Animal Forest Creations

DOBIE GRAY - singer and songwriter – whose hit recordings include “THE CROWD, LOVING ARMS, OUT IN ON THE FLOOR and DRIFT AWAY (most recently, re-recorded by Gray & Uncle Kracker), was first introduced to DIANE CATHEY, creator of Animal Forest Creations, at a screenwriting seminar at Border’s Bookstore on West End Avenue in Nashville. For both Dobie and Diane, their introduction would become a meeting of the minds – set in a positive tone of children’s’ stories and songs filled with imagination. “Diane has a wonderful grasp on the innocence of a child’s way of thinking,” Dobie said. “It’s a great gift.” Artists in assorted fields of music have recorded a number of Dobie’s songs, but until now he has never attempted writing songs for children. He credits Diane with bringing that about in his career. After their meeting, Dobie was invited by Diane to participate in her creations – THE POSSUM TWINS. “The concept was so refreshing,” Dobie said. “I jumped right at it.” Dobie recently completed two songs for the Possum Twins’ project: YOU CAN’T JUDGE CREATURES BY THEIR FEATURES (starring a Skunk Rapper) and IF I COULD BE A RAINBOW (inspired by one of Diane’s stories, “Making a Rainbow.”) Through the years, Dobie has been involved with various children’s and wildlife organizations including Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital, Tennessee School For The Blind, Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Rehabilitation Center , Outlook Nashville, The Sumner County Humane Society and Dixieland BMX Races. “When I read Diane’s stories they held such appeal for me,” Dobie said. “What really struck a note with me was that aside from her central characters being warm and funny, there was the message of learning and caring that she conveyed in her writings. Those topics and the way she handled them were very close to my own views in that I also have a strong belief in Kids learning good values, kindness and understanding early on in their lives. Diane’s concern for the welfare of Animals was also a huge inspiration to me, as I am an avid animal lover, too. "When I first listened to the Animal Forest songs, I found myself laughing and at the same time feeling a tug at my heartstrings. At that moment, I knew that the POSSUM TWINS and their little friends were something special for children everywhere. This is an experience I shall never forget." For more about Dobie Gray, please visit his website: www.DobieGray.com