ROCKABILLY HALL OF FAME® MERCHANDISE & SERVICES
Coordinated by Glenn J. Pogatchnik,
"The Ambassador of
The Bakersfield Sound"
E-mail:
Glenn
Click for More on the Bakersfield Sound
...
HOME PAGE |
CURRENT NEWS |
TALES/REFLECTIONS |
MUSIC/CDs |
ECHOES |
ARCHIVES
One night ...
Rick Vincent, Chuck Seaton, Jim Collord and I walked in to
check out a set of Country Music and were coaxed onto the stage of
The Lucky Spot on Edison Highway in Bakersfield. At the
time, we had just left a band called Thunder Witch with Don Curran.
When we took the stage to play a spirited version of Kaw-liga and Toby
(the owner in the 70's) introduced us as "Bill Malouf and The Sea
Witches" lol. William Malouf (drummer) - williammalouf@ca.rr.com
Subject: Bill Woods
Dear Glenn -
I am a big fan of rockabilly.com
and continue to be amazed about how little I know, and how much I learn each time I visit.
I've been into Buck, Don Rich, Merle, Billy Mize, Cliff Crofford (amazing duo!)for awhile
now, and lately have been getting into Roy Nichols and deeper into the Bakersfield Sound.
I'm getting the impression that Bakersfield , post WWII, in many respects, was way more
important (and progresssive) than Nashville. Is there anybody that did'nt make the
Bakersfield scene? I was thinking Roy Nichols might have been the catalyst, but could it
have been Bill Woods? Any ideas? This is how I spend my time when I'm out at local clubs
listening to music. LOL. Anyway, recently came upon a Bill Woods tribute song by Merle
Haggard on youtube. (My friend, Steve Urick, at retrofret music here in Brooklyn, sold
Lefty Frizzell's Bigsby/Gibson J-200 to Merle a year or so back. I was able to play it a
bit before that. Wow!) Anyway, Mr. Woods was wearing a cool cap in that video that said
"Bill Woods Bakersfield". Do you know if those caps are being sold, or was that one just
made special for Mr. Wood? There are lot's of folks like me, out here, that are into
keeping the real deal"alive", and paying respect to those true
country/western/swing/rockin' amazing pioneers that are still, somewhat, under the
radar.
(Like Phil Baugh!) OK, thank's for your time.
Regards,
Frank P.
Hello Frank, I apologize for the late reply.I've had my service with AOL interrupted
for a week and a half and hope my issue with them will be resolved by midweek next week.I
can answer many of your questions about Bill Woods because I spent many a day at his home
the last few years of his life and he reminisced extensive about his involvement with the
early years of the Bakersfield Sound.If you would like to call me at (805)528-6144 I can
tell you what I know about Bill.
Glenn J. Pogatchnik
Hi Glenn
Thanks for your reply. Things are hectic out my way. When it rains...I
hope I can call you sometime in the near future and chat about Bill Woods. I'm attatching
a tune of his with Buck Owens on it. Perhaps you have it already... I have
recently written a screen play that references how many major players are/were living
around Modesto, Bakersfiled, etc. back in the not-so-long-ago. My old high-school buddy
has just unearthed some tapes his Dad made at the Ajax Club, on Market St. in S.F. back in
the 60's, of some country western players. Turns out my friends Dad was from Modesto, so
he got the whole CW music thing. Perhaps they'll be a gem or two there...
Keep The
Faith,
Frank Palmer
Tally Records
Hi, can someone tell me where I can find the archives or any info for Tally Records.
I would like to see a list of songs by different artists, that were recorded by Lewis
Tally on his Tally Records. I am interested in finding some songs done by The Gaylads.
Caroline, Go daddy Rock, Kathaleen. Can you help me? Thanks, Julian Moralez -
Moradamusic@aol.com
Looking for a drummer ...
I had over in Taft during the '80's..... by the name of Richard
Kirkland.
Was in Bakersfield last Christmas and chatting with Artie at 'Front Porch Music' thought
Richard had passed away a couple of years ago, but not sure.
Would sure like to know any info if possible on him.
Thanx - Jim Reedy - pchefjim@comcast.net
Tom Lyannas
Do you remember me Tom Lyannas? I was on Kbak tv for awhile singing with Jelly Sanders,
sometime in the 50's, can't remember for sure and with Cousin Herb. We used to do our own
car commercials and my Dad played rhythm for Buck for a little while. tlyannas@yahoo.com
Hello from an Okie in Oklahoma
As a genealogist, I have just discovered that my Uncle
Jess Woods was a grand uncle to Bill Woods - Godfather of Bakersfield Sound - and I have
been looking at all the websites pertaining to Bill. I wish I could have met him but
unfortunately when I visited my uncle Jess in Denison, TX in the 1950s Bill had already
moved away and was on his way to doing bigger and better things in Bakersfield.
I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying your website "That Bakersfield Sound" and I
appreciate the privilege to get to read about all the "rockabillies" listed on the site
pages. I just gotta visit Bakersfield and walk the streets of Bakersfield - as the song goes.Respectfully,
Sharon Fields McKeever, Valliant, McCurtain County, OK - mckeever@brightok.net
"The Old Corral"
My name is Chuck Anderson, and I have a large website called "The Old
Corral" which profiles many of the western movie heroes, heroines, villains
and supporting players of the 1930s and 1940s. One of the performers that
did work in the lowly B-western was Edmund Richard "Hoot" Gibson.
There's an image of Gibson and Bill Woods that you provided to the
Rockabilly HOF web site at:
http://www.rockabillyhall.com/Scrapbook31.html -
It's a B&W image related to a film called "Life In Las Vegas". A bunch of
us western film folks have been looking for more info on that film. Nothing
has surfaced, and many of us believe the film was never made. One of the
issues is noted on the image - a "Technicolor Movie for Monogram Pictures".
High priced, 3-strip Technicolor just wasn't used by ultra low budget
Monogram Pictures. Paramount, MGM and RKO did color "travelogue" shorts
which were shown as part of a single or double-feature. If this was made, it
may have been a "promotional film" sponsored by Las Vegas businesses or the
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, etc.
Thought I would ask if you had uncovered anything more on this film.
Regards, Chuck Anderson - oldcorral@comcast.net
From Robert Tidwell
Good Afternoon - My name is Robert Tidwell - I live in Bakersfield California. I have a
band called the Token Okies we call ourselves that because all of the Band Members.
Parents are from Oklahoma. Anyway - I am interested in the Bakersfield Sound - I just
ordered the Bill Woods Recording of "Phone Me Baby" off of your website.
There were some other guys recording here on like the Turquoise Label, etc. - guys like
Jody Kiplinger " Jolly Jody & the Go Daddies" - (my bass player Frankie his dad was Jolly
Jody and my Drummer Kirby his dad was Jim Sharp - the Drummer) - Doyle Holly, Bobby Durham,
etc. I am looking for any of the early recordings of these Bakersfield guys from the 50's or
early 60's. Robert Tidwell - Robert@Tel-Tec.com
Looking for a Singer
We are looking for a singer that might have been employed at the blackboard in 1962 his
first name was Roy we are told he was from Florida and possibly work at a gas station
in the area. we were told he performed maybe as an opening act. If you have any
information on him please e-mail me. Thank you. Toni - BillsSugar@aol.com
Josh's Grandfather
My name is Josh Ray, I was wondering why my grandfather Isnt mentioned on this website.
Or any pictures. I was wonder if he had as big as roll as he said he did in the
development of the Bakersfield sound. I know that he knew Bill Woods and Billy
Mize and even Merle.
They were honorary pall bearers at his funeral.
Thanks. Josh Ray - gotmuff@aol.com
A Bakersfield Sound Fan ...
I came across your website today. You know, it's kind of funny. I am 37 years
old and I have always liked Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam, and Merle Haggard. Until
today I didn't really know what they had in common. Thanks for creating the site.
I didn't know it but I've always been a fan of that Bakersfield Sound even here in NC.
Also, I wanted to know what the name of the song is that plays on the site and who sings it?
Matthew Wagoner - mnmwagoner@roadrunner.com
Greetings ...
I am from Bakersfield and i wanted to ask you a few questions
if you dont mind. My mother is from Bakersfield you may know of her and her family "Story"
is her maiden name she has 22 siblings. My reason for contacting you is she has an old
photo of jolly jody and his go daddies. I know the sax player as geroge mcglaughlin
howerer my mom cannot remember his stage name . Would you happen to know the name he
went by? she remembers almost everything on your site about the others like woods mize
haggard paycheck ect she played at the blackboard on occasion she knows bonnie owens
as well as most all the artists from bakersfield since she is the same age and
they pretty much grew up together. if you can help me that would be wonderful.
also if you can help. i have been trying to get information of my moms family
for when they were younger if you can provide or give me any lead that would
be great. thank you. Marleen Patt, Bakersfield CA -
patt_habitatt@bak.rr.com
Jimmy Jeffries
Hello: My name is Lynne Jeffries. My husband moved to Bakersfield from Oklahoma with his family
in 1952.
I have heard a lot from the family about The Blackboard. My husbands uncle, Jimmy
Jeffries, use to play guitar with the Maddox Brothers and Rose. They had an old record of
Jimmy with The Maddox Brothers and Rose, but it was stolen. I was wondering where I could
find old records and maybe pictures taken of the Maddox Brothers and Rose taken at the
Blackboard with Jimmy Jeffries.
I welcome any ideas you have. My 83 year old mother in law had many pictures but cut em
all up when she and Mr. Jeffries split up in the 70's.
Thanks, L. Jeffries - SJJeffries6@aol.com
Big Bill Smith
I found your website very interesting. I've been looking for a man I met years ago. Big Bill Smith,
when I met him, was running a barbeque place in Costa Mesa. He was a great man. I know his dad ran
the Round-up in Bakersfield. It has been so long Bill may have passed away but I would
like to contact him if he is still with us. Do you have any information on him? Thanks.
Bob Amacher - bamacher@earthlink.net
Jerry Hendrix
Hi, I am wondering if you have any photos of Jerry Hendrix. Jerry played steel guitar for
Buck Owens back in the late 50's in Bakersfield. He also played the clubs there during
that time. He is a friend of mine and now resides in Manistee Michigan.
Thanks for your time, Scott Wikle - 1haggard@earthlink.net
Ricky Traywick
Was just surfin the net and came across your site.
I am a friend of drummer Jimmy Philips.
Was wonderin' if you knew that Randy Travis has a brother that loves the Bakersfield sound.
His name is Ricky Traywick.
Here is a youtube video book with Ricky singing a Christmas song...just thought I'd share.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2jbFGiLmI.
Take care,
Rob Saranpa
Thank you for an awesome site
I stumbled across "That Bakerfield Sound" searching for a dear friends web site Chester
Smith and his lovely wife Ann Lesley Smith in Modesto, Ca. I have followed Merle ever
since I moved from San Diego, Ca. to Turlock, Ca. some 25 years ago.
My wife's family called me a "City Slicker" back then when I first came to the Valley
but now I guess I ain't nothing more than a " Bought on credit, crossed eyed,
anchored nose, lopped eared hillbilly just living south of Keyes, California."
Whew. Somewhere I must have met Glenn at one of Merle's concerts and now I wish I
would have known his history. I hope next time Merle plays in the Valley I can look
you up and hear some great stories. Have a great Labor Day Weekend and God Bless
you and your family. Again, Thanks for a awesome and wonderful site. - Mr. Kim Briggs
(Kim's a girls name I know and being a police officer doesn't make it much easier I'm hear to tell you !!!)
Turlock, CA
From Ron Gaither
My name Is Ron Gaither and some of the old friends in Bakersfield wanted me to send in an update.
I worked in the clubs in Bakersfield back in the 70's and 80's as the bandleader three different
times at Tex's Barrel House. I worked in the Oscar Whittington band for a while and played bass for
Red Simpson also. I did work in several of the clubs around town. I remain good friends with many
although now I am a preacher on Oklahoma and have been away from Bakersfield doing "Country Gospel
Music" for several years now. I signed with "Hope Street Music Group" in Branson, Mo. a few years ago.
Had two songs written by Red in the top 10, and another that reached #23. With a total of seven albums
since 2000 I continue to record although its been over a year since the last titiled "One More
Wonderful Day" written by Dennis Adkins and Kathy Louvin. That song reached # 11. You might
remember Dennis wrote "Ace in The Hole" a George Strait Hit. Well, if anybody wants to contact
me, the best is rwgaither@sbcglobal.net -
Guys like Red, Oscar, Sonny Obrien, Johnny Barnett Jr., and also Inez Savage, Larry Petree, Mack Owens
and many others can tell you about the so called "good ole days". Find me also at
www.cdbaby.com/rongaither and
www.countrygospelconnection.com
in Branson (artist showcase). Take care and God Bless the Bakersfield Sound!
Ron Gaither
PO BOX 252
Byars, Ok. 74831
What a great website!
Just stumbled across it looking for a song, "I
Won't Live That Long". I played bass for Tommy Collins in a band in
Ocala, Florida in the early 70's. I'm not certain of how we ended up
crossing paths in Ocala, Florida. Maybe he told me and I knew once
and I've forgotten. I moved there to get married and was playing in
some country bands in Central Florida when someone told me of this
guy Tommy Collins who was wanting to put a band together. We used to
go over to his house. I remember Tommy would get out an old reel to
reel and play songs he had written for Merle. Tommy and Wanda would
tell my wife and I stories about Bakersfield and Buck and Bonnie Owens.
We had to go there so we quit our jobs, packed up and with Tommy and
Wanda's blessings headed for California. I remember having
Thanksgiving "dinner" (I'm guessing 1973) in a truck stop restaurant
in Bakersfield. I remember going to a honky tonk with a big parking
lot out front and hearing a band. Wish I could remember the name of
the band and the honky tonk. I do remember that there was a back room
and people were gambling back there. We stopped by the musician's
union local office and then went to Buck's studio which was converted
from a movie theater. But, in my mind, Los Angeles was the California
I had been dreaming of so we went to North Hollywood and rented an
apartment near the Palomino.
Thanks so much for the memories.
Jack Edwards
Houston, Texas
Huge Merle Haggard and Buck Owens Fan:
Hello Folks. My name is David Neel and I live in Ventura. I came across your website and just
wanted to let you know how much I like it and appreciate all of the work you have
done with it. As a huge Merle Haggard and Buck Owens fan, I just wanted to say "thanks".
I actually went to the Tally Recording building when in Bakersfield recently.
If you didn't already know this, an investor has bought all of the buildings on
that block and has turned them into rented office space.
The Tally building in your picture has been rented out to a church.
I was hoping it might be for sale so I could do something with it in terms of
preserving Bakersfield Country Music history. At least it hasn't been torn down.
David Neel - david@neellighting.com
Larry Daniels
I just saw your website and I was amazed. My dad is Larry Daniels and I'm Kris Daniels.
I used to work on-air at KUZZ and now I'm in Fresno at KHGE/Country ... but my dad has a
lot of old photos from all the different artists coming to town. I just wanted to
say your website was great!! Thanks, Kris Daniels - KrisDaniels@clearchannel.com -
Check us out at www.bigcountry1027.com
There is SO much talent in Bakersfield!
I have been reading a lot about the Bakersfield Sound on this website ... and I love it.
I have to say that I have lived in Bakersfield for a total of 16 years (moved away and
then came back) and until recently never really appreciated the whole country music scene.
What changed my life FOREVER was my 50th birthday party at the Crystal Palace.
I had the time of my life that night.
Since then I have become a fan of some of the local artists such as Stampede
(Crystal Palace on Saturday nights) and since taking up line dancing last year
have had the pleasure of listening to Bobby Durham and Brian Lonbeck at Trout's on
Thursday nights, what an awesome place. There is SO much talent in Bakersfield!
I absolutely love the sound and can't believe it took me this long to find it!
Anyway, I have enjoyed the information you have posted and I really like the old
photos, thank you.
Evelyn Thorpe - sew2much@inreach.com
From Bob Fanucchi
"
I went to school with Mark Mosley. What happened to Tracy Barton he sung at Trout's
Bar in Oildale?
"
I was good friends with Jelly Sanders, Jimmy Sanders and Jackie. He's up in Oregon
I believe. I got my tooth knocked out at Trout's too; I was sitting with Jim's wife by
a drunken guy who did like it, he didn't he know that I was protecting her from getting
hit on by drunks. Oh what memories ...
"
I have not been to Buckersfield for a long time. I lost sight of Ted Forse,
Dennis Payne, Faith O'Hara, and Kathy Payne and Dennis Knudsen and a bunch of others.
"
I was young and played guitar in all niters after hours at the Bakersfield Inn on Union Ave
and with Bob Ehret * passed away who ministered to me to finally become a Christian.
"
Hell, I now live where there¹s a church and Super-Wal-Mart on every corner.
I am an executive producer on indie movies and I dabble in acting too.
Bob Fanucchi
NMD2020@1scom.net
Harvey Craig
"
Just checking your website. My father was Harvey Craig. He was a
long time Bakersfield resident and died a few years ago. He used to
play guitar in and around Bakersfield in the 1950's. There are
stories in the family that he played with many of the local music
powerhouses and had opportunities to tour, but always turned them
down as the money was apparently not enough to sustain his famil.
I'm curious if you knew him or anything about his story.
"
I'm curious if you have any sound clips on your site ... I can't
seem to find any. I have a son who is fourteen and has two years of
guitar under his belt, and he also plays in the high school band
(bass clarinet). He's in a boy band and they are just getting
started. Anyway, I only have one video tape of his grandfather
playing and I'd like to expose him to more of that "Sound". I have a
gut feeling that is what my father played while I was growing up.
"
I enjoyed your site, even though I didn't know anybody. Sort of made
me feel at home. (I'm now outside of Sacramento!)
Kind Regards,
Darrin Craig
darrincraig@mac.com
"Oldell's" Son
"
My name is Michael Allison and my father is Odell. He played in a local band
in Bakersfield in the late 50's early 60's named The Bear Mountain Playboys.
I haven't been able to find any references on the web etc. Just wondering if
you re-call them, or have any detailed info. Just thought it would be interesting.
I don't think they were a big act, but they definitely made the rounds.
I appreciate the feedback, and I hope this note finds you doing well.
Mike Allison - mallison05@yahoo.com
My father was Gene Oldham
"
I really have enjoyed your website on the Bakersfield Sound. To introduce
myself, I am Alicia (Oldham) Selby and I live in Houston.
My father was Gene Oldham, a fiddle player and guitarist and very much a part of
the original Bakersfield Sound. He played with Billy
Mize, Jelly Sanders, Oscar Whittington, Bill Woods, Tommy Hays and a host of
others. He played at Trouts, The Lucky Spot, The Blackboard
and many other venues for many years. In the very beginning when Buck Owens
landed in Bakersfield and chased down to LA to try to
land his first recording contracts, my dad was often called to stand in as a
guitarist for him in one of the earliest bands that Buck was a member
of in Bakersfield.
My father passed away in October 2003, and my mother Nelda Oldham who still
lives in Bakersfield has been asked by Inez Savage to get together
some memorbilia, photos and fiddle and maybe one of my dad's Gibson guitars for
display for the Country Music Museum. I was hoping when we
get some photos and a short bio together you could post them on this website.
Fortunately the music lives on in our family, my brother Stacy and I are both
musicians and singer/songwriters. We are working on some
demos, and hope to record some new material in the next few months. Our
father's death has brought us back to our music after some
years of putting it aside. It is a way to honor him and to enjoy something we
have loved so much since we were very young.
Thank you for taking the time to do this wonderful tribute to all the musicians
in Bakersfield who together created that unique Bakersfield Sound.
With best wishes - Alicia Oldham Selby - bselby@neosoft.com
Brad Paisley
"
Just got some very unexpected and exciting news. Brad Paisley was on stage in
front of several
tens of thousands of people in Ohio at a big outdoor Country Music event. The
show was being
broadcast LIVE on TV. They invited people to email song requests to Brad during
his show.
Guess what he sang? GET A LITTLE MUD ON THE TIRES? YOU ARE THE WORLD?
WHEN I GET WHERE I'M GOIN? ALCOHOL? CELEBRITY?
"
Nope ... He sang Mayf Nutter's song JAMBOREE IN THE HILLS.
The crowd went wild, cheering and singing it out with him.
I had no idea Brad even knew my song. And since I am the only artist to record
it, he had to
have learned it from hearing my record.
Gave me quite a smile to think he knew my song well enough to play and sing it
on stage.
"
At our first meeting, backstage at the Grand Ole Opry a few years ago, Brad told
me that
his Mother had taken him to see a Mayf Nutter Show at the Capitol Music Hall in
Wheeling.
He said I looked like I was having so much fun on stage and the crowd had so
much fun that
he thought to himself, "I'd like to do that!"
"
He said that during my show that night, I mentioned that I was born and
raised in West Virginia where he is from.
So he started thinking, "Maybe I can do that too."
Then he told me he even found the guitar player in my band, who still lived in
West Virginia, and learned to play guitar from him.
he boy done good, didn't he?
Mayf - mnutter@bak.rr.com
From Belgium
"
Hello. I'm a country dj from Belgium ("Country Club" on Radio Columbia
106.9fm) and of course,
great Bakersfield and honky tonk fan! Your page is really incredible and I found
a lot of good stuff.
Next week,I'll go in France to see Mike Bella in concert. I saw him there're a
lot of years ago,
it's a excellent entertainer and singer. I'm sure he'll sing a tribute to the
one an only Buck.
Congratulations for your job Glenn! My best regards from Belgium. Alain JORIS -
texal33@skynet.be
It was a long sad week
"
We were there for Buck's final show.
Looking back, there was a feeling in the building that night that I can't
describe.
It's as if Buck knew.
Only 6 days before, I was backstage talking with Buck and took a couple pictures
with him.
He told others in the room that I was his most loyal fan.
We shared a joke or 2 and talked a little.
When he was getting ready to leave, I told him that I sang one of his songs with
the band at
Toby Keith's club in Vegas.
His last words to me were "I bet you did a hell of a job Joe", and walked out
the back door.
I'll never forget the day the music stopped.
The memories will last me a lifetime.
Joseph R. Stormont
Bakersfield, Ca. 93301
Red Kilby's Song Sample
"
I looked at the website and heard the song sample of "That Bakersfield Sound"
that comes on
automatically, but can't find info about it on the site. Is a copy of the song
or CD for sale?
Buck will be missed at our house. We live in Simi Valley but used to go to
Bfield to see Buck
when we could. Thanks, Cole Jacobs - billycole@aol.com
Hello Cole and thank you for your e-mail.
The song that you hear when you open our website is sung by our dear friend Red
Kilby
from Pueblo, Colorado. You can purchase his CD "Keepin It Real" which is
excellent and one
of my personal favorites at www.redkilby.com -
Glenn J. Pogatchnik
Thank You
"
... YOU FOR THE GREAT PHOTOS AND MEMOIRES, J L JOHNSON -
Jaybird150@wmconnect.com
Tommy Potter
"
My name is Tommy Potter and my father who passed away in 2005 was named Tommy
Potter.
I never met my father until he passed away this past year. I am just trying to
find out a
little information about him because I just never had a chance as a child.
From my understanding he had a TV show in Bakersfield about 1963 and played
in clubs around Bakersfield. Would you have any idea or know a person that might
be able
to help find out if he did. Best Wishes, Tommy W. Potter -
tpotter@quickco.com
From Rick Carpenter
"
You've got a great site here, I'd say the definitive site on Bakersfield
Country.
I've always been a fan of Merle, Buck, Wynn Stewart et al. I don't think there's
been a genuine
country star since Dwight Yoakam. I'm a singer/songwiter living in Nashville,
swimming against
the tide of pop garbage masquerading as "New Country." I play Bakersfield/Honky
Tonk music,
(called everything from Alt Country to Americana) got a 6 song EP called
"Outside of Nashville"
which gets more spins in the Netherlands than anywhere else, sad but true. Feel
free to visit my site at www.rickalancarpenter.com . I'm doin' what I can to
keep real
country alive. Can't wait to head up Hwy 99 again, it's been a few years. Keep
up the
good work, I wish you the best! Regards, Rick -
rickandbobbie@comcast.net
Bobby Moore
"
My name is Paula Moore. I am wondering if you have any old files, photos,
recordings of
my father, Bobby Moore, who lived and played pedal steel guitar in Bakersfield
until his
death in 1993. I also lived there for a short time and played fiddle with Rick
Reno Stevens.
I enjoyed many jam sessions with my father and all the talented musicians who
were there.
I haven't many historical photos or newsclips, recordings of things my father
may have been
a part of and would appreciate any information you can pass my way. I miss my
father
immensely and it would mean alot. Thank you, Paula Moore -
Spikyles@earthlink.net or
Spikyles@aol.com
John Redd Helps
"
My name is John Panick, a long time friend of John Redd.
Mr. Redd spoke to me about your kindness and allowing a long phone conversation!
That's cool.
"
I had a few encounters with Bill Woods when as a kid I worked in a local music
store and
also met Gene Moles there as well. Met Buck at his recording studio once and
asked him for a
job, anything ... I told him I'd even pick the weeds along side the building. I
wanted
to be close to the recording scene. He already had a flunky (and a
drummer) I guess.
HA! I took it all for granted as a young kid will do.
"
John Redd introduced me to much music and can play and sing decently for sure.
In fact I was
playing drums in his band at the age of 13! Been stumming my accoustic and
writing songs for
30 years now too.
"
Anyway....nothing else for now, just wanted to say hello and thank you for your
work on all
things Bakersfield and music related.
John Panick - lucky312@neteze.com
Hats Like Merle's
"
After all these years, I found this page.
I grew up listening to and appreciating, cousin herb henson, merle, don rich,
the list goes on ...
i graduated from BHS, class of 64 ... i have played music professionally here in
casper, until
the others started doing drugs ... not my kinda thing ... i play and own a 37 yr
old fender
12 string, a fender strat, and most of all, a deering 'BOSTON" 5 string banjo
... i guess the
real reason for contacting your page is, where can i get hats like merle wears??
Thanx. Gordon Moon, 1642 S. Mckinley St., Casper, Wy 82601 -
fullmoon67@bresnan.net
gordon Moon
Collector Asks ...
"
i am a keen country music collector autographs. would like to hear from any of
the artists over there for a personally
signed on the front of photo and used guitar picks or plectrums to put
with photos.
from paul kelly, 12 laurel st., TOOWOOMBA 4350, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA.
pke28968@bigpond.net.au
Dwight Yoakam?
"
Why is there no mention of Dwight Yoakam on your Bakersfield website. He did
sing "Streets
of Bakersfield" with Buck Owens and "Beer Can Hill" with Merle Haggard and Buck
Owens.
Dwight Yoakam happens to be one of my favorite musicians along with Hank
Williams Sr.,
Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, George Jones, and
Buck Owens.
I am 17 and am mean no insult by my question. Thank You for your time, Nick -
nicholas_foster@comcast.net
Born in Bakersfield
Thank you so much for your fantastic webpage. I was born in Bakersfield in 1953
but have lived in
Australia since 1980. Your compilation of histories and great photos are a
treasure of memories
for me. It makes me want to cry that Bakersfield did not save the Blackboard
and I am
dismayed to this day that Buck Owens is not revered as his should be. Thank you
again.
Bruce A. Boyes - bab@iinet.net.au writes
Tommy Collins
I have been trying to find a listing of the songs that Tommy Collins wrote.
I have been through search engine after search engine. I was a fan as a 9 year
old in
1954, when I heard "You Better Not Do That." I became a bigger fan after
meeting Tommy
in Korea 10 years later during his USO tour there. He invited me to join him in
Bakersfield
when my tour was up, an invitation I acted on without hesitation.
I do know other artists have recorded material by Tommy, and am able to find out
a few
songs here and there, but would really like to have a complete listing of the
songs he
wrote, and those which were recorded by others. I have the "Leonard" box set
which
tells me most of the songs he recorded, but the booklet that accompanied it has
been
lost in one of many moves I have made.
If you can be of any help, or steer me in the right direction, I would
appreciate it.
Thanking you in advance, I remain:
John L. Egan aka Lost John - john_egan_jr@hotmail.com
Chief Announcer for Radio Bayonet, American Forces Korea Network 1964-1965
Last broadcast position: Announcer, WENO radio, Nashville, Tennessee in the
70's
Billy Mize Record
My name is Dick Bressler. I lived in Bakersfield during most of the 1970's and
early 80's
and now reside in Merced. Growing up in Hanford and the San Joaquin Valley I
remember the
days of Cousin Herb's TV show and I've been a Buck Owens fan for these many
years.
I located your name and email address on the Rockabilly web site (Bakersfield
sound section).
Nice. Enjoyed it much. My point in writing is to tell you of a Billy Mize record
I own that
I have been unable to find mentioned in any stories, record guides, web sites,
etc.
It's on the KORD label. No location is mentioned on the label. I know there
is/was a
KORD radio station in the state of Washington. And I also know that Buck and his
band
worked in that area in the late 50's, before returning to Bakersfield. It is a
78 rpm
which puts it at not much later than 1958 or 59. My guess is, it's earlier than
that.
I don't know if you know anything about this or if you have the contacts to find
out
if any one of those folks remember anything about it. I am attaching two
pictures
that show it. If it is rare or somewhat unique I would be glad to give it to
Billy if he's interested or if Buck would want it for his museum I would gladly
give it
to him. Thanks for any information you can provide. Look forward to hearing from
you.
Dick Bressler - Bresslers@aol.com
Toby Rean Minter
Hello my name is Amber Hunsaker and I was looking at your webpage, hoping I
would find something
about my great uncle. His name was Toby Rean Minter (also had a band called,
"Toby Rean and The
Common People," and usually went by Toby Rean) and he used to play the drums for
people like
Buck and Merle at the Rainbow Gardens, the Blackboard and other little clubs
that used to
be around. I can't find hardly any information on my uncle at all. My grandma,
Verna
Vincent was the one who knew everybody and she passed away ten years ago. I
never was
curious to learn about him then and I regret it. Do you have any idea how I
could find
information on him? Since you had all of this Bakersfield history I thought I
would ask
you. Well I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for taking the time to
read this.
Amber Hunsaker - hnskrs963@sbcglobal.net
Wynn Stewart
Hi Glenn, Thanks for writing me back concerning video of Wynn. Just a few
minutes ago
I came across this information on e-bay. there are two videos of Wynn on "Bucks
Ranch"
dated 1-23-68, songs "Pretty World Today" & "I Cant't Live that Long". I then
went to
Buck Owens Crystal Palace Web Site, clicked on dvd"s & low & behold Vol # 3
dated 1-23-68,
there it was. I"m going to e-mail to you the e-bay page. I hope you don"t mind.
By the way, if you go to Wynn Stewart website, roll to bottom, go to photos
"Early Years",
group photo, all first cousins. I'm kneeling holding my sister, Wynn is standing
behind me.
Picture was taken in Bell Flower, Ca. 1952, grandmas' house. When I made contact
with Wren,
she asked me if I would identify the people for her, which i did. There is also
a
group picture of Wynns' dad, mother, sisters & Wynn. Uncle Cleo, Aunt Golden,
Beverly,
Patty, Wynn. I'll be 66 yrs in Dec. I have a lot of family early years memories.
Sincerely, Ken Stewart - kstewart1960@charter.net
Charles McNeal
I was wondering if anyone remembers my grandfather. He sang backup with
Freddy Hart in the 50's in Bakersfield. Brian -
brian@aisconstruction.com
Bud Hobbs and his Trail Herders
Hi Glenn, I'm not sure if you've heard of Bud Hobbs and his Trail Herders.
Bud was a western singer
from about 1946 to 1958. He also played with Dude Martin before he started his
own band with the
Trail Herders. Bud died in 1958 at the age of 38. Bud was my mother's brother.
Buck Owens, Bill Woods, Oscar Whittington and Jelly Sanders all played as
session players
on some of his records that were recorded for MGM. I read on the Bill Woods
site, that
"Lousiana Swing" was one of Bill's favorite songs he recorded with Bud Hobbs as
lead vocal.
Bill played piano, Buck played lead guitar and Oscar and Jelly were on fiddles.
Bud also appeared on the Cousin Herb Show, had his own tv show and radio
programs in the
Stockton area. I haven't been able to find out too much about his early life
before he started
singing, as my mother died in 1985. So I don't know if Bud started here then
played music in the
Bay area including San Francisco and Stockton. But, I do know he died in
Bakersfield in 1958.
Bud recorded 30 songs for MGM records before he died. I've found contacts for a
few people
that played music with my uncle, Lloyd Jones, Wayne Powers and Smokey Silver.
Smokey has
made me cd's of my uncles music (all 30 songs), which I never thought I would
hear again since
he died. I was 14 at the time when he died of a heart attack here in
Bakersfield. If you would
be interested in his music, I would be happy to send you a cd so you could hear
his songs.
I believe he was an integral part in creating or at least was at the start of
the Bakersfield
sound in the 50's. I also have a website that I created located at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~brea1107/.
Before I made my website, I searched the web for information on my uncle. I
was only able to find a site with one picture of him and several pictures of the
MGM 45
record labels. I also have a contact of a Western Swing Historian in Calgary
Canada
and he's sent me 3 cassettes of radio programs from the Dude Martin Air Force
Radio Program,
and Bud Hobbs sang several songs on these programs. Also, Smokey Silver the
gentleman
that made the cd's for me has a record collection of over 60,000 records and
5,000 cd's.
Soon I will be posting a new website named: BudHobbs.com. I was also wondering
if I could put a link to the new site once its completed from your site.
Thanks,
Brenda Wattenbarger
brea1107@earthlink.net
Bakersfield Sound
In 9 Oct 2005 was an article on the BC sound and a listing of 18 esential songs.
Here in Ridgecrest in the late-50's and early-60's all the best came on weekends
to play/sing
and we danced honky tonk. I want to urch CD's of those early artists, Woods,
Joe and Rose
Maphis Lewis Talley and the Whackers, Lefty Frizzel, Buck and Bonnie Owens -
etc. I
looked at the various web sites for recordings and was unable to find these
artists with
recordings (CD) available for purchase nor was there a email address for me to
write to.
This is not the first time I have tried to get these early recordings and came
to a brick wall.
Can you please help me in a location where I can purchase CD's and perhaps know
who is
on the recordings. Thank you,
Iva Jeane Driggers
stitcher@mchsi.com
Hello Again
Thanks for getting the "Live At The Blackboard" cd to me so quickly. It's just
so amazing to
be able to hear that music that was played back then at the bar of bars played
by those great
musicians like Don Rich, Red Simpson, and the others. As I was listening, I felt
like I had
come across someone's scrapbook with photos, and stories about things that I
am passionately
interested in. For those of us who were not there to experience those times, it
is the next
best thing. I live in the LA area, and started going to shows at The Palomino
that was in
North Hollywood back in the early 70's. Another great bar that alot of fine
country musicians
played at that has been gone for about 15 years now. After The Palomino closed
its doors,
it became a entertainment hall of some sort. Sad, when these landmark historical
places
get reduced to the fate of The Blackboard, a cement slab surrounded by a chain
link fence,
or The Palomino. Those walls are still full of great stories from all that
happened there
for all those years.
A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine and I were in Bakersfield. We are both
photographers,
and made plans to meet at Buck Owens Crystal Pallace as a starting point early
in the morning
to take some pictures around town, and out in Oildale. I wanted to find The
Blackboard, or
whatever was left of it. This was before I found your site, and knew its fate.
When we came
across 3601 Chester, and saw the cement foundation and parking lot, we just got
out of the
car and stared at the remains. I was imagining that if time could be reversed 50
years, we
could go into The Blackboard, get a beer, and probably see, and hear some of
those great
musicians who played there. I took a picture of the cement slab which I am going
to call
The Ghost of The Blackboard. Also, after talking to one of the guys who races
out at
Bakersfield Speedway, we found out that the Bakersfield sign that used to be
over Union
Avenue is the one that is now at Buck's Crystal Pallace. I took some pictures of
it when
it was still over on Union back around 1991. When I first saw the sign over by
the street
next to Buck's, I though he had made a replica of it for his place. Because of
the website,
"That Bakersfield Sound", I found out that he had the real one moved from Union,
across
town, to The Crystal Pallace at a considerable cost to himself. That is a fine
thing he
did, because as I understand it, the city was going to destroy it. That would
have been
another landmark of history gone.
Again Glen, thanks for all you have done on this site to help make the history
of
this great music live on for people like us, that know how important it is, not
only for
our musical enjoyment, but for history in general. It's a continuation of The
Grapes
Of Wrath story. Glad Trout's is still alive. As I said in my last e-mail, me and
some
of my friends will be comming up there soon to see Red Simpson play on one of
those
Monday night shows. Off to play my Tele now.
Richard Cline
richphotusic@earthlink.net
"That Bakersfield Sound"
Hi Glenn, I just found your website, "That Bakersfield Sound" yesterday, and
sent off my $15
for the live jam sessions cd from The Blackboard this morning. As I wrote in a
note sent along
with the money order, I was so pleased to find anything about the days of The
Blackboard,
and the other bars that hosted those great musicians like Buck, Merle, and many
others,
and then to find out that there is a cd available from the early 60's of those
guys playing
live, like Don Rich, and Bill Woods, was just almost too much. I play a Tele,
and Don
Rich is the guy I payed close attention to when I first got bitten by that
Bakersfield sound,
along with several others like Roy Nichols. So to make a long story shorter,
thank you and
the others who are responsible for this website. I feel as though I stumbled
upon an
oasis of the best country music history, and source for finding out where to
come and
see more of it played in some of those bars like Trout's. A couple of my friends
will
be heading to Bakersfield very soon along with me to check out those bars, and
the music.
People like us who want to hear that sound are starved for it, and in dire need
of
a real Bakersfield country music fix. From the site, I saw that Red Simpson
plays
at Trout's. Do you know what nights he plays there? I am a big fan of the songs
he
has written. Again, thanks for all you have done to make this music, and the
history
of it accessable to people like me who love it. Looking forward to the cd.
Richard Cline
richphotusic@earthlink.net
Hank Cochran
I use to play in a band out in Wilmington, California at a place called The
Sundown
Club back in 1958 and Hank and Tommy Cole and Don Deal use to come in and listen
to our band.
Chuck Felling was our Bass Player and he was a good friend of Hank's back in
those day's.
The name of our band was called The Dixie Rambler's. Could you tell me how I
could get a hold of
Hank down in Nashville, Tennesse? I live in Bedford, Indiana and I too am a
sdong writer of Country
Music having recorded with The Hag out in Bakersfield, California and The
Strangers.
Virgil Essex PKA: JERRY DALLAS. bedrokin@hpcisp.com
Eugene Moles
Years ago in the mid 1970's I used to play guitar with Gean Moles and his son's
Eugene and Jody.
Sometimes there little sister mirissa joined in and sang. I still play guitar
and write songs.
I just thought I would look up Eugene Moles on the internet. I am glad to see
that he is
still playing guitar. There music has influenced how I play alot. At the time I
had no
idea how big their music was. I just knew they were the best I ever heard. I
just wanted to
write this for what it's worth. Sincerely, Barry Cristantiello -
barry.yvonne@verizon.net
Nice web site!
Hi, Good job. I feel a loss though as there are not enough promotions going on
to keep the
younger folk interested in carrying on the B-Town sound.
Yea, those guys were unique, and there are some newer groups coming up, but the
B-Town sound
in country is in deed fading. Are there any Jam sessions going on to help get
younger
players involved? Rick Bertino - rickb1@mac.com
Jimmy Bryant
Dear Glenn, I just wanted to add a little to that Bakersfield Sound chit-chat.
Jimmy Bryant and
Speedy West used to "hit it over the grapevine from the LA area to Bakersfield"
to perform with the
guys there. I've heard some great tales of their experiences going back and
forth to Bakersfield.
Those were the years when they both played on Hometown Jamboree with Cliffie
Stone in the
fifties and recorded at Capital.
I am Jimmy's sister Lorene who wrote his Biography and have been thanked over
and over -
still have First Editions. I lived in the LA Area for 8 years during those magic
years
and loved every minute of it. Met most all the C/W friends of Jimmys' and went
with
him many places when he'd perform. Never forgot them; loved them all! Thanks
Glenn.
www.lorenebryantepps.com
Tony Grasso
Mr. Pogatchnik, My name is Tony Grasso. I am the bass player for a group known
as the CASCADES.
Our biggest selling record was a song call 'Rhythm Of The Rain' in 1963. We are
still performing
concerts outside the United States. Our next tour begins on August 28th in Osaka
Japan. Although
the Cascades are a pop group, my musical roots are in country music. I was
raised in Tucson,
Arizona and played the country music of the 50's and 60's as a young aspiring
musician back
in those early days. Opportunity came aknockin' and eventually many fairly
successful recordings.
Even though I had left the country genre for quite a few years, it was still in
my heart,
as my musical preference. I was a diehard fan of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and
Wynn Stewart
and a few others. I really felt at home when I heard their music. Since I don't
tour as much
as I used to, I have hooked up with a local group here in San Diego that are
known as
the 'FUGITIVES'. Musically, we are all of the same mindset and play what has
been referred
to as the Bakersfield sound. When I started with them about four years ago, it
seemed like
musically, we were a small island in a big sea. Everyone around here at the time
was playing
the Nashville sound. The Fugitives didn't. I guess that's what drew me to them.
It sounded like 'home'. I was asked to join the organization and since then,
we have more or less developed our own version of the Bakersfield sound. It's
pretty straight
ahead, but has a lot of punch. Our audiences are gradually getting larger, they
follow us
from job to job, and in general love the group and the music they do. We ain't
no spring
chickens, but we can still get after it musically. As a group, we feel that the
'Bakersfield'
sound is the real deal and comes from the heart. After life has knocked you
around a bit,
one begins to see the significants of the songs and how they relate to life in
general.
They are the stories and emotions of life told in a simplistic manor. Although I
believe
that there is still a large market for that style of music, it will not be known
or
heard unless it is promoted by people like you and me. The radio won't play it.
It's
TOO COUNTRY!!!. The Fugitives are steadily playing more and more venues where
this style
of music is appreciated and asked for. Your organization and groups like us are
the old
guard. We'll do our best to keep the Bakersfield sound alive and well.
The music on our CD reflects exactly that. When I ran across your site, I felt
like I had run across an oasis in the middle of the Sahara. Lets keep working to
keep the genre alive. From a lot of us, Thanks - TONY GRASSO - 'FUGITIVES'
- anthonygrasso3@cox.net
Neil Young Song
Glenn, I always found the Bakersfield music community to be a very caring one,
so
I thought members of that community would may be interested in the information
contained below.
After 9/11, Neil Young helped us grieve, and helped us discover a renewed sense
of
resolve with his release of the song, "Let's Roll," and the concomitant album,
"Are You
Passionate?." While Neil Young was in the midst of recovering from surgery
(after doctor's
removed a potentially fatal aneurysm from his brain), his father, Scott Young,
passed away (just one week before Father's Day). Now Neil Young is having to do
some of his
own personal grieving and suffering. Since he was there for us after 9/11,
and the warmth and passion he has conveyed over the years has afforded us so
much joy
and comfort, let's "blog forward" our own expression of sympathy to Neil Young
and his
family. I have recently written and recorded "Father's Day Sympathy Song for
Neil
Young." I would like to offer this "blogsong" as my contribution to what I'm
hoping will
become a collection of songs, poems, and words of sympathy to Neil Young and his
family.
I spoke with Neil Young's manager after "Let's Roll" was released, and so I know
how to
get in touch with him. So if you have any poems, songs, or words of sympathy to
offer,
please e-mail me, Dr. B.L.T. Thanks!
Dr. Bruce L. Thiessen, Dr. B.L.T.
Link to free MP3 blogsong download, "Father's Day Sympathy Song for Neil Young"
by Dr.
B.L.T.,(c) 2005
http://www.drblt.com/music/FathersDayYoung.mp3.
For my review of Are You Passionate? by Neil Young (in Phantom Tollbooth)
http://www.tollbooth.org/2002/reviews/nyoung.html.
Memories
Your "Bakersfield Sound" website sure evokes nice memories!
I was raised in Oildale in the late '50s and early '60s. (Career St.) Yes, I
have many memories.
My father who was from Holland, worked for P.G. & E. out at Kern Power Plant on
Rosedale Hwy. We rented a little two bedroom house for $50.00 a month.
Dad would on occassion with his work buddies go to the Blackboard, Lucky Spot
and Padre Hotel
in the early ' 50s. I recall those venues very, very well. (eating ice cream in
the Padre)
Dad was a very good ameteur singer. After I was born, he stopped going out.
Dad has been gone
for 10 years, but I still can relate his memories as well as my own.
Oildale was a neat place, especially during the Summer months.
I recall walking barefoot on the steaming hot pavement down to Baker Drug to get
an
ice cream or "missle pop." I remember going out to Meadows Field to watch the
old propliner
Convairs and Martins of United and Pacific Airlines. One could hear the sound
of their
mighty radial piston engines on takeoff anywhere in Oildale.
I was the first kid on our block to have a transistor radio and I used to listen
to KAFY
and KUZZ all the time. And yes, I watched Cousin Herb and recall Leo Meek well.
Also
Burleigh Smith on T.V.
We had an old blue 1952 Plymouth with no airconditioning of course and I don't
know how we
survived those hot days driving over to Los Banos (where my Mom was from) to
visit relatives.
I loved Hwy 99 but that is another story.
I loved those old diesel powered oil pumps, up and down and watching their
counter-weight
go round and round. ( They later went electric) I often bugged my Dad to
illustrate them.
Oh yes, the tunnel near Standard School that passed under N. Chester....is it
still there?
I went to kindergarten at Highland School until we moved up to College Hights in
'61 near
Bakersfield College. Then it was grammar school at Col. Nichols until we moved
to Watsonville
in 1966.
If you every write a book or do a documentary on life in Oildale back then, let
me know.
I'd like to contribute.
Sincerely,
Gary V. Plomp
Aviation Historian/Illustrator
plomp@sbcglobal.net
Heather Myles
What a pleasure to read such a glowing review of Heather Myles from somone in
the know!
I "discovered" this woman's music a couple of years ago and was blown away by
it.
She's got one of the best voices in country music ... and it delights me to
learn that my
Number 1 favorite, The Possum himself (who actually responded to a query I once
sent to him
at home), reached out to Heather to meet her! If there was any justice in the
world, "Big
Cars" would be on everyone's list as one of the 100 all time best country music
songs.
What is going on here that NO ONE , basically, has heard her/ heard of her??
Is it all that European touring that's denied her an American fan base?
If you look on amazon.com, everyone who comments on Hather's music says pretty
much the
same thing: why don't we hear/see more of her here in the US?
Best,
George Haber - geohaber@optonline.net
Buck Owens Song
Glenn, I'd like to share with you a brand new song from my forthcoming Buck
Owens/Nashville
West tribute CD. It's called 4 Quarters Gets Me 2 Buck Songs. If you like it,
feel free to
share it with friends and family. Here's where you can hear the song and
download it for free:
http://www.drblt.com/freesong.htm.
Bruce.Thiessen@corr.ca.gov
Rememories
i live in idaho now, but i grew up in lebec, calif. in the 60s. what a great
place bakersfield was then. my mom and i would leave early sat. mornings and
drive to bakersfield where we would find ronnie sessions and others playing
music on the back of a simi trailer in a used car lot, wow, i can still feel
those foggy mornings and all the people around the stage listening to that
great sound.
we also went to 3 of the Buck Owens toys for tots shows. that is probably
one of my fondest memories of growing up. i took guitar lessons at moselys
studio and saw so many of the local pickers and grinners hanging around
there. how is mark mosely? i went to school with him.
sorry for rambling but i carry these great memories with me and i think you
know how valuable they are.
thank you god for don rich!! they just needed a real guitar picker in
heaven so they took him home!
thank you for your web site, i visit often.
p.s. remember when dickie garland kept getting shocked from the mike on
stage? there was some good news footage of that. miss the sandland brothers.
doug elam
twin falls idaho
elam_doug@hotmail.com
More Echoes
I just saw the Echoes of Bakersfield and thought you might enjoy
some more echoes. My uncles, Jack, Glen and Ronnie Rinear, had
a very good western swing trio that played a lot in the Bakersfield area
from 1952 through the 50's, then migrated up to the Springville area
and also over in Paso Robles area.
Glen was the fiddler and one of the best at his craft. I would love to
send you a complimentary CD I made from remastering recordings of
their live shows from cassette tapes (some of them from reel to reel).
The sound is quite good for the times, much better than most archival
recordings I have heard.
They had a very infectious style, lively and playful, much more animated
and down to earth than Bob Wills or the Pioneers, though they played a
lot of the same tunes. My uncle Jack wrote a tune that sold to Tommy
Duncan called I Reckon I'm a Texan," that is still being played today.
I have the good fortune of loving this music enough to do everything
I can to spread it around. The Rinear Trio never made any professional
recordings, although they were courted by record companies from
Hollywood several times. The surviving brother will be 88 in August and
still lives in Porterville.
Sincerely, Ronnie McCullough - ronnie@sonic.net
PS. I was born in Bakersfield and lived there for 47 years!
Hello there,
I was looking at your web site and it's real nice, a lot of memories in there.
All my mom's family came up in Oildale, her maiden name was Lohr, I think her
older brother
went grammer school at Standard with Merle, of course everyone on the north side
claims at
least that, all the way up to being his half cousin so that's probably not a big
deal.
My mom, her sister and I all went to North, but I think back in the late 40's
before
North was built my uncle would've gone to B.H.S. My mom was the first class to
graduate
out of North, she grew up across the street on Douglas.
I remember the Blackboard next to the Pioneer museum, when I was in high school
I
worked as a janitor at the kids museum next door named after Lori Brock, I never
knew what a history it had, as a kid it was just a dark bar type place that I
couldn't go in.
I'm writing less about the music but rather more about Oildale, growing up
people
always used to talk about a Reader's Digest story from the 50's that called
Oildale the
toughest little town in America, I'm sure if you grew up around there you've
heard of it,
it was practically a legend when I was a kid.
Do you know of any place where I could find that story on the web, have you ever
run across that?
Thanks again,
Jeff Berry - jberry@mcfco.com
Vice President Sales and Trading
Merriman, Curhan, Ford & Co S.F.
(800) 909-7897 / IM: JBerryMCF
Dear Glenn, I perused your website this afternoon and truly enjoyed it. I was
born and raised up
the road from you a bit in Visalia (actually Ivanhoe, but no one has ever hear
of that
little town in the middle of nowhere). I am living in Orange County now, but
still have
plenty of family scattered throughout the valley, so I am up that way from time
to time.
As a matter of fact, a friend and I are CW fans and have visited Buck's place
several times.
I thought you might get a kick out of this picture taken prior to Dwight
Yoakam's last
performance there. Again, I enjoyed your website. Thanks for putting that
together for us
genuine Bakersfield Sound apprecianados. Patricia - H4TW@aol.com
Milstead Promotions
Hi Glenn, My name is Frank Milstead and I'm CEO Of Milstead Promotions.
I'm helping bring Back that Good Old Country Music.
Here are some artist that I'm Promoting
http://www.earsformusic.com.
Check Out Lindsey Rideners New Hit Single, PhD In Love!! Please Sign our
Guest-Book.
Frank Milstead - frankm@musicbytruckers.com
Ralph Garrison
My Dad, Ralph Garrison was a salesman and manager at Leo Meek Automobiles. He
did the comercials
on the Cousin Herb Show. He also did comercials for his own dealership, Car
Fair.
Car Fair was near the traffic circle on N. Chester. (Early '60s),
My Dad lives with me and I'm sure he'd be happy to share as much information
with you as you'd like.
I hear stories from him that I'm sure most people don't know.
Appreciate Your Website, Craig Garrison - crgndkym@aol.com
"Peanut Gang"
Does anyone remember Cousin Herb's Trading Post "Peanut Gang"? It was a
small set of bleachers on the set that young children could watch show.
Dennis, Bakersfield - dsgatson@cox.net
Rockabilly Fest
It's a big rockabilly fest in the desert, featuring several Bakersfield
bands. Please pass the word along to anyone you think would be
interested...
Knucklebusters Presents...Sat. Oct. 9, THE SIDEBURN CIRCUS & VICTORVILLE
HAYRIDE featuring CATTIE NESS & THE REVENGE, THE DUSK DEVILS, JOHNNY
RETSCHED & THE BLACKBOARD PLAYBOYS, DAWN SHIPLEY & HER SHARPSHOOTERS,
SOUTHBOUND 151. "Bands, booze, & hotrods... What more could you ask
for?" Vendors, Car Show starts 3 pm, Bands start 6:30 pm. Green Tree
Inn, 14173 Green Tree Blvd., Victorville CA 92392, 760-245-3461. Rooms
available, 24 hour café. For more info, go to www.sideburncircus.tk,
www.cattieness.com, or www.duskdevils.com
The Old Bakersfield Inn
Hi Glenn, A coworker told me about your website, very well put together. I
would like to
add however that the old Bakersfield Inn is not totally demolished. We might
not have our
sign but we are still here. It has been the home of the Kennemer Center since
1999, we are
a residential drug and alcohol treatment facility. Licensed for 130 residence.
The Kennemer Center is a division of Turning Point our corporation, Turning
Points modo is
"Serving people in need" ... we are a non profit agency. Reaching out to the
community
serving those in need. Turning Point works with Kern County Mental Health, as
well as CPS,
DHS, Parole and Probation. We are in the process of restoring the facility. We
have restored
the lobby and plan to paint the building. When it is done, I hope you will add
the pictures to your website.
Come check us out.
If you would like to make contact or come see our facility please feel free
anytime.
Sincerely, Paula Carter, Administrative Assistant. Kennemer Center -
FYI we have taken down the huge chandeler in the lobby and it is available. We
do accept donations.
If you know anyone that would be interested.(We still need to replace the carpet
on the stairs,
and counter in lobby) KRTPSEC@aol.com
From Joe Burns
Hi Glenn, I'll be heading to the southwest area in November '04 and am thinking
of
zipping over to Bakersfield CA if I can. I'm wondering if any of the clubs
you mentioned (Longbranch Saloon, Trout's Nightclub, Tejon Tavern and The
Kern River Belle) have regular nights of live music that I can count on if I
drop by? Great website man! Thanks and keep well, Joe Burns,
joeburns@sympatico.ca
Everything Bakersfield
My name is Nathan Schultz, and I am a director for the new website
EverythingBakersfield.com.
I am contacting you to let you know that we have created a link-page to your
website. Our
community section will be launching on September 16th, 2004, and it already
contains over
1800 Bakersfield non-profit organizations making it the largest, and most
diverse community
website for Bakersfield anywhere on the internet.
Simply put, our site is fully interactive and is designed to serve only the
citizens of
Bakersfield California. Imagine that! Our visitors are encouraged to express
their opinions!
Our state-of-the art forums are fully functional, and feature services such
as polling and password registration.
Lastly, our writers frequently offer contests where people can win tickets or
discounts to Bakersfield's upcoming events. We also actively participate in our
educational system, and we provide the winners with discounts, tickets, and
etc..
If you are anticipating an upcoming event, and would like to donate tickets,
discounts, and etc. then please contact me here:
Nathan@EverythingBakersfield.com.
Also, much more content is being added to our web site daily, and
will be continuously added in large volumes for the next few months.
Here is a link to our EverythingBakersfield Forums:
http://www.everythingbakersfield.com/forum/
Nathan Schultz
4700 Easton Dr. #43
Bakersfield, CA., 93309
Nathan@EverythingBakersfield.com
Phone: 661-706-4517 (8:00-5:00M-F)
I am one of the writers on a CD project that we released back in 2002 entitled,
TALES OF THE NEW WEST/Songs of the Corey's & Dennis Kahler/SUNG BY BUDDY JEWELL.
We had Buddy Jewell sing twelve of our songs for our project and it was picked
up by OarFin
Records and is presently selling in Walmart's, Tower Records, Borders and on CD
Baby.
Have you ever heard of our CD project? The CD was professionally recorded by
Marty Rifkin,
along with several other producers, background harmonies sung by Joey Scarbury.
If you are interested in reviewing our CD, we'd love to send you a copy! We will
need an
address to submit our CD to... Respectfully, Alton, Arthur, Sharon & Margie
Corey/BMI,
Sharomar Music Pub./BMI LLC - PS: We're from Southern California
Wanda Jackson
I remember having coffee with Wanda Jackson in some small cafe in Billings,
Montana in
the late 50's. She had done a show there the night before and I met her through
my
promoter friend, Marlin Payne. Believe it may have been in conjunction with a
Faron
Young concert but I'm kind of fuzzy about that. I remember how she used to
knock
everyone out with her fringed dresses. Don Redfield - gudgritts@cox.net
Thank You
Dear Glenn, I thoroughly enjoyed the CD "Live at The Blackboard."
I thank you very much for the opportunity to own it. I would certainly like to
listen to more of these historic Bakersfield Sound Recordings. Thank You Again.
I Hope to visit with in the future. Yours Very Truly, Rick L. Wagher -
Oldhippiekuzz@aol.com
From Mike Michelli
A local resident that is not originally from Bakersfield, but have really
enjoyed learning
of the Bakersfield Sound history. Have been in Bakersfield 20 years and have met
some great
people, one in particular was Mr Barnet. Listening to his stories of Bakersfield
and its
music was exciting and interesting. I was happy to see pictures and writings of
him.
Thanks for such a history filled site. Mike Michelli- Michell137@aol.com
From The Netherlands
Please check out one of the songs from the new Chuck Memphis album
"Talk About The Good Times" as released by Rarity Records in Holland.
For any additional information please consult
www.of-course.org.
If this sounds like something you will be interested please contact:
Memphis Productions Holland - memphisproductions@yahoo.com -
Best regards, K.C. van den Hoven
These are pictures sent to me via e-mail by my good friend Owe Roslund of
Trangsviken, Sweden.
They are of my friend International recording artist Mike Bella performing and
later having a
beer with Owe at the yearly Duved festival in Sweden. You can learn more about
Mike at
www.mikebella.com - Glenn
P.
Nita
Hi Glenn: Remember me? My name is Nita and my friend Connie and I met you at
Denny's in Fresno after the Alan
Jackson concert. Thank you so much for the CD. I've listened to it several
times and believe me it sure brought
back a lot of memories. I used to listen to all those guys years ago.
I went on to one of the web sights and I was real surprised to find a picture of
Ken Nordin.
I have the same picture. Also his tape and a T-shirt from him. Do you know his
manager,
Ray Urquhart? He is a friend of My daughter and son-in-law.
I won't ramble any longer, but I would love to hear from you again.
Nita McGraw - NitaMcGraw@aol.com
Jake Grider
Just thought I would drop you a line asking you to check out my web site.
I play at the Kern River Belle on the alternate Sundays from The Western
Connection,
and we draw a pretty good crowd. My fellow band members are:
Phil Hanna - Keyboards, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals,
Dave Bishop - Bass
Craig Gifford -(Sometimes Chuck Long) - Drums
Larry Petree - Steel Guitar
Myself - Jake Grider - Lead Guitar and Vocals
You can check us out at: http://www.jakegrider.com
Thank You, Jake Grider - JGrider@bak.rr.com
More TV
Woo-Hoo! Kind words from Mr. Art Fein, historian, music aficionado, TV
host, author, on his website at www.sofein.com ...
I had the terrific Dusk Devils from Bakersfield on my show in July, but
do not have a photo, yet. They rocked me at the Elvis show in January,
and outdid themselves on the tv show. I haven't seen such joy and
vitality since the rockabilly explosion of the early 80s.
Now that you want to go check out our website again, bad news: Our
website is currently down... darn cyber gremlins! We will be back soon,
and playing out soon... though not as sooner... www.duskdevils.com
From Dr. B.L.T.
By the way, Glenn, I finally got around to mailing
you a few of the songs of written and recorded (some are rough, incomplete
numbers) as a
tribute to the days of the Bakersfield Sound. I'm sorry I was so late in
getting this stuff
to you. I'm a real procrastinator when it comes to mailing things.
The first song, King of the Crystal Palace mentions you by name on the spoken
word section
about 3/4 of the way through the song. That's my tribute to Buck Owens and to
you,
for keeping the faith alive. Buck heard the second song, The Buck Stops Here
and
communicated to me through his keyboard player that he liked the song. Of
course
the version he heard was an even rougher version. I basically re-wrote the
song,
but I'm going to have to do the recording all over again because the timing is
out
of line and I need to add some instruments.
I hope you enjoy the collection. If you ever decide to do a documentary film on
Nashville
West, or some type of multi-media presentation of the history you've recorded
and would
like some music to go with it, you are welcome to use my songs for this purpose.
I hope you're having a great weekend. Bruce L. Thiessen aka Dr. B.L.T. (661)
588-5537
Keep the Flame Burning
Hello, I have been admiring your "The Bakersfield Sound" portion of the
Rockabilly Hall of
Fame website. I was curious if you knew of Chester Smith. He performed out of
Modesto and
the valley in the early 50's before becoming a gospel musician and owner of
television and
radio stations. He recorded for Capital at that time and had a hit with "Wait A
Little Longer,
Please Jesus".
He was a peer of The Maddox Bros and Sister Rose, Merle Haggard, Tommy Collins,
Bill Woods
and all of those performers from the Bakersfield area. He recorded an album with
Merle these
past couple of years. His website is chestersmith.com - I am a California
country musician
myself although 30 years younger than the originators
and I appreciate your attempt to keep the flame burning.
Thank you, Ross Rowley - ross.rowley@fox29tv.com
Red Kilby "Keepin' It Real"
Hi Glenn, I just happened onto your website, wow this is pretty cool and how
ironic for
me to find it. I have a new CD coming out on Labor Day Weekend titled Red Kilby
"Keepin'
It Real" I am a vocalist and it features some of the folks, you folks think the
world of
on this website.
1st off I have Ralph Mooney doing what he does best, playing "That Bakersfield
Sound" He
is featured on 4 songs actually.
1 Honky Tonk Heartache
2 Colors I'm gonna paint the town
3 11 months and 29 days
4 and a song you all are gonna love "That Bakersfield Sound" I wrote this
song for Buck and Don, and Merle and Roy and Wynn Stewart. It is one of the
highlights of
the whole project with some interesting twists, like Redd Volkaert and Junior
Knight
playing lead guitar and doing all those Roy Nichols, Don Rich and James Burton
licks ,
and Dale Morris playing fiddle, and the Great Dicky Overbey playing steel
guitar in just
the right places, and of course Mooney with a special surprise at the end of the
song.
That is gonna make you think it is 1961 again.
Also featured on this project are 2 other special Steel Guitar players "Mr
Nashville Sound"
Lloyd Green and one of the Buckaroos from the past that was part of the "Later
Bakersfield
Sound", no other than "The Man" Jerry Brightman.
I just cut this project in Mineral Wells, Tx at Roughwood studios and at Ab-Trax
in Nashville, Tn.
You can visit my website at www.redkilby.com but
I have nothing on this
project yet posted, I am keeping it a surprise until the Steel Guitar Convention
in St.
Louis over labor day weekend.
I just thought you all would be interested in this project I am doing, and I
hope that you
will support it once I release it. Here is a list of the songs and the featured
Steel Players and
Guitar Players
1 That Bakersfield Sound = Dicky Overbey and Ralph Mooney and Redd Volkaert
2 When she does me right = Lloyd Green and Redd Volkaert
3 I'll Come running = Jerry Brightman and Junior Knight
4 Colors I'm gonna paint the town = Ralph Mooney and Junior Knight
5 Crystal Chandeliers = Lloyd Green and Junior Knight
6 Honky Tonk Heartache = Ralph Mooney and Junior Knight
7 One Angel Missing = Dicky Overbey and Redd Volkaert
8 Yours to hurt tomorrow = Lloyd Green and Redd Volkaert
9 Just between you and me = Lloyd Green
10 AKA Gumpy's Girl = Dicky Overbey and Junior Knight
11 I'm Gonna knock on your door = Lloyd Green and Jerry Brightman and Redd
Volkaert
12 11 months and 29 days = Ralph Mooney and Dickey Overbey and Redd
Volkaert.
Take care, and stay in touch Red Kilby - 69rtse@comcast.net
Ronnie Session Fans...
From the editor: I just got off the phone with the wife of Ronnie Sessions ...
Donna Sessions. There was a rumour going around that Ronnie is writing again
and she
confirmed that the rumour is true. The title of Ronnie's first written song
is "Love The Blue Out Of You." Ronnie is in hopes that George Strait will be
interested in recording the song. I must note that Donna will be sending me a
demo of Ronnie singing the song and she is also donating an album of Ronnies
for a tribute/benefit that we will be doing for a good friend of Merle Haggard
...
The legendary Mr. Sonny Langley tentatively scheduled at Trouts Nightclub in
Bakersfield on December 5, 2004. Ronnie and his wife Donna currently live
in the Nashville area.
From Don Redfield
Howdy: I've been through my 45's three times now and haven't been able to scare
up my copy of Bonnie Owens "Stop The World And Let Me Off" on Tally. It should
be somewhere because I put it on cassette some time ago along with Waylon's
version, for comparison. Frankly, Bonnie's is much better.
However, I did scare up some interesting (hopefully) 45's, including a couple on
Tally that feature Fuzzy singing. I'll list them as well as a bunch of Wynn
Stewart 45's I have and some others that may be of interest.
1. Yer Fer Me. Fuzzy Owen. Tally 45-102 (this has to be a very early release
on the label.
2. Beware Of A Stranger. Fuzzy Owen. Tally 45-106
3. Above And Beyond. Wynn Stewart. Jackpot 48019
4. Wishful Thinking. Wynn Stewart. Challenge 59061
5. The Waltz Of The Angels. Wynn Stewart. Capitol F3408
6. You Took Her Off My Hands. Wynn Stewart. Capitol F3596
7. A New Love. Wynn Stewart. Capitol F3651
Here are some others that may be of interest.
1. Leon's Guitar Boogie. Texas Troubadours. Decca 31837
2. Turn Around (written by Carl Perkins) Sammi Smith. Columbia 4-44370
3. B. Bowman Hop (Billy Bowman on steel). Bob Wills. MGM K11568
4. Did The Man In The Moon Come From Texas. Ole Rasmussen (Teddy Wilds on
vocal). Capitol F2015
Some of these 45's I've had for over 50 years and some others I picked up while
dealing in vinyl about ten years ago. My late wife and I flea marketed in
Lincoln City, Oregon and eventually had our own store for a while...we were both
employed other places, too.
Just got through listening to Roy Nichol's chorus on Merle's "Honky Tonk Night
Time Man" and once again it just blew my ass in the creek. God, how that man
could play!
Don Redfield - gudgritts@cox.net
How Much Does It Cost To Record An Album?
What a major label 10 song session costs
By Mark S. Hendricks, CPA, O'Neil Hagaman, PLLC, 6/1/2004 -
Once the record company has approved the production budget, it's time to
go to the studio and begin the first stage of
recording, commonly referred to as the tracking dates. During the
tracking dates, studio musicians are recorded simultaneously
and the basic foundation of the musical tracks is recorded. The number
of musicians and the required studio size and
complexity make this the most expensive stage of the recording process.
Costs incurred during the tracking stage, which
generally takes 3 to 6 days to complete, might look as follows:
TRACKING: Tracking: Studio (5 days @ $1,500) $7,500 Musicians 7 players,
ten
3-hour sessions* $56,000 Engineer & Assistant
$6,250 Total Tracking Costs $69,750
FOR EXAMPLE: drums, bass, piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar,
steel guitar and fiddle. All musicians are paid double the
minimum session rate established by their union, plus applicable union
fees.
Overdubbing, the second basic stage of recording, adds the lead and
background vocals and the necessary solo
instrumentalists to the foundation recorded during the tracking dates.
As lead and background vocalists and solo musicians are
recorded separately, required studio size and complexity are reduced.
Also, although not strictly "overdubbing," it is during this
period that certain technical housekeeping chores are performed (often
using Pro Tools digital recording software) such as
tuning, correcting performance mistakes, etc. This stage of recording
generally lasts 10 to 20 days and typical costs include:
OVERDUBBING: Studios (20 days @ $800) $16,000 Musicians 4 players, two
3-hour sessions each $6,400 Background
Vocalists $10,500 Engineer & Assistant $20,000 Transfers $1,000 Total
Overdubbing Costs $53,900
Through the overdubbing stage, all of the sounds which make up the album
have been recorded separately on 48 or more
different tracks. "Mixing" entails establishing the volume level of each
of these separate tracks (bass guitar, vocals, etc.) and
blending these sounds into the two-track or stereo version that the
public will eventually hear. This stage generally takes
between 8 and 15 days and only involves the artist, producer and mixing
engineers. Typical costs include:
MIXING: Studios (12 days @ $1,500) $18,000 Mixing Engineer & Assistant
$12,600 Total Mixing Costs $30,600
Additionally, a number of other costs are incurred during the recording
process. These costs include the rental of equipment
such as digital tape recorders, special effects equipment, microphones,
etc.; cartage or freight charges to move equipment;
miscellaneous supply costs; the cost to master (digitally process and
sequence) the album and perform certain technical
procedures in preparation for delivery of the final
version to the record company; and fees paid to the producer's
assistant. Typical charges might look like the following:
MISC. COSTS: Equipment Rental $8,000 Cartage $3,000 Mastering $5,000 -
Delivery Costs $4,000 Supplies $1,600 Catering -
$1,000 Production Assistant $3,000 Total Misc. Costs $25,600
Summarizing the basic stages above, the total cost of the album in our
example was as follows:
SUMMARY: Tracking $69,750 Overdubbing $53,900 Mixing $30,600 Misc.
Costs $25,600 Total Production Costs
$179,850
Not included in this example are advances paid by the record company to
the producer. These advances against their
respective royalty earnings typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 for
producers.
With this much money involved, a great deal of emphasis should be placed
on the production budget and subsequent control of
costs. Effective planning and negotiations long before going into the
studio can result in significant savings. Vigilance in following
the production budget during the recording process will assist in
controlling actual costs, and help explain any variances to the
label.
It is important to note again that album production costs vary
substantially. The above example is offered only to demonstrate
the basic stages and related costs of recording an album, and to point
out that effective planning and attention to controlling
recording costs will help ensure that production dollars are being spent
wisely.
More from Don Redfield
Don Redfield and the Group at the Junction in 1954
Glenn: This is the group I was telling you about, from KRNR, that played at The
Junction. I was playing an old Kay hollow body bass and Jimmy Johnson, owner of
KRNR, was on rhythm. The steel man took clothes hanger wire and attached them
to the pedals on his Bixby so he could play standing up. Three of us in the
band knew each other from Billings, Montana...kind of a weird place to meet up.
Tillman Franks was director of talent at the Louisiana Hayride for many years.
He managed Johnny Horton and played bass with him. I met him on that Opry tour
of '56 and later booked Johnny on a gig in Billings. The audience loved Chan
Romero (whom I managed at the time) but didn't take well to Johnny.
At the time I was on the air at KBMY and Tillman brought by an acetate recording
that he said was going to be the biggest hit Johnny had. It was "The Battle Of
New Orleans" which hadn't yet been released. Interesting, huh?
When I got out of the army in September of '56, I immediately flew out of
Billings to join my old friend, Marlin Payne. He was road manager for, at that
time, was the biggest and longest Grand Ol Opry tour. I joined the tour in
Denver and we went through all of the south. I met my first wife here in
Pensacola on the next to the last night of the tour.
I took this picture of Johnny Horton and Johnny Cash in a dressing room
somewhere along the line.
Also on the tour were Faron Young and Sonny James. Roy Orbison was along for a
few days and then decided to go back to Odessa, Texas. In Texas we had Ray
Price for a one nighter and along the way we had Carl Perkins on a one nighter
(that experience is something in itself) and Warren Smith was on one gig.
I remember being in the San Carlos hotel in Pensacola, rooming with Faron
Young's guitar man, Pete Wade. I took my guitar along and we spent a number of
hours working on "Tico Tico."
Back when I was at KMON, Great Falls, the first time. I didn't lack for
bullsh*ttery.
I first met Julian Tharpe when he was working with Barbara Mandrell. They split
a four night gig during the Pendleton Roundup of '74, I believe. Ernest Tubb
did the other two nights. Anyway, I talked a bit with Julian..he was having
problems with Barbara's sister (can't remember her name) who was playing drums
and having tempo problems.
After moving back to Pensacola, again, I found that Julian was playing in a club
called The Doll House in Fort Walton Beach. My late wife had to attend some
kind of conference down there (about 45 miles south of here) and dropped in on
him. I kept in touch for a while and then, much later, discovered that he had
been shot during a hold-up that went wrong in a convenience store. Damn!
Don Redfield - gudgritts@cox.net
Just a little blast from the
past.
Glenn: I sent you a check a few days ago for the Blackboard CD.
I've been a professional musician for over 55 years. Moved from Pensacola,
Florida to Roseburg, Oregon. I also spent 44 years in radio. Worked for Jimmy
Johnson, owner and manager of KRNR. Four of us who worked at the station were
also country musicians and we played four nights a week at The Junction
in Winston, just a few miles from Roseburg. Frequently, smaller country artists
would play the Junction ... Rose Maddox, Skeets McDonald etc.
I remember sitting in Jimmy's kitchen in either late '63 or early '64 and
listening to Jack McFadden (Buck Owens manager) trying to convince Jimmy to book
Buck into the club. Jimmy told him he didn't think he'd be enough draw. My,
how times changed. I believe at that time Buck was traveling in less than fancy
equipment, but he made it big.
I subsequently moved to Eugene and spent 8 years there. Worked for a few months
at KATR (country) and one of the on-air jocks was Mac Curtis. In fact, I played
lead behind him when he worked the Eugene Elks lodge. I also made a jaunt back
down to Roseburg to play lead for Freddy Hart. This was before "Easy Lovin'"
and I believe his big hit at the time was "California Grapevine."
Don Redfield - gudgritts@cox.net
P.S. I moved back to Pensacola in '96. Also was here from '77 to '87 and kept
going back to Oregon.
From the Editor...
July 7, 2004 - Yesterday I received this autographed picture signed by Alan
Jackson and his band the Strayhorns. My friend Tom Rutledge on the far right who
plays various instruments in Alan Jackson's band made this happen. I was humbled
that Alan and the fellows in the band took the time out of their very busy
schedule to sign this picture for an ol' Oakie boy outta Bakersfield. They have
also invited me to visit them backstage when they play at a venue near my area
where I live and also have provided concert tickets for that gig for myself and
my little ol 81-yr. old mother Mary Lou who is a fan of Alan and the band. I
told her all the fellas might even give her a smooch. To put it mildly ... she's
stoked. Glen - GlennJPogatchnik@aol.com
A li'l bit for Bakersfield
Man ... I don't know where to start. I am a 42 year old and
North Carolnian and I have dug CCR, Hag, & Buck, for what seems like
all my life.
So imagine me meeting a girl from Redding, CA, falling in love.
All online!!!! She flew out here, we met, talked for a while, she flew
back to CA, I flew back out to CA, we packed her things and drove back
cross country to N.C.
I made sure we made a stop in Bakersfield. That was like a
"Mecca" to me. We only spent the night and ate in a Mexican cafe, then
left first thing the next morning.
But when we did ... (Keep in mind I'm a simple country boy from
N.C.) I slid behind the wheel, stuck in Skynyrd's "Street Survivors"
CD ... punched up their version of Hag's "Honkey Tonk Night Time Man"
where Ronnie Van Zant says "A li'l bit for Bakersfield ..." I looked
over at Darlene and said "I've been waitin' a lifetime to do that ..." -
rebyll@webtv.net
The Dusk Devils
July 3, 2004 - Hey Friends and Neighbors, Not to shamelessly self-promoteŠOK, to
shamelessly self-promote, the Dusk Devils are featured in today's Bakersfield
Californian newspaper‹the July 2nd issue, in the Eye Street section. Danielle
Belton interviewed us last week and she does a pretty good job of capturing the
essence of a group of goofballs with wildly diverse influences and a love for
loud, fast, twangy music.
If you can't get a dead tree copy of the paper, the story is posted on the
Californian's web site‹you have to sign up for Members Only access, but it
appears safeŠthey don't spam you if you sign up. The site is at
www.bakersfield.com, just click
the
Entertainment News
button. I'll have it posted on the band web site soon in the new Press
section, plus maybe some candid photos from the photo shootŠ
Thanks for your support. We're lining up shows right now; watch the
Upcoming page on our
web site,
www.duskdevils.com for details.
- From The Dusk Devils
Ken Nelson
Legendary Capitol records producer Ken Nelson 93 years old has written a book
titled "My first 90 years." He is a Country Music Hall of Fame member. He
also is the man who discovered Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Sonny James and many
more. He is in very poor health. I'm sure he would love to hear from people. His
address is 4743 Club House Drive, Somis, California 93066. The book has not been
published, yet. -Marty Martel
John B. Hall
Hi, Glenn! John Hall from Hummelstown, PA here! I always liked the Bakersfield
Sound in rockabilly, country and rock. Don Rich of the Buckaroos was a real
inspiration. to me. You have a real nice webpage on the Bakersfield Sound.
Two of my dearest friends in the world are the corps officers of the Salvation
Army in Bakersfield, Captains David and Diane Ebel. I hope you encounter them
sometime. They are real good people.
Best Wishes,
John B. Hall
jbhall@earthlink.net
Al Brumley, Jr.
Dear Glenn, Many thanks for the nice compliment from your e-mail I received. I
really appreciate your keeping me updated on the good old years in Bakersfield,
CA. My brother Tom and I are starting a new Country Music Show in Branson, MO.
It will be located in the Branson Mall Theater on 76 Country Music Blvd.,
starting June 3rd. The web-address is: www.bransonmallmusictheater.com
- All of our information may not be updated at this time but will be
shortly. Also, I now have a web-page:
www.albrumleyjrmusic.com.
Sincerely,
Al Brumley, Jr.
Roy Armistead
Was just 'surfing' and came across your site. Boy did it bring back memories -
as I was born in Bakersfield and grew up on watching "Cousin Herb" and his crew.
My father came to Bakersfield around 1913, and he told me that at one time,
probably in the late 1920's or early 30's, he was in a band with Bill Wood's
uncle (don't know the guys name) - the name "Roughriders" seems to ring a 'bell'
- but I'm not really sure that was it. My father, Roy Armistead, was a manager
in a finance company in the 40's, 50's and 60's, and from time to time, some of
the early county singers would come in to get loans. I remember him mentioning
Bonnie Owens and Bill Woods as some who did. One time when Bill Woods came in,
my father told him about the band he had been in with his uncle. He loaned Bill
the "only" picture he had of the band, probably some time in the 1950's. He
never got it back. Just wondered if Bill Wood's memorbilia was on display some
place, or is there a place that early Bakersfield music "stuff" is displayed.
It would be neat to run across that picture - as it is part of our family
history, too. Thanks for your time. J. Wheeless -
wheeless@porterville.k12.ca.us
Bobby Bear
Bobby sang at some of the old places when he was much younger, Now 42, he would
like to
share his memories with those who were there at the time.
He has played at Trouts and one of the first places was the Rancho outside
on a slab that is still on the ground. His real name is Bobby Lima. He
drove cab some and also tow truck. Contact us at
Vicky Lima (wife>
KVS Transportation
Division Secretary
vlima@kvstrans.com
Phone (661) 587-5574
Cell (661) 201-4245
Michael Dart with Roy Nichols, 1996.
Love the Website
Hi Glenn, Could you do me a favor? On your site you have a link to my band's
website which is listed as Chuck Bailey and The Country Western Sounds. Our
band is now called The Western Connection.
If you would update it I would appreciate it. I saw that you had listed the Kern
River Belle on your site. We play there every other Sunday and I just wanted to
thank you for promoting the bakersfield sound. Come in and say hi to us
sometime. Orrie Griswold - orrie@mail.cwsounds.com
Wynn Stewart's Gravesite
Hi Glenn, I live about an hours drive from where Wynn Stewart was born and laid
to rest. My wife and I looked up his burial site and was astonished to see a
grave marker like what is used for an infant. It seems a shame to me that a
person known the world over be remembered with a marker as such. I know this is
a very touchy subject. I e-mailed Wynn's daughter Wren, in Texas offering to
help get Wynn a more respectful tombstone. I didn't word it that way but I
never heard back so I dropped the subject. Wynn was born at Morrisville, Mo.
and is burried in Rosehill cemetery on Highway Z about four miles north of
Willard, MO. If there is an interest to help provide Wynn with a nice stone I
would be very honored to contribute to the cause. Sincerely, Doyle Brown P.O.
Box 44 Harwood, Mo. 64750 or dodybrown@yahoo.com
"Love's Gamble
Glenn I found out who did LOVES GAMBLE it was BOBBY HOLLISTER & THE RIALTOS from
Bakersfield on PIKE RECORDS (Pike 5910) the other side was "With A Ring Around
My Neck) recorded in 1961.
Take Care! Bob Morritt in Canada - dalhart@execulink.com
Hello Glenn: My name is Michael Dart and I am a country singer out of Pasadena,
CA. I have a five piece band that features the legendary Al Bruno who played on
a lot of Merle and Buck albums as well as countless others.
We just opened up for Merle at The Crazy Horse in Irvine.. Above is a picture of
Al Bruno and I with Merle backstage at that show. My question is, how can I get
in to perform at The Crystal Palace as I have been trying to get in there for a
few years. Also, do all of the existing Honky Tonks in Bakersfield have house
bands or are they open for traditional country bands coming up from the L.A.
area?
We've been to a lot of benefits at Trout's etc. but we would love to come up
and perform up in Bakersfield at some of the existing nite spots. Hope all is
well, I really like the site that you've put together...
Best, Michael Dart & The Flatlanders - try2sing4u@earthlink.net
Jerry Ward's Bass and Amp
Here's your chance to own a part of the Bakersfield Sound. This bass was owned
and played by Jerry Ward who was the bassist for Merle Haggard during the zenith
of Merle's career. Sadly we lost Jerry a few years back. The current owner,
Mack Owens, has the instrument up for sale and is asking $2000. You can direct
your inquires to me at GlennJPogatchnik@aol.com and I will forward them to
Mack.
Great site, Glenn! Thought you might be interested in this picture. I
worked multiple clubs in the east Kern area and Bonnie would show up numerous
times at the clubs and ranch dances we performed at. One night at fairtime in
Ridgecrest, my band, The Western Connection, was playing the Holland Ranch party
and of course Bonnie was there adding her wonderful voice. She very seldom took
the lead vocals but wanted to do the back up vocals to every song she knew that
we played. Tom T. Hall had been playing the fairgrounds that night and of
course ended up at the ranch party as all headliners did every year. (They all
seemed to know where the fun was).
The NEW "Western Connection" band now plays in Bakersfield. We are in the
process of rebuilding our web-site.
www.cwsounds.com Keep up the great
work, Jeff Cameron
Glenn:
Your BAKERSFIELD Site is Really
Great!
Back in 1961 or 1962 for sure I had a 45rpm record made in Bakersfield, the
Title on it was "Loves Gamble" The lyrics started " Love was the gamble, you
and I were willing to take" -
it was a C Em F G G7 chord progression. Do you recall WHO recorded it?
This has been bothering me a long while. Any help appreciated! ...
BOB MORRITT - dalhart@execulink.com
55th Anniversary of the Oldest Continuous
Running Country Music Nightclub in Bakersfield
Artist Mayf Nutter wrote:
Dateline Feb. 23, 2004 BAKERSFIELD -
Last night was the 55th Anniversary of the oldest continuous running Country
Music Nightclub in Bakersfield, California. TROUT'S, as it is called, is located
on Bakersfield's famous Chester Avenue and virtually every Country Music
performer of note has played there through the years. Today it is still a
favorite place for Country Music lovers to meet, dance, and have fun together.
Bobby Durham and the TEX PISTOLS have been the house band at TROUT'S for some
years now and another Bakersfield icon, Red Si is a regular performer on Monday
nights. The event last night was hosted by THE BAKERSFIELD COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM,
ASSOCIATION, which is comparable to the CMA, in honoring Bakersfield's Country
Music talent and preserving its history. The first inductees, on the opening day
of the Museum in 1988, were Buck Owens and Mayf Nutter. The 2004 Salute to
TROUT'S was video taped for posterity. It was a wonderful gathering of musicians
and performers who had been a part of the club's long history. Inez Savage
handled the MC duties with her smooth, caring and friendly way, despite late
arrivals and all the usual "unusual" confusion and frivolity which always occurs
when such a family reunion comes together. Special treats for me were getting to
visit with my old friends, the legendary Billy Mize and Bakersfield's Granddaddy
of fiddlers, Oscar Whittington. Those of you who watched THE WALTONS TV series
will remember Oscar played the role of the fiddle player for radio star, Bobby
Bigelow; my role on the series. If you ever watched the show, you have probably
heard us playing and singing together over the Walton family's radio, and have
seen us as those characters in the show. So TROUT'S, after 55 continuous years,
was once more the gathering place for a house-full of happy fans, friends,
performers..... and some great Country Music. I was honored to have been ask to
be the show's closing act for the evening of celebration, and to see so many old
friends again. Long live the Bakersfield Country Music scene. Mayf
Nutter
Question:
Had you ever heard of "Democrat Hot Springs" in the canyon between Lake Isabella
and Bakersfield?
During the 70's it was owned by Mr. Oscar Whittington, and the place jumped all
year long inside the main
lodge bar (winter time), and on a huge outdoor patio in the summer. My Dad
(Frankie Lemon) was Oscar's
drummer. Bill Woods, Jerry Ward, Tommy Collins, Big Bill Smith, Howdy Glen, Mayf
Nutter, Red Si
Sammi Smith & Little David Wilkins were all regulars there just about every
weekend. It was a great
time in my teenage years to be directly involved (via my Dad) with all those
terrific people and that
great country music! Merle Haggard would come down there now & again, as his
home used to be right
at the end of the canyon (toward Bakersfield).
If anyone remembers Democrat Hot Springs Let me know! Thanks again! -
Ted Lemon (760) 499-9111 e-mail: soundwavesdj@hotmail.com
Sandy Coker Checks In
Hello Glenn, my name is Sandy Coker and I ran across your website ... hey! I was
born in Bakersfield .. sure like your website. My website is www.sandycoker.com - click on the
pictures and it will tell you who is in them. I thought that Bakersfield was
dead with music like Fresno, Ca. and on and on. ... in Calif. Sure glad things
are cooking in Bakersfield. Sandy - ssoaksranch@psnw.com
"Frankie Lemon"
My name is Ted Lemon, my Dad was "Frankie Lemon" (Earl L. Lemon).
He was a singer & drummer during the 50's 60's & 70's around the Kern Valley &
Bakersfield areas,
He was well known by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Red Si, Mayf Nutter, Billy
Mize, George
French, Gene Moles, Roy Nichols, Bill Woods, Larry Petree, Wynn Stewart, Bonnie
Owens,
Jean Sheppard and Oscar Whittington. Over the years he has played music with all
of them.
I am trying to find out more about my dad and his place in the Bakersfield
sound. (I still own his drum set).
I'm looking for any stories, photos, or recordings that include my dad. Can you
help, or do you know anyone who can?
Thank You. Sincerely, Ted Lemon (760) 499-9111 e-mail here or at:
soundwavesdj@hotmail.com
Thank You
Glenn, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful
photos and stories you've complied on the Bakersfield Sound. My dad, Ken Croes
(Sr.), was a
newscaster, production manager and eventual GM at KERO-TV during the 50's and
60's. Many times as
a youngster, I got to see Herb Henson's Tradin' Post live. I was always awed by
the great
music on the show. I watched the program almost every evening on TV (in black
and white,
of course), but when I got to see and hear it live, it was amazing (and in
color!).
I also remember that Herb would
do live used car
commercials out back. He'd step through the big double doors behind the set,
and Leo Meek
Automobiles would drive their cars through one at a time. Herb's trademark was
slapping
the hood as he bellowed the low, low price.
When I was in 6th grade, Bill
Woods lived
a few block away from me in Bakersfield. I was very shy, but I visited him now
and then.
I loved his piano playing. I also thought the world of Billy Mize. He was so
charismatic
and such a great singer.
I eventually became a
professional musician,
too (much to the chagrin of my parents). The musicians of the Bakersfield Sound
had
a profound influence on me. I made a good living and had a wonderful time for
10
years playing guitar, writing tunes and doing shows. I've since moved on to
other
things (wouldn't ya know ... television). But I'll never forget the good times
during my music career, and the inspiration I gained from the Bakersfield
Sound.
Ken Croes
KEZI-TV
P.O. Box 7009
Eugene, OR 97401
Voice: 541.485.5611 Ext. 3012
Fax: 541.686.8004
Cell: 541.912.8243
Email: kcroes@kezi.com
Eddie Enderle
Here's an e-mail I received from Eddie Enderle that I saw at Jack Clayton's gig
recently. Eddie used to come into my record shop in Delano, Ca (33 miles north
of Bakersfield) back in the 70's when he was a little kid. I'm real proud of him
because he is now one of the premier guitarists in Bakersfield. He carries on
the Bakersfield Sound tradition with pride and respect for all that came before
him.
-Glenn J. "The Ambassador of the Bakersfield Sound" Pogatchnik
From: Wellstrung1@aol.com
Hey Glenn, it was good for the heart to see one of my long time friends still
contributing and educating the masses on our Historic music seen.
I've been a steady working member of this community now for twenty-four years
and you were there when I first broke in. In that time I have managed to play
with and befriend many of the people that helped put us on the map,
Buck, Billy Mize, Bill Woods, Red and Tommy Hays just to name a few.
Currently I am playing with two different country groups and I am working with
an R&B group writing and recording. My opportunities however have been
diminishing due to the lack of venues which appreciate our love of west coast
country music. My living has been entirely dependent on working the remaining
clubs and repairing the instruments of some of our best pickers
as well as the young up and coming youths that we are counting on to continue
Bakersfield's musical legacy. I hope to continue our contact
through all means and look forward to your company in person so we may enjoy
talk of old times as well as those to come. Till then, keep up the great work
your doing for us, Thanx ... your old friend Eddie Enderle.
Hey, Glenn!
Just wanted to update you on my situation...I have accepted the position of
Afternoon Drive Host at KDXY/Jonesboro, Arkansas - http://www.thefox1049.com -
["104-9 The Fox"]. My wife, Miss Geri, and I will be moving over the Labor Day
weekend, and my first day on air is Labor Day. I will be working under the "air
name" of "Skeeter Nash."
My email address will be changing soon, and I'll be in touch when I have new
information for you. In the meantime, keep those B-town Sound fires
burning!
All my best,
Tim Goodrich
Nashville, TN (for just a couple of more days!)
Greetings from "Bakersfield East" (Nashville)!
Dear Glenn, I just want to compliment you on your wonderful web page! It
makes me homesick for my adopted hometown!
Just a quick background on myself: I have been a singing drummer and radio
personality for more than 22 years, playing
music with various bands in and around Fresno and Bakersfield, and working at
radio stations in Fresno (KMAK, KFRE), Tulare (KJUG),
and Bakersfield (KTIE - now KCWR, owned by Buck Owens and KKBB). Since moving
to Nashville three years ago, I have played gigs
in the clubs on Lower Broadway, and have shared the stage with - among others -
Hank Locklin, Billy Walker, Jim Ed Brown, David Ball, Vern Gosdin and Ronnie
Stoneman. I have also worked at Music City's best-known Country radio stations,
WSIX and the "home of the Grand Ole Opry," 650 WSM-AM.
My first taste of B-town came in the Spring of 1984, when I moved down from
Fresno and worked for about 3 months at W.M. Cody's (near Mesa Marin Raceway on
Hwy. 178). I played there with my friend Jack Clayton's band, "The Texas
Connection." By the way, Jack continues the Bakersfield live music tradition
playing weekends at Rockin' Rodeo! When Cody's started sliding into financial
problems, Jack and I moved back to Fresno, to play with "Stone Creek," then the
house band at Jim's Place in Clovis. However, I left Bakersfield reluctantly,
and hoped someday to return.
My hope became reality when I moved back to Bakersfield in September of 1994.
Almost immediately, I started playing in a band with Richard Chon (Country music
historian/fiddle player with the Sons of the San Joaquin) and other local
players. We even held down the house gig for more than a year at Trout's.
Later, I played with Bobby Durham's and Rick Reno Stevens' bands. I have worked
various gigs with such greats as Larry Petree, Oscar Whittington, Red Si, Mack
Owens, Bonnie Owens, Jerry Ward and so many others. I was invited on a couple
of occasions to get up and sing with Buck & the Buckaroos on the stage of the
Crystal Palace.
I left Bakersfield in the Spring of 2000 for Nashville, wishing to see
first-hand how the music business really works. So far, I think it's pretty
safe to say for the most part, "The Party's Over!" The business (or "industry")
is in a major slump, and everybody here is hangin' on for dear life! I don't
know what my part in the whole picture will be, but I've never forgotten my
years spent in Bakersfield, and when I mention that that's where I'm from, it
usually gets a very positive reaction. Every night, in any club on Lower
Broadway, you'll hear the songs of Buck, Merle, Wynn Stewart and other West
Coast legends dominating the bands' sets. The influence is still felt here, and
I've been surprised by the number of young 20-and 30-something musicians I've
encountered here (I myself will turn 43 in August) who idolize Bakersfield's
best and brightest from the "glory years." I've often said I believe I was born
about 30 years too late and 100 miles too far north (Fresno) ... I should have
been in Bakersfield then, playing those great clubs like the Blackboard, Lucky
Spot, Tex's Barrel House, etc. I got to taste a little of it at Trout's, but as
we all know, those great days of live music seven nights a week at 10 or 15
different clubs are long gone, and will most likely never be back again.
Well, all I can say is keep the faith, keep the fires burning, and keep giving
the world such a great resource for the history (and current news) on the
musical movement that has had such a huge impact on my life, and the lives of
countless others. Give my best to Buck, Red, Bobby, Inez Savage, Rick
Stevens, my good friend Billy Mize and any of the others you encounter in your
travels along the Streets of Bakersfield!
With all good
wishes,
Timothy S.
Goodrich
"Skeeter
Nash"
E-mail: Glenn
Pogatchnik
©2002-2004