Flatt & Scruggs

Rickey Lamb, my great friend and fellow contributor to BluegrassJournal.com, came up with a terrific idea a few weeks back.

“Why don’t we revive some of those old classic albums that meant so much to us and write reviews on them,” he said during one of his frequent and welcome afternoon visits to my house. “Some of those are priceless, just real treasures, even today. I bet people who remember some of those albums would get a kick out of reading about them again.”

He kicked off what was supposed to be the start of a classic LP series a couple weeks ago with his resurrection of John Hartford’s “Steam Powered Aereo-Plane,” certainly a classic album in many ways and definitely a worthy launch to his idea.

I relished Rickey’s concept, but confess to being a scofflaw in following through. I’m running behind because — stealing words here from my favorite DJ Eddie Stubbs — I had to dig way back in the vault, so to speak, to pick my first choice for this series. Trouble is, my deep vault no longer contains hardly any of those old LPs that meant so much to me. So, I turned to the Internet to make sure I had correct information before I sat down to write this.

And, I couldn’t pick just one. Would you believe three? All from Columbia’s catalog of Flatt & Scruggs releases. They are:

“The Fabulous Sound of Flatt & Scruggs,” released in 1964

“The Versatile Flatt & Scruggs,” released in 1965

“Hear the Whistles Blow,” a 1967 release

I bought all three LPs when I was a teenager, then a fledgling drummer playing in a high school rock ‘n’ roll band that played nothing but instrumentals, mostly Ventures tunes. (Laugh, if you must, but we didn’t have much of a sound system expense.) As I remember, I kept the Flatt & Scruggs LPs out of sight from my acne-adorned bandmates to avoid any kind of ribbing. I suppose you could say I started out as a closet bluegrass junkie.

But obtaining those LPs was kind of a natural. My mom had grown up on music by Jimmy Rogers, the Carter Family and the Stanley Brothers. She loved Roy Acuff and had a bunch of old 78s from her own younger years. We constantly listened to a little rural radio station here in central Illinois that played a mix of old-timey, country and bluegrass. The station, WHOW in Clinton, Ill., gained a bit of historical bluegrass notoriety through the years. The Bray Brothers once had a regularly scheduled live show on the station, and a young rookie disc jockey by the name of John Hartford served a stint behind WHOW’s turntables.

I suppose I bought those LPs in the order they were released. I know I darn near wore the grooves off all three.

They contained tunes that would later become bluegrass standards. The track listings also include songs that had become standard fare by the time Flatt & Scruggs recorded them. And, they contained songs that are being revived by today’s generation of bluegrass stars.

To this day, I have yet to hear a bluegrass singer that clicks with me the way Lester Flatt did. He had the right drawl, the right inflection, perhaps the perfect imperfection in his voice that translates into pure bluegrass soul. I surely agree with every recognition, honor and praise that’s ever come Earl Scruggs’ way, but to my ears, Flatt & Scruggs wouldn’t have been anything without Lester Flatt’s incredible vocal deliveries. I have yet to hear a good imitator.

Aside from being enthralled by Flatt’s voice, I think these LPs made such a big impression on me because of the songs. Most of them were good story songs, tunes like “Father’s Table Grace,” “Roust-A-Bout,” “Amber Tresses,” “The Good Things (Outweigh the Bad),” “I’m Gonna Ride That Steamboat” and on and on.

I also gained a great appreciation for the Flatt & Scruggs style of vocal harmonies, which, compared to today’s contemporary grass, could be described as rather rural and rustic, maybe even a little rough. Bottom line, it was magical.

Besides Scruggs’ blazing banjo, Paul Warren’s aggressive fiddle playing and Uncle Josh Graves’ dobro — at the time, pretty inventive stuff — are instrumental staples throughout the three LPs.

While doing my Internet research to find the correct titles and track listings of this trio of gems, I discovered that the German-based Bear Family has extensive boxed sets of Flatt & Scruggs material, including all the songs that are on the three LPs. Kind of a hefty price tag for my meager CD budget, but it would surely be nice to hear those gems again.

For those of you who also remember these LPs, below are track listings from all three:

The Versatile Flatt & Scruggs
1. You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone
2. I Still Miss Someone
3. Wabash Cannonball
4. I’ll Be on That Good Road Someday
5. Rock, Salt and Nails
6. Confessing
7. Will You Be Lonesome Too?
8. Soldier’s Return
9. Loafer’s Glory
10. You’ve Been Fooling Me Baby
11. Rose Conelly
12. Branded Wherever I Go

The Fabulous Sound of Flatt & Scruggs

1. Hello Stranger
2. Amber Tresses (Tied in Blue)
3. The Good Things (Outweigh the Bad)
4. Bummin’ on Old Freight Train
5. I’m Walking With Him
6. Train That Carried My Girl from Town
7. My Wandering Boy
8. Georgia Buck
9. Father’s Table Grace
10. When Papa Played the Dobro
11. Please Don’t Wake Me
12. Faded Red Ribbon

Hear the Whistles Blow

1. Southbound
2. East Bound Train
3. Roust-A-Bout
4. Bringin’ in the Georgia Mail lyrics
5. Hear That Whistle Blow (A Hundred Miles)
6. I’m Gonna Ride That Steamboat lyrics
7. Atlantic Coastal Line lyrics
8. Train No 1262
9. Orange Blossom Special
10. Starlight on the Rails
11. Going Across the Sea

Share This

IBMA offering discount on new Professional Memberships during April

If you’re not currently a member of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and consider yourself “professionally” involved in the world of bluegrass, now is the time to think about joining.

The IBMA is currently offering year long memberships at a 35% discount for new members who qualify under the professional membership designation. The normal price is $70 dollars for a professional individual membership but during the month of April new members can get a year-long membership for $45.

To join the IBMA call 1-888-438-4262 or visit the IBMA website.

Membership in the IBMA can benefit you several ways including:

• You have a voice…voting on the IBMA Awards and leadership elections, participation in meetings and shaping decisions.
• Critical information…through online and print publications, educational events, forums and research that help focus on the best opportunities and what’s new.
• Key connections…personal contacts you need with people anxious to engage with you at IBMA events and through our extensive databases.
• Promotions…opportunities to see and be seen by the people and companies that make decisions and can help foster your success.

As a Bluegrass Broadcaster, IBMA membership has proven to be a very valuable tool in my career. Not only do I have access to the latest industry news through the IBMA Newsletter and website, but I find that networking with other association members is the best way to advance Bluegrass Music in so many different ways. Being an IBMA member definitely makes my job easier! Cindy Baucom, Knee-Deep In Bluegrass, Charlotte, NC

Share This

Nashville, Tenn., April 9, 2008—The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is preparing to dim the lights on Marty Robbins: Among My Souvenirs, Presented By Great American Country Television Network, which opened in the Museum’s East Gallery on August 3, 2007. In anticipation of the exhibit’s June 9 denouement, the Museum is offering a packed May/June lineup of Robbins-themed programs including a tribute concert featuring Jesse Lee Jones & Brazilbilly with Ronny Robbins on Saturday, May 10; a country costuming program for kids featuring Katy K on Saturday, May 24; a series of film screenings and more.

Marty Robbins’ music touched many lives – none more so than that of his son, Ronny Robbins, who pursued a musical career before devoting himself to the management of his late father’s estate. On Saturday, May 10, Ronny Robbins will join Jesse Lee Jones and Jones’ band, Brazilbilly, for a special concert celebrating the music of Marty Robbins. The program, which begins at 2 p.m. in the Museum’s Ford Theater, will also include an interview with Ronny Robbins and Jones. It is included with museum admission and free to museum members.

Ronny Robbins was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved with his family to Nashville in 1953, when his father became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Ronny shared his father’s love of singing, auto racing and the Old West. He toured with his father and did some recording in the 1970s and ’80s, and he appeared in films including the Marty Robbins western Guns of a Stranger. Ronny Robbins now oversees Marty Robbins Enterprises, and he worked closely with Museum Curator Mick Buck to develop Among My Souvenirs.

Brazilbilly founder Jesse Lee Jones was born and raised in Sao Paolo, Brazil. He began performing in his teens and in 1984, at the age of 21, moved to the United States to pursue a music career. After experimenting with many different musical styles, Jones realized his first love was traditional country music, and in 1994 he moved to Nashville. Upon discovering Marty Robbins’ recordings, many of which had a Latin flavor, Jones fell in love with the Hall of Fame member’s music; Robbins quickly became Jones’ greatest influence. In 1995, Jones began playing at Robert’s Western World, opening for BR-549. The band nicknamed him the “Brazilian Hillbilly,” which was soon shortened to “Brazilbilly.” The latter moniker became the name of Jones’ band. Brazilbilly succeeded BR-549 as the house band at Robert’s Western World in 1998, and continues to entertain Music City audiences every weekend with its “traditional country music with a Latin flair.”

A complete list of closing programs presented in conjunction with the Among My Souvenirs exhibition follows below:

Marty Robbins: Among My Souvenirs, Presented by Great American Country Television Network May/June Programs

Sunday, May 4 - All Day
Film Loop: Country Style USA hosted by Marty Robbins (1959)
Owen and Harold Bradley, veteran music business figures and members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, developed and filmed Country Style USA in their Music Row studio, the Quonset Hut, starting in 1958. The U.S. Army Recruiting Service sponsored and syndicated these 15-minute programs that showcased many of the great country acts of the day. These two episodes feature Marty Robbins with guest appearances by Joyce Paul and the Anita Kerr Singers. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total loop time is 30 minutes. Free.

Friday, May 9 - 1:00 p.m.
Curator’s Exhibit Tour
A museum curator offers a guided tour of Among My Souvenirs. Approximately 60 minutes. Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Saturday, May 10 - 2:00 p.m.
Concert: The Music of Marty Robbins featuring Jesse Lee Jones & Brazilbilly with Ronny Robbins
Included with museum admission. Free to museum members.

Sunday, May 11 - All Day
Film Loop: The Drifter (1965) featuring Marty Robbins with special guests Jerry Byrd and Tex Ritter
Marty Robbins credited Gene Autry as a major influence on his life and career. From western-themed country songs and cowboy ballads like “El Paso” and “Big Iron” to western films likeThe Badge of Marshal Brennan (1957) and Ballad of a Gunfighter (1964), Robbins’ admiration for Autry was evident throughout his career. In 1965-66, Marty produced and created the television show The Drifter with a concept not unlike a Gene Autry movie in short form. Shot in black and white, the series starred Marty as the Drifter, a roaming cowboy whose travels took him from one musical adventure to another in each episode. This film loop includes two episodes, “Songs from the Islands” featuring special guest Jerry Byrd, and “General Store” featuring special guest Tex Ritter. Don Winters and Bobby Sykes sing harmonies with Robbins. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total loop time is 60 minutes. Free.

Sunday, May 18 - All Day
Film Loop: Best of the Marty Robbins Show (1968-69)
From the mid-1950s through the late 1970s, Marty Robbins was either the star or host of four television series. Originally broadcast in 1968-69, The Marty Robbins Show featured Marty with his band and highlighted the range of his repertoire. This film loop is a collection of Marty’s performances from the series, as gathered by Marty Robbins Enterprises in 1992. Two 60-minute films will loop continuously. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total loop time is 120 minutes. Free.

Saturday, May 24 - 1:00 p.m.
Family Program: Country Costuming with Katy K
Marty Robbins was known for his elaborate and colorful stage clothing. In this hands-on workshop, Katy K, nationally recognized western-wear designer and owner of the Nashville boutique Katy K’s Ranch Dressing, will discuss Robbins’ sense of style. Participants will design their own country costumes on paper using fabric swatches, collage, glitter and sequins. Ages 5 to 15. Space is limited. Reservations required at 615-416-2001. Free.

Sunday, May 25 - All Day
Film Loop: Marty Robbins’ Spotlight (1977) with special guests Brenda Lee and Porter Wagoner
In 1977, Marty Robbins hosted his own syndicated television series, Marty Robbins’ Spotlight. On air for only one year, the show featured Robbins with special guests in casual dialogue and performance. This screening includes two 30-minute episodes and features special guests Brenda Lee and Porter Wagoner. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total loop time is 60 minutes. Loop will run all day except from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free.

Sunday, May 25 - 2:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Tribute: Grand Ole Opry Stars of the Fifties hosted by Marty Robbins (1954-55)
Tribute: Grand Ole Opry Stars of the Fifties is a collection of performances recorded in the mid-1950s under the title Stars of the Grand Ole Opry. The original program was a collaboration between Chicago-based TV and movie producer Albert Gannaway and the Grand Ole Opry. Gannaway is recognized as one of thefirst to film live country music performances. Shot in 35 mm Technicolor, Stars of the Grand Ole Opry was a 30-minute program syndicated for broadcast on television beginning in 1955. The program featured different country acts and a rotating cast of Opry stars as the show’s host. In this screening, Marty Robbins hosts with performances by Little Jimmy Dickens, Webb Pierce, Carl Smith, Ernest Tubb, Kitty Wells and others. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total screening time is 60 minutes. Free.

Sunday, June 1 - All Day
Film Loop: Marty Robbins’ Spotlight (1977) with special guests Hank Williams Jr. and Johnny Paycheck
This screening includes two 30-minute episodes. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total loop time is 60 minutes. Free.

Sunday, June 8 - All Day
Film Loop: The Midnight Special “Country Edition” (1973) hosted by Marty Robbins and Loretta Lynn
The legendary musical television series The Midnight Special captured live performances of some of popular music’s biggest icons during its tenure on NBC. Airing weekly from 1973 to 1981, the show featured a diverse line-up of talent, from Steely Dan to the Shirelles to Electric Light Orchestra to the Raspberries. In 1973, Marty Robbins and Loretta Lynn co-hosted The Midnight Special “Country Edition,” which included performances by Lynn and Robbins, as well as Don Gibson, Tom T. Hall, George Jones, the Earl Scruggs Revue, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette and more. Film footage is from the museum’s Frist Library and Archive. Total loop time is approximately 70 minutes. Free.

More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.com.

Share This