"That's News to Me" - Archive #12

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A Mix of Music Related Text and Photos That You May Find Interesting



Country Artist Teddy Wilburn, Rest In Peace
Grand Ole Opry Star Teddy Wilburn Passed Away November 24th at 4:15 P.M. in Nashville. The family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Fund ... Opry Trust fund or PSP Organization in lue of flowers.
            BIO - Born Nov 30 in Hardy, Arkansas. Joined the Opry in 1953. Teddy Wilburn first started appearing regularly on the Opry with the other Wilbur Children when he was only 9 years. He came back as a duo with his brother for almost 30-years. He has been a solo performer since his brother's death in 1982.
            Teddy was barely six years old when he made his first public appearance - shivering on a Thayer street corner on Christmas Eve performing with his brothers Lester, Leslie and Doyle and sister Geraldine.
            Their father got them started early. "Pop" Wilburn ordered their musical instruments from the Sears catalog, rehearsed them for over a year, constructed two hardwood floors in the backyard between two oak trees, and then invited neighbors from miles around to come to their home for backyard square dances. Everybody danced and twirled as the young Wilburns played their guitars, fiddles and mandolin.
            Since their one-room schoolhouse had only a 6-month term, that left them 6 months to tour and play at local radio stations schools, churches, and movie houses - wherever their dad, who was also their manager, agent, and PR man, could book them.
            Roy Acuff caught their act in Birmingham, AL and told the Grand Ole Opry management about the Wilburn kids and arranged an audition.
            The Wilburn Children became regular members in 1940. However due to the extreme young ages of the children and the show's late hours, the pressures from a child labor organization forced them to terminate the children's stay after only six months.
            They returned home and played small radio stations and gatherings. Sister Geraldine got married and left the act. The four Wilburn brothers continued pickin' and singin' and became members of the "Louisiana Hayride" in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1948. They played the Hayride until the Korean War took Teddy and Doyle in 1951.
            After their release from the Army, Teddy and Doyle went to work with Webb Pierce and his show and were soon back on the Opry. Webb got them a recording contract with Decca Records that became a 22-year relationship. Their 1963 hit "Troubles Back in Town" was followed by other Wilburn classics, "Roll Muddy River," "It's Another World," Someone Before Me," and "Arkansas."
            They appeared on everything from Arthur Godfrey to Dick Clark's American Bandstand and had their own syndicated television show for more than 12 years - introducing such country greats as Loretta Lynn, the Osborne Brothers and Crystal Gayle to national audiences.
            The Wilburn Brothers' career ended on October 16, 1982, when Doyle died from cancer. "It was like a 45-year marriage ended," Teddy said. "There was a lot of adjusting to do."
            Today Teddy still performs on the Opry - continuing the tradition of having a Wilburn on the stage of the Opry - a tradition started 60 years ago. -TWANGTOWNUSA.COM


Obituary: Pop-rocker Teddy Randazzo
           Teddy Randazzo, a pop singer who starred in several 1950s rock 'n' roll movies and went on to co-write hit songs like "Goin' Out of My Head" and "Pretty Blue Eyes," died Friday at his home in Orlando. He was 68. Born in Brooklyn to a musical family, Randazzo started his career by singing lead with the Three Chuckles, who had a top-20 hit in late 1954 with "Runaround."
           He became friends with rock 'n' roll deejay Alan Freed and starred in several early rock movies, including "Rock, Rock, Rock," where he played the clean-cut boyfriend of a young Tuesday Weld. He also attended Juilliard, getting the training with which he and longtime friend Bobby Weinstein co-wrote hits that also included "Hurt So Bad" and "Gonna Take a Miracle." He and Weinstein recently had begun writing again.



Derailers Split
As posted on the Steel Guitar Forum by their steel player Chris Schlotzhauer: http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum4/HTML/005451.html
           "New Years Eve will be the last date for the Derailers. I guess I can officially post this, because they are announcing this publicly from the stage at our performances. Part of the reason is personal, which I won't go into on this forum. The other is business, and the way Sony has mistreated the band.
           I have had the pleasure of playing with this great band for years, touring all over the country, playing places I would have never had the opportunity to play before. The Opry, Jerry Lewis telethon, fan fair, Buck's Palace are just the highlights. This experience has, more than anything, brought me, and my playing, back to real, traditional country music. It has improved my playing and performance skills tenfold. It saddens me for this to come to an end, but I feel that their music catalog will transcend years to come. Their popularity nationwide and worldwide I have witnessed firsthand. The country scenes in cities like LA, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC have grown from their inspiration. First time listeners become immediate fans when they hear real country and wonder why all "country" isn't this way anymore. This is the real tragedy here. Because traditional country gets shot down again. I would like to thank Tony Villanueva, Brian Hofeldt, Ed Adkins, and Scott Mathews for their friendship and letting me share this great musical experience. I'm not sure I can top this experience, so I will always cherish it.
           It is an honor to have been associated with all the great steelers who have performed with the Derailers. I think the list would include: Marty Muse, Mike Daily, Scott Walls, Kevin Owens, Dan Dougmore, Bruce Bouton, Pete Finney, Ricky Davis, Tommy Detamore, Tommy White, J.D. Mainess (sp). If I missed someone, let me know."
           If you want to catch the Derailers between now and NYE, the last remaining shows are:
11-28 VFW 3837 - Corpus Cristi, TX
11-29 Floores Country Store - Helotes, TX
12-5 The Cotton Club - Granger, TX
12-6 Sons of Hermann Hall - Dallas, TX
12-20 The Broken Spoke - Austin, TV
12-21 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar/Austin Music Hall - Austin, TX
12-31 Gruene Hall - New Years Eve w/Robert Earl Keen - New Braunfels, TX



"The Dells": Only '50s Act Among R&R HoF Inductees
           November 21, 2003 - Veteran Chicago R&B vocal group The Dells and six other artists who came to prominence in the 1950s, '60s and '70s will be honored at the 19th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies early next year in New York. The other inductees include: Prince; Bob Seger; quintessential Southern California singer-songwriter Jackson Browne; Texas blues and boogie-rock mainstays ZZ Top; ; the category-leaping English band Traffic; and former Beatle George Harrison.
           The Dells, whose first record was released in 1953, have been eligible since the first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held in 1986. Seger, Traffic and ZZ Top were also nominated previously, but failed to garner enough votes until this year. Harrison, who was inducted as one of the Beatles in 1988, died two years ago this month. He was first eligible for induction in 1993.
           The induction ceremony will be held March 15 at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. All living inductees are expected to perform at the ceremony, which will likely be televised later that month on VH1. Artists are eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record under their name.
           An announcement is due shortly naming the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Non-Performer Category (which usually honors producers, songwriters, record company founders or other behind-the-scenes players). Nominations are made by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation's nominating committee. An international voting body of approximately 700 rock experts then casts votes after receiving ballots. Following their induction, all honorees are featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's Hall of Fame exhibit in Cleveland.



John Mellencamp to Perform at Buddy Holly Tribute Concert
           John Mellencamp is to headline an all-star tribute to one of rock's largest icons, Buddy Holly, in Cleveland Ohio. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has announced the details of its eighth annual American Music Masters program. Buddy Holly will be honored on December 5 and 6, 2003. Holly was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
           John will headline the all-star tribute concert on December 6. Mellencamp has long had an affinity for Buddy Holly and his work. "What I like most about Buddy Holly is his songwriting," commented Mellencamp. "His songs had a common, likable tone to them; he was able to speak with very few words and convey a big message." John's management has told Mellencamp.com that John and his band will likely play 4 songs including several Holly hits.
           The highlight of the series is the Tribute Concert at the Drury Theater [http://www.clevelandplayhouse.org/print/seatingchart.asp?key=drury], Cleveland Play House on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for this concert are $30 and went on sale through Ticketmaster on [http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/894929] Friday, November 14 at 10am. To learn more about the event visit the NEWS [http://www.mellencamp.com/news.htm] page for the press release.




Gene Summers Launches
Rockabilly Reunion at Waco, TX
           WACO,TX (SPECIAL): Texas rockabilly legend and Rockabilly Hall of Fame member GENE SUMMERS (Big Blue Diamond, Nervous, School of Rock 'n Roll) will headline the show at Waco that launches a series of Rockabilly Reunion shows celebrating 50 years of rockabilly music (1954 ~ 2004). The show will take place December 6, 2003 and showtime is 7:00 p.m. All seats will be reserved. With Summers on the show will be Rockabilly Hall of Fame recording artist ROMAN SELF, the C.C. JEROME TRIO, and country recording artist TIM ALAN CAIN.
For show info, go to http://www.blueridgeopry.com/tickets.html
Eagle Entertainment Group, P.O. Box 552, Scurry TX 75158
email: eagle@nuwavenet.com
phone: 972-452-3387 - www.blueridgeopry.com



                       Rockabilly and Rock 'N' Roll Pioneer
Billy Adams to Appear at Barnes & Noble
           (Nashville) Rockabilly and rock 'n' roll pioneer, Billy Adams, will make an appearance at the Cool Springs Barnes & Noble, at 1701 Mallory Lane, in Brentwood, Tennessee, on Thursday, November 13, 2003, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Adams will talk about his life and career, followed by an acoustic performance with his group, the New Rock-A-Teers. Afterward, he will sign copies of his latest CD releases, Rockabilly Riot (a compilation which also features Elvis, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison and others), and his own recently issued career retrospective, Rockin' Thru the Years.
           Recognized as one of the originators of rock 'n' roll, Franklin-area resident, and Rockabilly Hall of Famer, Billy Adams, was raised in the hard-scrabble area of Eastern Kentucky coal mining country. His family was so poor that Adams and his brother learned to perform by banging on lard bucket lids. Anxious to break free from the poverty that shackled his family to the Appalachian mountains, Adams often dreamed that his music would take him to places far beyond the hills. In 1955, at age15, he put a band together with his brother and they travelled to Cincinnatti, Ohio, and recorded his song, "Rock, Pretty Mama." Adams and the band spent the next few years touring and releasing songs to the newborn rock 'n' roll market, including "You Heard Me Knocking," and "True Love Will Come Your Way," for Dot Records, and "You Gotta Have a Duck Tail," and "Return of the All American Boy," for the Nau-Voo label, among others. However, a major national hit eluded Adams, and he ultimately gave it up, and entered the ministry in the early 1960s, choosing to use his music to spread the word of God. Today, Adams early records are valuable collectors items and the recordings have been reissued many times on dozens of major and independent record labels around the world. The reissues kept Adams' name in circulation, and in 1998, he began getting calls from record collectors and American roots music specialists in Europe. "I was just amazed at what they were telling me about my songs, and how they consider me to be one of the founders of rock 'n' roll," says Adams. "There was only one problem. It seems that another artist with the name 'Billy Adams' had died in the Eighties, and the callers thought that I was an impostor."
           Undaunted by the news of his early demise, and buoyed by the interest in his music, Adams made the decision to revive his once-forgotten rockabilly and rock 'n' roll career. He put a new band together, and has been hot on the concert trail ever since, playing shows from Las Vegas to England, and a high-profile performance this past spring at South by Southwest, in Austin, Texas, one of the hippest conflabs in the music business. Adams, now 63, and his music are being discovered by a whole new audience. The Rockabilly Riot compilation and the Rockin' Thru the Years CD will further expose Adams to new generations of music lovers, and add to his ever-expanding fanbase and touring schedule. Musicologist Colin Escott sums it up best in the liner notes of Rockabilly Riot: "He is now one of the great exponents of rockabilly from the golden era, in demand at clubs and festivals worldwide."
           -CDA Promotions, Nashville - Tel: 615.885.5998 e-mail: CDAnashville@aol.com



Ronnie Dawson Benefit/Tribute Weekend
Scheduled for November 21, 22 and 24
November 10, 2004 - Get Ready to Support a Good Cause! The weekend of November 21 ­ 24 will see a trio of Ronnie Dawson Tribute / Benefits in the New York area. These events will honor the late great rockabilly singer and Wonderful Human Being ... RONNIE DAWSON, who passed away last month of cancer. (All proceeds will be donated to Ronnie's Family)

Friday Nov. 21st - Ronnie Dawson Tribute/Benefit Record Hop
@ Motor City Bar located at 127 Ludlow Street (off Houston Street) in New York City. Tel: (212) 358-1595. From 10 pm - 4 am. Six sensational DJ's playing sets of rockin' music until the wee hours. No cover! -- Special Guest DJ Rob "Chop Shop" (Dallas, TX), Rex (WFMU), Rockin Daddy O (WFHU) Jumpin' Joe Doto, Nick at Night, and Wolfman Josh. Raffles and Cool Prizes! Come on down and "Buy Ronnie a Drink!"

Sat. Nov. 22nd - Ronnie Dawson Tribute/Benefit Show
@ Union Pool located at 484 Union Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. Phone: (718) 609-0484. From 5pm til 12 am. Admission is $10. Eight bands including several who played with Ronnie, BBQ, Raffles with Cool Prizes! Featuring: The A-Bones, The Frantic Flattops, King Memphis, The Painkillers (w/Mike Hendrix/Belmont Playboys) ­ Rhythm Bound - The Memphis Morticians - The Wanda Jackson 5 - Turbo AC's Plus a Record Hop with DJs Rob "Chop Shop", Jumpin Joe Doto, Rex (WFMU), Rockin Daddy O (WFHU), Jukebox Jodi, and Dirty Dan.

Monday Nov. 24th - Special Ronnie Dawson Themed "MAD DADDY MONDAY"
@ Motor City Bar located at 127 Ludlow Street (off Houston Street) in New York City. Tel: (212) 358-1595. From 10 pm ­ 4 am. No cover! Benefit raffle and prizes! Record Hop with DJ's Rob "Chop Shop", Matt Fiveash, Wolfman Josh, and Nick at Night

At all three nights raffles will be held to raise additional funds. Donations have been received to date from Hepcat Records, Rockabilly Barbers and Wowsville with more to be announced. Members of the Press, for additional information, contact: Larry Shell @ 973-374-8495 or lawrenceshell@comcast.net



Rudy is Ready to Rock You
           By ERIC BARTELS (11/7/2003) The Portland Tribune - He never had a Top 40 hit, and he didn't make "The Ed Sullivan Show." Some of the foremost authorities on rock music in the '50s have never even heard of him. Rudy "Tutti" Grayzell's show at Duff's Garage could be looked at as a novelty act - but only if 50 years in the entertainment business, some of it in close quarters with the very inventors of rock ’n’ roll, can be written off.
           It's hard to say success has eluded Grayzell when he’s darting around his roomy '50s-style Gresham ranch house with the energy of a man half of his 70 years. He rushes a visitor over to a makeshift shrine, a paneled wall plastered with the march of his personal history: Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ritchie Valens - he knew them all.
           There's a picture of Rudy with Abbott Records label mates Jim Reeves, Floyd Cramer and Gene Autry sidekick Smiley Burnett. There's a poster advertising his appearance at the Hemsby Rock and Roll Weekenders, a huge, twice-yearly festival of early rock culture on the English coast. And there he is, draped with the left arm of a young Elvis Presley, the collar - and the lip - of the future king rakishly upturned.
           He grabs an acoustic guitar to demonstrate how he and Roy Orbison stumbled across a new sound out back of a Shreveport, LA, motel room one night in the early '50s. "We were doing gigs. You know, dance halls," he says. He strums a country rhythm, then abandons it for a jumpier tempo akin to a horse at a gallop. "Roy said, 'Rudy, what was that?’ " he recalls. "I said, 'I don't know. I did it by accident. " He seems to be suggesting that rockabilly was invented that night on the bayou.
           Grayzell was getting ready to record for Abbott Records when Charlie Walker, a disc jockey in San Antonio, tipped him off to a possible gig. "He said, 'Rudy, there's a guy called Elvis Presley. He's got country bands opening for him, and he doesn't like 'em. They’re passing through here, and I recommended you. Is that OK?’ I said, 'Sure.’"
           Grayzell says his band was playing in a supermarket parking lot when Presley pulled up in a Cadillac: "He had sunglasses on. I had goose bumps when I met him. He threw his arm around me. He said, 'How'd you like to go out on tour?’" Grayzell says Elvis later gave him the nickname Tutti.
           The 5-foot 6-inch Grayzell looks like he could still box or play the middle infield as he did as a scrappy Mexican-American youth in San Antonio. Born Rudolfo Jimenez, he's a disarming charmer who revels in retelling bawdy tales of alcohol-fueled misadventures involving public nudity, angry hermaphrodites and run-ins with the law. He raced through five marriages to women he calls his "best friends."
           "There's almost none of those guys left," says Duff's Garage owner Jon Wallace. "Rudy is one of those original Sun Records, Starday Records guys. He was there in the day. He almost made it." Wallace says Grayzell, who held down regular gigs in Las Vegas for years, is typical of early rock 'n' rollers who, having missed the break that might have led to stardom, carved out a living on the nightclub circuit.
           Last spring, Wallace assembled a group able to play authentic rockabilly behind Grayzell for a show at Duff's Garage, a venue which leans toward American roots music. "He goes over really well," Wallace says. "People who come down and see him are astounded when they see him do the real stuff. They really want to hear the original material."
           Grayzell says he recently disarmed a skeptical crowd at an East Los Angeles nightspot merely by introducing himself in Spanish as a "lowly" San Antonio native. "They started that slam dance, bouncing into each other," he says. "The bouncers said, 'Hey, Rudy, take it easy.’ The young kids love the rockabilly."
           Contact Eric Bartels at ebartels@portlandtribune.com




Narvel Felts' Christmas Recordings Available - Click Here



Cash Wins Two CMA Awards
           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Nov. 6, 2003 - Johnny Cash (news) won the Country Music Association's single of the year and video of the year awards Wednesday for his rendition of the rock song "Hurt." The announcements drew a standing ovation at the CMA's 37th Annual Country Music Awards.
           Cash was nominated for four CMA awards this year. CMA voters (about 5,000 industry insiders who belong to the association) nominated him before his death for best single and video for "Hurt," a song about drug addiction written by Trent Reznor (news) of Nine Inch Nails.
           Cash also was nominated for best album ("American IV: The Man Comes Around") and vocal event of the year for "Tears in the Holston River" with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The "Hurt" video underscored Cash's frailty by contrasting images of a young, robust Cash from concerts and movies with new footage of the weathered and gray singer crooning, "You can have it all, my empire of dirt." The sequences are stark and interspersed with clips of the crucifixion and other religious imagery.
           Wednesday's show included a tribute to Cash, with Sheryl Crow (news), Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams Jr. performing his music.



Rosanne Cash Discusses the Legacy of Her Father,
Johnny Cash, on Larry King Live November 11th
           In her first in-depth national television interview since her father's death, Rosanne Cash, the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash, will share memories of her father on Larry King Live Tuesday, November 11th. Brother John Carter Cash and artists such as Dwight Yoakum and Travis Tritt, among others, will join Rosanne on the show to discuss the influence of the legendary Cash. Larry King Live airs 9:00-10:00 p.m. Eastern time on CNN.
           A day prior to Larry King Live, Rosanne will perform at the Johnny Cash Memorial Tribute concert at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, George Jones, Rodney Crowell, John Carter Cash and others will also perform at the free concert, which will air on CMT on Saturday, November 15th. Writer/director/actor Tim Robbins, a longtime Johnny Cash fan, will host the event.
           Rosanne Cash is a Grammy-winning artist in her own right with 11 number one songs to her credit. Her recent Austin City Limits performance will air on PBS on Saturday, November 8th.
           The death of her father on September 12th has made their duet, "September When It Comes," even more profound. Written by Rosanne with John Leventhal (her husband and producer), the song appears on her March 2003 release "Rules of Travel," an album recorded as she witnessed her dad's declining health and dealt with the inevitability of losing him.
           When Leventhal suggested she record "September When It Comes" with her dad, Rosanne was at first reluctant. "I thought it might be too intense because of the subject matter and also my relationship with him is too precious, and I didn't want anyone to think it was a gimmick," she told the Los Angeles Times this past spring. But after further consideration, she warmed up to the idea and asked her dad to record the song. "He told me he would have to read the lyrics first," she says with a laugh.
           The next time Rosanne visited her father, they went over to the little studio he had in the woods. With brother John Carter Cash at the controls, Johnny started recording his track. "He was getting into doing it," she recalls. "And then he was calling for more takes: 'No, let me try that part again!' When we finished, I said, 'Dad, it's beautiful, you sound great.'"
           His response? "He said, 'No, now you take that back to New York and play it for John, and if it's not good enough, then I will fly to New York and I'll re-do it for you.'" Of course, no further recording was needed. The vocal was just as Leventhal had imagined when he suggested the duet -- classic Johnny Cash.
           The resulting song is a sparse, stunning reflection on mortality, the core of an album that numerous critics have called one of the year's best. In a style befitting both father and daughter, "September When It Comes" is as uplifting as it is somber:
           "When the shadows lengthen
           And burn away the past
           They will fly me like an angel to
           A place where I can rest
           When this begins I'll let you in
           September when it comes"


  • Dwight Yoakum, Travis Tritt, John Carter Cash And Other Artists To Join Rosanne And Larry King In Remembering Johnny Cash
  • Johnny Cash Memorial Tribute Concert Airs On CMT November 15th; Rosanne Cash's Austin City Limits Performance Premieres November 8th on PBS



    Reasons for Fan Concern:
    Oldies Radio Stations Move Into the '70s
               By JONATHAN D. SALANT, Associated Press Writer - One of the surest ways to feel older is to listen to the radio and hear songs from your childhood - or, even worse, your adulthood - described as "oldies." If over the years it seems those songs have gotten newer while you've gotten older, it's not your imagination. Oldies radio stations that once featured songs from the 1950s and '60s now play songs from the '70s. "Radio is an ever-changing thing, especially an oldies station," said Jeff Gold, a 44-year-old DJ whose build and voice personify his station's call letters, WBIG.
               "As the years go by, newer songs become oldies. That's just the nature of the beast," said Gold, known as "Goldy" to his listeners in the Washington area. So roll over Chuck Berry and make way for Fleetwood Mac. Your music hasn't lost its appeal to listeners. But advertisers? That's another story. Advertisers covet the 25-to-54 age group. The first baby boomers - the generation born right after World War II and the primary audience for oldies music - are pushing 60.
               "This is Marketing 101," said Dick Bartley, who hosts two nationally syndicated oldies programs, "Rock & Roll's Greatest Hits" and "American Gold." "The oldies format is doing what every business has to do - follow your demographic." So as radio stations seek to attract advertisers, it's increasingly difficult for fans of 1950s and early '60s rock to find those tunes on the dial. A study by Coleman, a North Carolina media research firm, found the vast majority of oldies stations in the 50 largest markets are playing more modern music than they did three years ago. "The only reason that our oldies stations have moved into the late '60s and '70s is the advertisers are telling us we have to do it in order for them to place business on our radio stations," said Marty Thompson, operations manager at KQOL in Las Vegas and director of oldies programming for Clear Channel, the nation's largest chain with 1,200 stations, including WBIG.
               The oldies format began in the early 1970s, as then-less-popular FM stations tried to distinguish themselves from the Top 40 AM giants, according to E. Alvin Davis, a Cincinnati-based radio consultant who specializes in oldies stations. Among the earliest: WCAU-FM (now WOGL-FM) in Philadelphia and WCBS-FM in New York City. By the '80s, almost every major city had a full-time oldies station. In recent years, the industry definition of oldies changed to include all of the '70s.
               "As with the format when it originally came about, the whole genesis was to play music that was older," said Tim Maranville, program director at KOOL in Phoenix and vice president for oldies programming at Infinity Broadcasting, which owns 120 stations. "These songs are growing into our format. As an oldies person, the '70s don't bother me because there was some wonderful music in the '70s." But the newer music has turned off some longtime listeners. Indeed, a new study by Coleman found oldies fans abandoning stations in direct proportion to the amount of '70s music on the air.
               That includes people like Joe Barnard, 61, of Fairfax Station, Va., who said he now listens to compact discs or cassette tapes because he can't hear '50s songs on the radio. "I have nothing against '70s music," he said. "It's just not the music I'm interested in hearing. My real interest in music began in the '50s. I still want to hear '50s music." Jenny McCaw, 54, of Alexandria, Va., agreed. "The Eagles are a good group, but they're not '50s and they're not old enough to be oldies," she said.
               Alan Lee hosts a Sunday evening '50s program on Baltimore oldies station WQSR and owns record stores in Silver Spring, Md., and Baltimore that specialize in oldies music. He said there still is a market for traditional oldies because, "For whatever reason, people tend to be fond of music that was popular when they were teenagers."
               One byproduct of the trend toward newer oldies is the return of '50s and '60s music to AM radio, which played those songs when they were new. At least seven AM stations around the country, from Buffalo, N.Y., to Portland, Ore., are trying this format. Cincinnati's "real oldies" station uses the same call letters - WSAI - and some of the DJs from its days as a Top 40 station four decades earlier.



    Daughter of June Carter Cash Found Dead
    CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - (Sat., Oct. 25, 2003) - The daughter of late country music singer June Carter Cash was found dead in a parked bus along with a Nashville bluegrass fiddle player, authorities said. Officials said Saturday that carbon monoxide from six propane or kerosene heaters on the bus may have killed the two and that an autopsy was planned. The bodies were found Friday afternoon.
               Ted Denny, spokesman for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, said Saturday that the deaths were "suspicious." He said emergency medical workers found drug paraphernalia, including needles and pipes, on the bus near the bodies. Investigators identified the victims as Rosey Nix Adams, who also was the 45-year-old stepdaughter of late singing legend Johnny Cash; and Jimmy Campbell, 40, a bluegrass fiddle player who performed and recorded in Nashville for more than a decade. Adams and her husband, Philip Adams, had recently sold a home in Montgomery County and were preparing to travel in the bus. They had parked the bus behind the house for repairs.
               Investigators said the bus may have been owned by the late bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe. Emergency workers found memorabilia from Monroe and Johnny Cash on the bus, such as autographed pictures.
               Rosey Nix Adams, also known as Rosey Carter Adams, was the daughter of June Carter Cash and her second husband Richard "Rip" Nix. She was a songwriter and had pursued a performing career. Campbell was a member of The Sidemen, a band of Nashville session players, and had toured and recorded as leader of his own band.
               "The Cash and Carter families are shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely death of Rosey Carter Adams," family spokesman Kirt Webster said in a statement. "The family has suffered greatly this year by the successive passing of Rosey's mother, June Carter Cash, and her stepfather, Johnny Cash, in just over five months."
               Rosey Nix Adams' mother died in May, and Johnny Cash died last month.



    Charlie Gracie Review: Helsinki
    Hello Friends: This review is nice, plus the writer speculates on who might have recorded the first real rock 'n' roll records. According to him, my dad's is in the ballpark as well.  He and my mom are still in Finland, but will return to England to finish another week of touring before returning home. The tour began Oct. 3rd! READ ON ... Charlie, Jr.
               Hi everyone! It was a great show!
               Charlie visited Goofin' Records shop earlier on Saturday with his wife. It seemed that Charlie was really enjoying all the fans and it was great to see him in good shape. He is a real nice, down to earth person, with good sense of humour. Charlie chatted with everyone and autographed everyone's records like there was no hurry at all. He told us how close friends he and Eddie Cochran were and how Eddie used to visit their home when he was on the east cost. Charlie had a scheduled rehersal session with the band so he couldn't stay more than half an hour, but I'm sure that when he left, everyone was eagerly waiting for the evening.
               Slap Sally Combo started the evening at Stella Star club around 9:30pm. They have just released a new record "Darkest Days" and they are heading to New York next week where they will be playing at Continental Club "CMJ Music Marathon"  (Oct 25) http://www.continentalnyc.com/ and Finnish Chuch of New York (Oct 24). There were lots of songs from the new album and many orginals written by the band. SSC is a good hillbilly trio with rockabilly flavour, if you have a chance to see them, don't miss it. More info http://www.slapsallycombo.com.
               The club was sold out and it was great to see so many people there.  DJ's Hound Dog Man & Sax were spinning wax and everyone was waiting for the next band.  It was a surprise when they announced that Charlie Gracie would be the next artist.  In 1981 when Charlie played in Helsinki he was backed up by Johnny & The Roccos. This time the backing band was the Barnshakers/Hogs of Rhythm plus Kekka of the Silver Bullets on backing vocals.   It was a dynamite combination, Charlie was GREAT and everyone was enjoying the show. ITS AMAZING HOW FAST HIS FINGERS CAN BE, I told him at the Goofin' shop that his live version of "Guitar Boogie" from 1957 is my favorite version, Charlie's answer was that nowadays he plays the song three times faster, and it was true. I couldn't belive my eyes. I don't remember all the songs, but we heard these and many more: "Wandering Eyes", "Heart Like A Rock", My Babe", "I'm All Right", "Fabulous", "Butterfly", "I Love You So Much It Hurts Me", "Just Lookin'", "Tootsie".
               After the show Charlie was at the Goofin Records stand and signed autographs again. I really enjoyed his show and I sure hope it won't be another 22 years before we'll see him back in Helsinki. This man really shold have been bigger than guys like Elvis--he certainly has as much talent and probably more. No doubt he's still here, alive and breathing amoung us becasue he is a real person--obviously contented and sincere. 
               The Silver Bullets had a hard job to follow Charlie Gracie on stage, but they did it well. Kekka is the best rock'n roll singer in Finland today and the band was real hard driving on Saturday. My favorites were "Baby Lee" and superb cover of Dale Hawkins' "Take My Heart". It was a pleasant evening, all three bands were truly great.
               I talked with other Charlie Gracie fans during the evening and there's one interesting fact that it's not so well known. I even mentioned this to Charlie and I don't think he was aware of it.
               It's a well known fact that Bill Haley recorded "Rocket 88" on June 14, 1951 and many think that particular record was the first rock and roll record, at least Bill Haley fans do. Of course there were many records before that which weren't so far away from rock and roll, the music was in transition, so it didn't happen at once. However, Charlie's first recording session in New York was in May 1951, the result was six songs that were released on Cadillac label. Two singles in 1951 and one in 1952. The first record was "Boogie Woogie Blues" and there's a great rock and roll solo by fifteen year old Charlie Gracie. So, this recording pre-dates Haley's "Rocket 88".
               Best regards,
               Tapio (October, 2003) - Tapio.Vaisanen@beveric.com



    40 Year Old plus Rockabilly Recordings
    Brings New Spark to Music World
               Retired Entertainer & former radio DJ, performer, Joe Penny, until recently didn't really know why he had kept, stored away in old boxes, dozens of old tapes, dating back to the 50's and 60's. Then a chance meeting with rockabilly artist, Dave Moore in June of 2001, led Penny to being booked on the 50th Anniversary Hankfest at Moore's home in W.Va. (New Years, 2003). He found out that a few years after being a member Hank Williams early band ('47-48) Joe had put together a rockabilly band in the late 50', and King Records released a couple of his 45's, which got air play, but not much else. Joe was still hopeful that some of his other material could catch on, and for a while he shopped it around. Dave Moore found that Penny still had some of that material stored away, and offered to fly him to his studio in W.Va. in March to re-record a session of "vintage rockabilly". He also informed Joe that, even tho' this music was no longer "mainstream" here, in Europe & England, it gets heavy play and sales.
               Moore and his partner, John Nubraugh (NBT Records) have just released and saturated the European market, Joe's first rockabilly CD, "THEN & NOW" : LARGE ECONOMY SIZE.
               Since retiring in the early 90's, Penny has kept busy working with several churches in the area, most recently joining the music department with pastor Steve Wingate at the newly established GRACE FELLOWSHIP on Alsobrook St. in Plant City, Florida where he now makes his home. For the past 12 years, both he and his wife, Frankie, have worked devotedly with Dr. Ron Patterson in Christian Disaster Response, (President, AECC) also 15 years with street and statewide prison ministries. This work has been the most rewarding, however Penny is very thankful for the many friends he has made through the years at WPLA (5 yrs) WTWB, WWAB (6 yrs) WGTO (3 yrs). With this new interest in his old music , Joe Penny has now realized one more purpose in his life, another way of reaching out to others.



    Marti Brom CD / Update
               This is basically an ad to let you know that Marti Brom's record "Wise To You" is now officially available courtesy of Goofin' Records. Available at Amazon beginning 1 October. But if you do a little searching on-line (or better yet, ask for it at Tower Records or your local record store) you should be able to get it for at least a couple bucks cheaper. The record itself has 16 tracks, each track containing one complete song. There are a variety of sounds on these songs, some of them are quiet, but most of them are loud. Many of the sounds are quite pleasant, at least to Western ears and to the ears of others who have been exposed in their youth to any of a range of popular American styles of European/African fusional musical forms.
               There are bunch of musicians playing on them, playing an assortment of musical instruments - mostly cut live in studio - two studios, to be precise - one in Austin Texas and one in Helsinki, Finland, which is lot like Texas, except colder, and the people and bathrooms are all different. Many of the musicians on the records are very nice. All of them are underpaid. Except for Marti - she got paid twice, since she sang at both sessions. There are two guest singers, one of whom sounds like Elvis. That's all I should say now without consulting a lawyer. Oh, I was just told about these on Ebay - this is not me selling this, but I just might bid on them:
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3353456071&category=29895
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3353456345&category=29895#ebayphotohosting
    -Bobby Brom



    Johnny Cash Musical Tribute Planned for Nov. 10th
               Nashville, TN -- A musical tribute to the late Johnny Cash is set to take place November 10th at the historic Ryman Auditorium with some of the biggest names in music. Performers scheduled to-date includes his daughter, Rosanne, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Sheryl Crow, Hank Williams Jr., Jack Clement, Steve Earle and Larry Gatlin. Musicians not yet confirmed are Bob Dylan, Bono and Bruce Springsteen.

               "John Carter, Rosanne and the rest of the family just wanted to give the public closure to their feelings about John's death," Lou Robin, Cash's manager said. "They thought maybe this would be an opportunity for a lot of different entertainers to come and voice their feelings and perform and entertain."
               Cash was the youngest person ever inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the only performer ever selected for both the Country and Rock Music Hall of Fame, until 1998, when Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Cash, who was awarded 12 Grammy awards during his 42-year music career, died Sept. 12 from complications related to diabetes. He was 71.
               Tickets to the Musical Tribute to Johnny Cash will be free. More details on tickets will be forthcoming.



    Title: Conway Rocks
    Artist: Conway Twitty
               NOW AVAILABLE on Bear Family Records - Makes one forget that later country pop stuff. Remember, Conway started out a rock 'n' roller, and while other collections have tried to capture that side of him, this one's definitive! It starts with his pre-Sun recording of Rock House, ends with the ultra-rare pair of tunes he cut for ABC just weeks before he went country, Such a Night and My Baby Left Me, and hits all the MGM high spots in between, like Lonely Blue Boy; Long Back Train; Hey Miss Ruby; It's a Blue Bird Blue; It's Only Make Believe, and more. 30 tracks with a 36-page book!
    TRACK LISTING:
    1. It's Only Make Believe
    2. I Vibrate (From My Head To My Feet)
    3. Rock House
    4. Give Me Some Love
    5. Shake It Up
    6. Double Talk Baby
    7. Don't You Know
    8. Mona Lisa
    9. Teasin'
    10. Make Me Know You're Mine
    11. Hey Little Lucy
    12. Danny Boy
    13. Hey Miss Ruby
    14. Restless
    15. She's Mine
    16. Foggy River
    17. Pretty Eyed Baby
    18. Rebound
    19. Lonely Blue Boy
    20. Hurt in My Heart
    21. Tell Me One More T*ime
    22. Long Black Train
    23. It's Driving Me Wild
    24. Blue Suede Shoes
    25. Platinum High School
    26. Can't We Go Steady
    27. Such a Night
    28. My Baby Left Me
    29. My Babe
    31 Is A Blue Bird Blue



    Glen Glenn's Bear Family CD Release
               Saturday, October 11, 2003 was the official release date of Glen's Bear Family "Definitive" CD. Bear Family has moved up the date to coincide with Glen's appearance in Memphis, Tennesee at the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and The Shell. The insert booklet is 68 pages!! Check your local record outlets now. If you can't find it - ask for it!!



    Wesley Tuttle Passed Away Sept. 29th.
               Wesley Tuttle introduced "Detour" on Capital Records in 1946, but somehow the past 50 years or more Capitol Records (which is now EMI) has forgotten about one of it's early recording artists. He was is a true western gentleman singer who has had numerous Country/Western hit records in the late 1940's and 1950's. Wesley Tuttle was born December 30, 1917 in Lamar, Colorado. He was an only child. Like most children in the 1920's and 1930's, he listened to the radio. He and his Mom and Dad moved to San Fernando, California when Wesley was still very young. His early childhood was very normal growing up in the San Fernando Valley area. Country/Western Music was being played over the radio waves and Wesley was listening to about every Country/Western music program there was. His first favorite singing star was the Blue Yodeler, Jimmie Rogers. Wesley would spend hours imitating Rogers vocal and yodeling style. At the age of seven years old Wesley recieved a ukulele. He practiced and practiced. Later he would get a guitar and became a self taught guitar picker. At the age of 13, Wesley met Stuart Hamblin. Hamblin encouraged Wesley's vocal style and guitar playing. Wesley started playing guitar and singing with Hamblin's group. After high school graduation in San Fernando, Wesley went to work with Hamblin's group, The Beverly Hillbillies and for a short while was an alternate member with the legendary western group, The Sons of the Pioneers. Wesley proved a valuable singer with these various singing groups. He was much in demand with his tenor voice. Wesley learned all of the harmony parts. He played good guitar and was an exceptional bass guitar player. Wesley would soon play with local groups in the San Fernando Valley area such as Jack & His Texas Outlaws and Jimmy LeFevre. It was during 1935 that Wesley first met Lloyd Perryman. Perryman later in 1936 became a long time member of The Sons of the Pioneers. In 1939, Wesley went to Cincinnati and performed on radio station WLW. This was a clear channel station that could be heard throughout the entire eastern United States at night. Wesley performed on the popular Boon County Jamboree until 1941. While living in Cincinnati, he became aquainted with Merle Travis and Grandpa Jones. Wesley decided to move back to the Hollywood, CA area to persue his music. He got aquainted with Tex Ritter, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Jimmy Wakely and Johnny Bond. He started appearing in western cowboy movies as a singer. He made movies with Johnny Mack Brown, Tex Ritter, Russell Hayden and Jimmy Wakely. It was during the mid 1940's that Wesley signed with Capitol Records. He was one of the earlier singers signed to this label. Wesley toured with Tex Ritter during 1945. Their first stop was Nashville, TN. They had five touring cars on this tour. "Cannonball" Dub Taylor, Arkansas Slim Andrews, Paul Stambaugh, Buddy Ray, June Widner, Charlie and Margie Linville all traveled together on this tour. Wesley would sing his big hit "With Tears In My Eyes". This was his first Number One hit for Capitol Records in 1945. It was #1 in Billboard Magazine for four weeks In the late 1940's, Wesley Tuttle started making guest appearences on the World Famous Grand Ole Opry. He introduced his next big hit recording "detour". This was a hit for him two different times. It is still a great sounding song. Later Wesley became music director for the famous ABC TV series, Town Hall Party. This was to be a major part of Wesley and Marilyn Tuttle's career. This was a popular western-cowboy-country music TV series that originated from Compton, CA. Many of the members of the Town Hall Party were already living in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area. Many were already established stars. Among the many members were Fiddlin' Kate (Margie Warren), Tex Ritter, Freddie Hart, Johnny Bond, Joe and Roselee Maphis, Larry & Lorrie Collins and the famous Merle Travis.
               After the Town Hall Party, Wesley was the musical director for Sacred Records from 1957-1970. He and Marilyn recorded nine albums between them. Those are highly collectible by western and gospel music fans. Courtesy: Buffalo Rick Galeener




    Big Al Downing Goes Honky Tonk
               Country Legend Big Al Downing Releases A Honky-Tonk Smash ­ "A Cigarette, A Bottle & A Jukebox" October 1 Internationally ...
              Give me a cigarette, a bottle and a jukebox
              I need some good old-fashioned crying time
              Give me a cigarette, a bottle and a jukebox
              So I can smoke and drink till I get her off my mind
              "I've always wanted to write a honky-tonkin', cryin' in your beer type song and this is it for me," says Big Al Downing about his upcoming international single release, "A Cigarette, A Bottle & A Jukebox." This is "an honest-to-goodness, down on your luck, end of the world song" that somehow feels good. A classic dance floor shuffle, "Cigarette" is as country as dirt and reminiscent of hits of old - from its straight-ahead lyric to its down-home beat. This record embodies the very best of Big Al Downing - and country music - and is the second international release from Downing's much-acclaimed CD, ONE OF A KIND on Platinum Express Records. Well received during Big Al's recent sold-out Grand Ole Opry appearance, the track has been singled out in virtually every review of the new CD.            The first single from ONE OF A KIND, "Joe's Truck Stop," recently went to the #12 spot on the Euro charts and the album made the highest-ever debut by an African- American artist on the Americana Music Chart at #20. The release has generated major press for Downing, with recent features in No Depression, Blue Suede News and Country Standard Time. " Š Downing still sounds as good as he did when he cut his first country hits," reads the Country Standard Time review ­ and it's the truth.           Big Al has been making hit records for decades, but that doesn't mean that either he or his music has fallen behind the times. Downing recently headlined the first-ever-live XM Satellite Radio's Channel 10 "America" concert and still tours regularly.           "A Cigarette, A Bottle & A Jukebox" will be released to international radio via the Country HotDisc Compilation CD on October 1. Learn more about Big Al online at www.platinumexpressrecords.com.



    Johnny Cash Wins Top Honors at Americana
               NASHVILLE - 9/20/03 - A week after his death, Johnny Cash was honored with artist, song and album of the year awards at the Americana music awards show. Cash won song of the year on Friday for "Hurt," a stirring anti-drug song written by Trent Reznor (news) of the rock group Nine Inch Nails, and album of the Year for "American IV: The Man Comes Around," the latest in a series produced by rock-rap producer Rick Rubin. Cash was selected artist of the year for his work on the song and album.
               Friday's show was the second for the Americana Music Association, a group that promotes more traditional country music than much of the contemporary pop-oriented sounds of Nashville.
               Other 2003 winners were dobro player Jerry Douglas, instrumentalist; the Band singer Levon Helm, lifetime achievement award for performer; country rock pioneer Gram Parsons, president's award; producer and Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, lifetime achievement for executive; and singer-songwriter John Prine, lifetime achievement for songwriter.



    Edward Franklin Morgan II: 1940-2003
               Edward Franklin Morgan II departed peacefully to join other family members and be with his God on Friday, Sept. 12, 2003. Ed was born Jan. 10, 1940, in Beaumont. In 1961, he co-founded Morgan Portable Buildings with his brother, Guy Morgan. Together, they pioneered the modular building industry, later adding spas and hot tubs. Morgan Buildings and Spas is now a well-known Dallas-based company with operations and customers worldwide.
               Ed's passion and love for music drew him to produce and promote many new and upcoming recording artists. Artists whose careers he managed and/or influenced include Sammi Smith, John Anderson, Johnny and Edgar Winter, George Jones, Burl Boykin, J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), and others. In recognition of his life-long commitment, he was inducted into the Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame and into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame as a top record producer. He produced the CD for the "Rockabilly Masters" group that consisted of: Stan Perkins, W.S. Holland, Burl Boykin, C.W. Gatlin, Mack Self and Travis LeDoyt in 2000. This high-powerd rockabilly album was released on the Rockabilly Hall of Fame label.
               During the 1970s, Ed owned and operated an exclusive hunting club near Junction, Texas, known as Executive Sportsman Association. Many Dallas-area business and banking executives enjoyed hunting there with Nashville artists over the years. Ed suffered a physical disability in the late 70s, but that didn't keep him from enjoying and sharing his passion for hunting, fishing, music and business.
               He was preceeded in death by his parents, Amy Hebert Morgan and Guy Hicks Morgan of Woodville, Texas; his sister, JuAnne Morgan Burgess of Georgetown, and oldest son, Edward F. "Rusty" Morgan III. Survivors: Sons, Rick Morgan and David Morgan of Rendon, and Michael Morgan of Garland; brothers, Hicks Morgan and Guy Morgan of Dallas; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    Ciurtesy: the Star-Telegram, 9/18/2003.



    Sheb Wooley ("High Noon," "Purple People Eater") Dead at 82
               by Edward Morris - Singer, songwriter and actor Sheb Wooley - who also recorded a series of parody hits as Ben Colder - died Tuesday (Sept. 16) at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. He was 82. Wooley had suffered from leukemia for the past five years, his widow, Linda Dotson, told CMT.com. But she said he had been strong enough to go with her to Johnny Cash's wake on Sunday (Sept. 14). While there, she continued, he seemed to falter: "It was like God laid His hand on his shoulder and said, 'You'll be the third to go,'" Dotson observed. (TV actor John Ritter, son of Country Music Hall of Fame member Tex Ritter, died the day before Cash.)
               Shelby F. Wooley was born April 10, 1921, near Erick, Oklahoma. While a teenager, he worked as a rodeo rider and formed his own band. In the mid-1940s, he performed on radio stations WLAC and WSM in Nashville and subsequently had his own show on the Calumet Radio Network. He signed to Bullet Records in 1946, then moved on to MGM Records two years later, where he remained until 1973. Wooley was a major musical influence on Roger Miller, who was related to him by marriage. Miller was only 11 when Wooley gave him his first fiddle.
               Wooley began acting in movies in 1950, appearing first in Rocky Mountain with Errol Flynn. In 1952, he played killer Ben Miller in the Gary Cooper-Grace Kelly classic western, High Noon. Altogether, he acted in more than 60 films, among them Giant (1956) and Hoosiers (1986). Prominent in television acting as well, he played the role of Pete Nolan in the popular Rawhide series from 1959 to 1966.
               As a recording artist, Wooley had his first success on the pop charts. His "Are You Satisfied?" barely made a dent in 1955, reaching only the No. 95 spot. But three years later, he unleashed a monster with the novelty tune, "The Purple People Eater." It went No. 1 on the pop listings and stayed there for six weeks. "That's My Pa," another novelty effort in 1962, was his first country hit. It also reached No. 1.
               As "Ben Colder," Wooley scored six country and five pop hits with such parodies as "Don't Go Near The Eskimos" (a takeoff on "Don't Go Near The Indians"), "Still No. 2," "Almost Persuaded No. 2," "Detroit City No. 2" and "Harper Valley P.T.A. (Later That Same Day)." His last charted country song came in 1971 with "Fifteen Beers Ago," a sendup of Conway Twitty's "Fifteen Years Ago." Fittingly enough, Wooley wrote the theme song for the Hee Haw series. In 1968, the Country Music Association honored Wooley/Colder with its comedian of the year award.
               On Oct. 9, 2002, then Tennessee senator Fred Thompson saluted Wooley as an "American treasure" by reading a catalog of his achievements into the Congressional Record. "He never strayed far from his roots," Thompson said, "and always knew how to rope in an audience."



    Nat King Cole: The Classic Singles 100 Jewels From The King's Crown. Capitol Records to Release Nat King Cole: The Classic Singles. A 4-CD Career Spanning Box Set of 100 Singles Including: "Mona Lisa," "Nature Boy," "Unforgettable," "The Christmas Song," In Stores November 4, 2003>
               Hollywood, CA, September 16, 2003 - Every king has a treasure. It was a feat to choose 100 songs out of the 1000's in Nat King Cole's treasure chest for the new Capitol Records box set Nat King Cole: The Singles Collection. Due in stores on November 4, 2003, the 4-CD collection focuses on the 100 singles, many of which were platinum and gold certified 78s and 45s that Cole recorded for Capitol Records. Never before has Nat King Cole's music been curated so meticulously. Each single has been 24-bit digitally remastered and is examined in a detailed discography that reveals the single's producers, songwriters, musicians, recording dates, release dates and Billboard chart position.
               With over 115 hits (across 4 charts - Pop, R&B, Country & Adult Contemporary), Nat King Cole has enjoyed more chart success than any act in the history of Capitol Records. The box set, produced under the eye of the Nat King Cole estate, features extensive liner notes by award-winning journalist Lynell George, and many candid color photos of Cole in action at the studio and on the stage.
               Nat King Cole moved to Los Angeles in the late 30s. At the request of a club owner, Cole formed The King Cole Trio, with Nat on the ivories. The trio played quaint venues where people watched and listened to their gentle arrangements. At some point, Cole reluctantly began to sing a verse here and there. Soon, his voice became part of the attraction. Cole and the trio released the single "That Ain't Right" in 1942. With each successive single, the magnitude of Cole's star increased. Cole eventually drifted away from the trio and playing the piano. Instead, Cole focused all his attention on his voice. His new musicians were the orchestras commanded by the era's greatest producers, arrangers and composers like Nelson Riddle, Les Baxter and Billy May.
               The box set features masterpieces such as "Stardust", "Unforgettable" "Mona Lisa" and "The Christmas Song." A special addition to the box is the multi-lingual version of the standard "L-O-V-E."



           Hank Williams' Heirs Ruled Owners of Rare Recordings
               (Nashville) Sept. 8, 2003 - Hank Williams may have some "new" music on the charts thanks to a court ruling on Friday regarding the ownership of 40 songs never commercially released. The treasure trove of Hank Williams material in question includes over 150 recordings, including live renditions of many of his greatest hits.
               The ruling on Friday (September 5th) in Nashville court pronounced that sole ownership of a rare collection of recordings by Hank Williams will remain in the ownership of Williams" heirs: Jett Williams and Hank Williams Jr.
               The recordings, known as the "Mother's Best Flour Show" catalogue were recorded in connection with the radio show of the same name that aired on WSM Radio in the 1950's. The rare performances by the country legend were aired only once and subsequently saved from destruction in the mid '60s by Les Leverett, then official photographer for the Grand Ole Opry. The transcription discs have been in the possession of Jett Williams since the late 1980s.
               At stake at the court hearing presided over by Judge Irvin Kilcrease was control over the ownership of the musical catalogue in question. In an earlier ruling, the court determined that Hank Williams' record label held no ownership or exploitation rights to the music. The action was initiated by Jett Williams and her husband, attorney F. Keith Adkinson, with the assistance of Vincent Chieffo of California, in order to prevent a threatened telemarketing campaign of the "Mother's Best Flour" archives. The campaign proposed to sell some 42 overdubbed versions of Williams' music from the collection.
               Friday's ruling put ownership and exploitation rights solely in the hands of the singer's two children and prevents any third party exploitation of these rare recordings.
               According to F. Keith Adkinson, Jett will spearhead the efforts to make available the "Mother's Best" material - much of it never before heard performances - to the legion of Hank Williams fans. Noted Jett who was present at the announcement of the court's decision: "I'm delighted that this matter is finally resolved and Hank Jr. and I can, at long last, share this rich resource with the world at large that loved my Dad's music. This case is not only for him - but will recognize and protect similar rights of other great artists."
               On the road when the court ruling was announced, Hank Jr. put his thoughts in few words: "It worked out the way Daddy would've wanted." For more information on the Hank Williams Estate contact: Kirt Webster, Webster Companies, Inc 615-777-6995 x24, or F. Keith Adkinson, 615-655-5549



    "Elvis Band" To Tour Australia...
               The band who backed Elvis Presley between 1969 until his death in 1977 will tour Australia in December.
               TCB comprises of James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Glen D. Hardin and Ron Tutt will perform the songs of Elvis with singer Mike Gerace. Mike will be known to Australian audiences as he played Elvis in the Joe Esposito show "Intimate and Rare/In the Spirit of Elvis" in 2002.
               James Burton and Jerry Scheff also toured Australia once as part of Elvis Costello's band. Burton has also played with Emmylou Harris and Randy Newman. Scheff has worked with The Doors, Linda Ronstadt and John Denver. Hardin was Presley's keyboard player. He arranged one of Elvis' biggest hits 'The Wonder of You'. Drummer Ron Tutt has played with Elvis Costello and Neil Diamond.
               Hits in the setlist include 'In The Ghetto', 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Burning Love'..."
    http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2003/20030825_elvis.html
    Tickets go on sale Monday September 8.
    TCB play:
    Tuesday December 9 Sydney Lyric Theatre, Star City
    Friday December 12 Melbourne, Palais Theatre.
    -By Paul Cashmere



    Roy Orbison Collector: Glen Agritelley
               Glen Agritelley is not only the largest private collector of Roy Orbison memorabilia, but he has also made it a part of his lifestyle. From being a fan at his concerts to driving Roy's '85 Porsche, Glen Agritelley has a unique gift to deeply appreciate the talents of rock legend Roy Orbison.
               It is understandable why Glen is passionate about the music and life of Roy Orbison. Roy is tied to the entire life span of rock 'n' roll and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987. Even Elvis Presley claimed Roy as "the greatest singer in the world."
               Initially, Glen randomly purchased memorabilia around Texas where Roy grew up. Eventually, Glen started researching and tracking items, taking the collection more seriously. Since then, Glen helped underwrite a fictitious play, "The Lost Concert," about Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. He befriended Roy's lead guitarist, Grammy award-winner Bucky Barrett. Glen even opened an upscale wine bar and named it Mercy, inspired by Roy Orbison's song "Oh, Pretty Woman" in which Roy sang, "No one looks as good as you -- Mercy!" A small photo of Roy is discreetly placed overlooking the bar.
               "I am currently recording a CD in Nashville with Bucky Barrett and Scotty Moore, Elvis' lead guitarist from 1955-1968," Glen explains. "Scotty played on six of the songs recorded. Two of those were ballads that he recorded with Elvis."
               Walking through Glen's house is like walking through a Roy Orbison museum. Glen owns over two hundred collectible items from his '85 black Porsche to a series of ticket stubs from '63 and '64 when Roy toured England with the Beatles. Glen has walls and walls of autographed gold and platinum records, tour bills, photos and original sheet music. He also has two guitars signed by all five Traveling Wilbury's (George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne) and hundreds of releases (many autographed originals).
               Locally, Glen is often referred to as a "lifestyle expert." He is the owner of an upscale clothiers, Sebastian's Closet; TBarM Racquet Club, a tennis, health and fitness club; and the elegant wine bar, Mercy. These are all "lifestyle" companies that deal with the same client that is more health conscious, cares about how they dress and enjoys food and wine from around the world. His clients are also in tune with good music. Lucky for them, Glen is Roy Orbsion's #1 fan. [Email: Susan5665@aol.com]



    Parker's Shadowy Past News to Memphis Mafia

               By Michael Lollar - lollar@gomemphis.com - August 13, 2003 - "We never even knew he was from another country. Elvis never knew it. We just thought he was this guy from Tennessee. His name was Colonel - like Colonel Sanders."  
                 Jerry Schilling, like other members of Elvis Presley's Memphis Mafia, says the mysterious Colonel Tom Parker, an illegal immigrant from the Netherlands, concealed his past so well that he was still a riddle when he died at 87.  
                 Parker, who sometimes seemed as flamboyant as Presley, was a tireless promoter of the rock star he sometimes referred to as "my act." He was also his own act, a Dutchman named Andreas Cornelis van Kujik who reinvented himself as Thomas Andrew Parker, the P. T. Barnum of rock and roll.  
                 Biographer Alanna Nash, who spent six years researching Parker for a newly released biography, says she ended with mixed feelings about the roly-poly man whose accent sometimes made him seem to lisp. Parker died in 1997, two decades after Elvis, leaving supporters and detractors who still seem to ask themselves: "Who was that masked man?"
                   "I go from finding him extremely distasteful to having some sympathy for him," Nash said this week. "I don't think anyone could have made (Elvis) the star that Colonel Parker did. I think he genuinely thought they were a team, and that he saw Elvis as a young, far more handsome alter ego."
                   Her book, The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley, speculates Parker might have fled Holland after bludgeoning a woman to death with a crowbar. "I don't know whether he murdered that woman, but something horrible happened," Nash said of her exhaustive study of Parker.  
                 Parker hid his past from the rest of the world, and cut ties to his family except for occasional, odd notes in which he sometimes referred to himself in the third person.
                   In America, Parker decided to call himself "Colonel" after a long search for a suitable title (he had first called himself "Gov"). Eventually he would be named an honorary Tennessee colonel. It was a fitting title for a man who began as a carnival animal trainer, concessionaire, barker and promoter, and came to manage the world's biggest act.  
                 Parker meant different things to the different people closest to Elvis. Schilling says he often disagreed with the colonel, but describes Parker as somewhat likeable. "I don't think the colonel was a truly bad guy. I think he was intimidating. I think he was old school. I don't think the colonel ever understood rock-and-roll music. Elvis outgrew the colonel. He wanted to experiment, but the colonel wouldn't let him."
                   Schilling says Elvis felt "indebted for all the things the colonel did for him," and kept a soft spot for his mentor, despite growing resentment in his final years. "There was a respect between these two guys and a certain love."
                   Parker exacted 50 percent or more of the proceeds from Presley's career, which has led to the harshest criticism of his role as the entertainer's manager. But Memphis Mafia member Joe Esposito, now in Sacramento, Calif., says Parker did far more for Elvis than a normal manager. "Sure he took more than 25 percent, but there aren't many managers who devote themselves to one artist. The colonel never wanted a stable (of artists)." Major stars, including actress Natalie Wood, had tried to get Parker to manage them, he says.
                   In the book, Parker is quoted as coyly denying that he took 50 percent of Elvis's earnings. "He takes 50 percent of everything I earn," Parker said.   Esposito considers the speculation about a murder in Nash's book reckless. "To say somebody is a murderer and have no proof of it, I have no respect for her. Any man who loves animals and kids the way he did can't be a bad person."
                   Esposito says Parker also is unfairly blamed for "forcing" Elvis to star in a string of embarrassing B-movies. He says Elvis's contracts were seven-picture deals. "When you have a commitment, you have to do it," he says of the movies that played a pivotal role in Elvis's fame, including as cross-pollination for his musical career. Unfortunately, says Esposito of those movies: "There are only so many animals and little kids you can sing to."
                   As for accusations that the colonel seemed unwilling to intercede against his client's drug use, Esposito says Elvis began taking amphetamines in the Army to stay awake during maneuvers. Toward the end, he says, Parker encouraged Elvis to take a break, but Elvis refused. "You can't make a 42-year-old man do what he doesn't want to do," Esposito said.
                   Marty Lacker, a member of the Memphis Mafia, says Elvis had no business savvy or skills and that he relied on Parker for anything to do with contracts and deals. Lacker says he thought of Parker as a "hustler and scam artist" who abused Elvis's reliance on him. "If Parker ever thought Elvis was going to be around somebody who would (influence) him, Parker did his utmost to end that relationship."
                   At Graceland, chief executive officer Jack Soden says he had become a friend of the colonel before he died in spite of a legal battle in which Parker lost his grasp on the Elvis estate. "The thing you can't argue with is that he had to be one of the most colorful individuals who ever came into the entertainment arena in the United States."  
                 Whether Elvis would have become the legend he did without Parker, is a matter of debate. Parker kept almost as grueling a schedule as Elvis, booking, promoting and managing Elvis and acting as his public relations firm. "He worked his tail off his whole life," Soden says.
                   "Sometimes he was very shrewd and creative, sometimes very heavy handed and sometimes a bully. . . . Some say he was the greatest showman of all. Some say he was the devil incarnate. I don't think there will ever be a verdict..."
      http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/goelvis_king_weeks/article/0,1426,MCA_2779_ 2178186,00.html  



    Review:
    Lisa Marie Presley, Chris Isaak Concert
               By Jon Bream, Star Tribune. Published August 11, 2003. - She has the snarling lip, the swiveling hips and the left leg that won't stop shaking to the beat. She has the bedroom eyes, too, and the jet-black hair. But as a singer and entertainer, Lisa Marie Presley has little in common with her dad. In her Minneapolis debut Saturday at the sold-out Historic Orpheum Theatre, the pint-size Presley showed some potent material but not a powerful voice or a commanding stage presence.
               Even though this was the last night of her first-ever tour, the most famous rookie in rock history still hasn't found her comfort zone. She seemed guarded as a both a singer and performer, afraid to assert her voice in song or in conversation. She even relied on a lyric sheet on a music stand, festooned with flowers. (Unlike her dad, she writes her own material; her debut disc, "To Whom It May Concern," has sold more than 500,000 copies since it was released in April.)
               Presley's songs aren't shy. They are painful purges about betrayal set to a smoldering modern-rock sound that's more likely to evoke U2 than Elvis. But, with her dusky Cher-like voice, she didn't project loudly enough on Saturday, except on her final two numbers, the swampy, hands-on-the-hips "Lights Out" (about visiting Memphis and seeing her burial plot) and the defiant "Sinking In" (a post-breakup confrontation about being beaten down in a relationship).
               A tabloid princess since the day she was born, the 35-year-old singer/songwriter didn't seem afraid to be in the spotlight. She just didn't handle it with aplomb. With a voice that was barely above a hurried whisper, she talked to the worshipful audience, mentioning her autograph session that afternoon at the Mall of America, responding to shouts from fans and hoping headliner Chris Isaak wouldn't pull any tour-ending pranks to embarrass her.
               As if on cue, Isaak and his band waltzed onto Presley's stage and presented her with flowers and a cake with one lit candle. She later reciprocated by crashing Isaak's encore and planting a huge kiss on his cheek, leaving a tattoo-like lipstick impression. That playful moment may have said more about her personality than her own 40-minute performance.
               By contrast, Isaak, 47, was very much like Elvis in concert. In fact, Mr. Entertainer may be a joker to a fault. A chuckles-inducing old-school cut-up who makes fun of himself, his sidemen and women he brings onstage to dance, Isaak seemed to forget to take his neo-rockabilly music seriously. He has the loneliest repertoire this side of the late Roy Orbison's, but on Saturday he rushed through his unspontaneous schtick and his songs in such a way that the full impact of his music was not felt.
               A few numbers did stand out in his fun and funny, 105-minute performance: his slow, sexy "Wicked Game," the most controlled four minutes of lust in pop history; a heartfelt interpretation of Orbison's "Only the Lonely," and the understated, hopelessly moody "Forever Blue."
               Musically, Isaak has almost as many superior vintage-styled songs as Dwight Yoakam, but he can't get the respect that the neo-honky-tonk country star does. Maybe it's because Isaak, like Elvis, may be singing a slew of sad songs, but he simply wants to leave concertgoers feeling good after they have left the building..."
    Jon Bream is at 612-673-1719 or popmusic@startribune.com



    Remix of Elvis Presley's Rubberneckin'
    On Radio August 25 and In Stores September 9...
    Monday August 11, 10:01 am ET Remixed by Renowned Hitmaker Paul Oakenfold, Single Will be Featured on ELVIS 2ND TO NONE Available on October 7th.
               On the heels of last year's smash No. 1 hit, the JXL remix of Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation," BMG/RCA is set to release a remix of Presley's Rubberneckin' as a commercial single on September 9 and to radio August 25. The single has been remixed by DJ and producer Paul Oakenfold -- one of the most acclaimed remixers in the music business -- and will appear on ELVIS 2ND TO NONE, a follow-up to last year's highly successful "ELV1S 30 #1 HITS." This newest compilation, scheduled for release on October 7, will also include five additional Presley #1 singles, fan favorites and career milestones.
               "Last year's overwhelming success of A Little Less Conversation underscored the appeal of Elvis' music to a contemporary audience and we are thrilled to continue this momentum with the new remix of Rubberneckin' " said Joe DiMuro, Executive Vice President, BMG Strategic Marketing Group. "We anticipate it will achieve similar success, under the unique talents of Paul Oakenfold, and serve as an ideal precursor to the launch of ELVIS 2ND TO NONE."
               "My hope is that the remix of Rubberneckin' will introduce Elvis' music to millions of new, young listeners and help create a new generation of fans," said Paul Oakenfold. "I was drawn to this project primarily due to the influence of my father who was a dedicated Elvis fan and, with his passing, it is a tribute to him."
               Paul Oakenfold is often referred to as the world's premier DJ and is one of the most respected remixers in the business, having worked with U2, the Rolling Stones, Snoop Dogg, Smashing Pumpkins and Bjork. His musical tastes span a wide range of genres, including soul, jazz and disco. Oakenfold was one of the founders of the acid house scene that swept England in the late '80s and was a leading proponent of hip-hop.
               In addition to the August 25 radio release, a music video for the single will premier in mid-August. The September 9 release on CD and vinyl will include a radio edit version, 12" extended version and the original. It kicks off the newest Elvis campaign, culminating in the October 7 release of ELVIS 2ND TO NONE, which will be distinctly different and a complement to last year's "ELV1S 30 #1 HITS." This newest compilation presents a broader range of Presley's talents and incorporates multiple musical genres including R & B, rock 'n roll, pop, country, dance and rockabilly.
               All 30 tracks on ELVIS 2ND TO NONE have been mixed and mastered from the original master tapes for optimum sound quality. This is the same process that drew across-the-board raves from critics, music aficionados and the original band members themselves for the "30 #1 HITS" production. This year's album will include such classics as "That's All Right," "Viva Las Vegas," "Blue Suede Shoes," "I Want You, I Need You I Love You," "Always on My Mind," and "Don't Cry Daddy." Oakenfold's remix of "Rubberneckin' " is sure to be well received among today's generation of music fans and further demonstrates the legacy of Presley's music.
    www.elvissecondtonone.com



    Facility promoting state's music to be operating by March
    Airport to host Music Hall of Fame...
    By Samantha Santa Maria - ssmaria@jackson.gannett.com
               (Aug. 10, 2003) - The Mississippi Music Hall of Fame is about to get its first home - in an airport restaurant. To be called OnStage Mississippi, the restaurant at the Jackson International Airport will showcase memorabilia such as Jimmie Rodgers' guitars and mandolins, and Elvis Presley's old LPs.
               At Saturday night's Hall of Fame induction ceremony, organizers were presented with a $70,000 check from the eatery's Maryland-based operator, HMSHost. To match the theme, hungry air travelers can expect typical Southern fare such as catfish, cornbread and barbecued ribs.
               The menu might even sport a Lance Bass fish-sticks dish. Operators are contemplating naming dishes after the state's famous home-grown musicians. HMSHost has made a 10-year commitment to run the eatery and has also become a corporate sponsor of the Music Hall of Fame.
               The 6,000-square-foot outlet will take over the space currently occupied by Capital City Square Restaurant in the pre-security area. To be up and running by March, the 160-seat restaurant will also house a Starbucks coffee stand and a small stage where local musicians will be given a chance to shine.
               Malcolm White, executive director of the hall, will hand-pick musicians to perform there. "Initially, musicians will perform on special events, like the Jackson Music Awards, or if people are flying in for a big football game," White said.
               Richard Chinsammy, HMS-Host's director of food and beverage concepts, promises reasonably priced meals, rotating memorabilia exhibits, and a place where all inductees will be featured. "Our aim is to support the Hall of Fame and build awareness," Chinsammy said. "We hope that through our involvement, local companies will support the hall, too."
               The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame is also getting in on the action. A sports-themed restaurant, Sports Hall Café, will be built in the post-security area of the Eastern concourse.
               Community onlookers welcome the news. "People flying into the Jackson airport now have the opportunity to see the contributions Mississippians have made to popular music," said Drake Elder, co-owner of Be-Bop Records. "It beats having a museum which people may have to make a side trip to," Elder added.



    Legendary Record Producer Sam Phillips Dies
    By Robert Hilburn, Los Angeles Times. Posted August 4 2003. -
               Rock 'n' roll's roots are so deep and twisted that fans and critics often throw their hands up in frustration when trying to search through the various branches to explain its origins. It's a quest that frequently ends up in debates over such minutiae as which artist first used the word "rock" in a song, or who established the guitar as a rallying point for youthful rebellion. But the real story of the birth of rock may be as simple as a single man's dream.
               Rock 'n' roll lost its father when Sam Phillips died at the age of 80 in a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., where this son of an Alabama cotton farmer discovered and helped shape the talents of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.
               As a struggling recording studio owner in the '50s, Phillips certainly signed those artists with profits in mind, but this man with larger-than-life zeal was also driven by something deeper - a spirit that he saw in the music of the working-class South, black and white, that he felt could be a soulful, liberating force if somehow merged.
               Phillips was a master record producer (the spare, echo-driven quality of his recordings has been as influential as Phil Spector's "wall of sound"), but he was also a visionary and an idealist. Where most record executives in the '50s saw rock 'n' roll as simply another musical trend, Phillips saw it as a cultural revolution -- one that could be used by generation after generation to express deeply felt aspirations and ideas.
               "Money, fame, none of this jazz gets in my way of knowing the greatest thing on this Earth is being able to feel something," Phillips said. "That's the greatest freedom in the world. That's what I wanted my records to do."
               Before Sun, Phillips opened a recording studio to capture the sounds of some of the immensely talented black artists in the Memphis area, including Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King and Ike Turner. After some success in licensing those recordings to Los Angeles and Chicago labels, he got enough confidence to open Sun Records, where he recorded white country and black blues artists. In those segregated times, Phillips realized it would be hard to reach a wider pop audience because mainstream radio stations resisted hard-core r&b recordings. That led to his search for a white artist who could sing effectively in a soulful blues style. He found that artist in Presley, who instinctively combined white country music and black blues.
               Phillips was a maverick, and he became disenchanted with the record business when it became clear in the '60s that his independent label couldn't compete unless it was aligned with a major record company. Phillips - a proud man with a fiercely independent spirit - left the record business rather than answer to executives in New York or Los Angeles.
               While many of the musicians and executives of the '50s felt little attachment to the rock 'n' roll of the Beatles and Dylan, Phillips loved the way the music grew from teen celebration to a forum for ideas. It was in keeping with his original vision.
               Interestingly, rock 'n' roll also changed Phillips. In photos from the '50s, he's very conservative in dress and hairstyle, in keeping with the business climate of the time. By 1981, however, he had grown his hair long and wore a beard, looking like a rock rebel himself. He seemed like a man liberated and was filled with pride when he spoke about the legacy of Sun.



    Danny Gatton Book
    "The Humbler"'s time is now here! Backbeat Books has now released Ralph Heibutzki's UNFINSHED BUSINESS: THE LIFE + TIMES OF DANNY GATTON, the first major biography of the man acclaimed as "The World's Greatest Unknown Guitar Player" by peers like Albert Lee, Amos Garrett, Lowell George, and Arlen Roth. Drawing on dozens of first-hand interviews with friends, family and musical associates, UNFINISHED BUSINESS gives the lowdown on every untold aspect of the Gatton legend -- including his near-misses with fame, dedication to guitar craft, creation of the "Magic Dingus Box," and more! For more info, check out: www.backbeatbooks.com, or www.amazon.com.
    Info courtesy: Alex Trevor - fingersonfire2003@yahoo.com