This fortnight’s favorites selection begins with an old-time singer, JESSE ROGERS (1911-1973). He had a long stint of issues on Bluebird, Montgomery Ward and Sonora, among RCA-Victor, which label he cut records during the late ’40s for. I chose his energetic rendition of Bill Nettles‘ 1949 hit « Hadacol boogie »(# RCA 32-00001). See elsewhere in this website the story of Nettles. Rogers also recorded at the same time Hank Williams’ « Mind your own business » (RCA 33-00001). Later on he went to M-G-M for the good “Folding money“, “I got to live just what I like” and “Howlin’ and prowlin’“. Finally we find him on Arcade (Philly) for several issues, among them “Jump cats jump” (# 169) from 1961.
“Hadacol boogie”
“Mind your own business”
“Jump cats jump”
Then STEVE LA RUE on the Hollywood Harmad label in 1955 for a back-to-back issue of Hillbilly boppers, one fast : « New Style of lovin’ » – good hillbilly vocal over fiddle and steel, and its slower, although equally good flipside «Your heartless heart » (# 103).
JIMMIE MINOR out of Flint, MI, did the fast bopper « Somebody rustled my sugar » on the Western Chuck Wagon label # 103 in 1955. He later had records on Mercury (# 71623 “So doggone lonesome” with Chet Atkins in 1960)
“Somebody rustled my sugar”
Then on the Chicago Cha Cha label from May 1960 (the very same had Ron Haydock & the Boppers), HAROLD STORIE, billed as « The Tennessee Kid » offers the solid although medium-paced « Have pity on me ». A thrilling vibrating guitar over a baritone vocal, as on the flip « Loved and lost », faster but same style, a bit Johnny Cash soundalike. (# 708)
“Have pity on me”
“Loved and lost”
From 1964 and in Newbury, OH, CHUCK STACY on the Bryte label (# 9009) gave the fine modern country-rocker « Dog-gone these heartaches », with fine piano and steel.
“Dog-gone these heartaches”
Finally the veteran REX ALLEN for his version of the 1946 Buchanan Brothers’ hit « Atomic Power » (Mercury # 6008). Incidentally, one of the Buchanans said later in the ’60s how they hated this song. Here are the lyrics.
“Atomic power”
Sources:Internet, 78rpm-world, my own archives.
another wonderful sampling of quality country/boogie/bop! like a small-town radio station in heaven! keep up the great work….best wishes from South Texas….