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Spectropop - Digest Number 333
- From: Spectropop Group
- Date: Mon, 31 December 2001 21:21:28
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______________ S P E C T R O P O P ______________
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Intoxicating sounds of the world's most exciting music
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There are 24 messages in this issue of Spectropop.
Topics in this Digest Number 333:
1. Happy New Year
From: "Peter Lerner"
2. Re: Shangs vocals
From: "Vlaovic B"
3. Bubblegum Is The Naked Truth
From: "Javed Jafri"
4. Re: Happy birthday to Phil
From: "GSPECTOR"
5. Re: CD Towers
From: "Don Charles"
6. Re: Utterances on 45
From: James Botticelli
7. My Tower of CD's
From: "David Feldman"
8. Re: CD Towers
From: Andrew Hickey
9. Year-end bits....
From: "Paul Payton"
10. Alright I admit it, Christmas time I can go a bit soft in the head.
From: "Martin Roberts"
11. Happiness is choirs and backup singers
From: Alan Zweig
12. a wee bit OT
From: "Bill Reed"
13. Beatles 60s GG Covers
From: Patrick Rands
14. Re: Bubblegum Is The Naked Truth
From: "L.E.Pinto"
15. julee cruise
From: John Rausch
16. Re: Troubadour & Van Dyke Parks
From: "Bob Matonis"
17. Re: Happiness Is Orange Colored Sky
From: Andrew Hickey
18. Happy New Year
From: "Ken Levine"
19. New Year's Resolution
From: Michael Rashkow
20. BIG TOWN BOY
From: Justin Mcdevitt
21. Re: Beatles 60s GG Covers
From: "Mike Arcidiacono"
22. Re: Happiness is choirs and backup singers
From: Andrew Hickey
23. Re: Spector Queries
From: "monophonius"
24. Grady Martin Obit
From: Bobby Lloyd Hicks
________________________________________________________________________
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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 14:47:13 -0000
From: "Peter Lerner"
Subject: Happy New Year
Happy new year to all at Spectropop from my corner of
little England. Highlights of my year?
1. Seeing Jackie DeShannon at the Bottom Line and talking
to her after the show.
2. Meeting Jackie DeShannon Appreciation Society members
Bill, Mark, Doug and Brian at the same gig.
3. Going to Martin and Susie's party and meeting some
legendary names of the music and email world.
4. Seeing (last night! - my birthday treat) the legendary
(soon to be) Claire Sweeney in Chicago in London's West
End. You Americans etc. who haven't caught Claire in our
UK soap Brookside over the past few years don't know what
you're missing, and for Spectropoppers, she does a mean
Cher impersonation too - catch her on the Brookie video
The Lost Weekend.
5. Sharing all the above with Karen.
6. And of course joining Spectropop. My proudest moment -
starting a correspondence of several weeks just by saying
- Reparata and the Delrons, does anyone else like them?
Now can anyone tell me anything about Jane Canada, who did
the excellent original of Jackie DeShannon's Am I Dreaming
on Magic Lamp records? Indeed can anyone tell me more
about Magic Lamp - the only other 45 I have on this label
is a Johnny Burnette production.
Peter
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 09:57:29 -0500
From: "Vlaovic B"
Subject: Re: Shangs vocals
> Plus, Shadow Morton confirmed it for me last Spring
> that the lead SINGING voice on "What Is Love" IS Betty
> Weiss. The Gansers had voices that were way too deep
> to sound like THAT!!! Unfortunately, I forgot to ask
> him why they ask BETTY not MARY at the start of
> "Leader Of The Pack" if that was Jimmy's ring she was
> wearing..........btw, that was Maryann and Betty doing
> the talking--Margie was humming in the background!
Ah mysterious Shangri-Las vocals! I'd often wondered
about the lead on 'What is Love'. Although clearly it's
Mary who utters the between verses bits ie. 'Ah Gee'.
Has anyone ever been able to understand the brief words
spoken in 'I Can Never Go Home Anymore'. They appear in
the deep background of the instrumental break which
preceeds the 'Do you ever get the feeling...' line. I've
noted that in some versions (the Varese Sarabande
compilation) this instrumental break is abbreviated;
hence no utterances.
Clues?
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 11:57:03 -0500
From: "Javed Jafri"
Subject: Bubblegum Is The Naked Truth
Kingsley Abbott wrote:
>
> PS - I got the book "Bubblegum Is The Naked Truth" (Ferel
> House ISBN 0-922915-69-5) for Christmas, which I guess
> will be an essential purchase for many on this list, with
> chapters/sections on Ron Dante, Archies,K/K, Cowsills,
> Gary Zekely, Dino Desi & Billy, Turtles, Boyce & Hart,
> Jeff Barry, Gary Usher, Carol Conners, and much much more.
> A great dip-into book of 300+ pages.
> >
I recently got a copy of this book as well and have only
skimmed it so far but it does look like e great read. It
covers much more than what it commonly thought of as
bubblegum music. There is a section on Sunshine Pop and
other related genres. Plus some members of this very list
are amongst the contributors to the book.
Javed
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 10:22:49 -0700
From: "GSPECTOR"
Subject: Re: Happy birthday to Phil
Hello Laura,
Thanks for the kind words.
Wow, I guess it has been 30 years since the date we were
invited into his life. I guess that makes it a milestone
or something. Well, I hope to keep listening to his music
for another 30 years.
From the Keyboard of:
Gary P. Spector
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:28:32 +0000
From: "Don Charles"
Subject: Re: CD Towers
Couldn't help noticing the great Tito Puente's name on
your list, Jamie. If you enjoy Tito's work as much I do,
get hold of a 3-CD set called TITO PUENTE: 50 YEARS OF
SWING on the RMM label (I think it's still in print).
For the last word on Tito during his mambo heyday, I
recommend TITO PUENTE: THE COMPLETE RCA SESSIONS, a 6-CD
Latin dance music extravaganza spanning the years 1955 -
1960, with a few 1949 tracks thrown in for good measure.
Costs a bit more, but worth it.
Don Charles
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 6
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:02:35 EST
From: James Botticelli
Subject: Re: Utterances on 45
In a message dated 12/31/01, phoenixca writes:
> Although clearly it's Mary who utters the between
> verses bits ie. 'Ah Gee'.
Utterances on records...that reminds me of The Lovelites,
a femme-soul group from Chicago circa 1969-73 plus or
minus. On their best single "How Can I Tell My Mom & Dad",
lead singer Patti utters in reference to an at home
scene with her family, "last night we got on the subject
about being a parent" in which she reveals to her
parents that she is pregnant. "But Daddy, he just
stormed out the room"...Patti says. Stunning
stuff..Happy New Year Spectropoppers. This is my third
year here and it is better than ever...especially with
all the Middle-Aged Matrix Men Meandering through
Moldies from all over the world!...
Jimmy Botticelli
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 7
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:28:04 -0500
From: "David Feldman"
Subject: My Tower of CD's
Jamie said:
> It's simply an odd little list of CDs that for
> whatever reason accumulated on my desk over the last
> few months.
The album that caught my eye was the Gerry Goffin album.
I assume it's a Japanese release? What is it?
Re: the tower Ain't it wacky? I'm rather amazed at how
many have piled up on mine, too (my tower is higher than
yours!). And it's rather mysterious to me that many of
these are not particular favorites. Just for the record
(and note I just alphabetized them, so I do plan to file
them away):
Burt Bacharach: Reach Out
Belle & Sebastian: Legal Man
Billy Bragg & Wilco: Mermaid Ave. Vol. 2
Mary Chapin Carpenter: Time Sex Love
The Best of the Cowsills
Dandy Warhols: Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia
Dusty Trails
Bob Dylan: Love & Theft
Ben Folds: Rockin' the Suburbs
4 Tops: Greatest Hits
Fountains of Wayne: Utopia Parkway
Fuzzy: Electric Juices
Marvin Gaye: What's Going On?
Alicia Keys: Songs in A Minor
Barry Mann: Soul & Inspiration (only dupe with Jamie)
Kate & Anna McGarrigle: love over and over
Myracle brah: myracle brah
Ben Neill: goldbug
Eddie Reader (thanks Bri-Guy)
Reparta & the Delrons: Whenever a Teenager Cries
Jonathan Richman: Her Mystery Not of High Heels
Ronettes: The Early Years
Shonen Knife: Let's Knife
Jill Sobule: Happy Town
Ron Sexsmith: Blue Boy
Gary Usher: Add Some Music to Your Day
Scott Walker: It's Raining Today (1967-1970)
Webb Brothers: Maroon
Weezer
Weezer: Pinkerton
Pete Yorn: musicforthemorningafter
Various:
Back to Mono #1
Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 7
A Little Night Music (Original Cast)
Here Come the Girls Vol. 9 (Slow Fizz)
Doo Wop Box Vol. 4
Dream Babes Volume 1: Am I Dreaming
Happy New Year to all Spectropoppers,
Dave
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 8
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 14:24:13 -0800 (PST)
From: Andrew Hickey
Subject: Re: CD Towers
Well, since Jamie listed *his* CD tower...
Beatles Anthology Plus MP3 CD
California Music
The Millennium - Again
Sandy Salisbury - Sandy
Pet Sounds
Stealth Munchkin rough mixes for checking
Beach Boys In Concert
13th Floor Elevators - All Time Highs
Wondermints - Wonderful World Of
Various - Day Trippers vol 3
Knickerbockers - The Fabulous Knickerbockers
Blake Jones & The Trike Shop - A Sides & B Movies
Squeeze - Electric Trains single (2 versions)
various - The World Of Crazy Cajun
Larry Williams - Best Of
Cheap Billie Holiday compilation
Motown Chartbusters Vol 4
Cheap Hank Williams compilation
Gram Parsons - Another Side Of This Life
Peter Bagge's Rockin' Poppin' Favorites!
Frank Zappa Complete YCDTOSA MP3 CD
Zappa/Ensemble Modern - Yellow Shark
Beach Boys - CATP/Holland
Cheap Eric Dolphy compilation
Beach Boys - 15 BO/Love You
Curt Boettcher - Misty Mirage
Sagittarius - The Blue Marble
Beach Boys - Friends/20-20
Glenn Tilbrook - Parallel World single
Squeeze - This Summer single (4 versions)
two more Stealth Munchkin rough mix CDRs
Robert Johnson - The Legendary Blues Singer
Johnny Guitar Watson - Hot Just Like TNT
Zappa - Tis The Season To Be Jelly
Squeeze - Cool For Cats
A cheap Bach compilation
the Nuggets box
Ripples vol 4
Pebbles vol 4 - Surf'n Tunes
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 9
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 13:10:14 -0500
From: "Paul Payton"
Subject: Year-end bits....
Thinking of the Sandpipers' "Louie Louie" brings to mind a
soft-pop version of "Johnny B. Goode" by the Coronados -
small label (light blue, forget the name), early 60's.
Surprisingly valid and credible. (Not sure I have it.)
Bruce Kerr: I'd probably have been intimidated at meeting
Van Dyke Parks, too; I think he'd be erudite, somewhat
opaque, and playing mind games. But oh, the music....
Jamie, what a collection! Some questions:
Van Dyke Parks - Moonlighting: what label? Released when?
Available?
Sandy Salisbury - Falling to Pieces: same questions as
above
David Gates - Masterpiece Vol. 1: new? old? If old, is
"Once Upon A Time" (NOT the Kander-Ebb song) on it?
Paris Sisters - Sing their Favorites: same questions as
all the above
Jack Nitzsche - His Restless Days: what's on this???!?
Happy New Year - celebrate by playing the G-Clefs' "I
Understand" and then (especially you UK fans) dig up the
Tannahaill Weavers' Robert-Burns-faithful version of
"Auld Lang Syne" (Shanchie Records in the US) - 'tis a
whole 'nother song. Together, they'll make 2002 start
better! (I know they'll do it for me.)
Country Paul
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 22:37:55 -0000
From: "Martin Roberts"
Subject: Alright I admit it, Christmas time I can go a bit soft in the head.
Yes, it's true I have been known to sing along to The
Supremes "Toyland", even although it shames me to
confess, hum along on a warm summers day to Sunshine,
Lollipops And Rainbows!!!
Now of course this is not rational behaviour but in my
defence it only lasts a few days, couple of weeks at the
most. But I can't help but notice that lots of
Spectropopers, normally sane rational men-doesn't seem
to affect our S'poppets as much-who can talk with
knowledge, wit and even flashs of passion about great
works and long forgotten treasures of musical history
are sadly infected with this 'softness in the head'
throughout the year. Maybe I'm noticing it more because
of my seasonal 'illness' but do not be alarmed.
The cure that always works for me is to put the
offending CD's (noticed a few lying around on Jamie's
list) carefully back in their shiny plastic covers and
remove them to the back of your racks. Now relisten to
some of your earlier purchases, there can you hear it?
And can you feel it? The sensations might seem a bit
frightening at first but don't worry. This is normal,
good music should stir the soul, make you laugh and cry
and get the blood pumping.
Before you know it you'll be back to you old jovial fun
loving self. No more travelling in lifts thinking, "ummm
what a groovy, hum able tune, just a bit more moog and
it could be a hit". No you'll awake every morning 1"
taller, handsomer & full of joy.
You were lost to blandness but have been reborn. Go on
give it ago. You know it makes sense.
THIS WAS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
To be taken with a pinch of salt by,
Martin
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 11
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:36:54 -0500
From: Alan Zweig
Subject: Happiness is choirs and backup singers
Bruce Kerr wrote:
>
>Alan Zweig mentioned re "Happiness Is":
>
>Might we hear this, per chance? Or do you or anyone know
>a website where it can be heard?
I know that not all music geeks online know each other
in person but there can't be that many degrees of
separation, can there?
The only reason I say this is because I put that track
on a compilation I made for a group of online music
traders...
Actually that comp was my attempt to slightly expand
the idea of sunshine pop and mix in some less likely
stuff like "Let go" by the Sandpipers and "Mary's
Rainbow" by the Lettermen.
ON A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TOPIC, I just saw the Brian
Wilson tribute on TV last night. Was that released on
CD? I'd love to have some of those performances. I
thought Vince Gill in particular was amazing.
But my question is, who was in the band? In particular,
does anyone know who that rather portly guy was on the
right side of TV, who sang backup harmonies on
everything? I kept thinking he must be some guy who
was in sunshine pop bands in the sixties.
They really should have introduced the whole band. The
backup vocals in general were amazing.
(And what was that crappy song that Wilson Philips sang?)
Happy new year.
AZ
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 12
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 19:59:50 -0000
From: "Bill Reed"
Subject: a wee bit OT
Does anyone know who recorded the following song?
"Rock and Roll Bells":
Aw reetie deetie deet
My sweetie, sweetie sweet;
Spoon spoon spoon
By the light of the moon.
Kiss me once and baby
I won't tell,
But pleee-eease don't ring
Those Rock and Roll Bells
'Cause I'm a mixed up kid;
Crazy crazy crazy mixed up kid;
And those Rock and Roll Bells:
JUST about to drive me wild!
Chorus:
Them Bells just keep on ringin'
Them Bells just keep on ringin'
Them Bells just keep on ringin'
Them Bells just keep on RINGIN'
And them Rock and Roll Bells
JUST about to drive me wild!
That's about all I remember. There's a little
high-pitched bell that rings all the way through the song.
Thanks in advance.
Bill Reed
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 13
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 22:14:43 -0000
From: Patrick Rands
Subject: Beatles 60s GG Covers
Can someone please send me a list of Girl Groups covering
the Beatles. I know Reparata & the Delrons did If I Fell
and Petula Clark did a French version of Please Please Me.
Any others come to mind?
Patrick
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 14
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 20:42:59 -0000
From: "L.E.Pinto"
Subject: Re: Bubblegum Is The Naked Truth
" ... Naked Truth" is really a cool book. It's like an
encyclopedia of the bubblegum genre, very informative!
Lots of info on my favorite, Ron Dante (plus separate
chapters on his "groups," The Archies and The Cufflinks)
as well as just about every other act I liked during
those years. A must-read for anyone who likes bubblegum.
Every now and then I see an autographed copy pop on Ebay.
The book is autographed by co-editor David Smay, who was
kind enough to include my name in the acknowledgments of
the book (I'd forwarded him a copy of an article which
was helpful in his research). I already have a copy of
the book or I would've gone for the autographed one. If
it didn't sell yet, it will probably turn up on Ebay
again.
Laura
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 15
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 14:41:45 -0500
From: John Rausch
Subject: julee cruise
Country Paul wrote:
> Speaking of the Paris Sisters, what's the going
> opinion here on Julee Cruise? I've always loved her
> Paris-like work with David Lynch and Angelo
> Badalamente, even if some of the intentionally jagged
> edges disqualify her for "pure" girl-group status.
> Anyone know if there's anything recent out by her? (I
> haven't seen Mulholland Drive yet - is she on it?)
I'm surprised to see Julee Cruise mentioned here. I have
the Twin Peaks soundtrack and also one cd by Julee that
came out afterward. Don't know if she has done anything
lately. But would like to know also. Funny, you also
mention Mulholland Dr.
I finished watching that over the weekend. Good movie/ no
Julee Cruise.
John Rausch
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 16
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 20:38:50 +0000
From: "Bob Matonis"
Subject: Re: Troubadour & Van Dyke Parks
Bruce Kerr wrote:
>A few years ago I wrote and recorded in the garage a 60's
>Beach Boys-type song with harmonies, lyric about having to
>now <leave> California (no jobs). (If anyone wants to hear
>it, let me know.)
Hey Bruce,
Would love to hear your garage-Beach boy like demo, and
would love to play it on the community radio station I
work for in St. Louis.
Beatle Bob
P.O. Box 771034
St. Louis, Mo 63177
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 17
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 16:00:48 -0800 (PST)
From: Andrew Hickey
Subject: Re: Happiness Is Orange Colored Sky
> Another cool song with that title was released by
> Orange Colored Sky on UNI Records. Written by
> composer/arranger/ keyboard player Walter Slivinski.
> Any other OCS fans out there? Excellent soft pop
> sounds.
Never heard of the *band* Orange Colored Sky, but any
connection to the song of the same name, as recorded
by Burt Ward (B-side of Boy Wonder I Love You). I only
have those tracks as MP3s and have always wondered if
Orange Colored Sky was, like its A-side, a Frank Zappa song.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 18
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 09:49:47 -0800
From: "Ken Levine"
Subject: Happy New Year
May your 2002 be as good as 1963 was for Phil Spector and
1964 was for Lesley Gore.
Ken
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 19
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 18:01:19 EST
From: Michael Rashkow
Subject: New Year's Resolution
Being a good 'ol boy at heart, my resolution for 2002 is
...well shut my mouth!
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 20
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 09:46:06 -0600
From: Justin Mcdevitt
Subject: BIG TOWN BOY
Hello;
In late 1963-early 1964, Shirley Matthews recorded a song
called BIG TOWN BOY. I understand that this track is
included on the WHERE THE GIRLS ARE (vol. 4) Ace Records
compilation which as far as I know has not been released
in the US.
Justin
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 21
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 19:29:15 -0500
From: "Mike Arcidiacono"
Subject: Re: Beatles 60s GG Covers
Patrick,
Didnt the Supremes do a whole LP of Beatle songs?
Mikey
"Patrick Rands" wrote:
> Can someone please send me a list of Girl Groups covering
> the Beatles. I know Reparata & the Delrons did If I Fell
> and Petula Clark did a French version of Please Please Me.
> Any others come to mind?
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 22
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 16:46:37 -0800 (PST)
From: Andrew Hickey
Subject: Re: Happiness is choirs and backup singers
> ON A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TOPIC, I just saw the
> Brian Wilson tribute on TV last night. Was that
> released on CD? I'd love to have some of those
> performances. I thought Vince Gill in particular
> was amazing.
It's not available on CD, but there are DVD and VHS
versions available.
> But my question is, who was in the band? In
> particular, does anyone know who that rather portly
> guy was on the right side of TV, who sang backup
> harmonies on everything? I kept thinking he must be
> some guy who was in sunshine pop bands in the
> sixties.
>
> They really should have introduced the whole band.
> The backup vocals in general were amazing.
The backing band were Wilson's regular live band. The
core of the band is the Wondermints, who if you
haven't heard their stuff are an incredible
powerpop/psychedelic type band from LA - probably most
interesting to Spectropoppers would be their album
'Wonderful World Of The Wondermints' which consists of
covers of classic 60s and 70s tracks. It should be
available from Amazon or wherever. There are quite a
few other people in the band as well but the Mints are
the core.
The portly fellow to whom you refer is Jeff Foskett,
who is also a regular in Wilson's touring band (and
seems to be the onstage leader) and who used to be a
guitarist and vocalist with the Beach Boys in the 80s
and very early 90s. As well as working with Wilson
he's done a number of excellent albums of sunshine pop
stuff, both originals and covers. Most of his stuff is
very Beach Boys, but he also does some that sounds
more in the vein of Marshall Crenshaw. His website is
http://www.new-surf.com
> (And what was that crappy song that Wilson Philips
> sang?)
That was You're So Good To Me, an album filler from
the Summer Days... And Summer Nights! album. I quite
like it myself, but the BBs version is a lot better
than the version on the tribute...
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 23
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 20:00:06 -0000
From: "monophonius"
Subject: Re: Spector Queries
--- In spectropop, "Don Charles" wrote:
> Is it Darlene Love or her sister Edna Wright who sings
> the duet with Sonny Charles on The Checkmates, Ltd's
> version of "Proud Mary?" And does anyone know the
> identity of the second lead singer on The Crystals'
> "March Of The Wooden Soldiers?" (from Phil's Christmas
> album, natch.) The one who sings "Hear them all cheering,"
> etc?
>
> Don Charles
After repeated listenings, is it possible that it is
Patti Wright (a real Crystal) who is the second lead
("Here them all cheering") on the PARADE OF THE WOODEN
SOLDIERS? She didn't leave the group until 1964 and the
Xmas LP was done in '63. If you have a copy of "Oh Yeah,
Maybe Baby" where she was the lead, you can hear the
similarity in vocal timbre. Just a thought.
-------------------[ archived by Spectropop ]-------------------
Message: 24
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 04:13:23 EST
From: Bobby Lloyd Hicks
Subject: Grady Martin Obit
By GEOFF BOUCHER, L A TIMES STAFF WRITER
Grady Martin, the elite Nashville guitarist who made
distinctive contributions to classic recordings such as
"El Paso," "Oh, Pretty Woman" and "Battle of New Orleans"
and worked with artists ranging from Bing Crosby to Buddy
Holly to Joan Baez, has died. He was 72.
Martin and Chet Atkins were said to be the only musicians
to accompany both Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. Martin
died Monday at Marshall Medical Center in Lewisburg, Tenn.
The sideman's health had eroded badly in recent years and,
in 1994, forced him to leave Willie Nelson's touring band.
Martin was a member of the celebrated Nashville collective
nicknamed the "A-Team," which included guitarists Atkins
and Hank Garland, drummer Buddy Harman and pianist Floyd
Cramer.
On Tuesday, Harman, the only surviving member of the
A-Team, noted that his old friend had a penchant for
crafting music magic in unexpected ways. "He invented many
great sounds on record--intros and all kinds of things. He
was head and shoulders above most of the other players,"
Harman told country.com, a country music Web site. "He
will be sorely missed."
According to country music lore, one of Martin's
unexpected creations was the "invention" of feedback, the
buzzing distortion effect that would become a familiar
part of the pop world's guitar lexicon. His fuzzy sounding
solo on the 1960 Marty Robbins hit "Don't Worry"
reportedly was a product of an electrical malfunction
during the recording session, but the error evolved into a
memorable accentuation.
Thomas Grady Martin was born Jan. 17, 1929, in Chapel Hill,
Tenn. His parents, Claude Lee and Bessie May Thomas Martin,
saw an intense musicality in their son at an early age. He
was the youngest of four children, and his mother, who
loved and read music, was strong in guiding his youthful
pursuit of melody and harmony. By age 15, he already was
performing on stage as fiddler for Big Jeff & His Radio
Playboys and, that same year, joined with the Bailes
Brothers and performed on the "Grand Ole Opry" radio show.
In 1946, he became a guitarist for the Arkansas Cotton
Pickers, a western swing outfit, and began to display the
versatility that eventually would make him a star among
Nashville's community of sidemen.
Martin's studio career would span more than three decades,
from the sessions for the 1949 Red Foley recording
"Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy" to his work on Merle
Haggard's 1983 track "That's the Way Love Goes."
Along the way, he would record with fiddle, acoustic and
electric guitar, the six-string electric bass and other
instruments. Moreover, his ear and zeal made him a strong
session leader, and he often had a hand in the
arrangements and production.
In the early 1950s, he formed the colorfully named
Slewfoot Five, a session musician group, and they earned
credits on hit recordings by Crosby ("Til the End of the
World") and Burl Ives ("The Wild Side of Life").
Martin became a member of Presley's circle of musicians
from 1962 to 1965 and, as music flavors and directions
changed, he would go on to work with younger artists such
as Baez, Kris Kristofferson and J.J. Cale.
It was Martin's classic country work, though, that would
define his most lasting legacy.
On "El Paso," the 1959 hit for Robbins, Martin provided
the nimble and evocative signature work on the
nylon-string guitar that gave the song its Old West
texture and helped it win the first Grammy Award ever
presented for a country song. Other signature moments
included his work on Johnny Horton's "Honky Tonk Man" and
Lefty Frizzell's "Saginaw, Michigan." Martin's credits
also include such memorable titles as Loretta Lynn's "Coal
Miner's Daughter" and Nelson's "On the Road Again."
But by the late 1970s, the old-school craftsmanship of
Martin put him at odds with the burnished, faddish sounds
that became the Nashville focus. The wily sideman became
an increasingly infrequent player on the scene. He
returned to the touring life in 1978 with Jerry Reed's
band and, two years later, jumped over to Nelson's band,
where he remained a fixture through 1994.
Nelson often cited his bandmate as a strong influence on
his own style and was one of the presenters last year when
Martin was given a career achievement award at the storied
Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Martin also appears with
Nelson in the film "Honeysuckle Rose."
Martin is survived by two daughters, Alisa Martin of
Dallas and Angie Martin Burt of Fort Mill, S.C.; seven
sons, Grady Jr., Joe and Tal, all of Lewisburg, Tenn.,
Jason, Joshua and Justin, all of Brentwood, Tenn., and
Steve of Nashville; seven grandchildren; and a
great-grandchild.
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