Billy Carter on Jessup

Billy Carter

22709 - Mule Skinner Blues

(Rodgers, clearance : Tommy Crank Music BMI)

22710 - Blue Against The Gray

Jessup 209

1968

Tommy Crank,  was the artist and repertoire representative of Jessup Records in Jackson, Michigan.   Born William Thomas Crank in 1926 in the mountainous region of Jackson County, Kentucky.  A bluegrass artist himself, he also worked as promoter, producer, disc jockey, songwriter, and even did factory work, all while maintaining his full time ministry, spreading the gospel.   At one time he had even been the banjo player for Tommy's old friend Ralph Stanley.  He died in 2007.   More info HERE

Owner of Jessup Music was Glenn M. Jessup (1915-2011) operated Jessup Music & Vending from 1950 until he retired in 1987. He was a veteran of World War II and served in Japan. 

Two earlier Jessup singles pressed by Rite Records are listed HERE

Credit : label picture and soundclip are from ebay (seller : oneslickpig, Muskegon, MI) where this record is still on sale HERE..

Tommy Crank on Tyro

Tommy Crank and the Gospel Rangers

Tyro A-0001

15977 – Weighed in the Balance; Trouble the Water
15978 - The Night I First Prayed; You Gotta Pray

Sample

Label picture & audio sample : credit http://myworld.ebay.com/funkyou%21/



William Thomas Crank was born on April 13th, 1926 in the mountainous region of Jackson County, Kentucky. The youngest of six children born to George and Sarah Jane Crank, Tommy as they would come to call him, was born with tuberculosis and premature at the mere weight of just two and a half pounds. With limited means, his parents would rely on their faith in God alone to heal their baby boy. Although his size made it very difficult for the youngster to survive, their continued love and prayers were sure to be answered... Read More HERE




The only reference I can find to another release on the same label is Tyro 11 - San Francisco Trolley Co., "Signs" b/w "Rain Bow Heaven", produced by Tommy Crank. (not pressed by Rite Records). Songs were published by I-R-M-A Inc.

I.R.M.A. records, or International Rural Music of America, was a production company that Tommy began in order to record albums for himself and numerous other bluegrass artists. Folks like Wade Mainer, Lowell Varny and The Sons of the Gospel were just a few that recorded on the I.R.M.A. label. Lovingly named for his wife...

The San Francisco Trolley Co. band is wrongly believed to be a San Francisco band...

Very different from the music produced by Tommy Crank!

.