Song Of The Day #100

For our 100th song Ranch Radio has selected some tunes by Jimmie Rodgers, The Father Of Country Music.

My mother, Wanda DuBois, got to see him perform in person. I asked her to send me her memories of Rodgers and of that performance, and here's what she wrote:

In 1931 I lived with my family in a small Texas town called Douglass. The school was right across from the largest store and I made friends with the older couple who ran it - mostly groceries, but you could get a sandwich. Everyone who knew me also knew I loved Jimmie Rodgers, so this couple invited me to bring my lunch, eat in their livingroom and listen to their Jimmie Rodgers records. So, at age 11, I had it made!!! Spent many hours in that place and loved every minute. Finally, when I was 12, somehow we found out that Jimmie was to appear in Alto, Texas. This was 1932 in the Spring - we went and I am not sure who was the most thrilled! The only theater in Alto showed movies on weekends only so that's where Jimmie appeared - the theater manager came out and introduced Jimmie - the curtains parted and there was nothing on the stage but a straight chair. Then Jimmie walked out with his guitar, wearing a beautiful white Stetson hat, walked over to that chair, propped his foot up and started playing "T for Texas." He played a few more songs and then asked the audience, "Do you folks like my hat?" Everyone clapped, whistled and yelled, "Yes!" Jimmie said, "It's a good thing, 'cause I have lost all my hair and I am not taking this hat off!" Then he continued singing for two hours - songs like "Waiting for a Train," one of my favorites. He finally said, "This is it," and closed the show with "TB Blues." Seeing and hearing Jimmie was the highlight of my childhood, and we all cried when he died.

Mom's memory is pretty good, as the book Jimmie Rodgers: The Life and Times of America's Blue Yodeler confirms he was touring in that part of Texas in April and May of 1932. Within a year he was dead from TB.

All of Rodger's recordings are available on the 6 disk box set The Singing Brakeman.

I have chosen two songs for your listening pleasure, and those would be the ones he opened and closed his show with the night my Mom saw him in person: T for Texas (originally titled "Blue Yodel") from 1928 and T.B. Blues from 1931.

Song Of The Day #099

It's time again for the man with the cleanest name in country music - Ernest Tubb. Today Ranch Radio will feature his recording of Seaman's Blues.

This song was written by Tubb's nephew, Quanah Talmadge "Billy" Tubb. He served in the Navy in WWII and was still at sea with the Merchant Marines. Inspired by his Uncle's success, he wrote Seaman's Blues and sent it to Ernest. Ernest revised it a bit and recorded it on Dec. 14, 1947. It was a hit for ET in 1948 and remained an important part of his performances for the rest of his career.

Talmadge continued to write hit songs, including the immortal Waltz Across Texas.

I've also started posting these songs at a lower bitrate so they should be easier to play for those of you who don't have a fast connection.

Seaman's Blues is available on many ET collections, including the 4 disc box set Texas Troubador and the wonderful 5 disc box set Let's Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello.

Song Of The Day #098

Let's get started this week with a song I will dedicate to the U.S. Congress - Elton Britt's version of Jackass Blues.

Don't fret, it's availabe on the BACM CD Elton Britt Sings Jackass Blues & Other Country Songs.

Turn that volume up so your neighbors can enjoy it too!

Song Of The Day #097

Today's Gospel selection is the 1952 recording of You'll Be Rewarded Over There by Charlie & Ira Louvin.

It's available on the Bear Family 8 disc Box Set Close Harmony.

This is the definitive Louvin Brothers collection and you better get it while you can - it's been discontinued by the label.

Song Of The Day #095

Let's close the week with "The Tennessee Plowboy", Eddy Arnold, singing I'll Hold You In My Heart.

Bear Family Records have collected all of his early work on two box sets, The Tennessee Plowboy & His Guitar (my favorite) and There's Been A Change In Me 1951-1955.

Song Of The Day #094

Todays song is by the Delmore Brothers.

It's their 1946 recording of She Left Me Standing On The Mountain.

This great song, along with many others are available on their 4 disc box set Classic Cuts, Vol. 2: The Later Years 1933-52.

Song Of The Day #093

Country music lovers, it's time to break out the special Pink Music Player again.

Since we are all about diversity and equality here at Ranch Radio, we will from time to time have a special song to honor all you feminists out there.

Serving this important role today is Cowboy Copas singing If I Bring Home The Bacon.

This song has proven to be so popular that new copies of the CD are no longer available. Not to worry, you can purchase used copies of Copas' 26 track Copasetic.

Song Of The Day #092

Carl Smith's Satisfaction Guaranteed is our song today.

It's available on several of his collections, such as the 20 cut Don't Just Stand There: 20 Greatest Hits .

Song Of The Day #091

Today's gospel song is I Heard My Savior Calling Me.

It's available as the fifth cut on her CD Dust On The Bible.

Song Of The Day #090

Hank Penny gives us some female advice on his tune Get Yourself A Redhead.

The song is availabe on his 26 track Hollywood Western Swing 1944-1947.

The Radio Ranch is gonna dedicate this song to my sister Fara, who just happens to be...a redhead.

Song Of The Day #089

Today we'll hear from one of my favorite female singers, Jean Shepard.

You can't beat her 5 disc box set from Bear Family Records, The Melody Ranch Girl.

Hear she is performing Sad Singin' and Slow Ridin'.

Song Of The Day #088

Today's selection is dedicated to all those who, like me, have recently experienced computer problems, and to all those who've had run-ins with modern ranching technology. I also nominate this tune as the theme song for those fighting the NAIS.

Here is Dan Roberts doing Cowhand.com from his 2000 CD Cowhand.com.

If you haven't heard it, get ready for some fun.

Song Of The Day #087

Julie Carter's most recent Cowgirl Sass & Savvy has a humorous take on how some cowboys responded to a grassfire.

That story reminded me of a classic by Rex Allen, so today's Ranch Radio will feature Rex singing The Fireman Cowboy.

You will find it on his 16 track CD Voice of the West.

Song Of The Day #086

Today's gospel selection is Home In The Rock by the bluegrass duo Charlie Moore & Bill Napier.

The song is from their King LP Country Hymnal (King 917).

Song Of The Day #085

This morning Tex Williams will give us some legal and financial advice with his The Big Print Giveth.

This song is available on Tex Williams & His Western Caravan: 1946-1951.

I recommend you take his advice.

Go to folder - FileFactory.com

Song Of The Day #084

The selection on today's Ranch Radio is the 1944 recording of There's A New Moon Over My Shoulder by Tex Ritter.

It's available on his 20 track Country Hits and Cowboy Classics and on the four disc box set Blood on the Saddle. Amazon says the latter collection "has been discontinued by the manufacturer", so you Ritter fans better get it while you can.

Go to folder - FileFactory.com

Song Of The Day #083

This morning Little Jimmy Dickens will give us a lesson in the improper use of rural vernacular.

Give a listen to his 1950 recording of Walk, Chicken, Walk ('Cause You're Too Fat To Fly).

This jewel of etiquette is available on his four disc box set Country Boy.

Song Of The Day #082

I'm ready for some early Buck Owens.

I missed yesterday so today we'll have a double dose of Buck.

The two selections are the 1956 recording of Down On The Corner, plus There Goes My Love.

Both are available on the 21 track Young Buck: The Complete Pre-Capitol Recordings

Song Of The Day #081

Our gospel tune today is Let's Go To Church Next Sunday Morning, recorded in 1950 by Jimmy Wakely & Margaret Whiting.

It's available on their 32 track CD Till We Meet Again.