ROCKABILLY RAVE 12 producer Jerry Chatabox (left) with artists, Miss Mary
Ann and Lew Williams, on Sunday, June 22nd at the show site.
The weekender was held at Pontins Holiday Centre, Camber Sands,
England, June 19th-23rd. Miss Mary Ann and the Ragtime Wranglers
from Holland played Thursday night. Lew appeared on Friday night,
backed by the Barnshakers from Finland. Larry and Lorrie, the
Collins Kids, were on onstage Saturday night. Photo - Anita Williams
CHARLIE GRACIE plays to SOLD OUT FESTIVAL, SUFFOLK ENGLAND The ULTIMATE 50's ROCK 'N' ROLL
FESTIVAL held at PONTIN's SEASIDE VILLAGE at Lowestoft, England Starred Charlie Gracie and
featured numerous excellent rockabilly bands from the U.S. and Europe - including MAC
CURTIS, JOHNNY POWERS, SANDY FORD, MATCHBOX and Germany's LENNEROCKERS! This pic shows
Charlie on stage before a packed ballroom of 1,300 backed by the incomparable CLASS OF
'58! Charlie returns to Britain again for a month-long tour in November. Kudos to
promoter Ritchie Gee!
INDIANA'S OWN MR. & MRS. ROCKABILLY.
Mandy Marie (wife) and Danny Thompson (husband) each appeared Saturday, June 28th,
at the Radio Radio club in Indianapolis in their respective bands.
Danny open the show with his "Bigger Than Elvis" combo and Mandy closed
the evening with her group, "Mandy Marie and the Cool Hand Lukes".
Art Adams and his band were the night's headliners.
Mac Curtis and Glen Glenn
Hollywood, CA, May 17, 2008 -- Photo: Alan Clark
Bill Haley's Original Comets
21st Century Electronic Press Kit
The legendary guitarist was saluted May 3, 2008 as the lastest "Nashville Cat" at
the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
Also known as one of "The Memphis Boys", Reggie is
acknowledged as one of the great guitarists in popular music history. He lent
his guitar to the rockabilly explosion in the mid-1950s (with Eddie Bond); Memphis'
hit-producing American Studio in the 1960s; and the expansion of Nashville's recording scene
in the 1970s. His guitar work can be heard on Dobie Gray's "Drift Away," Waylon
Jennings' "Luckenbach, Texas," Wille Nelson's "Always on My Mind" and Reba McEntire's
"Little Rock," the Elvis Memphis Sessions among hundreds of others. Photo: Rockabilly Hall of Fame
One of the highlights of the recent "Northest Rockin' Festival in the World"
weekender in Lapland, Finland was an impromptu duet between Robert Gordon and Marti Brom
on "Fire". They both performed the song with great verve, and the crowd clearly loved
every second of it. Marti was thrilled afterwards, and stated that she's always been a
huge Robert Gordon fan. Also pictured, guitarist Marco Di Maggio.
NARVEL FELTS (pictured here with Huey P. Long) appeared to a sold-out house at the
Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center
in Huntingdon, Tennessee, Saturday, April 19, 2008.
RAY CAMPI and LAURA LEE PERKINS
At Viva Las Vegas, 2008
Photos courtesy: Dominique Anglares
CHARLIE GRACIE and SLEEPY LA BEEF: Two American Originals - for sure ... got together
for an informal jam at the Iron Hill Brewery at the "Great Americana Roots
Ramble" in downtown Media, PA (April 12) where thousands turned out to hear several
great artists all along State St.
Charlie and Sleepy have performed on the same bill in many foreign capitals as well -
including London, England and Helsinki, Finland. They have performed together at the
Lincoln Center in New York last summer as well!
New Gene Summer's CD
Posted March 16, 2008 - Gene has just informed us that he has a brand new CD titled
"Reminisce Cafe", just released on Seduction Records #110. This is Gene's
50th Anniversary Album released in 2008 on the exact date of his first 45 release,
"School Of Rock 'n Roll", which was issued
on February 1, 1958! "Reminisce Cafe" contains (15) NEWLY RECORDED tracks in the rockin'
50s style. This is Gene's first U.S. studio album since 1981! Tracks include: "Reminisce
Cafe", "She Bops A Lot", "Just Together", "Rockin' Fever", "Crazy Cat Corner", "I Won't
Take Any Less", "(It's Love Baby) Twenty Four Hours A Day", "Do A Little Roll",
"Heartbreak City Limits", "Love Me Tender", "Gonna Drive 'Em Up A Wall", "Be-Bop City",
"Hot Rod Baby", "I'm Flyin' In" and Little Lu Ann (a James McClung composition)!
The liner notes were written by legendary DJ Ron Chapman and the album was produced by
3-time Grammy winner Phil York. CD has a 6-page, full color, fold-out with some never
before published, personal pics from the early years to the present!
(Cover Photo: Gene & Dea Summers, Dallas, 1962) [UPC663525221727] CD in stock.
Immediate shipping, order from:
http://siliconmusic.us/.
Autographed copies are available upon request.
FRANNY BEECHER (Posted Feb. 15, 2008) -
Bill Turner: "Here's a photo from when I visited Franniy Beecher recently!
As you can see, he looks great! (He PLAYED great too!)
The guitar we're holding, is an old 1952 gold Les Paul that
was completely restored by Gibson Guitars' Valley Arts division in
Nashville!" - bluesmokeband@verizon.net
Warren Smith
Paris, November 24, 1979
More About Warren
HERE and
HERE
Photo: Dominique "Imperial" ANGLARES
25-year-old
CHRIS SCRUGGS (whose grandfather is Earl Scruggs and mom is Gail Davis)
presented a lively demonstration of the steel guitar at the Country Music Hall of
Fame in Nashville, Sunday, December 23rd. Chris gave the audience the
history of the instrument, playing many examples of techniques and styles.
He is currently a member of BR549.
ROSE MADDOX
See more photos of
Rose just posted on the
Maddox Brothers & Rose page.
The Original Comets Still at It!
In Branson, MO - November, 2007
Inspired by the life of
Hank Garland, the movie CRAZY is the story of a legendary
guitar player who emerged from Nashville in the 1950's. Blessed with incomparable,
natural talent, Hank quickly established his reputation as the finest sessions
player in Nashville. Artists such as Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, The Everly Brothers
and Elvis all sought Hank's brilliant play for their recordings.
Roy Head and the Traits
Roy and the group were personally inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame®
by Bob Timmers on
Saturday, October 20th at a sold-out San Marcos, Texas State University
special reunion event. This show marked the 50th anniversary of the
band's first appearance. They are all classmates of San Marcos High School class of '57.
Their big hit, "Treat Her Right," came in 1965.
See:
Roy Head and the Traits Reunion
"Thanks so very much to the fans. Janis will surely be missed by the Rock-A-Billy world, she was a true professional both on and off stage. She was loved by everyone that she ever came in contact with. She had the most beautiful voice of any entertainer. I'm sure the good Lord has her voice ringing out through the heavens.
She just had a gift of God that was just out of this world. She would walk out on stage and the place would just go in an uproar. Janis just had that gift to pull people and put them in the palm of her hand. She had an impact on me that was unreal. I just know she's gone to a better place and that I'll see her one day."
B. Wayne Whitt,
Janis' husband.
RCCD 3056 - BUDDY HOLLY with The Three Tunes - OHH! ANNIE!
This package includes studio masters not only previously unissued but
whose very existence will be unknown to even the most committed of fans.
There's also superior sound quality versions of most tracks that have been
released, a detailed 36-page booklet with notes by John Ingman, Colin
Davies and Sonny Curtis and several previously unpublished photographs.
Available in two formats as shown above - click on each image for more
details. http://rollercoasterrecords.com/
Dagmar and the Seductones
New CD: "Come Back to Me"
Contact: P.O. 65234, Washington, DC USA
www.theseductones.com - seductones@aol.com
Hey "Hag" Fans ... CLICK HERE to find more info on Merle's new 6-CD set ... including complete track listings.
Billy Joe Shaver Friday, September 14, 2007
This Honky Tonk Outlaw has a big following among rockabilly fans.
Many bands cover his material. A Video from the Show
Mac Curtis DVD EMCEE MUSIC VENTURES (through the help of
Rarity Records)
proudly presents this collaboration between the Texas rockabilly legend
MAC CURTIS and young rock 'n roll artist PHIL FRIENDLY. The disc features 21 songs
and a few bonus clips.
THE BLASTERS 8/31/07
Plaque on the wall of The TWIN BARS
where, in 1952 Bill
Haley and The Saddlemen (later to become The Comets) played.
That is where they first played "Rock This Joint",
the song that many believe was the beginning of "rock & Roll".
On July 14th 2007, and 55 years later, The Coments rocked South Jersey again.
Paul Kain, city administrator, and Gina Dumphy,
Director of Community Development for Gloucester City, did such a great
job making everything work very smoothly for Marshall, Joey, Dick and the boys.
Hillbilly Casino
Riding the rockin' train to your town soon. Read more about 'em here.Both photos: Bonnie Tankersley
Wanda Jackson with the High Jacks
During August 2007, Wanda has been touring the US with
the High Jacks from Sweden. She has worked with this group in Sweden for over 20 years
and this is the first time the band has backed her in America.
The High Jacks are (L-R):
Anders Thomasson, bass;
Lars Anderson, guitar;
Nina Jedevin-Jonsson, vocals;
Perry Johnsson, piano
Jers Klarsson drums
Walt "Jelly Roll Rock" Brown
December, 2006
Roy Wilson of the Buzzards
Roy is one of the hardest working cats out there today.
He and the band are popping up everywhere. Don't miss 'em. Here's a shot of Roy at David Loehr's recent
Indianapolis Weekender. Photo
courtesy of the Indy Road Rockets.
ROY CLARK made a rare autograph signing appearance in Nashville
on Saturday, July 21st. Roy used to be Wanda Jackson's lead guitarist
back in the early '60s.
NARVEL FELTS
... appeared at the Music Ranch USA Theater in West Point, KY on Saturday,
July 14, 2007. The house was packed and Narvel performed an outstanding show. Photo: Rockabilly Hall of Fame®
Wildest Cats In Town Weekender Jack Neal (Blue Caps), Dick Richards & Marshall Lytle (Comets) and
Kern Kennedy (Pacers) ...
Saturday 30th June 2007, Pakefield, Lowestoft, UK
MANDY MARIE & THE COOL HAND LUKES
This gal has it all! The voice, attitude, pickin', sound,
stage presence
and whatever else it takes to become the next big sensation in the Rockabilly and
Traditional Country markets. She did all but steal the show at the recent Indianapolis
Rockabilly Rebel Weekender. When Mandy is on stage, she commands your full attention.
She's a much-needed refreshing addition to the scene. Book her ... see Mandy whenever you can.
(thecoolhandlukes@aol.com). This isn't a paid plug - she's just that freakin' good.
A CD will be available in August.
Mandy and Band's MySpace Site.
Marvin Rainwater, Lew Williams and
Bob Timmers at the recent Green Bay Fest III
L to R:
Johnny Powers, Mac Curtis, Ray Campi and
Art Adams at the recent Green Bay Fest III
Photo by Alan Clark.
More of Alan's Photos Here
Billy Swan & James Burton
join the gang in London, May 11, 2007. Photo: Ron Garson Photos -
More photos
BIG SANDY
with Los Straitjackets
at The Basement in Nashville, April 24, 2007.
Marti Brom
on stage at Hemsby 38, UK
Friday 20th April 2007. Photo: Rod Pyke
Jay Chevalier
Jay appeared at the Rockabilly Hall of Fames' 10th
Anniversary Show in Las Vegas, April 6th. He did a great set, backed by
"The Buzzards" from New York.
Also in the photo is Roy, the leader of the band. Photo: Alan Clark
Jimmy Lee Fautheree Photo: Jimmy Lee and his wife Nancy, 1957.
On 11th April 2007, this rockabilly legend would have been 73 years old.
He passed away in 2004, due to cancer.
GLEN GLENN
Glen was one of many performers at the
Rockabilly Hall of Fame Show at Viva Las Vegas on April 6th, 3-7pm. Linda Gail Lewis and
Jorgen Poulsen
Jorgen will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Eddie Cochran Fan Club of Denmark
on April 17, 2007. The above photo was taken at a Denmark rock 'n' roll show in 2006.
For more information about this Fan Club, e-mail:
eddie-cochran@mail.tele.dk.
DALE HAWKINS
Dale was one of many performers at the
Rockabilly Hall of Fame Show at Viva Las Vegas in April.
TOMMY ALLSUP
Appeared at the Surf Ballroom Show, February 1, 2007. More Photos Here Photo: Alan Clark
ALTON LOTT
Pictured here in Phillips Studio, Memphis, TN
Saturday, Jan. 27th recording songs for his
new CD that will be available when he appears at
the Green Bay Onedia Casino Fest III in May.
RONNIE HAIG
Promotional photo for his "Don't You Hear Me Calling
Baby" release, March 1958 in Hollywood, California.
TOMMY SANDS with his
daughter JESSICA
Both performed at the 2007 ELVIS PRESLEY BIRTHDAY BASH
in Hollywood, California.
Photo: Alan Clark
1977
Bruce Springsteen stopped by to see Robert Gordon and Link Wray
perform at New York University. After Bob Gruen snapped this photo
backstage, Bruce joined Robert, Link and the band on stage for a
rousing double vocal with Robert on "Heartbreak Hotel."
JAY CHEVALIER
H i s s o n g " C O M E B A C K T O L O U I S I A N A " , w a s p r o c l a i m e d t h r o u g h H o u s e B i l l 7 9 6
b y R e p r e s e n t a t i v e D a n n y M a r t i n y , a s t h e O f f i c i a l S t a t e R e c o v e r y s o n g a n d o n
t h e s a m e B i l l: " J a y C h e v a l i e r s h a l l b e k n o w n a s t h e O f f i c i a l S t a t e T r o u b a d o u r
f o r t h e H u r r i c a n e K a t r i n a a n d H u r r i c a n e R i t a R e l i e f E f f o r t s a s h e t r a v e l s
t h e w o r l d b r i n g i n g a w a r e n e s s o f t h e d e s t r u c t i o n c a u s e d b y t h e h u r r i c a n e s a n d t h e
c o n t i n u i n g n e e d s o f t h e peop l e o f Lousiana." More information here.
LARRY COLLINS
appeared in a Fender magazine advertisement circa 1959.
Rare TILLMAN FRANKS Photo
... at age 26, when he was in the Harmie Smith band with Harry Todd on guitar. Harry Todd left Shreveport in
1950 but stayed friends with Tillman. He kindly sent our reporter in France (Dominique) this picture.
True, Tillman is not 100% rockabilly but he helped to promote Hillbilly Bop giving assistance to
Jimmy & Johnny, Elvis, David Houston, Johnny Horton, and others.
Tillman autographed this photo for Harry as to "Radar" because Tillman would keep track of the audience head count
lest the promoters might come up with different numbers.
Comets Update
Comets Bassist MARSHALL LYTLE reports: "Hi Everyone, from Branson, MO.
Here is a backstage photo of me and some of the Original Stars of AmericanBandstand Show.
They are from Left to Right: myself, Chris Montez, Fabian, Bobby Vee, and Brian Hyland. The Original Comets are on every day (except Wed.) at 2PM. Still Rockin Around The Clock
in Branson until December 9th. The COMETS will be off for Christmas, then on New Years
Eve We will be at the Peppermill Casino in Wendover NV.
Then on Jan 21 Thru 28,
www.oldiescruise2007.com,
a beautiful cruise thru the Western Caribbean. Come Join in the fun with Paul Revere and
The Raiders, The Original Comets, The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, and a lot more great
entertainers. The Comets will be in Las Vegas on Feb. 10th at The Cannary Casino. On Feb 20,
The Original Comets leave for a 20 Concert Tour of Europe Returning March 20th,
and Starting our next Season in Branson on April 1st 2007.
I will pass on the Schedule for the European tour soon. We love you all." -Marshall
Gene Summers
at Hemsby 37, Seacroft Holiday Centre,
Hemsby, UK - Friday 13th October 2006 (photo: Barry Dixon) -
Tony's Show Review
Born 1929 in Bangor, Maine.
Recorded for Flag Records, 1959:
"Eenie Meenie" & "Pink Elephants".
Linda Gail Lewis
.... and her daughter Annie Dawn, backed by Scotland's rockabilly band The Peas,
performed at the Town Hall in Maybole, Scotland on September 30, 2006.
Charlie Gracie and John Leyton with organizer Gwen Hale at the unveiling. CHARLIE GRACIE dedicates new EDDIE COCHRAN Memorial at Big
Festival in CHIPPENHAM ENGLAND!
Philly born rock 'n' roll icon, Charlie Gracie headlined the annual 3-day Eddie Cochran Festival
(Sept. 15-17) at Chippenham, England this year - which featured the dedication of a striking
6-foot, black, granite image of Eddie - to be put on display in the town where a tragic taxi
accident took his life in 1960. Planners, Gwen Hale and Ken Hersey said thousands attended the
concerts (at the Olympiad Arena) which also featured British Singer/Actor, John Leyton;
Crazy Cavan,Wee Willie Harris and several other great acts.
Charlie Gracie felt "honored" to do the unveiling and was chosen because of his close
friendship to Eddie in the late 50s. When in Philly for gigs or a tv appearance on "American
Bandstand," Eddie and manager, Jerry Capehart often visited the Gracie household where
Charlie's mom prepared Italian dishes for them! According to Gwen Hale: "there was not
a dry eye once that memorial was uncovered - including Charlie's.
The cost of the memorial was over Seven Thousand Pounds and funds were raised by devout Cochran
fans who worked tirelessly to see that their idol's legacy lives on!
The Collins Kids
Photo courtesy Dominique "Imperial" Anglares, taken in Paris, at Disney's Billy Bobs,
September 1, 2006. "They delivered a great show - rockin' and rollin' with 'Hot Rod', 'Ramrod',
'Whistle Bait', 'I'm in My Teens', 'Let's Have a Party' and many more. Notice that Lorrie's guitar
has a hole due to pick use."
Remembering Buddy's 70th
Buddy Holly was born on September 7, 1936
Available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Overstock.com, and many
Elvis websites.
Dale Hawkins
Appeared in Nashville, Monday, August 21st on the eve of his birthday.
Guest performers included country singer Joe Stampley and guitarist Joe Khoury.
A Young Rose Maddox
19 years old - Circa 1944
Click on the above photo to see newly posted photos
(some very rare) of Rose and the Maddox Brothers.
BASSIST MARSHALL LYTLE REPORTS:
July, 2006 - "This is a new photo of The COMETS. Left is Guitarist and Vocalist Jackson Haney.
Next Joey Ambrose, Dick Richards, Marshall Lytle, and on the right is pianist, D'Vaughn Pershing.
We are having the time of our lives, in the American Bandstand Theatre in Branson, MO.
Wish you could ALL come see us. The Sound system is THE BEST. There is only four like this in
the USA. Every seat has the SAME sound. It is the latest state of the art sound system,
and the best in Branson."
HAYDEN THOMPSON
The above photo scan of "Haydon" was taken from his
hometown (Wheeling, IL) newspaper. Hayden was featured on the cover
of the "Wheeling Countryside" edition this past May. He still uses the Gibson guitar
shown on the old album cover.
This never before released photo was taken in front of The Big D Jamboree fence in the early '50s. Jimmy's clothes were made by his mother. He left us on 29th June 2004.
The COLLINS KIDS
Featured on the new Rhino Records "Rockin' Bones" box set.
