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INTERVIEW BY STEVE KELEMEN
Married 40 years
2 children
3 grand children
My first performance was in the early 1950's at Cains Ballroom, Tulsa, OK on the Johnny Wills show. I was 10 years old. Later in Nashville, I performed with Johnny's brother, Bob Wills.
Traveled with Smokie Davis and Wanda Jackson.
Appeared on stage at the Municipal Auditorium in Tulsa with Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Patsy Cline, and Porter Waggoner.
Appeared at the Ozark Jubilee in Springfield, MO - This is where Porter Waggoner and I became friends. Porter was at my home numerous times. We traveled together doing local area shows in the three state area. I was friends with Don Warden. He played steel guitar and was Porter's manager.
I appeared and performed on the Grand Ole Opry several times.
I never met Hank Williams, but I met Audrey Williams.
Acquainted with and performed on the same stage as Hank Thompson, Sonny James, Marvin Rainwater Jim Reeves, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. Knew Brenda Lee, Billy Walker, The Browns (Jim Ed, Maxine, and Bonnie) as well as others.
Little Jimmy Dickens gave me the name "Little" Montie Jones.
I gave Johnny Cash a copy of my "Girl With a Ponytail". Six months later his "Teenage Queen" was released.
I performed at the Jimmy Rogers Celebration in Meridian, Mississippi with the Ernest Tubb Show.While there got to play Jimmy Rogers guitar and met Mrs. Jimmy Rogers. Ernest used Jimmy's guitar on his show that night.
Appeared on the Louisiana Hayride and Big D Jamboree.
I never met Elvis, but I was an acquaintance of Scotty Moore. I did see Elvis attacked by a crowd in Nashville.
In the late 50's, I was a disc jockey. At the time, I was thought to be the youngest D.J. in the U.S., but I don't know if this is a fact. I became acquainted with promoters and young unknown artists who became great and well-known stars over the years. Some came to the studio to promote their records, and we corresponded.
At D.J. conventions in Nashville, I met a lot of artists. I had a few beers with George Jones. The artists' doors were always open, and they were always signing photographs and giving away records. Everyone was friendly and everyone knew each other. There was no security. Artists would talk on the street with fans and have coffee with them. It was just an innocent time with talented people doing what they did best.
In the late 50's, I mixed Rockabilly with country songs "You're Just That Kind", "Black Cat Chasing Me", and "Moonshine" with local bands and studio bands. I recorded for Jemm Records which was owned by Marlin and Jemm Eubanks. I had three releases on the Jemm label. The sessions took place at the Gene Sullivan Studio in Oklahoma City, OK. Gene was a member of the Bob Wills Texas Play Boys at one time.
I also recorded for the Sasko label which was owned by Herb Schrivner.
At 24, I stopped working in the music business because I needed a break. I got married and never went back to music.
Page Posted: March, 2006
