxophone in sixth grade at Morven Elementary School.
Having taken music seriously, Carl majored in music at Winthrop University where he played in the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Midi Lab Band, and the Winthrop Singers. While at Winthrop University, he was selected as a member of the SC All-College Jazz Ensemble. Carl graduated from Winthrop College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree and Winthrop University with a Master of Arts in Teaching Music Degree.
Currently, he is the Director of Bands at South Charlotte Middle School. His students have been selected by audition as members of the All-State, All-District, and All-County Bands as well as All-State Jazz and All-Region Jazz Bands and Charlotte Junior Youth Symphony Orchestra. Carl has been selected Teacher of the Year three times at South Charlotte Middle School and 2017 North Carolina West Region Outstanding Jazz Educator Award. Recently, he was selected as the middle school clinician for the 2025 North Carolina East Region Jazz Clinic.
Carl has a daughter, Olivia Ratliff who is a member of the South Carolina State University Honors College, SCSU Jazz Ensemble, SCSU Royal Court and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Currently, she is Miss South Carolina State University. Carl is an active member of Hermon Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC where he serves as a church officer, member of the Gospel Choir, Men’s Choir and Hermon Ensemble of Praise. As a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he chairs the Kappa Alpha Chapter Talent Hunt Committee.
Musically, Carl continues to perform with his jazz quartet, Common Ground, A Sign Of The Times of the Carolinas, Conversation Piece and Plair Band. He freelances with several groups throughout the Carolinas.
