Monday, August 25, 2014

Jerry Dixon (Sterling 182)


Jerry Dixon
With Lew Tobin's Orch.

CP-1700 - You Stole My Heart
 (Juanita Gismondi, & Lew Tobin)

CP-1701 - My Cotton Pickin' Baby 
 (K.W. Brooks)
Sterling 182


According to an 1961 issue of Trainman News, K. W. Brooks Of lodge 794 taked his hobby of singing and song-writing seriously.   Of Hamlet, North Carolina, K.W. Brooks was yard conductor-switchman on Seaboard Air Line Railroad.
 
My Cotton Pickin' Baby

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Cara Stewart on Titan



Cara Stewart
 The Hudsonair's and the Lee Hudson Orchestra

9969 –In Between Dreams
 (R. Magee-W. Daugherty) 
Blue Ribbon Pub. ASCAP 

9970 – I'll Have To Dream Somemore 
(R. Magee) 
Blue Ribbon Pub. ASCAP

An Honor Product

Titan 1
1963

Song-poem record currently offered for sale here (short audio clips are provided)

Joe Shultz, evangelist and ventriloquist



Joe Shultz
Joe and Jake

"Joyfully Yours"
28681 -  "Oh, I Know It" / ABC
28682 -  "He Took My Sins Away"
 
SCR 121
Sound Associates
Box M Grand Rapids, Michigan
1971

Joe Shultz was a multi talented evangelist who used humor as well as music to convey his message. He composed over 30 published songs and produced three albums.

Joseph Harmon Shultz, born Feb 13, 1931 in Wichita Kansas, began his preaching ministry in Canton, Kansas when he was 18 years of age and was officially ordained into the ministry at the age of 21, while a student in Bible College. For twelve years he directed Youth for Christ in McPherson, Kansas and Canton, Ohio.
 
Joe Shultz was a gospel magician, ventriloquist, and speaker who worked with youth in school and church programs.  He was the founder of Kings Valley Ranch and Boys Home in Southern Ohio that provided many safe summers for countless children. He was also a member of the North American Assoc. of Ventriloquists and the American Assoc. of Foster Parents. 
 
Joe has spoken in over 3,000 public high school assembly programs and over 1,000 churches in 45 states, 5 Canadian provinces and joined in frequent missionary trips to Mexico, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Guatemala, Honduras and Brazil.

He died in 2005.

This 45 is currently offered for sale here (sound clips are provided)

The Immortals (Richmond, Virginia)


The Immortals
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Telephone 435-1666

21063 - You Went Your Way (Lawson-Wray)
21064 - Like I Love You Lawson-Wray)

RSSW0969M
Custom produced by Richmond sound stages
2314 W. Cary Street Richmond, Virginia
1968

The Immortals began in the fall of 1966 at York Academy in Shacklefords, VA. , Jack Wray (lead guitar), Jack Lawson (bass guitar & lead vocals), Richard Cowles (drums), and Bruce Dawson (rhythm guitar) came together as a rock group not unlike millions of other teenage boys after the British Invasion in 1964.

They were ages 13-15 as they began this musical relationship that has spanned more than forty-five years

"Your Went Your Way” was recorded in December, 1967 at Richmond Sound Stages.  The production director and engineer's name there from 1965-1973 was Frank Brooks.  He also had a Jazz radio program on AM radio in Richmond during the 60s.  Although we’re not positive, he was more than likely the guy who engineered The Immortals record.  He was also probably the guy who engineered such contemporary efforts as  Why Did You Leave Me by The Klansmen and Lord I Need You  by Ray (Pittman) & the Soul Beats.

Info above from the oficial Immortals website here

This 45 is currently offered for sale here

Monday, August 18, 2014

Bob Harris and the Kings Four


Bob Harris and the Kings Four

CP- 7141 - Bertha Lou 
Marascalco
Robin Hood Music Co. BMI

CP- 7142 – Marty’s Place
Thrush

EAI PS-101 (Pop Series)
Entertainement associates inc.
Saginaw, Michigan
1962


  
Entertainement associates inc. was operated by David W. Oppermann, a Michigan and Midwest jazz, sports and show promoter and also a fireworkds distributor. 


Bob Harris formed the Kings Four in 1960. They later recorded an album on Kent Records (band picture above is from its back cover). At that time, members comprised Bob Harris, Lyle & Clayton Trush and Dave Nikaido. 
"Play Nice and Easy" was the album title. Their takes on standards such as "Misty", "Tenderly" and "Desafinado" among others, featured Dave Nikaido on lead vocals.

Among the appearances for the band was an engagement at the 1963 Inaugural Ball of Michigan for Gov. George Romney.  The band played all types music including the then current fads the twist, bossa nova, limbo and others.  

   


"Bertha Lou" was written (and then sold to Marascalco) by Dorsey Burnette who recorded it as well as Johnny Faire for Surf Records in 1957 .  Some radio stations banned "Bertha Lou", because of the line "I wanna conjugate with you".  See Bertha Lou story

Bertha Lou, Bertha Lou
Let me slip around with you
If I could raise some sand
I'd be a mighty-mighty man
'Cause you're so ooooh, Bertha Lou
Bertha Lou, Bertha Lou
Gotta get a date with you
If I could hear you moan
On Mr. Bell's telephone
Ain't no tellin' what I'd do, Bertha Lou

You wear your hair in a poodle cut
You're walkin' down the street like a semi-truck
And everybody knows that you're so sweet
You tickle me from head to my athlete's feet

Hey-hey, Bertha Lou
I wanna conjugate with you
You know my blood is running wild
And I know you ain't no child
When you do what you do, Bertha Lou
(Rock! Rock! Rock! - Instrumental break)

You wear your hair in a poodle cut
You're walkin' down the street like a semi-truck
And everybody knows that you're so sweet
You tickle me from head to my athlete's feet

Hey-hey, Bertha Lou
I wanna conjugate with you
You know my blood is running wild
And I know you ain't no child
When you do what you do, Bertha Lou

Bertha Lou, Bertha Lou, Bertha Lou.

(Transcribed from the Dorsey Burnette version)


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Buddy Dean and the Enchantments


Buddy Dean and the Enchantments


CP-5529 -  Say Mamma
(J.Meeks-J.Earl)
(H. Audett)

D-J 1961-1/2
1961

D-J Record Co. was located at 289 Belmont Street in Fall River, Mass. according to Billboard (24 October 1960). On the same label in 1962  :  Johnny & The Blue J's.

Buddy Dean died in 2013.





Sunday, August 3, 2014

Sib Galloway And The Harmonettes


Sib Galloway And The Harmonettes
EP  "Close To The Master "

16117 - I'm Nearer Home / Close To The Master
16118 - He'll Understand And Say Well Done/ The Highest Hill
Halo CREP-2031

1966


Unheard.

The CREP prefix in the catalog number denotes probably a Carolina Custom recording studio.  But I've not still determined if it's from the North Carolina or from the South.

I have a short list a three earlier records with the same CREP prefix :
  • Klub CREP-2001 The Rhythm Ranch Hands
  • Hollifield CREP 2005 (EP) Hollifield Trio
  • Ranch 1574 CREP-2016 Shirley Ann & Hillbilly John Of The Dixie Ramblers




Friday, July 11, 2014

Stringbean on Cullman 6416


Stringbean

CP-2386 - Barn Yard Banjo Picking

CP-2387 - Train Special 500

Cullman 6416
1959

Cullman Records and Gaylord Music Co. were owned by James Harrell "Hal" Smith (1923-2008), Nashville musician, artist manager and television producer.

David Akeman (1916-1973), better known as Stringbean (or String Bean), was one of the Opry's major stars in the 1950s.

From Wikipedia :
Akeman was modest and unassuming, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Accustomed to the hard times of the Great Depression, Akeman and his wife Estelle lived frugally in a tiny cabin near Ridgetop, Tennessee. Their only indulgence was a Cadillac. Depression-era bank failures caused Akeman not to trust banks with his money. Gossip around Nashville was that Akeman kept large amounts of cash on hand, even though he was by no means wealthy by entertainment industry standards.

On Saturday night, November 10, 1973, Akeman and his wife returned home after he performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Both were shot dead shortly after their arrival. The killers had waited for hours. The bodies were discovered the following morning by their neighbor, Grandpa Jones.



Chewing Chewing Gum 



Thursday, July 10, 2014

Rev. Archie Clatterbuck


Rev. Archie Clatterbuck

33679 - I'll Fly Away
(A.E. Brumley, SESAC)

33680 - Sweet By And By
(Starday-York BMI)

1974

This is Archie E Clatterbuck (1916-1997) from Rappahannock County, Virginia.  A pentecostal pastor, he was heard with his Gospel Singers on Big K Radio (WKCW, Warrenton Virginia)


Prayer Meeting Time for Archie Clatterbuck


The 2 / 3RDS on April


The 2/3RDS

19063 ~ All Cried Out

19064 ~ 2/3 Baby 
(Gene McCormick, Alison Music ASCAP

April Record Co. 101
223 S. Carolina, Daytona Beach

1967 (April?)
 
From Daytona Beach, the 2/3rds recorded this one 45 at Quimby’s studio in nearby Ormond Beach, and released it on the April label in early 1967. At the time of this recording, the band included Gene McCormick on vocals and tenor sax and organ, Phil (PJ) Jones on drums, Ralph Citrullo bass and Allen Dresser lead guitar.

“2/3 Baby” is a moody complaint with a fine chorus, written by McCormick. It was backed with a bluesy ballad, “All Cried Out” written by Pete Carr. Members of the band eventually became the Third Condition, releasing two 45s on the Sundi label in 1970, one of which got some airplay, “Monday in May” about the Kent State tragedy. (The song was bounced off the airwaves by CSN&Y’s “Ohio”).

After Gene left the band to join Jam Factory in New York, the band moved to Tallahassee to attend FSU. Later members included several who had been in another Daytona group, the Hungri I’s: Neil Haney vocals, as well as Max Eason on drums from Tallahassee. The band was named Rock Garden for a brief time (Neil Haney, Allen Dresser, Ralph Citrullo, Max Easom and Chris Drake) then became Duck (Chris Drake, Allen Dresser, Rick Levy and Max Easom – later Benny Jones replaced Rick Levy and Don Langston replaced Max Easom).


Info above from garagehangover here

Audio clip from Florida Rocks Again! every Saturday night on Surf 97.3 FM, streaming at flaglerbeachradio.com.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Little Rock My Home Town


CP-6447 -Little Rock My Home Town
CP-6448 - Little Rock My Home Town (instr.)

KVLC

1961



Sunday, June 8, 2014

Don Cochran (Pig Pen Boogie, Big K)


Don Cochran

40063 - The Arkansas Line
Donald J. Brundridge MOMU Pub.  BMI
 
Harold Hassler, Shelter BMI

Special effects Bill Johnson
Producer : C.Kellogg - D. Cochran

Big K Records
11517 No. Oak, Kansas City, Missouri 64155

1979

Don Cochran's previous record on Big K was the intriguing "What do you charge to haunt houses". No further info.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

The Reliables on Anderson

 
The Reliables
 
 
wr. both W.J. Chafin
 
Anderson Records
1968

Anderson Records discography here

No further info


Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Joe Williams and the Staccatos


Joe Williams and the Staccatos

vocal by Cornelius Grant / Count James
CP-6753 - The Mother Hubbard
Williams-Gurley-Grant, Eddings Mus. Pub. BMI

instrumental
CP-6754 - No Harm Done
 Williams-Gurley-Grant, Eddings Mus. Pub. BMI

Carrie

1961
Detroit, Michigan


An early release on the James Hendrix label.

Composers are Cornelius Grant, James M. Gurley, Joseph T. Williams.

Cornelius Grant (b. 1943) guitarist, composer, and band leader. He served as the musical director, guitar player, and live show arranger for Motown vocal group The Temptations from 1964 until 1982.

James M. Gurley : possibly the one who moved to San Francisco and became "the father of psychedelic guitar" (Big Brother and the Holding Company)

Eddings Music Co. was owned by William Summers,  first black to manage and own a radio station (in Louisville, Kentucky)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Mattie Allen And The Lonesome Drifters


Mattie Allen And The Lonesome Drifters

26179 ~ Ride Around
26180 ~ Just The Same Old Girl
(M. Smithers, Jaclyn BMI)

Dayton Records #351
1806 Brown St. Dayton, Ohio 45409



In the Jalyn Records numerical series.  The name Dayton was also used for a Gene Higgins & Dave release (#345).  Mattie Allen Smithers was probably the name of the artist. No further info.

Label & audio from YouTube (CheesebrewWaxArchive)
  

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Buddy Livingston and the Versatones


Buddy LIVINGSTON
and the Versatones
Buddy Livingston-Billy Brown,  Lowery Music Co. Inc
Scottie 1313

November 1959

"Buddy Livingston and the Versatones" played almost every night at a club called "The Bamboo Ranch" in Savannah, Georgia and even had their own 30-minute television show on WTOC for a while.. Buddy played bass guitar and was the lead man for the band which once included Billy Joe Royal, Joe South and Ray Stevens.

On the vocal side here, the (not credited) singer is possibly Billy Brown (a Versatone for a while?)  : his Columbia contract was not renewed in 1959 and he moved on to Gene Autry's Republic label, on which he had two singles released in 1960-61.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Lee Long And The Four Fifths on Reed


Lee Long  And The Four Fifths
CP-2567  -- Samanthy
Brooks-Ewing-Patrick, Brooks Publ. Co.

CP-2568 -- The Drifter
Ewing-Brooks, Brooks Publ. Co.
Reed 1036
1959


What can I say about Lee Long which was not said before ?  She penned both songs of the Bill Perry release on Reed 1029 (Go Fly A Kite b/w You Hit The Nail On The Head).

Songwriters Brooks and Ewing later composed "Senior Prom" which was sung by Violet Ray on Gladatone 101, a label out of Moss Point, Miss. owned by Ramblin' Frank Cunningham.



Monday, March 24, 2014

Kalamazoo, My Home Town (PAMS)


Terry And The Melody Laners
vocalist Terry Lea
8365 - Kalamazoo, My Home Town

The Melody Laners
8366 - Kalamazoo, My Home Town

produced for the people of Kalamazoo by
WKMI
1360 Melody Lane

Lyrics: Howard D. Steere
Lyrics copyrighted 1962 Steere Broadcasting
Musical rights publications Meeks Publications
Recorded by PAMS of Dallas
Arranger-composer : Euel Box
For air use on Radio Station WKMI (Dial 1360)

July 1962


Bill Meeks started the PAMS Advertising Agency in the mid-fifties.

While the concept of using catchy tunes to promote a product was nothing new, the idea of using a full length song to promote a radio station was. In 1960, Meeks came up with the idea of creating a standard 1:30 music bed, entitled “My Home Town” (in the “Sound of the City” – Series 16 jingle package). The song bed, written by Euel Box, was pitched to radio stations from Abilene to Winston-Salem. Localized lyrics would be penned by the jocks, or other staffers. However, more often than not, the amateur songwriters would cram as many words as they could into the canned music bed. 

It’s estimated that there are over 100 different versions of “My Home Town.”
 
While Terry was consistently the main voice on  the "My Home Town" PAMS jingles series, her name credit on the singles is anything but. Variations on her name have included “Terry Lea," "Terry Lee,” “Terry Lea Jenkins," and "Terry Lee Jenkins."
 
For as long as Marie Therese Leahy could remember, she was always performing.

“I first sang at the Capitol Theatre, in Austin, on the kiddie show,” she said. “If you were asked to perform, you got in free to the movie that day, and got two passes for later in the week. America was in the middle of a depression so I went to the kiddie show every Saturday and got on, and got my tickets.”

By 1941, she would find herself entertaining on another stage – in front of the troops, at one of the several bases around Austin. “Mr. John Peninger, who was a friend of my dad’s, was head of the USO in Austin and asked if I could be on the USO shows – I was only 14 at the time,” she said. Terry, as she was starting to be called at the time, would find herself singing before thousands of soldiers at Camp Swift in Bastrop, or at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin. “I would perform on a flat bed truck, driven out into a field, and there would be five thousand young men waiting to be entertained.” She would later be crowned Queen of Melody of Camp Swift. “What a treat that was, but I well chaperoned as my dad was quite strict.”
 
 read more :


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Eric and the Vikings on Zip


Eric and the Vikings

20563 ~ Chinese Soul
20564 ~ Vikings Theme

Zip presents
W.S.M. 102167

Zip Music Co.
Scranton, Pa.
October 1967


A-side is is actually "Ling Ting Tong" which was done by The Five Keys for Capitol Records in 1955.  B-side is an instrumental.

Unless some family relatives of Eric or of The Vikings band come to me with info (and please don't say just "Hi, that's my dad!"), Eric and the Vikings will be doomed to perpetual internet darkness.


***

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Modern Age on Hellam


The Modern Age

35723 – The Bullfrog Rock
35724 - Glenda Cheryl
Glenn D. Hake, ASCAP
Produced by Glenn D. Hake
Hellam
1975
Note : date of copyright 1957 on label is obviously wrong. The two songs were copyrighted on October 11, 1975.

From Hellam, a suburb of York, Pennsylvania.  'The Bullfrog Rock' has been re-issued in 2003 on "Rockin' And Stompin'" (Collector 4479) credited to Glenn D. Hake.

Glenn Daniel Hake was born in 1933 in Martinsville, Pennsylvania. His father died when he was a 3 year-old and his mother had to support the family.   Truck driver, free-lance photographer and country music singer, he operated Hellam Records and Majestic Air Photo in Hellam. 

In 1965 he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to seven charges, • including cheating by false pretense. Authorities said Hake failed to deliver on promises to have aerial photographs he took of various properties painted in oil after he received $450 from property owners.
 
 In 1978, Glenn Hake found a 2-year pit bull terrier in the streets of dowtown Harrisburg and went home with the dog.  One time when Hake was playing the old piano that he bought at a yard sale, Boopie jumped on a stool by the instrument and began tapping the keyboard with one paw.  "A light went on in my head. I thought it was a great thing, a dog playing the piano," Hake recalled.  So, he went about teaching Boopie to play the piano. At first Boopie would only use his left paw, but two weeks and many doggie treats later, Boopie was tickling the ivories with both paws. "With his talent, I could use him to make a profit. I decided I'd rather make it non-profit I'd like to use his talents to help poor people," Hake said.   So he decided to found Man's Best Friend Charities Inc., with the purpose of raising money during charity events where Boopie will be the star performer.

Glenn Hake died in 1993, but The Modern Age 'sans' Glenn Hake still performed as recently as two years ago at Hellam Fire Company  pic :
After dinner, couples may take to the dance floor to dance the night away to the tunes of local band The Modern Age. “The event is meant (to give people the opportunity) to dance, attending couples are not required to dance.   However, even people who are not planning to dance may change their minds when they hear The Modern Age, which has been performing an assortment of country rock from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, on and off locally since 1970.   The band currently consists of Jim Haugh of Hellam on rhythm guitar and vocals, Bill Dunlap of Yorkana on bass guitar and vocals,  Jeff Winter of Wrightsville on drums and vocals, Mike Hubler of Wrightsville on lead guitar and vocals, and special guest Logan Kinard of Craley on guitar and vocals.