Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter Cowtown Society of Western Music ‗2009 Publication of the Year‘ Distributed by BACKFORTY BUNKHOUSE PRODUCTIONS 106 Roswell St., Ruidoso, NM 88345 (575) 808-4111 Home of Backforty Roundup and CD Chorale Backforty Bunkhouse Publishing BMI Venue / Show Productions Western Music Radio Marketing www.Backforty Bunkhouse.com [email protected] www.MySpace.com/BackfortyBunkhouse Twitter.com/backfortyBH

Joe Baker Publisher The Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter is sent to over 900 email subscribers periodically and is growing every day. There are DJs, artists and fans whose interest are , Cowboy Poetry, Cowboy Heritage and Honky Tonk music gen- res. We solicit your comments, suggestions and ways we may better serve you. If you do not want to receive this newsletter and want to be removed from our mailing list, reply to this email by entering ―UNSUBSCRIBE‖ in the subject box of the email.

Joe Baker's Top 20 – June, 2010 15. Linda Lee Filener, One Life To Live 16. Backforty Roundup Vol. #44

Est. January, 2007 17. Almeda Terry, Voices From The Range Howard Higgins, Western Swing Co-Founder & Advisor 18. Troy Bateson, Midnight Moon 19. Chuck Cusimano, Wind Blow My Blues Away Joe Baker, Co-Founder 1. Tom Houston, Tuxedo Country Vol.#2 & Publisher 2. , Celebrating with Friends 20. Brenn Hill, Equine

Totsie Slover, Editor 3. Rebecca Linda Smith, True Love 4. Gayla Earlene, Traditional Sugar 5. Cornell Hurd, A Bad Year For Love "Swingin' West"- Mike Gross 6. Good Bye Liza Jane, Hello Western Swing, Lone WVOF-FM Pine WS Band June 1, 2010 7. Gena Roberts, Shuffle Back To Me 8. , Willie & The Wheel Songs mtdradio.com 9. Jerry D. Hobbs, Bakersfield backfortybunkhouse.com 10. Carolyn Martin, Cookin‘ With Carolyn 1. Oklahoma- 1955- Les Gilliam 11. Brady Bowen In My Spare Time, Vol.#5 2. That‘s What I Call Cookin‘- Carolyn Martin 12. Johnny Lyon, Wynn Stewart Fav. Vol.#2 3. California Mountains- The Stardust Cowboys 13. Kevin Carter-Little Red Hayes, East Texas 4. Lonestar Ladies- Ray Sanders 14. Hank Stone, Somewhere In Texas 5. Night Coach Out of - Jake Hooker 15. Billy Mata, This Is Vol.#1 6. Over the Hill- River Road Boys nchacutting.com 16. Rachael Hester, Only Time Will Tell 7. What I Like About Texas- Marshall Ford Swing 17. Wayne Glasson & Friends, Tribute To Bob Band Boatright 8. I Wouldn‘t Trade You for a Farm in Georgia- 18. Chuck Cusimano, Swing me A Song Ray Kayanek 19. Steel Country, Country Hard As Steel 9. Tacos, Enchiladas and Beans- Buck Pizzarelli & West Texas Tumbleweeds mtdradio.com 20. Jerry Webb, Live At Pearl‘s Dancehall CD/DVD backfortybunkhouse.com 10. I‘m A Texas Boy- Jerry D. Hobbs Western Music/Cowboy Poetry 1. Yvonne Hollenbeck, Sorting Time 1. Oklahoma- 1955- Les Gilliam 2. Bar-D Roundup, Vol.#5 CowboyPoetry.com 2. Cookin‘ With Carolyn- Carolyn Martin westernmusic.com 3. Larry McWhorter, Cowboy Poet (Prescott Music) 3. Celebrating with Friends- Johnny Gimble 4. Mark Compere, Cowboy Songs 4. Western Bling- Stephanie Davis 5. Patty Parker, Southwest Serenade 5. Houston- River Road Boys 6. Lynn Anderson, Cowgirl II 6. Lost Along the Way- Jake Hooker 7. Goodbye Liza Jane Hello Western Swing- Lone wsmss.com 7. Fred Hargrove, My Sacred Ground 8. Ken Cook, Cowboys Are Like That Pine Western Swing Band 9. Stardust Cowboys, Ridin‘ Back To You 8. Diggin‘ Up Bones- Buck Pizzarelli & West Texas 10. Chuck Woller, D. Johnson Vocals) Desert Moon Tumbleweeds 11. Steve Anderson, Old Man Talking 9. This is Tommy Duncan- Billy Mata & Texas 12. Gil Prather, Last Of The Border Cowboys Tradition 13. Frank Fara, Songs Of The Untamed West 10. Herdin‘ Cats- The Saddle Cats swinginwest.com cowtown-swm.org 14. Horse Crazy, Daughters Of The West

Joe Baker‟s Backforty Bunkhouse Show is broadcast on 100,000 watt KNMB, 96.7FM “New Mexico Bear” & 100,000 watt KWMW, 105.1FM, “Regional Radio W-105” every Saturday morning 6 am to 10 am in Ruidoso, New Mexico covering New Mexico & West Texas. Member: Western Music Broadcast- ers Association (WMBA). Also available „Streaming live‟ 24/7 on the internet at W-105

1 Andy and Jim Nelson Graham Lee‘s Top Ten CDs And Songs C. O. W. HWD Radio - United Kingdom

awaawards.org 4 Week Playlist Top Ten CDs

5/29/10, 100 Top Western Movies 1. Carolyn Martin - Cookin‘ With Carolyn 2. Mike Siler - Ridin‘ For Love R.W. Hampton: Ballad of the Alamo 3. Red Steagall - Here We Go Again R.W. Hampton: My Rifle, My Pony, and Me 4. The Desperados - Lucky Seven Tex Ritter: High Noon 5. Palo Duro - Comanche Moon nwwsms.org R.W. Hampton: The Hangin' Tree 6. John England - Open That Gate Larry McWhorter: Waitin' on the Drive 7. RW Hampton - I Believe

R.W. Hampton: The Searchers 8. Sons O The San Joaquin - 15 Years - A Retrospec-

tive

5/22/10, I Did it Anyway 9. Jake Hooker - Faded Lights

10. Horse Crazy - Daughters Of The West

Kevin Dunn: Half a Mile of Hell westernswingsociety.org Rusty Richards: I Long to Go Back to Wyoming Top Ten Songs Slim Critchlow: State of Arkansas Corb Lund: Talkin' Veteriarian Blues 1. Carolyn Martin - People Will Say We‘re In Love Rod Nelson: Good Clean fun 2. Sons Of The San Joaquin - Is It Because Richard Lee Cody and Mary Kaye: Wayward Prairie 3. RW Hampton - I Believe 4. Red Steagall/Reba McEntire - Here We Go Again 5/15/10, 101 Ways to Get Stuck 5. Jessie Lee Miller - Now You‘re Gonna Be Loved 6. Jake Hooker - Faded Lights and Lonesome People ifco.org Corb Lund: The Truck Got Stuck 7. Juni Fisher - A Horse Like You Tom Cole: Four Strong Winds 8. Palo Duro - Comanche Moon Sons of the Pioneers: When it's Springtime in the 9. Kevin Dunn - Saddle Tramp Rockies 10. Jared Rogerson - Straight For The Storm Ian Tyson: Moisture Doris Daley: Don't Drive the Tractor [email protected] Cowboy Celtic: The Water is Wide The Real West from the Old West swinginwest.com 5/8/10, Mother's Day Totsie Slover AM1230 KOTS DemingRadio.com Jean Prescott: She Always Smelled Like Lilacs

Donnie Blanz: Paint Her Real Top 20 CDs Rex Allen Sr. & Rex Allen Jr.: When the Works All Cookin‘ With Carolyn – Carolyn Martin

Done this Fall Let ‗Er Go, Let ‗Er Buck, Let ‗Er Fly – Rod Erickson: Raised that Way Juni Fisher demingradio.com Susan Parker: S. Omar Barker's "Ranch Mother" Swing Me A Song – Chuck Cusimano realwestoldwest.com Patty Clayton: Mother's Day Way Out West – Richard Lee Cody and Mary Kaye

Western Bling – Stephanie Davis 5/1/10, Chuck Wagon Cook's Favorite Recipes Cowboy Songs – Mark Compere A Bad Year For Love – Cornell Hurd Band Joni Harms: Cowboy Coffee Equine – Brenn Hill Riders in the Sky: The Biscuit Blues Oklahoma 1955 – Les Gilliam Larry McWhorter – Larry McWhorter cowboypoetry.com Homer and Jethro: Bacon and Eggs Craig Chambers: Good Brown Gravy This Is Tommy Duncan Vol. 1 – Billy Mata Bar-D Roundup Vol. 5 – CowboyPoetry.com Curly Musgrave: Billy Tucker's Stew In My Spare Time Vol. 5 – Brady Bowen Come Ride With Me – Dave Stamey [email protected] Festival Favorites – Bobby Flores Here, There Or Anywhere – Rod Taylor Tuxedo Country Vol. 2 – Tom Houston Orchestra Cowboy‘s Life – Roughstring Houston – The River Road Boys

Viva La Cowboy – Dan Roberts [email protected] RealWestOldWest.com

cowboysymposium.org Ruidoso, New Mexico mountainannies.com 2 Rockin‘Boy Saloon 12. Georgette Jones - I Still Believe In Fairy Tales Every Sunday 13. Teea Goans - He'll Be Back 1PM to 3PM Nashville 14. Robert Poe - Bad Reputation Time 15. Ronica Coldiron - Chocolate Coffee & Cowboys 16. Lowcash Cowboys - Here Comes Summer Clay Walker-She Won't 17. Red Molly - Jezebel radioksey.com Be Lonely For Long 18. Roys - Beautiful Donna Frost-Runaway 19. Willie Nelson - Freight Train Boogie 20. Kellie Pickler - Makin' Me Fall in Love Again Train [email protected] Bull's Gap-It Doesn't Get Any Countrier LEESWING TOP 12 CDs & SONGS Than This Lillies Ohlsson Glenn Reid-Another Hank Williams Night Kountry Korral Magazine Ann-Marita-Company Town Dolly Parton-Drives Me Crazy Bennerstigen 120 [email protected] Eli Young Band-Radio Waves SE-733 95 SALA * Sweden Debbie Nunn-UK-Bubbles Ivy Raye-Dancing Dark Delilah James Otto-For You CDs T Edwin Doss-Out on Rocky's run * Bobby Koefer - Thumbin´ It wswing.home.texas.net Amanda Nagurney-Just Me And The Road * Buck Pizzarelli - Diggin´ Up Bones Jess Kline-Bound to Love * Carolina Cotton - Yodeling Blonde Bombshell Vol. 2 JerryLee Lewis-I Waw Her Standing There * Country Night Life - The Right Five Vol.1 Davie Gayle-Rockabilly Bug * Dayna Wills - Bob´s Sister Helen´s Kid, That´s Me # 2 Michelle Turley-Hard Times * Frank Fara - Songs Of The Untamed West Chick'N'Band-Estonia-Hey Good Lookin' * Gaylynn Robinson - Love & Heartache Annette Hawkins-Ridin' High * Howard Kalish - What The Hey! Open Range-Wild Western Plains * Miss Leslie - WRONG Is What I Do Best Rich Flanders-Pecos Bill * River Road Boys - Houston Martina McBride-Walk On By * Shoot Low Sheriff - Mockingbird Sessions sblackwell18 @comcast.net Katherine Kay-Heaven's Just A Sin Away * Wayne Glasson & Friends - Dedicated To The Memory Of Pete Anderson-Latvia-Waltz Across Texas Bobby Boatright Crooks & Straights-Croatia-Georgia On A Fast Train SONGS Rose-Mary Lou-France-My Lucky Dance * A Satisfied Mind - Red Hays Marie Dazzler-France-Final Destination * Big Texas - Shoot Low Sheriff Vicky Layne-France-If This Isn't Love cdtex.com * Blues For Dixie - Dayna Wills Liane Edwards-France-Carolina On My Mind * Carolina Cotton Calls #89 - Carolina Cotton Heather Myles-Little Chapel * Diggin´ Up Bones - Buck Pizzarelli Merci pour l'écoute - Thanks for listening to * I´ve Heard That Story Before - T.Texas Tyler w/Joaquin Mur- the show phey * I Wanna Be A Cajun - Howard Kalish texascountyline.tv Jacques DUFOUR * Over The Hill - River Road Boys - "Rockin'Boy Saloon" * Sing Faded Love Dayna Gayle - Dayna Wills Lyon 1ère - Country Web Bulletin * Southland - Bobby Koefer * Traditional Sugar - Gayla Earlene [email protected] * I Still Cry - Cream Of The Crop Band gabeandtony.com

Ken Bass www.123minsida.se/cowswing Variety 95.1 FM - KALH www.LeeSwing88.se Serving MineralWellsTX.com Alamogordo - La Luz Holloman AFB & Wyn Machon Tularosa, NM Oamaru Heritage Radio 88.3FM

5 Lowther St. TOP 20 Oamaru 9400 1. Billy Dean - Wave On Old Glory Wave New Zealand 2. Rebecca Linda Smith – Lady Warrior 3. Rebecca Loebe - Her In That Dress 4. Little Big Town – Little White Church Ivy League - Funny How Love Can Be . 5. Landon Dodd – Call Of The Wine Joe Dolan - Make Me An Island. 6. Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan - You've Got What It Takes Ray Fidler - Our Special Love. 7. Du West - Bible And The Belt 8. Bridgett Tatum - That's Love Y'all Ann Brown - Slow Country Dancing. 9. Rosanne Cash & - Sea Of Heartbreak Howard Steele - The Oregon Trail. 10. Sebastian Roberts & Lorrie Morgan - Dress For The Rain Hank Thompson - Mama Don't Know 11. Lathan Moore - Beautiful Girl Lisa McHugh - Old Fashion Girl 3 Brock Easterbrock - I'm Gonna Change Everything. HW, with Michael Whitaker and Alan Holvorson performing their Adam James - Freedom Now Begins. unique style of music and poetry were, as usual, out- - Undo It. standing! Also on both Saturday performances the National An- Herman Lammers Meyers & Laney Hicks - Mr Record Man. them was sung by Jenny Lynn, the daughter of David Ander- Don Graham - My Mama's Smile. son, who did a wonderful performance. John Mains Jr. - Bad Side Of Me. Two performances were held at the events center on the Kittitas Hal Willis - What's Left Of Me. County Fair grounds. On Saturday afternoon, it was Belinda Gail, Jerry Hill - Till Closing Time. Stampede and Stan Kvistad taking the stage and Sunday it was Laura Downing - Yodeling Blues. Belinda, joined by R.W. Hampton and Rockin' HW. Belinda - Ol Pay Ain't checked Out Yet. Gail absolutely "lit up" the stage during her performances. She Jack Green & - Two Old Cats Like Us. proved that she is one of the best in Western music. Whether Bugs Green & Friends - The Irish Jig. playing with a symphony or on stage with just his guitar, R.W. Eddie Coffey - Area Code 709. Hampton again was outstanding. On Friday night, a special tribute was held honoring Curly Mus- [email protected] grave. Kathy Musgrave, who attended the show, and Belinda Gail were each presented a beautiful, framed enlarged photo of Curly taken when he last performed at the Spirit of the West two years President's Day week-end brought west- ago. The one that Belinda received is the picture that was on the ern music fans out in large numbers for cover of winter issue of Western Way magazine. the Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering in Other happenings and new this year was the Cowboy Reunion Ellensburg, Washington and they certainly with World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, Deb Copenhaver. Deb were not disappointed. It was three days of won the titles in 1955 and 1956! A member of the National Rodeo outstanding entertainment with a cast in- Hall of Fame and Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, along with cluding Riders In The Sky, Red Steagall, other Hall of Famers shared stories and experiences about life R.W. Hampton, Rich O'Brien, Belinda Gail, on the rodeo circuit. Also a Youth Contest was Stampede, Rockin' HW and Stan Kvis- held. Which was a great success! Several workshops took place tad. Also five venues in the downtown area featured sev- and there were dance lessons for those who want to brush up for eral western musicians and cowboy poets on Friday and Satur- the dances on Friday and Saturday nights. Music for the dances day.. was provided by the Dave Rawlinson Band on Friday and Lance Kicking things off on Friday Night was a performance featuring Romance on Saturday. R.W. Hampton and Rich O'Brien with the Central Washington It was reported in the local newspaper that the Spirit of the West is University Symphonic Orchestra. R.W. performed the music and ranked as one of the Top 5 Gatherings in the Country. And this stories from his award winning , "Oklahoma...Where The year the organizers and crew proved why! OUTSTANDING! This West Remains!." Don't ever let anyone tell you that a college was one great week-end! So make your plans to attend on Febru- symphony can't keep up with the best, because this orchestra ary 18, 19 and 20 in 2011. Go can. They were to www.EllensburgCowboyGathering.com for information. "dynamite!‖ This was a magnificent perform- ance! Which just reaffirmed Article & Photos by my belief that Western Music "Toe Tappin" TommyTucker was meant to be played by KRLC Radio, Lewiston, ID. a symphony. On Saturday 2003 AWA Radio Station of the Year afternoon it was Red Stea- 2004 AWA DJ of the Year gall who took to the CWU 2005 WMA Radio Station of the Year Music Hall Stage and before a near capacity [email protected] Tommy Tucker, Red Steagall, Clyde James crowd proved why he is one of the top entertainers in the western genre! With Rich O'Brien Bill McCallie‘s Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show and Red's son backing him up, he performed with stories, poems and great songs. Red's performance was brilliant. Stampede, Classical 90.5 WSMC-FM Steve and Terri Taylor and David Ander- Chattanooga, TN son, opened for Red and did an absolutely great Before I get started on the music and activi- job with their great music ties for the month, I want to, once again, mention to all you folks and comical perform- the importance of helping the people in Nashville and middle Ten- ance. Then on Saturday nessee, who were devastated by the recent flooding there. There night, Riders in the Sky are several ways you can help. No. 1, you can go hit the stage with their to www.middletennredcross.org and make a donation of any size, great music and zany No. 2, you can go to www.hon.org which stands for Hands on antics to a near sold out Riders In The Sky & Belinda Gail Nashville and find out what you can do and No. 3, If you're a tex- auditorium. This was my ter, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 on your cell and a $10 first time in seeing them perform and certainly wasn't disap- donation will be sent to the middle TN Red Cross through your cell pointed! Everything I'd heard was true, they are phone provider. Folks may not necessarily realize how the greatest! Opening for the Riders in the Sky was The Rockin' bad Nashville and middle Tennessee were hit because of the way

4 the media industry and news organizations work. People are go- Cowboy Poetry ing to need assistance in Nashville for a long time in order to re- at the BAR-D Ranch build their lives and restore our historical landmarks like the by Margo Metegrano , Opryland Hotel, Hall of Fame and Editor, CowboyPoetry.com historic Second Avenue. Finally, one way you can help is to visit

Nashville and spend some money, especially if you are working In July, the weather heats up on a recording project and will be going there…do it now, as and so does the world of cowboy gatherings. To name just a few: every dime you spend in Nashville helps. If you have already the 23rd California Rodeo Cowboy Entertainment Gathering done something to help, then I know it's appreciated and try to "Cowboys and Cabernet" in Salinas, California; the 2nd Bear Lake help again if you can. Cowboy Gathering in Montpelier, Idaho; the 10th Willow Creek We started off the month with Billy Cate's new CD "Songs Of San Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Stavely, Alberta; and the 5th White Antonio" in our western swing segment. We featured "Trail To Mountains Roundup of Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art in Pinetop- San Antone," "Home In San Antone" and "Waltzing In San An- Lakeside, Arizona. tone." I read an article in "American Cowboy Magazine" about

Ted Turner's exploits in the Buffalo ranching market and followed nd There will be plenty of entertainment also at the 72 National Folk that with Red Steagall's "The Last Buffalo," "My America" and th Festival in Butte, Montana; the 98 Calgary Stampede; Arizona‘s Andy Wilkinson added his "The Prairie Without Buffalo" to the mix nd th 122 Prescott Frontier Days; the 100 California Rodeo Salinas; for a nice segment. Ian Tyson is always on standby on Cowboy nd Wyoming‘s 102 Cheyenne Frontier Days; and at Riverbend, in Jubilee with some really nice cowboy songs. This month we Winston, Oregon. National Day of the Cowboy (July 26) events played "Summer Wages," ―Fifty Years Ago" and "The Gift." My are planned across the West and beyond. daughter, Tammi had a big "45th" birthday on the 19th and The Mills Brothers song "Daddy's Little Girl" filled the bill for that dedi- One particularly popular event is Wyoming‘s Grand Encampment cation. I did a "rebroadcast" from the website Cowboy Gathering. This year‘s, the eighth annual, takes place www.bobwills.com of the Charles Osgood's "Sunday Morning" July 16-18, 2010 (www.grandencampmentgathering.org). Colo- segment when he talked about the legendary and his rado poet and songwriter Al ―Doc‖ Mehl is on the program there. Texas Playboys and followed that with some cuts from "Ride With Bob" featuring "Get Off, It's The End Of The Line," "Faded Love" ―Doc‖ Mehl, known for his fun and quirky poems and lyrics as well and "Right Or Wrong." John Wayne had a birthday and David as for his more serious themes, creates lyrical imagery in this John did his song "The Duke" as well as his "Rolling Down Ole poem: Route 66." David is an excellent songwriter and his CD produc- A QUILT IN NORTH NEBRASKA tions are always nice. Walter Brennan brought back some There‘s a quilt in north Nebraska memories with "The Dutchman," while The White's and "Apron That‘s been sewn into the land; Strings" and "Jesus Is The Missing Peace" along with In Cahoots Rolling grass fields are the fabric, and "Above And Beyond" filled the bill for our inspirational seg- And the batting‘s made of sand. ment on one show. Carolyn Martin continues to impress me with It‘s been trimmed at the horizon her music as she performed this past month on Micheal Johna- Where it‘s pinned against the sky; than's public television program "Wood Songs." Carolyn played Ev‘ry stock tank is a button, some cuts from her new CD "Cookin with Carolyn." We managed Ev‘ry windmill is a tie. to get a few cuts from Carolyn into our mix this month also, again from her "Cookin With Carolyn." Jody Nix and Bobby Flores were And the runs of old barb‘d wire, on top of our list this month as well. Jody's "What A Way To Live" They are the braided threads with which and " Tater Pie" were on our western swing portion. Bobby Flo- Nimble fingers sew a pattern; res sent me a few more of his CD's this past month and we fea- Ev‘ry fence post is a stitch. tured Bobby with "Danny Boy," "I didn't Realize," "I've Got A New Each square tells a family‘s story Road Under My Wheels" and "Spanish Eyes." Sewn inside a bound‘ry fence; That's just about all the news that's fit to print, and the sun is get- That quilt chronicles a his‘try tin low in the sky so I'll close for now but we'll catch you again ‘Bout the trials of sustenance. next month. We broadcast from a 100,000 watt public radio sta- tion in beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennessee..."where the Formed of fabric from those lives, air always smells like a big oatmeal cookie." We're on Facebook That quilt will shield us from the storm; at Bill McCallie's Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show, if you wanna make Daytime‘s tapestry breathes beauty, some requests or you can listen live anywhere in the wide world Come the night, ‘twill keep us warm. of sports at www.wsmc.org any Sunday evening at 6pm. Pieced a broad mosaic patchwork, With all the yard sales going on this summer, we are reminded of ‘Tis a blend of life and line; Jim Wilson's comment that " sometimes the only difference be- I should think that some great spirit tween a Yard Sale and a Trash Pick-Up ...is the distance the Had a hand in the design. stuff is from the road !" Think about it...see you next month...Ride Safe and don't forget about the folks in Nashville's and Middle Most folks picture the Almighty Tennessee's Flood. In the image of a man. But if judgin' by that quilt, Bill McCallie I‘d say God has a woman‘s hands.

© 2008, Al ―Doc‖ Mehl, All Rights Reserved [email protected] Sundays at 6:00 PM - wms.org/webstream.html ―Doc‖ Mehl says that the poem was inspired both by South Dakota

poet and ranch wife Yvonne Hollenbeck's award-winning quilts 5 (she lives just across the Nebraska state line) and by Colorado idea of what makes him tick after reading his father‘s stories. For poet and writer Jane Morton's poem, "Summer '34." He recalls, those of you who haven‘t made his acquaintance, let‘s say that his "In this piece, Jane describes her mother taking up the art of piec- father is likely the source of Andy‘s wit. Be forewarned, parts of this book are difficult to read quietly to yourself. It is not a good ing a quilt to combat the loneliness she felt living out on the east- choice to read on an airplane or while your spouse is trying to ern plains of Colorado. I can still hear Jane's voice: 'Mom pieced sleep. Even if you don‘t like to read, you can still enjoy the photos and pieced and pieced some more, that summer '34 / My mother and illustrations by cowboy cartoonist Bonnie Shields was expecting, and the wind blew evermore.'" (www.bonnieshields.com).

Al ―Doc‖ Mehl‘s most recent CD is I'd Rather Be. Find more about To purchase Riding with Jim, send $25 to Andy Nelson, PO Box it and his other poetry and music CDs at www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ 1547, Pinedale WY 82941; (307) 367-2842; AlMehl. www.cowpokepoet.com. In his "other life," ―Doc‖ Mehl recently returned from Ghana, Africa where he was participating in a humanitarian medical mission. Liz Adair, who teaches workshops on using family his- tory in fiction, brings facets of her own relatives‘ experi- Find more about Al ―Doc‖ Mehl at CowboyPoetry.com, where ences to the page in Counting the Cost (Inglestone you‘ll find hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musicians. It's Publishing, 2009, 335 pages, softback ISBN 978-0- an on-going gathering, with continual news, features, poetry, lyr- 9778814-6-8). I read very little fiction, and even fewer ics, gathering reports, and an extensive event calendar. Come by romance novels, so committing to read this was stepping and stay a while. outside of my comfort zone. (Watch a book trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=moiORkCKbYM) [email protected] What enticed me to start reading the tale was Adair‘s statement that though it is fiction, the novel has its roots Cowboy Jam Session: Western Culture in her family history. I fully embrace the notion that fact News & Reviews can be better than fiction! What hooked me was Adair‘s - by Jeri L. Dobrowski skillful description of the landscape, ranch life, and housekeeping in Depression-era New Mexico, along with Honoring Family and Ranching Heritage the creativity fostered by hardship. Fueling my interest in Months of snow and unrelenting fog have homestead history, the story about a cowboy who falls in given way to lush grass and an explosion of love with a married woman from back east became sec- dandelions. I‘ve mowed our small patch of ondary to their daily struggles amid harsh circumstances. lawn twice. My husband is sharpening the Order Counting the Cost for $19.45 (postpaid; check, credit card, blades on the riding mower, preparing to tackle the outly- PayPal) from Inglestone Publishing, 120 S. LeSueur, Mesa, ing expanses. AZ 85204; http://inglestonepublishing.com/. Book clubs: order In a few short days, families will pool their collective seven or more hardback copies for half price, or download a free mowers and trimmers to spruce up rural cemeteries in PDF at www.lizadairfreebooks.com. advance of Memorial Day. Observed the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was once called Decoration Day. It As a rule, biographies refer to people. However, Nancy commemorates U.S. men and women who died in mili- Heyl Ruskowsky brings us Two Dot Ranch: a Biogra- tary service. The first casualties so honored were Union phy of Place (Pronghorn Press, 2009, 400 pages, 100+ soldiers of the American Civil War. photos, ISBN 978-1932636475). Beginning with John A good many small cemeteries hereabouts are distin- Coulter‘s foray in the Yellowstone region, Ruskowsky guished from the surrounding pasture or crop land by an traces Chief Joseph‘s attempt to lead his people to unremarkable barbed-wire fence and perhaps a sign safety, through what would later become part of the his- proclaiming the parcel‘s official name. Most often, locals toric ranch near Cody, Wyoming. simply refer to them by the communities‘ names they From fur trading to open range, homesteading up until once served, such as the Carlyle Cemetery. Unlike their January 2000, the narrative traces the succession of manicured city cousins, it‘s rare to find piped water owners and lease holders of what was once considered within rural cemeteries, but cactus and gopher mounds the largest ranch in the world. I was fascinated by the are plentiful. Despite their shortcomings, these remote– 1964 account of the Curtis and Skoglund partnership but beloved–grounds are tended with respect, honoring relocating from Browning, Montana. Arriving in Cody by the memory of those buried within. rail, it took 70 Burlington box cars to accommodate their Wyoming poet, humorist, emcee, radio host, and all- 2,027 mother cows, 1,500 yearlings, 100 bulls, and 250 around nice guy Andy Nelson honors his late father, horses, which were then trailed northward to the ranch. James Francis Walker Nelson, in Riding with Jim: Ad- Additional flatbed cars carried equipment and machinery. ventures with Cowboys and Farriers (2010, 256 Softcover copies of Two Dot Ranch are $27.50 pages, photos, illustrations, hardback ISBN 978-0- (postpaid); hardback copies are $41.49. Contact Nancy 9706459-5-1). The younger Nelson describes the book Heyl Ruskowsky, 331 Rd 6 RT, Cody, WY 82414; (307) as the most meaningful project he has undertaken. It‘s 587-3968; [email protected]. easy to see why. Pairing his own poetry and prose with stories written by his father, Nelson delivers a book that Submit items for consideration to Jeri Dobrowski, contains twice the fun and twice the hi-jinks of any other 1471 Carlyle Road S, Beach, ND 58621; cowboy/ferrier title currently available in stores. There [email protected] are some serious, poignant selections too, including © 2010, Jeri Dobrowski, All rights reserved ―Ridin‘ with Jim‖: www.cowboypoetry.com/ This column also appears at the Tri-State Livestock jamesnelson.htm News For those of you who have met Andy, you‘ll have a much better

6 Album: Goodbye Liza Jane Hello Western Welcome To An Evening Under Arizona Stars Swing! Artist: Lone Pine Western Swing Band Sept 25th 2010 By Mike Gross With The Heart Of A Cowboy John Conley

This is a wonderful new CD by a really super Western Swing band from Massachusetts. There is also a very special guest that joins them on all 19 cuts of the album, both Western Swing and Steel Guitar Hall of Fame icon, . The material is mostly from Bob Wills, Tommy Duncan and Johnnie Lee Wills.

Besides Herb, Guest Entertainment there are many fine musicians on · Host/Danny McGuire /Welcome the album, all · Joe Baker Master Of Ceremonies nicely listed as to · Special Guest Cowboy Singer which cuts they Actor Artist Mike Miguel Burciaga · Guest cowboy artist Jeff Harrison play on. The main · Host & Guest Speaker Carlos Hadaway vocalist is Sugar · Guest Speaker Rodd Wolff/ Introducing Ray Norcia with Author John Conley drummer and guitarist, Pete His spurs are well earned, this Phoenix Arizona resident. For the Ward doing two past 40 years John Conley, has been a friend to the American vocals and Duke Cowboy. Through his cowboy exhibits, lectures, western shows, T.V. & Radio Programs, and now his writings, John has kept the Robillard adding memory of the cowboy alive. his vocal and gui- John‘s latest book The Heart Of A Cowboy is an over view of the tar on Kokomo life style of his American Cowboy. From the Ranch House, to Arnold's Milk Cow the Silver Screen Legend, John has captured The Heart Of A Blues. Rich Dubois plays fiddle, Jerry Miller does guitar and elec- Cowboy. tric mandolin and both Anthony Geraci and David Maxwell are the main piano players. Joe Laquidara plays piano on Get Along

Home Cindy and guitar on a Tex Ritter arrangement of Little Joe the Wrangler. Mike Peipman plays trumpet and Mudcat Ward plays standup bass on all cuts and piano on Cotton-Eyed Joe. Merrie Watters does harmony vocals. Also from Bob Wills are Ida Red, Misery, Twinkle Star, Stay a Little Longer and so many others including the two Fred Rose Credits & Exhibits masterpieces, Deep Water and Rose of Old Pawnee. Included 1. Indiana County Fair Exhibit. (1974) are also the Tommy Duncan compositions Goodbye Liza Jane, 2. Cowboy Exhibit lectures Chesterton Indiana Public Li- Time Changes Everything and Wrong Road Home Blues. They brary. (1978) also give us new versions of Cindy Walker's Dusty Skies, Jimmie 3. Cowboy Exhibit & Lectures Days in the West‖ Phx, AZ (1979) Rodgers' Sweet Mama Hurry Home and Harley Huggins' I'm Feel- 4. Arizona Republic Newspaper Article. (1979) ing Bad. Also brought back are the old favorites, The Girl I Left 5. Cowboy Exhibit & Lecture Arizona State Library. (1980) Behind Me and Smith's Reel. The album ends with a short original 6. Wallace & Ladmo T.V. Show. Cowboy Exhibits. Phx, AZ (1981) instrumental piece, Herb's Lullaby. 7. Cowboy Exhibit @ Darcy‘s Discoveries Phx, AZ (11/82) The CD is now available from Gandy Dancer Records, PO Box 8. Grit Newspaper Cover Story (1982) 80459 Stoneham, MA 02180 for $15 (includes S/H). It is also 9. Cowboy Exhibits & Lectures The Camelhead Granada, Phx available from CD Baby, I-Tunes and Amazon.com. Mike Gross, AZ 1983 & 84 WVOF-FM, Fairfield, CT 10. KJJJ Radio Station Interview Phx AZ (1986) www.swinginwest.com 11. Published The Life & of John H Conley Jr (1999) 13. Cowboy Exhibits & Lectures The Wrigley Mansion Club, Phx AZ (1999) 14. KTAR Radio Program Collecting Cowboy Memora- bilia. (1Hr) 14. Cowboy Exhibit & Lecture Bill Johnson‘s Restaurant/Phx AZ, (2003) 15. Published Cowboys Farmers and Friends. (2003) 16. Rensselaer Republic Front Page Story. (2004) 17. Cowboy Exhibit & Lecture Wheatfield Indiana. (2004) 18. Cowboy Exhibits Irish Culture Center (2005) 19. Cowboy Exhibit & Lecture Brazil Indiana (2007) 20. Cowboy Exhibit Hacienda SOLANA Resort in Chandler AZ. 21. Published The Heart Of A Cowboy 2010

A-10 Etcheverry, Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboy.com 7 May was loaded with fun for us. First, we appeared at The Hoppalong Cassidy Bar 20 Until then, we want all you pards out there to stay warm, keep Reunion from April 30 thru May 1st in Cam- your powder dry and keep it cowboy. Just remember, There‘s the bridge, Ohio. Mike Powers ( The Singing right way, the wrong way and the …Cowboy Way!!!! Ranger), Bob Fuzzy Brooks and myself per- formed gunfights and of course did our song Also, you can catch Cowboy Bill & Wrangler Marv on The Cowboy Who Shot the Hole in My Sombrero at the Way Show by tuning in to www.hounddogradio.net every Satur- Saturday Night Banquet. Hollywood Western day from 11:00 am to Noon. If you got access to the internet, Star James Drury of The Virginian was there you‘re never out of range. too and it was a grand time. James is such a nice person and a huge star. He is also a great horseman and has competed in Cut- As always, we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups ting horse Competitions, as well as Polo and Dressage. There and we welcome them all. If you want to send us your CD, we are was a huge crowd there and also Fuzzy won the look-a-like con- at: test. The Cowboy Way Show Also in May on the 14 & 15th we were in Dothan, Alabama with all 146 Hwy 139 #230 of Los Pistoleros to perform at The Johnny Mack Brown Western Monroe, Georgia 30565 Festival. This was be the 5th annual Johnny Mack Brown West- Cowboy Bill‘s top ten playlist for June, 2010 is: ern Festival in Dothan and it was a huge success. Los Pistoleros 1. Cowboy Kinda Guy…Randy Boone reenacted ―The Dothan Riot‖. The Dothan riot was as dramatic as 2. Rhythm Of The Wind…Lamar Hunter the great Shootout at the OK Corral. In October of 1889 the now- 3. Where‘s My Cowboy…Devon Dawson famous Riot erupted at the public well and the bell-tower in the 4. Watching Freedom Ring…Mike Lawrence center of the intersection of St. Andrews and Main streets. The 5. Leavin‘ Cheyenne…Ian Tyson riot began over a tax the city levied on every commercial dray that 6. The Line Rider…Riders In The Sky traveled the city streets. The Farmers' Alliance refused to pay the 7. Ghost Chickens…Lamar Hunter tax, claiming it was unfair to the farmers who wanted to haul their 8. The Right Time…Jerry Webb cotton to the gins, and bales of cotton to the new railroad freight 9. Where The Cowboy Calls Home…Bethany Zill depot in the Dixie section of town. Early one evening Marshall 10. Unsung Heroes…Yvonne Hollenbeck Tobe Domingus, Deputy Parker Powell and several friends were out for a stroll. They met the leaders of the farmers and several Cowboy Bill of their friends across from the Deal and Shadgett Bar on East [email protected] Main near the town's water well. Soon a fight started. The brawl soon escalated into a full-scale riot which left two dead and sev- eral wounded. Each year on Friday during the festival, Dothan brings all the elementary school kids in to learn about Johnny Mack Brown and the Dothan Riot since they are such an impor- tant part of their history. Also appearing at this year‘s Johnny What about that newsletter?? It's phenome- Mack Brown West- ern Festival was be nal!! Everything and anything you want to know Riders in The Sky. regarding Western is right here on The main sponsor these pages. Poetry, charts, playlists, awesome of the festival is radio personalities, articles, reviews and even a Yellawood. You‘ve cartoon or two that's sure to bring a smile, it's all seen Jimmy Rane, the head of Yella- here. I really enjoy the read and appreciate the wood, in commer- time and effort for such a quality product. Thanks cials wearing all the and Blessings, Gayla Earlene yellow. Check out the picture of Cowboy Bill and Wrangler Marv with Jimmy. www.gaylaearlene.com/

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8

9 From The Messenger WS rising star fiddler, Justin Williams, Lisa Parker, the FFA Rhonda Craig, Enid,OK teacher/sponsor and her kids, without hesitation, insisted that the Williams Family Fund should be the recipient of the proceeds. (They even put a donation jar on their counter) Jonni Hutto, Len The Pink Fiddle: and Tami Wylie‘s daughter in Canyon TX, and friend of the Wil- The Fundraiser in Snyder, TX liams family, had the idea to do a fundraiser for the Williams Fam- ily in Snyder to help with medical and funeral expenses. They had A Pink Fiddle? contacted me to help and I was delighted to be a part.

Gregg and Brenda Jones of Seminole, TX Pink fiddle…a God Thing? fell heir to a pink fiddle in a rather amus- When we all got to Snyder the two projects merged and the pink ing way. The owner of an antique store thought she had played a fiddle miracle was set into motion. It truly was a ‗God thing.‘ In- cute trick on Gregg and Brenda Jones but God had other plans. stead of an auction it was decided that a ‗drawing‘ would allow Gregg, a great bass player, had dickered, on several occasions, more people to participate than would an auction. for a pretty brown fiddle with the lady who owns a local antique Everyone who wanted to do so dropped a $20 bill, or several, with store. For about a year, she and Gregg had gone back and forth their name written on it, into the jar for the Saturday night drawing. but could never agree on a price. One day, while Brenda was There were other receptacles for smaller donations. Several wrote shopping, the owner and Gregg began to dicker again in their checks and didn‘t care about being the fiddle winner. now familiar jovial way over that fiddle. Out of the clear blue she The very gracious Emcee, Tracy Pitcox, gave us time on the shot Gregg a price for the fiddle, plus throwing in an unseen fiddle stage daily between bands (with me as the mouth) to talk about at a very reasonable price (Two for the price of one, thought the Williams Family Fundraiser and the unique pink fiddle. The Gregg). After paying the lady and walking to his truck, gloating Snyder Daily Newspaper did a front page article on Saturday pic- over his victory, Gregg opened the fiddle case to take a gander at turing Gregg & Brenda Jones and Tami Wylie (Who stood in for his bargain only to find an ugly pink fiddle. He looked up and her daughter, Jonni who had not yet arrived when the picture was there stood the owner in the window smiling, laughing and point- taken on Thursday). ing…Gregg knew he had been ‗taken!‘ Even though the owner The supportive Snyder Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the offered to take it back, Gregg, for some unknown reason, decided event, placed a flat screen TV in the eating area where the 8 min- to keep it. ute DVD of Justin‘s life played continuously, thereby acquainting strangers with Justin Williams. White Elephant or Pink Treasure? Every day the momentum grew as did the money…and every day we became more apprehensive about the fiddle winner. Gregg With Gregg and Brenda‘s knack for turning a lemon into lemon- and Brenda wanted Gary Williams to have that fiddle because it ade a unique idea came to them for its use. For a year Gregg and was the last thing Justin had signed. They knew Gary would truly Brenda attended every Western Swing event possible, wagging treasure their pink baby they had named Eddie, after Eddie McAl- that pink fiddle and camera with them, going back stage to get the vain. fiddlers to sign the fiddle, always taking a picture as they signed. They created a wonderful scrap book graphically chronicling Leave those great FFA kids out? those signatures to accompany the Pink Fiddle. So…that worth- less pink/white elephant/fiddle began to become a collector‘s item On Saturday afternoon Gregg and Brenda had another brilliant as many well known fiddlers‘ signatures started appearing all over idea. (They follow through on their ideas until they become reality, the pink fiddle: Bobby Flores; RJ Smith, Jody Nix; Kevin Carter, unlike most of us!! What a generous couple they are!) Rocky King; Clyde Brewer; Jason Roberts; Robert Weeks; Snuffy Leaving those great FFA kids out was unthinkable to them so they Elmore; George Upmoore; Bill Gilbert; Kelly Spinks, Quebe Sis- wrote a personal check for $500. Many, who wanted to be a part ters, Jim Burson, Weldon Turpin… and scores of others, over of that special gift, privately gave the Jones money to help reim- 150! Among the signers were father and son fiddlers, Gary Wil- burse them. The kids and their sponsor were called up on stage liams and his two sons, Cory and Justin. and were presented the check to help fund their trip to Corpus Christi in July to the State FFA Convention. The kids were so ap- How about those FFA Kids? preciative…because they hadn‘t yet raised enough money for the trip. They were totally surprised by this unexpected gift and re- Gregg and Brenda‘s ward for their generosity toward the Williams Family. The WS original intent was to crowd was ecstatic as well. auction the pink fiddle at this year‘s 2010 Who will get Eddie? West Texas Western The drawing for Eddie, the Pink Fiddle, was on Saturday night Swing Festival in Sny- between the first and second band. The winner just had to be kind der, TX with the pro- enough to give the fiddle to Gary Williams!! The quiet excitement ceeds to go to the was so thick you could have cut it with a knife as everyone in the wonderful FFA kids coliseum watched the drawing with great anticipation. who run the conces- Jonni held the jar containing all the 20 dollar bills. Her dad Len sions in the coliseum. Wylie, Sheriff in Canyon, TX, was designated to draw the bill from Justin Williams The western swing the jar. After many stirrings Len finally pulled out the bill. He was family dearly loves those shaking so badly that he could hardly read it. The winner was kids and appreciates them not only for their polite manners and Snyder native and a familiar name on the WSPN (Western Swing hard work but what they stand for. Prayer Network), who is a walking miracle and cancer survivor, Upon learning out about the untimely death of twenty one year old Connie Stom.

10 While Connie today. And a humble and friendly guy as well. was being es- corted to the Jason brought his fiddle and played a couple of tunes for the pro- stage, I told the gram. He also brought us a copy of Johnny Gimble‘s newest re- audience her cording with an all-star line-up of his favorite side-men. Jason and incredible sur- Johnny play twin and twin mandolins on a couple of tunes. vivor story. Honestly, I‘ve never heard a better album in a long time. I highly Connie recommend this one. There‘s even vocals by folks like the mighty marched right and . Jason and I talked about the road up to the mi- show, ―A Ride With Bob.‖ crophone and If you haven‘t announced seen it, that this Pink you‘ve really Gary Williams Fiddle belonged to missed out. Gary Williams and it was her pleasure to present it to him! It was glorious!!! has put to- gether a terri- Western Swing Family…incredible or what? fic play and Jason does a WOW! What a wonderful climax to the week long effort. humorous job Thanks to our generous Western Swing Family, Gregg & Brenda as Bob. We Jones, The FFA Kids, Jonni Hutto, Snyder Chamber of Com- filmed some merce, a host of other helpers, and Eddie the Pink Fiddle, a grand of the visit total of $3,850 was raised during the Snyder Event for the Wil- and I intend to Jason Roberts & Jim Gough liams family! put it on You- Is that not incredible? Tube very soon. The WSMSS is planning an additional music extravaganza bene- fit at the Elks Lodge on Sunday August 1st in Wichita Falls. Truitt We certainly hope you caught the recent program featuring an Cunningham‘s Former Texas Playboys featuring Chuck Hayes interview with Bob done in Nashville will be on hand to kick off the event. A host of other well known toward the end of Bob‘s career. He talks about his long musical musicians and bands are scheduled to be there too and… Who life and folks who played with the Texas Playboys. The great gui- knows…maybe Eddie, the Pink Fiddle will be there too! Harry tar player Tag Lambert is on the show as well as Tommy Jackson. Coffman set up the Williams Family fund the first day Justin be- came ill and launched the fundraiser. He was so grateful to all Al Dressen has agreed to visit with us soon and tell us all about who helped in Snyder when he learned of its success. how the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame began. We plan to interview many other great Austin side-men who have been influ- Western Swing people are the most generous loving caring peo- enced by Bob Wills Music in the near future. Hopefully we can link ple on the planet. Aren‘t we blessed to be a part of this unbeliev- up with Rick McCrae, Danny Levin, Jim Lossberg and possibly able group who love and cherish both the music and each other… Billy Mata, to name a few. and yes…even special pink fiddles. We want to remind all of you fans of Joe‘s newsletter that we have The Messenger…Rhonda archived all of the interviews on the Bob Wills Radio web page. Just scroll down the list to play the ones you want to hear 24/7 It‘s hard to believe, but we‘ve almost been ‗on-the-air‘ for a year now! News From BobWills.com As I‘ve said before, Dwight and I are always eager to hear from Well sir, you about suggestions for future shows, requests etc. Try to stay Summer cool and log in often. hit Aus- tin and Happy Trails, Jim Gough it‘s hotter than a tow-sack full of red ants! As [email protected] usual, the music is hotter too! Sponsored in part by: Al Dressen‘s annual Texas West- ern Swing Hall of Fame Show was great and a terrific group of artists were inducted this past May 15th. One of these inductees was a guest of ours on Bob Wills Radio recently, the talented young fid- dler, Jason Roberts from . I met Jason at the Broken Spoke and had a wonderful time visiting with him. He‘s without a doubt one the finest young players in Western Swing

11 Wanda Faye Day In Roswell, NM and the South. I was familiar with their work because as a teen- ager on the farm in Bailey County, Texas, I had heard them on When I returned home from radio stations out of Hobbs and Roswell. In the fall of 1954, I was Sacramento, California last a regular member of the cast of the Country Roadshow at the October after being hon- Northside Coliseum in Fort Worth, which was broadcast live on ored as a Western Swing 50,000 watt WBAP radio every Saturday night. Bob & Wanda Society Hall Of Fame in- Wolfe joined the cast of the Roadshow, so I got a chance to get ductee, I received a CD acquainted with them on several occasions. We appeared on the and a letter from Wanda bills with Darrell Glen ("Crying In The Chapel") Faye Rogers. She told me and Johnny Horton ("Battle Of New Orleans"), among others. in her letter that she was The Marriage of Bob & Wanda Wolfe ended in divorce. Wanda born and raised in Roswell, began recording for Jewel Records in 1958 with Weldon Rogers. Wanda Faye and Joe Baker NM and we have been good She married Rogers and they formed the duo "Weldon & Wanda friends ever since. On June 2nd, I received an email from Tina Rogers." Altogether, Weldon & Wanda recorded thirty songs on Williams of the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico ask- the Jewel label. In the 1960's at a time when girl country singers ing for my presence in Roswell on June 7th for Wanda Faye Day were becoming more noticed, a major record label signed Wanda and that Ms. Rogers would be present to donate her 1953 Gibson as one of their first. put out several records by guitar to the HSSNM. On this day, Wanda Faye and I shook Wanda, including some of her own songs such as "The Longest hands for the first time. The Mayor of Roswell, Del Jurney, was on Night" and "Old Memories Keep Returning." As a Columbia re- hand to greet Wanda Faye and read a proclamation for "Wanda cording artist, Wanda appeared on the Grand Ole Opry in Nash- Faye Day." The Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico's ville. There, she was first introduced as Chief Archivist, Elvis Fleming had this to say; Roswell has pro- "Miss Wanda Faye" a name that stuck with her for the remainder duced several stars of country & western music, most notably of her career. All during the decades of her career, Wanda Faye Louise Massey & The Westerners featuring her brothers Curt and appeared with many country music stars. To list them all would Allen, who were stars in the 1930's and 1940's and , look like a "Who's Who" of country music. whose star shone bright in the 1950's and 1960's. Another local The photographs singer who made it big in the Western Swing genre is Wanda Wanda placed with the Faye, who was inducted into the Western Swing Society's Hall Of archives of the Fame of Sacramento on October 5th, 2003. Wanda Faye recently HCSNM depict Wanda placed memorabilia of her career, including a number of celebrity Faye with , photographs, with the archives of the HSSNM. Those materials Lefty Frizzell, Johnny & provide an interesting look into her career. June Cash, Minnie Wanda Faye's parents were John & Bessie Narmore. Her father Pearl and others. homesteaded a ranch west of Roswell after he was discharged Wanda Faye left Nash- from the military following World War l. Wanda Faye Narmore ville in 1965 and toured was born on October 24th, 1929, and grew up on a five-acre farm the West. She settled in the 700 block of South Sunset Avenue in Roswell. By the time down in Redding, Cali- she was nine years old, Wanda Faye was not only singing but fornia from 1965 to 1968, where she and her husband had "The also playing the guitar and piano. In 1947, Lefty Frizzell, who was Weldon Rogers and Wanda Faye TV Show" on KRCR in 1967-68. to later become a country superstar, had a live radio program on Wanda Faye moved to South Modesto in 1970 and since that time KGFL in Roswell and he invited Wanda Faye to be his guest on has performed primarily in local venues. One highlight of the years the show. In that way, Frizzell helped launch Wanda Faye's sing- was in 1988 when she and Rose Maddox appeared ing career. After a few months in the Chavez County jail, Lefty together in Santa Cruz. When the National Cowgirl Hall Of Fame determined that his future might be brighter elsewhere, so he left moved from Hereford to Fort Worth several years ago, one of the Roswell. The radio station manager, Jud Roberts, offered Wanda bricks on the sidewalk in front of the new building has engraved the opportunity to have her own program. She teamed up with her "Wanda Faye-International Cowgirl Singer." Although Wanda future husband, Bob Wolfe, to do the radio show. Wanda's first Faye is not an honoree in the Hall Of Fame itself, they did extend personal appearance was at the Yucca Movie Theater on west this "Honorable Mention" as a Tribute to her career. On October 3rd St. In 1951, Bob & Wanda put together a band called "The 5th, 2003, the Western Swing Society of Sacramento, California Sunset Westerners" which included "Hondo Bessie" Narmore, officially recognized Wanda Faye's lifetime of dedication of Bruce Owens and Gene Roberts. They entertained throughout achievement in her music recordings and entertainment career. the Pecos Valley for a number of years. After Wanda married Bob Held in the Country Club Plaza Ballroom in Sacramento, there Wolfe, they began to record and to tour as a duo. Bob & Wanda was standing room only as fourteen bands from all over Texas, Wolfe's first record was "Down Yonder" on Rich-R-Tone Records, California and the Southwest celebrated the 21 inductees with which reportedly rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Magazine country appropriate ceremonies. Wanda Faye celebrates 60 years in the charts. Bob & Wanda also recorded songs they wrote them- music business and is proud of her hometown of Roswell and selves, as well as some written by sheep rancher, Bebe Mills Roswell can certainly take pride in her achievements and recogni- Clements of Riverside and Roswell. When the present writer in- tions as an entertainer. terviewed Ms. Clements in preparation for her induction into the Joe Baker would like to acknowledge Roger Burnett, Museum National Cowgirl Hall Of Fame in 1984, she related how she Director, Tina Williams, Admin Assistant, Elvis Fleming, Archivist, sponsored Bob & Wanda to tour the Southwest to promote their Patricia Burnett, Building Manager, Officers, Board of Directors recordings of her songs. They recorded a number of songs on and all of the volunteers of the HCSNM for their hospitality. several minor labels. Bob & Wanda Wolfe shared stages with many country stars, ap- - Joe Baker, Publisher pearing on the Hayride and other top venues in Texas

12 Fund Raiser for Williams Family All that !! By: Paula Jungmann

I went to a Jazz Festival this past week and nestled into the mix of it, was Western Swing. The fit was perfect, after all, that‘s one of the genre‘s that Milton and Bob chose to make apart of western swing. The same licks the same rhythm the same instrumentation allowing those talented musicians to show there stuff was right there for the liking. Of course the ar- rangements were different but, still it‘s jazz. Swing dancers and two steppers on the same dance floor show- ing their styles, different but, still there on the same floor. I guess that‘s California vs. Texas styles but, what fun it was to see the steps blended together on those same dance floors. Sort of bring- ing the miles and people closer together to enjoy fine dance mu- sic and doing it our way. California taught Texas and Texas taught California a few new tricks and we all got along on a Na- Justin Gary Cory tional Holiday Weekend. Now how Americana is that? What was exciting is that the crowds were enthusiastic about this Fund raiser: The Western Swing Family is paying tribute music called Western Swing, still so many years after it‘s creation to the late Justin Williams while at the same time helping and popularity. Bob of course moved his band out to California his family with unbelievable medical expenses incurred and played to packed houses, did quite a few movies and enjoyed with no insurance. Many are not aware that Justin‘s great popularity so many years ago, and there was Spade Cooley brother, Cory, was critically injured in a car crash several the California native who did so well with this music back then. years ago and is just now beginning to regain his fiddle I witnessed many standing ovations for this music and how it was playing ability. Those were huge expenses, as well. The played by our Texas Band. You could hear the crowd singing Williams are proud and have asked for nothing. That is along to those familiar tunes and then they requested some new why is such a joy and blessing to be able to lend a hand ones, which the band obliged and converted on the spot. Now to someone who doesn‘t have their hand out; palm up! that was a crowd pleaser and a lot of fun for the musicians as They expect nothing…but savor the honor we are afford- well. ing Justin. Our desire and intent is to do that and much Of course there was a great showing of support for the 101st Air- more. borne Dixieland Band. How appropriate to have them on a Memo- rial Day weekend event! It was a different kind of war, one instru- Fundraising Plans: ment blending and also, trying to out do the other. It was great WSMSS Sponsored Benefit: A benefit is being seeing our military in full dress having a great time but, also re- planned for Sunday, August 1st, beginning at 9:00 membering their comrades who are in harms way. Yes, another a.m. until evening at the Elks Lodge in Wichita group of standing ovations. Falls. Music, dancing, silent auction and a host of musicians and bands from all locations will be on Jazzabilly, swing, blues, rock a billy, traditional, western swing, hand for this Benefit. More about these plans will Dixieland, New Orleans, big band, zydeco all under the same be in the July issues of Western Swing Monthly, tents taking their turns. Wow, what an experience and what an WSMSS Swing Beat, and the Backforty Bunk- opportunity to hear the differences in how they are presented and house online Newsletter. Please mark your calen- played and arranged by the different bands from different parts of dar for this event. the country. The festival folks out did themselves when deciding what band should be heard. Bands and musicians from all over Williams Family Fund: Harry Coffman, one of the California and the rest of the country were brought in for four days original founders of WSMSS, established the Wil- of non stop entertainment. Food and beverage vendors were liams Family Fund the day after learning of aplenty and every one we tried was good. This was the festival‘s Justin‘s hospitalization. All monies contributed 37th year to put this on and you could tell that these Sacramento and collected through these fund raising efforts folks were experienced in putting on a great weekend. will go into this fund and on to the family for ex- If you haven‘t been to the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee you‘re miss- penses. The address is: Williams Family Fund ing something. Old town Sacramento is a great historic town. The PO Box 22185 , OK 73123 pony express, the first railroad, steam ships, just to name the transportation history. Of course the Gold Rush is a part of the history there. The town is very well preserved and has many charming shops and restaurants. If you have a chance it‘s worth the trip .

Till next time, Paula Jungmann

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13 has been used the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.

Artwork on the Grand Canyon CD was produced by Williams artist Val Jesse. 6/15/2010 2:29:00 PM New song highlights the na- "Instead of having a CD with a picture on the cover of the singer, tional park so to speak, we wanted it to be a depiction of the Grand Canyon Single by singer Patty Parker and of the era around the time when the Grand Canyon became a national park," Parker said. "We asked Val Jesse, an artist who The cover for the ‗Song of lives in Williams, who we have known for years. She's done a the Grand Canyon‘ CD, fea- number of things with us through the years. She sketched some turing a painting by Williams things out and we kind of tweaked around on it, and then painted resident Val Jesse. it, which is the cover of the CD. The CD itself is just the one song, 'Song of the Grand Canyon,' which is kind of like a singing post- Submitted photo card." Southwestern singer Patty Parker, pictured above, has Parker said she hopes the song could one day become one of the recently released a single about the Grand Canyon. Called Song definitive songs of the Canyon. of the Grand Canyon "Not only does it inspire us every time we see it, but we see all Patrick Whitehurst these thousands of people, who see it for the first time and it's just Associate Grand Canyon News Editor overwhelming to see something like that, so we wanted the song to just be something that, as they listen to it, it's a memory of what they saw or, if they haven't seen it, it would inspire them to want GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - South- to go see it," Parker said. western singer Patty Parker knows a thing or two about music. She's The CD is available at iTunes, Amazon.com and other online lo- been singing since age 5 and went cations, as well as www.grandcanyonsong.com. More information to school for music as well. In one on the CD and her other projects can be found online at form or another, singing has always www.pattyparker.com as well. been a part of her life. "We would like to see it in Williams and at the Grand Canyon," Her latest project has brought her to Parker said. northern Arizona and the South Rim. She's recently produced a sin- Her CD 'Southwestern Serenade,' is also currently available. gle, Song of the Grand Canyon, which she is making available to "It just expands on the theme. From the album we've got a song anyone who wishes to use it. Pro- about the saguaro cactus, and then we've got one called the duced from lyrics written by her husband Frank Fara, Parker said 'Sedona Serenade' which the town of Sedona uses for a lot of the song was created out of a love for the area. their promotional things, and it's about the red rocks of Sedona," Parker said. "We recorded it, for one, because we've lived in Arizona a lot of our lives and love a lot of the things around here. And the Grand Parker has been singing since she was five-years-old. She even- Canyon, of course, is the wonder of the world most people associ- tually became a music major and taught music for a number of ate with Arizona. We just really had an inspiration, by visiting it years. She didn't begin in earnest until she met her husband. many times ourselves. Frank got inspired to write the song and I produced it and sang it in Nashville," Parker said. "When Frank and I met in California a number of years ago, we used to tour as our own country band and I did a lot of singing on The single was released roughly a month ago. Fara said he the road for a number of years. Then I started producing other hoped the song would be something area businesses and organi- artists from around the world in Nashville. I've been in music, one zations would want to use to promote the area. way or another, all my life. I love it," Parker said.

"Our real goal is that we want to share this song, give it as a gift, Through the years, the couple decided to record various songs to the chambers of commerce, to local, area museums, and any pertaining to the southwest. business that could use it to further tourism in the state. It's a great song for websites," Fara said, adding that the songs have "He happens to be able to write songs that suit my voice to sing been being played in other countries as well. them," Parker said. "I take great pleasure in getting them re- corded and being able to sing them." "Also, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, we've written a song for them, which their Chamber uses," Fara said. "It's actually a Christmas song, set in old Santa Fe."

A song Parker produced for Sedona, called Sedona Serenade,

14 Growing old with Willie Nelson smoking pot before his appearance on "The Larry King Show", Cowgirl Sass & Savvy by Julie Carter Willie continued to perpetuate his personification of the country rebel. Haircuts don't generally make national Gray, grizzled and without the signature braids, Willie's unmistak- news, but when Willie Nelson's braids hit able voice, the one that Nashville turned its back on a half a cen- the cutting room floor this week, news- tury ago, is still without equal in its uniquely "just Willie" way. feeds went rampant with the report. His The evolution of Willie. You don't have to be a Willie Nelson fan to fans have come to expect a touch of ec- recognize the legend in his story. centricity from the legendary crooner, but he pulled off a shocker But it seems now, that it was only yesterday this time. Gee, ain't it funny, how time slips away. However, there is a generation of followers who find it somewhat humorous because we recall when Willie's hair was banker-short Julie can be reached for comment at [email protected]. and shoe-black dark, and he wore a suit and tie to the stage. Tell that to a Willie fan under the age of 40 and a resounding Cade‘s Cadence "Nooooo, never," is their response. Of course at the time, gas was 25-cents a gallon and America Watch Yer Step! was giving birth to the decade of the "hippie." He was only 7 when he wrote his first song, "Family Bible" and sold it for $50. Turning Faith Outweighs Evidence 77 last month, Willie can again say "Funny how time slips away," another of the many songs he wrote that someone else made I worked for a rancher one summer in famous. In that same time period, he penned Faron Young's southern New Mexico near the Gila "Hello Walls" and 's rendition of "Crazy." His gritty, wilderness. I was 17 and this was a roadhouse sound didn't fit into the traditional Nashville music style summer job just doing something I in the 1960s and it wasn't until he ditched Tennessee for Texas in enjoyed. There were 6 hands working the '70s, that his unique brand of outlaw country music took off. at the ranch and we would pair up with one another and tend to Wearing a little more hair, looking somewhat like the Beatles- the duties assigned to us by the ranch foreman. Sometimes you gone-to-Austin, Willie launched album after album defining him- would get stuck fixing fence or doing chores around camp but self in both lyric and title, like "Shotgun Willie" and "The Red other times you‘d get lucky and would get to ride the wilderness Headed Stranger." In a decade when Glen Campbell and Bobby checking on cows. We stayed in a bunkhouse that had 10 bunks Goldsboro were crooning the softer side of life, Willie, along with and a wash room, ate all our meals at the main cabin and spent the like-minded and hard-partying , made an Sunday afternoons lounging around or playing horse shoes. I was indelible mark on the Austin music scene. the youngest hand there and Jack an older cowboy kind of took He took it by storm when he teamed up with Waylon Jennings, me under his wing. Jack had been a cowboy all of his life and Jessie Colter and Tompall Glaser for the Outlaw albums, answer- although at the time he seemed pretty old to me, looking back I ing a call to a honky-tonk era that had crossed over the rural- realize he was probably in his mid 50‘s. His wife of 29 years had urban boundaries and shouted for some boot-stompin', whiskey- died about 5 years before I met him and he had no children. He drinkin' music. was a man of great faith and he read the Bible every morning after In the '80s, Willie sought to recreate that success by making more he woke up and every night before he went to bed. For me it was albums with industry greats. The "Honeysuckle Rose" sound track a great learning experience and he was able to explain things to album for the movie of the same name was a rowdy rendition of me in way that made them easy to understand. One day while we Willie's life "On the Road Again." were riding through the mountains I asked him why he and his Willie and his down-home Texas buddies, including Western- wife never had children and he simply said it just wasn‘t part of swing fiddle legend Johnny Gimble, songwriter God‘s plan. I didn‘t really grow up in church going family and I and the sultry songbird Emmy Lou Harris gave the album a good- often questioned things based on my own intellect (or maybe lack timin' vibe that has people, still today, humming the signature of it) so his great faith sometimes perplexed me. I remember I song every time they pull out on the highway. asked him one time how he could believe in something so strongly Willie cranked out al-bums with Waylon Jennings, , with no proof and he held up the Bible and he said ―This is my Roger Miller, Faron Young, Hank Snow, Webb Pierce and Kris proof.‖ I argued and said ―Yes I know but what about evidence?‖ Kristofferson. With Merle Haggard in the "Pancho and Lefty" al- He looked at me and smiled and said, ―Faith will always outweigh bum, the duo gave musical notes to their bad-boy personas with a evidence.‖ I asked him what he meant and he just said, ―You‘ll series of boozer-loser ballads that packed a wallop right up to the have to figure that one out on your own.‖ "Reasons To Quit" and "No Reason To Quit" double play. Well 18 years have gone by and I think I finally understand what Dubbed the "supergroup" of them all was The Highwaymen, Wil- he meant. Faith means believing or trusting in something with lie's 10-year gig with , Waylon Jennings and convection and understanding and as you grow in faith your cur- Johnny Cash. These four legends of outlaw country music re- rent faith is reconfirmed. Faith builds upon itself; it is self support- corded three major label albums and a number one hit penned by ing and is never contradictory. Evidence on the other hand is sim- Kristofferson, called, of course, "Highwayman." ply everything that is used to fulfill the burden on truth. Evidence Willie has written more than 2,500 songs and recorded hundreds can be manipulated or construed to demonstrate a desired truth, it of albums. Aside from his brilliance as a song writer and musi- is ever changing and more evidence usually contradicts any and cian, he's funny and charming with a charisma that emanates all previous evidence. Evidence really doesn‘t hold a candle to from the very core of his powerful and oftentimes rebellious na- faith. ture. For example I am certain that my wife loves me but I really have From the 1985 Farm Aid benefit concerts that raised money for no evidence that proves her love. Sure she shows her love by American farmers, to the Willie-Aid album, "Who'll Buy My Memo- each and everything she does but that is not evidence. I am not ries?" made to help him pay off his IRS debts, to his confession of able to read her thoughts and see things through her eyes but I

15 still know she loves me. Howdy friends of cowboy poetry and cowboy Recently in the news it was announce that yet another expedition poets. Just passing along this note for event discovered Noah‘s Ark. Is it true? Well time will tell but history organizer, Sam Jackson as a reminder to all. shows us that evidence of the Ark has been brought forward in You might want to pass this along to your cow- the past. None of it has held up and some has even turned out to boy poet friends. be a hoax. I imagine, even if concrete evidence ever does come forth there will surely be subsequent evidence that will contradict Hope to see you there… it. It doesn‘t really matter to me though, whether the Ark is found or Smoke Wade not is irrelevant, we Christians still believe and that my friend is the beauty of Faith. May 18th, 2010

[email protected] Howdy Bard Pards, (and other interested folks)

Four months from tonight we‘ll be sitting in the Turn of the Cen- July, 2010 Dance Schedule tury Saloon in beautiful down town Montrose Colorado, as our SILVER STRINGS favorite emcee, Mr. Smoke Wade, introduces poets and musi- cians who will be entertaining at the Saturday night Headliner ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Show and I will be handing out trophies and checks for over 500 N. Smythe - Bowie, Texas 76230 $6,000 to the Rodeo winners. *Unless otherwise noted, all dances are from The Turn of the Century Saloon is located in beautiful downtown 7 to 10 pm - Admission $5, Age 12 & Over Montrose Colorado just West of highway 50, only a couple of **Small children on the dance floor must be accompanied by a blocks from the main business district. It is an absolutely magnifi-

responsible adult cent Western facility that will add an authentic ―Old West‖ atmos-

SATURDAY, JULY 3 - BILL GORDON & FRIENDS (Wichita Falls) phere to our event.

MONDAY, JULY 5 - MANUEL FRITZ & OUT OF CONTROL Don‘t have a ―hard‖ schedule as yet, but in general, beginning (Springtown) around 1 PM Thursday at the Saloon, riders can pick up their wel- come packets and join in a workshop, after which, we will draw for SATURDAY, JULY 10 - PETE & PATTI (Grapevine) ―Ride Times‖ followed by an evening, NCPR hosted, ―Get ac-

quainted‖ party, catered by Pine Cone catering. The Rodeo‘s first MONDAY, JULY 12 - BILL ROBERSON & SOUTHERN RAIN (Ryan, Oklahoma) go-round will start Friday morning at 8 AM sharp, running until around 5, followed by a Friday night show featuring NCPR talent. SATURDAY, JULY 17- LARRY LANGE & THE LONE STAR Saturday morning, same start schedule for the second go-round TROUBADOURS (Wichita Falls) followed by the ―Shoot-out‖, the day ending end with the Saturday night Headliner show, once again showcasing the rodeo winners MONDAY, JULY 19 - LARRY BORDEN & QUIK DRAW (Saint Jo) along with some musical talents. Sunday morning, Cowboy

Church (time and location TBD), SATURDAY, JULY 24 - GREG GIBBS & THE RED DOOR BAND (Wichita Falls) The San Juan Western Heritage Festival (Sjwhf) will have their MONDAY, JULY 26 - BILL ROBERSON & SOUTHERN RAIN booths, and other entertainment events located on the property (Ryan, Oklahoma) along side the Saloon facilities. We should end up with an event enjoyable for the entire family and community. SATURDAY, JULY 31 - MANUEL FRITZ & OUT OF CONTROL (Springtown) Best regards from yer ol‘ (and getting‘ ol‘er) corral boss,

Remember to try to car pool and bring new dancers! Adults of all ages are welcome. You may bring food and soft drinks for your own table. Sammy Jackson [email protected] Coffee, tea and water are provided by Silver Strings. PS: Take a look at these web sites and the Black Canyon Motel is Happy Dancing!! giving us discount rates again this year. For additional info, PPS: Questions??? e-mail or give me a call at (435) 899-1100, e-mail [email protected] 644-5444 (days) or 64-5459 (evenings) or call Joye Thompson at (940) 692-8699.

Note: Donations in any amount to Silver Strings Entertainment http://www.pineconeunlimited.com/turn1.html Center for Western Swing at Silver Strings on August 12, 13 and http://www.turnofthecenturysaloon.com/ 14 are welcome. Please make your checks payable to Silver http://www.blackcanyonmotel.com Strings, clearly marked 'WSSS'. Cash donations may be given to Jean Lewis or Joye Thompson. Thank you,

Silver Strings Board of Directors

[email protected]

16 Bobbe‘s Tips Native American Influence on Western Swing By: Joyce Miller Hello fellow players, In mid-February, Gary, I, and This week I‘m sending you a link to an interview that NPR did with several of our grandchildren visited the Johnny Gimble. My reason for doing this is because Johnny is a 24th Annual Tulsa Indian Art Festival in dear friend that I have worked with as a studio musician in Nash- Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gary‘s brother, Glade Beaver, is a retired ville and I consider him as fine a musician and friend as a person welder and outstanding Creek (Muscogee Tribe) Indian water- could have. color artist and he was showing his work at the art fest. While we Johnny has always been a steel guitar fan himself and was ex- were there, we had the unexpected pleasure of seeing a perform- tremely instrumental in making several steel players much better ance by Arvel Bird, an award-wining fiddlist of Southern Paiute players than they would have been without his friendship. and Scottish mixed-blood ancestry. We were enthralled by this Maurice Anderson, Tom Morrell and myself are three musicians master of the fiddle and how he incorporates Native flute, rattle that I know can trace their learning back to Johnny. Not just a and chants into his already eclectic musical experience – from wonderful musician, but an extremely unselfish, giving human classical to country and blues to bluegrass. He also calls on his being that will share anything he has learned with anyone. Scottish heritage with lively Celtic fiddle tunes to create a truly multi-cultural experience for his listeners. Maurice tells a story of getting a job at one of the biggest, swanki- While enjoying Arvel‘s show, Gary est western swing clubs in Dallas and playing very horribly the mentioned to me how his music first night. Johnny was playing fiddle and at the end of the night sounded like so many of the familiar Johnny grabbed Maurice, wouldn‘t let him go home for awhile and western swing melodies we all love. gave him several hours of how to play the job. If you closed your eyes and listened At the end of the first week, Maurice‘s job was secure and Mau- to his fiddle playing and the drum in rice turned into a legendary player over the next year. the background, you could imagine Johnny relates in the interview how he got his job with Bob Wills. yourself sitting on the back porch at About two years later, the same thing happened to me. Bob Wills Bob Wills‘ childhood home outside was booked into Al‘s Stateline Bar in Hobbs, New Mexico and not Turkey, Texas on a sunset-filled having a steel player that night, I worked the sets with Bob and Arvel Bird summer evening listening to a west- his band. ern sing tune being played by the congregation of musicians gathered inside and out on any given At the end of the evening, one of the Bob Wills‘ fiddle section Friday or Saturday night during Wills‘ upbringing. players, Jimmy Belkins, said, ―We still don‘t have a steel player. With these seeds planted in our brains, we began dis- Wanna work with us?‖ cussing how so many of our beloved western swing performers I said, ―Sure!‖ This was at the end of 1959 and I continued to have been, or are of Native American descent. Of course, some work with Bob until I had trouble standing the road. They finally of the most noteworthy being Milton Brown, Derwood Brown, Roy played my hometown and I got off the bus and never went back. Lee Brown, Spade Cooley; The Wills family i.e. Bob, Johnnie Lee, I saw Belkins about three years later. He said Bob was very Billy Jack and Dayna Wills, , Ray Price, Hank happy with my playing so why did I leave? Thompson and the amazing Leon Rausch and Tommy Allsup. The list could go on and on. I told him how much I enjoyed the friendships I had made and had I hope over the next few months to be able to illustrate in even gotten hooked on the great Bob Wills rhythm section which a series of articles how important the Native American influence was definitely quite different. I said, ―Well, I miss everybody and has been on the evolution of western swing music. My next piece I‘m glad they miss me too, but no more road.‖ will delve deeper into some of the pioneers of this genre and how Anyway, read the Johnny Gimble interview remembering he is their musical talents were cultivated by their Native American In- one of the great musicians of all time and definitely one of the dian roots. Whether consciously or subconsciously, their Indian better people I‘ve ever worked with. heritage played a remarkable role Here is the link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php? in their outlook and involvement storyId=125673057 into the beginnings of what has come to be known as western See our monthly specials at www.steelguitar.net/ swing. monthlyspecials.html NOTE: Your buddy, Arvel has toured with Bobbe some of the biggest names in country music over the past 11 or www.steelguitar.net so years - Glen Campbell, [email protected] , Clay Walker, Louise www.youtube.com/bobbeseymour Mandrell, Tom T. Hall, Ray Price www.myspace.com/bobbeseymour and others. He has released ten CDs and one DVD since 2001. Steel Guitar Nashville Four of his CDs have been nominated for Awards (Nammy) – the 123 Mid Town Court esteemed Native American Music Awards and Indian Summer Hendersonville, TN. 37075 Music Awards (ISMA). In 2006, he received the Nammy in Best (615) 822-5555 Instrumental Recording category for his Arvel Bird LIVE! CD and Open 9AM – 4PM Monday – Friday an ISMA for his Animal Totems 2 in the Best Contemporary In- strumental category. Arvel is signed to Singing Wolf Records in

17 Nashville, TN and his music is available from Four Winds Trading Company, Drumbeat Indian Arts, New Leaf Distribution, Borders Books & Music Cafes, Tower Records, and other independent music stores. You can also purchase his music directly from singing- wolfrecords.com, arvelbird.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com and other online retailers.

By Joyce Miller - Cowtown Society of Western Music [email protected]

News from the National Cutting Horse Association

Hilton DFW June 18-20 Beutenmiller wins election Call 800-984-1344 and ask Ernie Beutenmiller Jr. of Union, Missouri, has been elected Vice President of the National Cutting for the NCHA Convention Horse Association, by a vote of NCHA members. Ballots were tabulated June 8 in the election for Rate or get your roomonline. NCHA Vice President. A total of 3,262 ballots were received by the accounting firm of Whitley Penn LLP and tabulated under their oversight. Make your travel Results of the election had Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr. receiving a total of 1,914 votes and Jim Milner of Southlake, Texas receiving 1,348 votes. Beutenmiller will assume his duties as Vice President at plans. the general membership meeting on June 20, 2010 during the NCHA Convention at the Hilton DFW And support Lakes Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. NYCHA.

NCHA Convention is just around the corner In addition to the committee meetings that are so important to our continuing progress, the Conven- tion will honor the latest Hall of Fame inductees in a special reception starting at 5:30 p.m. on Satur- day, June 19. This is free, and "open to the world," so come and salute the Members, Riders, Non- Pros and Horses that have achieved NCHA's highest honors. See the complete agendas for the standing committee meetings here. The 2010 Convention will also feature an informative presentation on Welfare Initiatives in the Per- formance Industry.

The 2010 Mercuria Energy NCHA World Series of Cutting shows feature $25,000 in added money for both the Open and Non-Pro finals at eight events across North America. Upcoming events in the World Series: June Cutting Horse Chatter online June 24-26: Reno Rodeo, Reno, Nevada. Entry Form. July 5-7: In conjunction with AQHA "Battle in the Saddle," Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Read more. Entry Form. Zack T Wood

July 11-15: Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta. Entry Form. Memorial Golf

September 17-18: El Rancho Futurity, Rancho Murieta, California Tournament October 7-9: All American Quarter Horse Congress, Columbus, Ohio

The inaugural Battle in the Saddle takes center stage in Oklahoma City, July 5-10, 2010. Make plans now to enter the cutting events! More than $65,000 in added money is up for grabs, and we're excited to announce our partnership with NCHA to make this a Mercuria/ NCHA World Series of Cutting event! Cutting judges will be Brett Davis, Bob Freeman, Dwayne Stamper. Download the entry form and enter before June 20 to avoid late fees! For more information, contact How to Score Higher - Kim George at (806) 378-4338 or visit their website. Order the DVD now! (Late fees are one and a half times the regular entry fee and will apply after June 20).

18 NCHA Summer Spectacular schedule Triple Crown The 2010 NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular, presented by Great American Insurance, is sched- uled to run from July 11-31 at Will Rogers Memorial Complex in Fort Worth, Texas. Tickets WRMC Parking Fees: On May 1, the City of Fort Worth implemented new year-round parking fees which affect the Cultural District, including Will Rogers Memorial Complex, where NCHA's Triple Crown events and other major horse and livestock shows are held. The fees pay for the construc- tion and operation of expanded parking facilities at Will Rogers. Read this before the show.

NYCHA Convention and Scholarship cutting gears up With the upcoming NYCHA Convention and Scholarship Cutting, July 11-15 during the Summer Spectacular in Fort Worth, come many activities for the youth, including the silent auction and col- The blog that cutters read lection of items for the Community Service project. Get a head start by collecting donations now! Every year during the youth summer show the silent auction fundraiser provides a great se- lection of items to bid on, proves to be a fun addition for those who enjoy a good challenge on bid- ding and best of all, proceeds benefit the youth of NCHA. Major Results: For the second year, we will be offering an "NYCHA Made" section of this auction. Get a jump Breeders Invitational start on those hand-made projects like woodworking, metal works or painting. This is a great oppor- tunity to show off your creativity, and talent while helping the NYCHA with this fundraiser. NCHA Western Nationals Entry deadline for the Scholarship Cutting is June 15. Bluebonnet Stakes Time is running out. . . Send your nomination now NCHA Summer Spectacular Sale – July 31 NCHA Super Stakes

Nomination deadline for the 2010 NCHA Summer Spectacular NCHA Eastern Nationals Sale is Thursday, June 10. Download a nomination form or call Western Bloodstock for more infor- mation (817) 594-9210. Only 125 select horses will sell on Derby Finals Day, Saturday, July 31 at Cattlemen's Derby 9:00 am in the Watt Arena. Featured offerings are currently posted. Pacific Coast Derby New look for DMtack.com: The new and improved DMtack.com has made its debut! Dennis More- land's new web site features his handmade tack that cutters associate with high quality craftsman- ship. New products are also available on the web site, along with weekly specials you won't want to miss! Check out the 'Show Schedule' tab to find out where you can stop by and "talk tack" with Den- Judges nis. For more information, including a full product listing, visit www.dmtack.com. Recertification

2010 NCHA Cutting Academy Grassroots Clinics scheduled Seminars

The NCHA Cutting Academy grass roots clinics are targeted toward Amateur riders and are de- signed to help improve showmanship in the arena. Session I of the Cutting Academy includes un- derstanding rules and improving showmanship, equine nutrition and more. The cost, which includes a light breakfast and lunch, is just $25 at the door.Session II features live work critiques with some of the industry's leading experts. Prepayment of $125 required, contact Julie Davis at the NCHA office for additional information and reservations. Here's a schedule for upcoming clinics, sponsored byPurina Mills: October 15 - Phoenix (Litchfield Park), AZ Grass Roots Seminar - October 15 - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with NCHA Drector of Judges Russell McCord and Hall of Fame Trainer Lindy Burch. Contact Julie Davis at the All New! NCHA office for additional information and reservations. Cave Creek CHA show - October 16 . November 5 – Arena One – Batesville, Mississippi Grass Roots Seminar – November 5 - 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. with NCHA Director of Judges Russell McCord and Hall of Fame Trainer Phil Rapp. Contact Julie Davis at the NCHA office for additional information and reservations. Mid South CHA Show – November 4, 6-7 -Weekend & LAE Show – Arena One, Bates- ville, MS. Judges Recertification Seminar - (Judges only) - Friday - November 5, 2010 - 7:00 pm.

Million-dollar bonus offered The David McDavid family has announced a $1 million bonus to any horse sired by Hes A Pepto- spoonful that wins the NCHA Open Futurity through 2013. The McDavids, who sponsor the live tele- cast of the NCHA Futurity on RFD-TV, are also offering a sizable bonus to Non-Pro, Limited Non- Pro and Amateur winners sired by Hes A Peptospoonful or Widows Freckles at all three of NCHA's Triple Crown events, through the 2014 NCHA Summer Spectacular. Read more here.

19 Quality Inn & Suites Cattle Baron's Hotel is partnering with NCHA and NYCHA to support youth scholarships. For every night you stay at Quality Inn, they will donate $2 for youth scholar- ships. Just call and request the "horse rate". Long term rates are also available. Quality Inn is located 6.5 miles from Will Rogers Coliseum, with a direct, traffic-free drive on Camp Bowie. There is parking for trailers, a hot breakfast buffet, and 30 rooms have drive-up access. Call for a reservation at 817-560-4180, or to learn more about the hotel's Giving Back program visit www.qualityinnfortworth.com/community-support.

Choose the Right Cow - Order the DVD now! C O U N T R Y M U S I C C L A S S I C S

Doug Davis Owner/Publisher/Manager/Editor/ Writer/Gopher/Chief Cook & Bottle Washer

Monday June 14th, 2010

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT www.countrymusicclassics.com

Our program website is www.classiccountryfirst.com

STORY BEHIND THE SONG

So many songwriter‘s answer to the question of ―where did the idea for that song come from‖ has been ―I have no idea. The chorus or title or a line just popped in my head and I wrote it.‖ According to Hank Cochran, ‘s 1987 number one, ―,‖ was one of those tunes!

Hank explained, ―I was in the studio producing a demo session on and for some reason the chorus and the first verse for that song just came into my head and I borrowed a guitar and took another guy in this little room and started sing- ing that chorus. About that time, Dean came in and I sang what I had to him and he sat down and wrote the last verse and that was that. I recorded a demo on the song and my wife kept telling me that it was a hit song. And I didn‘t think it was but she kept telling me that I was wrong, and that I ought to get the song to George Strait. I finally told her if she would shut up about it I would send it to George Strait that very day. So I sent it to George, he liked it and he came in and recorded it. He put it out as a single and it was a hit and then they put it in an album they titled ―Ocean Front Property.‖ And while we were in Mexico I called back home and asked how the album was doing and they told me that the album went in the charts as number one. And they told me that was the first time that had been done by a country artist.‖

George Strait‘s MCA single, ―Ocean Front Property‖ entered the country music charts January 17th, 1987 and made it to number one.

It was his 18th charted song and his 10th number one. The single was on the charts for 21 weeks.

^^^^^^^^^^

A T T E N T I O N: R A D I O S T A T I O N S: Our short form daily radio feature, ―Classic Country First‖ now has its own website at www.classiccountryfirst.com The program is now syndicated thru Keller Broadcasting and is available thru barter. Hear audio samples of the programs at: http://www.keller-broadcasting.com/shows/classiccountryfirst/demo.mp3

To sign up to carry the program, email to: [email protected] OR call Mitchell Keller at (503) 860-4707

^^^^^^^^^^

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION: Do you know anything about The Judds getting back together? ANSWER: "The Judds: The Last Encore Tour" will begin November 26th -- in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The 18-date tour ends in Phoenix, Arizona on December 19th. QUESTION: I bought some cassette tapes at a garage sale. One is labeled ―Mel Street‖ and has a song about ―Who‘ll Turn Out The Lights?‖ I can‘t find any information as to his recording that song. Do you have any info? ANSWER: ―Who‘ll Turn Out The Lights?‖ was the flipside of Mel‘s 1972 # 5 hit, ―Lovin‘ On Back Streets.‖

QUESTION: I have an old 45 recording of ―Bluebird Island‖ with Hank Snow. Who is the girl singer on that record?

20 ANSWER: Anita Carter is the girl singer on Hank‘s 1951 Janie Black, recording artist, born 1944. top five hit, ―Bluebird Island.‖ ^^^^^^^^^ Hank Williams released "Move It On Over," 1947. ―Country Music Classics‖ is made possible only by dona- tions from subscribers like you. If you enjoy receiving this Hank Williams recorded "Honky Tonk Blues," 1950. newsletter, please support us by sending a check payable to ―Country Music Classics‖ for any amount to: Patsy Cline was seriously injured in a car wreck on a Nash- Doug Davis—Country Music Classics—3702 Pleasant Grove ville street in 1961. Patsy went through the windshield and Road-Texarkana, Texas 75503. Or use PAYPAL (http:// received a dislocated hip, broken wrist, and serious lacera- www.paypal.com ) and donate (via your account or their se- tions on her face, and cracked ribs. Patsy was unable to sing for the next eight months. cure credit card site) directly thru our email address

([email protected]). Thank you. Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman, age 75, of the "Stoneman Family" died in Nashville 1968. If you wish to make a contribution but do not have a Pay Pal account, you may use any major credit card and donate thru Johnny Rodriquez went to #1 with "You Always Come Back" our secure Pro Pay account. 1973. ^^^^^^^^^^^ QUESTION: I love Jeanne Pruett‘s records. Is that her real Alabama's debut album "My Home's In Alabama," charted name? 1980.

ANSWER: Jeanne Pruett was born Norma Jean Bowman Bob Rolontz, age 79, record executive, originator of the plati- in 1937 num record, died 2000.

QUESTION: Who was the guy who had the record of ―What Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton inducted into the National A Laugh‖ many years ago? Academy of Popular Music, Songwriters Hall of Fame, in New York City in 2001. ANSWER: Freddie Hart scored a # 23 hit on ―What A Laugh‖ in 1961. The Museum debuted in downtown Nashville, 2001. QUESTION: Do you know how many singers recorded the song ―Since I Met You Baby.‖ Seems I‘ve heard it by just Courtesy Bill Morrison: http://www.talentondisplay.com/ about everybody. countrycalMAR.html

ANSWER: The song has been recorded by dozens of ^^^^^^^^^ artists, but the only chart versions were by Sonny James in 1969 and Freddy Fender in 1975 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: FOR LOVELY THINGS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Your comments, suggestions, gripes, etc. concerning this I thank You, God, for lovely things; newsletter---are welcome. Email For sunshine bright, each bird that sings, for beauty that the to:[email protected] springtime brings… ^^^^^^^^^^ For fragrant roses kissed by the dew, For smiling skies of NUMBER ONE ON THIS DATE: azure blue, For loyal friends both old and new… 1949 One Kiss Too Many - For Autumn foliage aglow, for moonlight on the new-fallen 1957 snow, Four Walls - For awesome sunset‘s crimson glow… 1965 What‘s He Doing in My World - Eddy Arnold For every mother‘s love so dear, for letters bringing me such 1973 cheer, You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me) - Johnny Rodriguez For sweet content as night draws near… 1981 What are We Doin‘ in Love - with For golden deeds that say, ―I care,‖ 1989 For rainbows with their colors fair, for quiet time I spend in Better Man - Clint Black prayer…

^^^^^^^^^^^ For tulips bursting through the sod, For peace along the path I trod, for lovely things…I thank TODAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY you, God. compiled by Bill Morrison Beverly J. Anderson born Newton, IL 1909.

George Carlisle born 1911.

Lester Flatt born Overton County, TN 1914.

Fiddlin John Carson recorded his first record in Atlanta, for Okeh Records 1923.

Tex Ritter married Dorothy Fay Southworth, 1941.

21 deler. She competed as Miss Idaho in the 1955 Miss America contest and finished as a runner-up. In 1957, she was chosen to co-host the first national Grand Ole Opry network telecast. She also became a frequent guest on ‘s network television show. During her heyday in the Fred Berry Emily Manning 1960s she had her own syndicated TV series. Lou Bischoff Bob Nible She signed with ABC-Paramount Records in 1957. Although she Clyde Brewer Joe Paul Nichols had no notable successes with the label, Billboard named her its Tom Burgess Christy Oehlschlager Most Promising Female Country Singer later that same year. Richard Neal Clemens Jeremy Parker United Artists Records signed Ms. Lynn in 1962. Produced by Peggy Cloyd Walter Pate Pappy Dailey, she had a top-10 hit that year with ―Footsteps of a Mary Corley Carolyn Patterson and Fam- Truitt Cunningham ily Fool.‖ She wrote two of her other hits for the label, ―My Secret‖ Ben Delay Lyall Paulson and ―My Father‘s House.‖ Billie and James Dobbs Delores Plazek She became a tireless entertainer for the troops, making many Jerry Emery Tom Rose USO tours overseas. She also began headlining at The Golden Glynn Fairburn Rebecca Linda Smith Nugget in Las Vegas. She settled in that show-business capital Mary Jo Glasson Connie Stom and eventually graduated to starring at Caesar‘s Palace. Ms. Lynn Paige Haas Cameron Stroup appeared with Eddy Arnold, Red Foley, , Rex Allen, Tom and Donna Hatton Joye Thompson Eddie Fisher, Gene Autry, and other top stars of her Briggs Hill and his family Darlene Thornton era. Barbara Holman Ken Watkins Mary Hunter Mike Ward Her album jackets illustrate her eye-popping visual flair. Ms. Lynn Joan Kendall Connie White performed in elaborately tooled cowgirl boots in vivid colors to Johnny Lyon Kenny Williams match her skin-tight stretch slacks and figure-hugging blouses. Millie Mack Fran Womack She was clad in electric-blue leather, shimmering purple lamé, green gabardine embellished with shiny gold or silver flowers, rhinestone bedecked crimson polyester or blouses with metallic sleeve fringe, always topped by matching kerchiefs at the throat and highly decorated cowgirl hats atop her gleaming golden tresses. She moved to Musicor Records in 1966. By then, she had ex- panded from her Vegas base to also headline in the casinos of Reno and Lake Tahoe.

She was produced by Frank Jones on Columbia Records in 1969, then returned to the charts with Alex Harvey‘s song ―Married to a Memory‖ on the independent Amaret label in 1971. Her last

charted single was 1975‘s ―Padre‖ on Warner Bros. Records.

Ms. Lynn was married to musician Jack Kelly. In 1980, she abruptly quit show business to become an ordained minister. She died at home of congestive heart failure on Wednesday, May 26. At the time of her passing, she was residing in Jeffersonville,

Indiana. She is survived by a daughter and several grandchildren.

Personal note from Tracy Pitcox:

I am saddened to report that Country Music Entertainer Judy Lynn passed away last night after a brief illness. Judy had been been experiencing difficulties with her health for Country singer, Las Vegas headliner and former beauty- most of the year, but began to steadily decline during the pageant queen Judy Lynn has died at age 74. last two weeks. She was surrounded by family members Ms. Lynn recorded more than a dozen albums and had hit singles and went very peacefully. with such titles as ―Footsteps of a Fool‖ (1962) and ―My Se- cret‖ (1963). She was also renowned as the most flamboyantly Judy was very kind to us at the Heart of Texas Country Mu- costumed country star of her generation. sic Museum in Brady, allowing us to obtain her last rhine- stone stage suit that she had personally kept. It was cre- Born Judy Lynn Voiten in 1936, she was the daughter of band- ated by her mother and is now on display at the museum. leader Joe Voiten. Raised in rural Idaho, she was an authentic cowgirl who could rope and ride at an early age. She will be missed but I know where Judy is now.

She first performed in public at age 10. Blonde and blue-eyed, Tracy Pitcox she was named Queen of the Snake River Jamboree in 1952. The following year, she was crowned America‘s Champion Yo-

22 By the early 1950s, Dean's band had its first national hit in "Bummin' Around." "Big Bad John," which is about a coal miner who saves fellow workers when a mine roof collapses, became a big hit in 1961 and won a Grammy. The star wrote it in less than RICHMOND, Va. - two hours. His fame led him to a string of television shows, includ- ing "The Jimmy Dean Show" on CBS. Dean's last big TV stint was a Jimmy Dean, ABC's version of "The Jimmy Dean Show" from 1963 to 1966. country music legend for Dean in February was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. his smash hit about a He was to be inducted in October and his wife said she thinks he workingman hero, "Big was looking forward to it. Dean became a headliner at venues like Bad John," and an entre- Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl and became the first coun- preneur known for his try star to play on the Las Vegas strip. He was the first guest host sausage brand, died on on "The Tonight Show," and also was an actor with parts in televi- Sunday. He was 81. sion and the movies, including the role of James Bond's ally His wife, Donna Meade Willard Whyte in the 1971 film "Diamonds Are Forever." Dean, said her husband Besides his wife, Dean is survived by three children and two died at their Henrico grandchildren, Donna Meade Dean said. Arrangements have not County, Va., home. She be made, but it will be a private service, she said. told The Associated Press In the late '60s, Dean entered the hog business — something he that he had some health problems but was still functioning well, knew well. His family had butchered hogs, with the young Dean so his death came as a shock. She said he was eating in front of whacking them over the head with the blunt end of an ax. The the television. She left the room for a time and came back and he Dean brothers — Jimmy and Don — ground the meat and their was unresponsive. She said he was pronounced dead at 7:54 mother seasoned it. p.m. "He was amazing," she said. "He had a lot of talents." The Jimmy Dean Meat Co. opened with a plant in Plainview. After Born in 1928, Dean was raised in poverty in Plainview, Texas, six months, the company was profitable. His fortune was esti- and dropped out of high school after the ninth grade. He went on mated at $75 million in the early '90s. Having watched other stars to a successful entertainment career in the 1950s and '60s that fritter away their fortunes, Dean said he learned to be careful with included the nationally televised "The Jimmy Dean Show." In his money. "I've seen so many people in this business that made 1969, Dean went into the sausage business, starting the Jimmy a fortune," he told the AP. "They get old and broke and can't make Dean Meat Co. in his hometown. He sold the company to Sara any money. ... I tell you something, ... no one's going to play a Lee Corp. in 1984. benefit for Jimmy Dean." Dean lived in semiretirement with his wife, who is a songwriter Dean said then that he was at peace at his estate and that he had and recording artist, on their 200-acre estate just outside Rich- picked a spot near the river where he wanted to be buried. "It's the mond, where he enjoyed investing, boating and watching the sun sweetest piece of property in the world, we think," he told the set over the James River. In 2009 a fire gutted their home, but his Richmond Times-Dispatch. "It sure is peaceful here." Grammy for "Big Bad John," a puppet made by Muppets creator Jim Henson, a clock that had belonged to Prince Charles and A personal post script from Dugg Collins: Princess Diana and other valuables were saved. Lost were a col- lection of celebrity-autographed books, posters of Dean with Elvis Presley and other prized possessions. Donna Meade Dean said Anyone who has spent very much time in Country Music knew the couple had just moved back into their reconstructed home. Jimmy Dean. He was a fellow who always had a smile on his face With his drawled wisecracks and quick wit, Dean charmed many but one that would not suffer fools. He would let you know what fans. But in both entertainment and business circles, he was also was on his mind. You may or may not like what he had to say, but known for his tough hide. He fired bandmate , who went he spoke his mind. He never claimed to be a great singer, but he onto "" fame, for showing up late for gigs. was the best entertainer I ever watched on stage or television. More recently, a scrap with Sara Lee led to national headlines. With his national television show he took Country Music into the The Chicago-based company let him go as spokesman in 2003, lives of people who may have thought they didn't like Country inciting Dean's wrath. He issued a statement titled "Somebody Music. He has a way of changing their minds. Two of my favorite doesn't like Sara Lee," claiming he was dumped because he got things he did were 'TO A SLEEPING BEAUTY' and 'I.O.U.' He old. "The company told me that they were trying to attract the was a very emotional man where his friends were concerned and younger housewife, and they didn't think I was the one to do that," a loyal friend he was too. He and I discussed Roy Clark one time Dean told The Associated Press in January 2004. "I think it's the in Nashville. Roy was his guitar player on his TV Show in Wash- dumbest thing. But you know, what do I know?" Sara Lee has ington. JD said, "You know, he was one of the best players I ever said that it chose not to renew Dean's contract because the had on my show, but I had to fire him because he was never one "brand was going in a new direction" that demanded a shift in time." They remained friends of course and we all know the great marketing. career Roy had later on. Dean grew up in a musical household. His mother showed him I want to share this story with all of you. When was how to play his first chord on the piano. His father, who left the very sick and in Hospice care at his home, I sent JD and Donna family, was a songwriter and singer. Dean taught himself to play the news about his condition. The following is what Donna sent to the accordion and the harmonica. me after after that E-Mail. His start in the music business came as an accordionist at a tav- Thanks Dugg...JD has been distraught all day since I read him ern near Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where he your email so I insisted he call Reed. He did indeed call him this was stationed in the 1940s. After leaving the Air Force in 1948, he evening and they had a nice little chat. Nothing was mentioned fronted his band, the Texas Wildcats, and drew a strong local about hospice and Jerry seemed to be in an 'up' mood. JD kept it following through appearances on Washington-area radio. light, telling funny stories and reminiscing about their days in Reno

23 Fame band with his dad, Gary Williams, sometimes with Empty Saddles Cont. brother, Cory, and good friend, Hollie White. He had also played with Kelly Spinks‘ Miles of Texas Band. It was Justin who pulled Kelly and some other band mem- when Jerry opened for him. They had a good visit on the phone bers from the burning wreckage, before help arrived, saving and I'm glad. their lives in that near fatal crash of Kelly and his band a Thanks again for passing along the news. You brought two old couple of years ago. friends together, possibly for the last time. Our loss: Our Western Swing family has lost a rising star All the best, and a true gem. Even though Justin‘s time was brief he Donna blessed many lives as he graced our Western Swing Events with his friendly infectious smile both on and off the I will always keep this mail from Donna. Jerry died shortly after stage. Justin played his fiddle from his heart...losing him that conversation. It was nice to know they had a reunion on the leaves a hole in ours. phone. This made me smile with a great deal of pride.

May God Bless you Jimmy Dean. You were one of a kind.

Dugg Collins

Clarence "Vernon" Baughman, 1926 – 2010, long-time resident of Auburn, Cali- fornia has died at age 83.

Mr. Baughman was born in Granite, Oklahoma and served in the military for four years.

His family moved to California in 1945 and Vernon followed shortly after his discharge from the military. Vernon had a great love for music and through that music he met and married the love of his life, Gladys Cole. They had two wonderful sons, Jimmy and Ron Baughman.

Living in the Bay area Vernon worked for Ford Motor Company. In 1965 Vernon moved his family to Auburn, California where they have resided for the past 45 years. Vernon worked and retired from the City of Auburn where he worked as a mechanic.

Many will remember Vernon for his sweet soul, ready smile and love of music. An exemplary country musician, his guitar playing The Western Swing Music world talent won him numerous awards throughout his years. He was also one of the first members inducted into the Western Swing has lost a rising star. Hall of Fame. He enjoyed a long musical career and had the Justin Williams‘ short life: Justin was born Dec. 25, honor of playing with many great musicians over the years. 1987, in Hale Center. He grew up in Kress, TX and gradu- ated from Kress High School in 2006 as Valedictorian. He Through his music Vernon made many friends and touched many attended the University of North Texas and then University people from all parts of the world. of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and was working toward a degree in music and a minor in business. Tragically He is survived by Gladys, his wife of more than 60 years, his two Justin passed away on May 27 after a brief time in ICU, sons Jimmy and Ron and their families, who blessed Vernon‘s life San Angelo TX hospital following unexpected heart failure with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Vernon will be and accompanying complications. He passed from this life surrounded by loving friends and family, his dad, Gary Wil- liams, his mother and stepdad, Rhonda and Darrell Wee- Joe Baker‘s Recognition and Honors hunt, his brother Cory Williams. Justin was a member of Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes the first Baptist Church in Kress. Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Year Music: Justin was a professional musician, vocalist and Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year songwriter who played many instruments but was best Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame known for his outstanding ability to play the fiddle. (His Membership Director—Cowtown Society of Western Music dad, Gary is a professional fiddle teacher, from which Board of Directors—Cowtown Society of Western Music Justin and Cory most likely owe their inherited musical abil- Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame ity). In 2005 Justin was the All State Violinist and was Backforty Newsletter—CSWM‘s Publication of the Year 2009 grand champion many times as well as state champion. The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame Justin was carrying on the tradition of Western Swing mu- KNMB, Western Music Assn. 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW, Western Music Assn. 2007 Radio Station Of The Year sic with his fiddle. Bands: He played in many bands: two being the Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest (WSMSS) Hall of

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