Starday Custom Series

STARDAY RECORDS 663

2011-10-31T10:02:00.001Z

STARDAY RECORDS 663

Sept 57

BILL FLOYD - music by the Swingsters

663-A - Hey Boy

(No info) (No info)

663-B - Heartbreak

(No info) (No info)

Billboard review on 14th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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DIXIE RECORDS 662

2011-10-31T10:02:00.000Z

DIXIE RECORDS 662

WBVI, Barberville, KY

Sept 57

DAVID LUNDY / ORANGIE RAY HUBBARD

45-662-A - If I Had A Nickel For Every Time You’re Untrue

(David Lundy) (Starrite BMI)

45-662-B - Sweet Love

(Ray Hubbard) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 15th November 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon / Barney Koumis

STARDAY RECORDS 661

2011-10-31T09:59:00.001Z

STARDAY RECORDS 661

Sept 57

HARRY HOLUNGOR

661-A - Baby

(No info) (No info)

661-B - Tell Me

(No info) (No info)

(Information pending)

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STARDAY RECORDS 660

2011-10-30T10:44:00.001Z

STARDAY RECORDS 660

Aug 57

LEON HOLMES

45-660-A Half A Chance

(Leon Holmes) (Starrite BMI)

45-660-B Lost Love

(Leon Holmes) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 25th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Phillip Tricker

STARDAY RECORDS 659

2011-10-30T10:42:00.000Z

STARDAY RECORDS 659

Aug 57

HOYT SCOGGINS - Curley Bingham and Band

45-659-A - Waiting For An Answer

(James Backley) (Starrite BMI)

45-659-B - One Heart, One Love

(H Scoggins / O. Milsap) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 25th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Phillip Tricker

STARDAY RECORDS 658

2011-10-30T10:41:00.000Z

STARDAY RECORDS 658

Aug 57

ROCKIN’ MARTIN

45-658-A - All Because Of You

(Red Smith) (Starrite BMI)

45-658-B - Do You Still Love Me

(Red Smith) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 11th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon

STARDAY RECORDS 657

2011-10-30T10:40:00.000Z

STARDAY RECORDS 657

Aug 57

LOU WALKER

45-657-A - Rock and Roll (Tennessee Style)

(Walker) (Starrite BMI)

45-657-B - I’ll Always Be In Love With You

(Walker) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 11th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon

PEACH RECORDS 656

2011-10-30T10:38:00.001Z

PEACH RECORDS 656

606 Pierre Ave, Shreveport, LA

Aug 57

PETE AND PEACHES HARDIN

45-656-A - Ho’Bo’s Heaven

(Hardin) (Starrite BMI)

45-656-B - I’ve Wasted My Love On You

(Hardin) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 11th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Al Turner

STARDUST RECORDS 655

2011-10-30T10:35:00.001Z

STARDUST RECORDS 655

1206 West Joseph St, Perryville, MO.

Aug 57

CHANDOS McRILL and the Perryville Melody Boys

45-655-A - Money Lovin’ Woman

( C McRill / E LaHomme) (Starrite BMI)

45-655-B - Little Bit Too Bashful

(C McRill / E LaHomme) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 11th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon

BLUE RIDGE RECORDS 654

2011-10-30T10:33:00.001Z

BLUE RIDGE RECORDS 654

Aug 57

BLUE RIDGE QUARTET

House Of God

(No info) (No info)

Footprint Of Jesus

(No info) (No info)

Tenderly He Watches Over Me

(No info) (No info)

Where Shall I Be On That Judgement Day

(No info) (No info)

(Information pending)

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PEACH RECORDS 653

2011-10-29T11:04:00.001+01:00

PEACH RECORDS 653

PO Box 111, Jefferson, GA.

Aug 57

RAMBLIN’ RED BAILEY

45-653-A - The Hardest Fall

(Kenneth Bailey) (Starrite BMI)

45-653-B - You’ve Always Got A Frown

(Kenneth Bailey) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 11th October 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Phillip Tricker

STARDAY RECORDS 652

2011-10-29T11:02:00.001+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 652

Aug 57

LITTLE JODY RAINWATER and the Jamboree Gang

45-652-A - I Broke My Heart Waltzing

(C Johnson / V Graves) (Starrite BMI)

45-652-B - The Man That Wrote Home Sweet Home

(Never Was A Married Man)

(None listed) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 27th September 1957.

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Lars Lundgren

COWTOWN RECORDS 651

2011-10-29T11:01:00.002+01:00

COWTOWN RECORDS 651

Po Box 1694, Fort Worth, TX

Jul 57 (Billboard Review on 15th August 1957)

HARRY PEPPEL and the Shenandoah Valley Rangers Vocals by Alice Brammer

45-651-A - No Baby No

(M.L. Miller / J.W. Stephenson) (***)

45-651-B - Take A Letter, Mr. Moon

(M.L. Miller / J.W. Stephenson) (***)

*** Label notation reads: “Perf. Rights = Starrite BMI / Copyright = Stephenson Music BMI”

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Lars Lundgren

STARDAY RECORDS 650

2011-10-28T13:15:00.000+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 650

Jul 57

CLARENCE BAKER

650-? - Hear My Plea

(No info) (No info)

650-? - Soon I’ll Hear My Saviour Calling

(No info) (No info)

BMI Clearance on 27th September 1957.

(Information pending)

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KHOURY'S RECORDS 649

2011-10-28T13:14:00.000+01:00

KHOURY’S RECORDS 649

Lake Charles, LA

Jul 57

NATHAN ABSHIRE and his Pine Grove Boys

45-649-A - Boora Rhumba

(None) (None)

45-649-B - Carolina Blues

(None) (None)

(Information pending)

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Label Shots: Pascal Perrault

UNKNOWN RECORD LABEL 648

2011-10-28T13:12:00.001+01:00

UNKNOWN RECORD LABEL 648

Jul 57

(UNKNOWN ARTIST)

45-648-? - (No info)

(No info) (No info)

45-648-? - (No info)

(No info) (No info)

Sadly we have a blank here. No information at all, apart from an approximate date.

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UNKNOWN RECORD LABEL 647

2011-10-28T13:11:00.002+01:00

UNKNOWN RECORD LABEL 647

Jul 57

(UNKNOWN ARTIST)

45-647-? - (No info)

(No info) (No info)

45-647-? - (No info)

(No info) (No info)

Sadly we have a blank here. No information at all, apart from an approximate date.

(Information Pending)

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COWTOWN RECORDS 646

2011-10-28T13:11:00.000+01:00

COWTOWN RECORDS 646

Fort Worth, TX

Jul 57

GENE RAY

45-646-A - I Didn’t Mean (To Fall In Love)

(No info) (No info)

45-646-B - I Lost My Head

(No info) (No info)

BMI Clearance on 16th August 1957.

(Information Pending)

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STARDAY RECORDS 645

2011-10-27T11:00:00.001+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 645

(Artist based in Tampa, FL)

Jul 57

FRANK EVANS and his Top Notchers

45-645-A - Pull The Shades Down Ma

(Jimmy Dunklin) (Starrite BMI)

45-645-B - Would You Believe Me

(Owen Wilson) (Starrite BMI)

Billboard review on 22nd July 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Neil Scott

CRESTWOOD RECORDS 644

2011-10-27T10:59:00.001+01:00

CRESTWOOD RECORDS 644

Box 49 Route 1, Cadet, MO

Jul 57

MARVIN JACKSON

45-644-A - Someday You’ll Be Sorry

(Jackson) (Starrite BMI)

45-644-B - My Crying Heart

(Jackson) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 16th August 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Lars Lundgren

LINCOLN RECORDS 643

2011-10-27T10:58:00.001+01:00

LINCOLN RECORDS 643

Peoria, IL

Jun 57

CARL TRANTHAM and the Rythm All Stars (sic)

45-643-A - Where There’s A Will (There’s A Way)

(Trantham) (Starrite BMI)

45-643-B - After I Go Away

(Trantham) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 19th July 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon / Neil Scott

STARDAY RECORDS 642

2011-10-27T10:57:00.001+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 642

Jun 57

BUDDY SHAW

45-642-A - Don’t Sweep That Dirt On Me

(Ruth Snider / Buddy Shaw) (Starrite BMI)

45-642-B - Second Place

(Ruth Snider / Buddy Shaw) (Starrite BMI)

Billboard Review on 15th July 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon

BLUEGRASS RECORDS 641

2011-10-27T10:55:00.001+01:00

BLUEGRASS RECORDS 641

31 Pine St, Logan, WV

Jun 57

BOB VARNEY and Stone Mt Boys

45-641-A - I Hear You Calling

(No info) (No info)

45-641-B Stoney Mt. Boogie

(B Varney) (Starrite)

BMI Clearance on 16th August 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shot: Dan DeClark

MISSOURI RECORDS 640

2011-10-26T20:48:00.001+01:00

MISSOURI RECORDS 640

5508 Wells Ave, St Louis, MO

Jun 57

ERNIE NOWLIN and Blue Shadow Boys

45-640-A - Tally Ho

(Nowlin) (Starrite BMI)

45-640-B - Tell Me Why

(Nowlin) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 19th July 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon

Photo: Jake Kemp / Mark Lee "G Minus" Allen

RALPH JOHNSON RECORDS 639

2011-10-26T20:44:00.004+01:00

RALPH JOHNSON RECORDS 639

Box 4, Minden, WV

Jun 57

RALPH JOHNSON & the Hillbilly Show Boys

45-639-A - Reality

(M Pack) (Starrite BMI)

45-639-B - Henpecked Daddy

(M Pack) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Neil Scott

DEL-MAR RECORDS 638

2011-10-26T20:42:00.000+01:00

DEL-MAR RECORDS 638

Dayton, OH

Jun 57

DELMAR WILLIAMS SINGERS

638-A - Lonely Tomorrow

(D Williams) (Starrite BMI)

638-B - I’m Not Angry Now

(D Williams) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Phil Tricker

STARDAY RECORDS 637

2011-10-26T20:41:00.002+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 637

Jun 57

MEL PRICE & his Santa Fe Rangers

45-637-A - I Miss You So

(John Suite / Mel Price) (Starrite BMI)

45-637-B - Midnight Whistle Blues

(Mel Price) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 5th July 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Lars Lungren

OLD DOMINION RECORDS 636

2011-10-26T20:40:00.000+01:00

OLD DOMINION RECORDS 636

Jun 57

SLIM and ORNA BALL

45-636-A - Mother’s Prayers (Were Not In Vain)

(No info) (No info)

45-636-B - When I Get Home (I’m Gonna Be Satisfied)

(No info) (No info)

BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957

(Information Pending)

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NIGHTHAWK RECORDS 635

2011-10-26T20:39:00.000+01:00

NIGHTHAWK RECORDS 635

Argo, IL

May 57

JIMMY STEWART & the Nighthawks

45-635-A - Dream World

(J Stewart) (Starrite BMI)

45-635-B - Nuthin’ But A Nuthin’

(J Stewart) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957

The Nighthawks were Smilin’ Roger Perry, Eddie Taylor and Grady Montague.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Terry Gordon

ROBIN RECORDS 634

2011-10-26T20:38:00.001+01:00

ROBIN RECORDS 634

Macon, GA

May 57

ZEKE WILSON & the Prairie Playboys

A - My Heart Needs A Vacation

(F J Beskidniak) (Starrite BMI)

B - I’ve Just Said Goodbye (To The Only Girl I Love)

(F J Beskidniak) (Starrite BMI)

The vocals on the A side are by Zeke Wilson and Lenn Dries. The B side is by Zeke only.

BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957.

(Information Pending)

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GULF RECORDS 633

2011-10-26T20:38:00.000+01:00

GULF RECORDS 633

Route 4, Tupelo, MS

May 57

TRICE GARNER

45-633-A - Tombigbee

(Garner) (Starrite BMI)

45-633-B - Lover’s Hill

(Garner) (Starrite BMI)

(Information Pending)

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KENTUCKY RECORDS 632

2011-10-26T20:34:00.001+01:00

KENTUCKY RECORDS 632

Garrard, KY

May 57

MAC O’DELL

45-632-A - It Was Springtime (When I Met You)

(Walter Brock) (Starrite BMI)

45-632-B - When I Was Young

(Dewey Brock) (Starrite BMI)

BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957.

(Information Pending)

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Label Shots: Phil Tricker

Update 25 Nov 2011

2011-10-26T18:26:00.001+01:00

LUCAS 537 - Added Label Shots, address info and changed Artist name. Brief description of music.

EVANGELISTIC 516 - Added full name for Faye Bartness.

STARDAY 631 - Label shots added from Nathan Gibson.

NO NAME LABEL 615 - Correction by Alistair Blazaar.

COAST 504 - Additional note regarding Jack's recent passing.

Due to circumstances well beyond my control, I haven't updated this (or any of the other) sites since June. And I doubt if I'll get much of a chance to due much more this side of Christmas. So I think the best thing to do is to post the full listing and add information whenever I get a chance. Otherwise I could be stuck in the 600 series forever. Apologies for the delays. Thanks to all of those who sent info to me recently. I'll do my best to catch up.

Malcolm

STARDAY RECORDS 631

2011-06-15T17:36:00.001+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 631

May 57 (BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957.)

KEN CLARK and his Merry Mountain Boys

45-631-A - Ho! Ho! Love ‘Em Joe

(Clark) (Starrite BMI)

45-631-B - Quit Fool (Mama’s Lookin’)

(Clark) (Starrite BMI)

Okay, so I know darn all about Clark, except he recorded for Starday main series and for the Nashville label (assoc with Starday).
A side is a nice uptempo number with fiddles, Steel Gtr, Dobro and lead guitar and some lovely Starday Sounding echo. Some call it country, some call it Rock-A-Billy. Whatever the musical tag, it's a lovely record. B side is more country/hillbilly and there's a little less echo. Another uptempo side and very nice it is too. Cowboy Copas recorded at least one song of Clark's. (MC)

Label Shot : Nathan Gibson (with thanks to Neil Scott, whose original copy was used here, despite the label looking like it had been attacked by Martians.)

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DALE RECORDS 630

2011-05-24T20:11:00.001+01:00

DALE RECORDS 630

Bluefield, VA

May 57

DARNELL MILLER

45-630-A - Waiting Game For Love

(D Miller) (Starrite BMI)

45-630-B - Gettin’ Out Of The Woods

(Cecil Surrat) (Starrite BMI)

Billboard review on 24th May 1957. BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957.

Apologies for long delay - couldn't sign into my blogspot account for a while. Problem obviously sorted itself out without any input from me.
I'm assuming this is the same Darnell Miller who recorded for Starday Records, as they sure sound similar. A side is a slow weeping hillbilly song; probably not one for the memory banks, but Darnell sings with with feeling. Flipside is a medium tempo ditty with fine vocals from Darnell, ably backed by some fine fiddle playing. (MC)

Label Shots: Al Turner

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FAITH RECORDS 629

2011-04-16T14:03:00.000+01:00

FAITH RECORDS 629

Conover, NC

May 57 (BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957. Billboard review on 18th August 1957.)

THE RELATIVE QUARTET

45-629-A - A Home For My Soul

(J Q Deal Jr. / Rheda L Strickland) (Starrite BMI)

45-629-B - Heavenly City

(Rheda L Strickland) (Starrite BMI)

Lovely far-back-in-the-hills Gospel from what sounds like a white quartet. I can only hear an accoustic guitar being played, no other instruments and no solos. No personnel details, except perhaps the names listed as song writers.

The FAITH label turns up a fair bit later in the series with various addresses. I've wondered if FAITH was the gospel version of the DIXIE label. Can't be sure. (MC)

Label Shots: Phillip Tricker

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WILLIE NELSON RECORDS 628

2011-04-16T13:53:00.000+01:00

WILLIE NELSON RECORDS 628

Vancouver, WA

May 57 (BMI Clearance on 21st June 1957)

WILLIE NELSON

45-628-A - No Place For Me

(Willie Nelson) (Starrite BMI)

45-628-B - Lumberjack

(Leon Payne) (Hill and Range BMI)

Willie Nelson was born 30th April 1933 and is by far, one of the most well known artists to cut a disc for the Starday Custom series. After studying music at home, he joined the Bohemian Fiddlers as their singer and guitar player. After graduating from high School in 1950, he joined the Air Force where he was eventually discharged for having back problems. After stints as a musician (he played bass for Ray price) and as a DJ, he signed a contract with pamper Music as a songwriter. He wrote some of the best known country classics, such as "Funny How Times Slips Away", "Hello Walls", and "Crazy".

But back to this little gem. Both sides are dominated by an accoustic guitar (presumably by the man himself) and the vocals have a fair slab of echo added to it, giving it a slight haunting feel. There is a steel guitar nestled in the background - well, almost in the next room to be honest. The flip is okay; a nicely sung cover of a Leon Payne song. But it's the A side that really sticks out. Not sure why, but the clear label shots I have seem blurred when I add them to the site. I'll see if I can get better ones with a higher dpi to replace them.(MC)

Label Shots : Phillip Tricker

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THE STARDAY STORY - Nathan Gibson

2011-04-14T17:22:00.000+01:00

Before I delve into the next batch of Starday Customs, I wanted to briefly mention this book that has just arrived at Chateau Chapman. Well, it arrived a week ago, but the older I get, the faster time flies.

A history of Starday records is long overdue and it was only a matter of time before somebody tackled this massive undertaking. Andrew Brown reviewed it first on Blogspot and I certainly can't add any more to his excellent review, but there's a brief mention on the Starday Customs set-up and a listing at the back of all the known releases discovered so far, which is why it gets a mention here.

The more I read, the more I know what I didn't know (or as that great peacenik Donald Rumsfeld once said - "There's Known Knowns, Known Unknowns and Unknown Unknowns"). Certainly, my knowledge of Starday falls into the latter category but now, after reading the first few chapters, I know much more than I ever did. And with every chapter I get what can be called a "Eureka" moment where things fall into place in my tired ol' brain. Nathan's done a fantastic job on unraveling the mysteries of such a prolific label. Lost of info, great photos and a discography that warms the cockles of my heart.

This book is available through Amazon, amongst others. It's almost required reading for anybody interested in Rockabilly, country, Texas Music or just addicted (like most of us I know) to that wonderful Starday sound. And you know, if you don't buy it, well, then you're a fool, y'all! (sorry, been watching the Wire and now I think I'm from East Side Baltimore.) (MC)

Andrew Brown's original review can be read here

http://wired-for-sound.blogspot.com/2011/03/starday-story-by-nathan-d-gibson.html

STARDAY RECORDS 627

2011-04-08T12:45:00.001+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 627

May 57 (BMI Clearance on 21st Jun 1957.)

BOB and CINDY DEAN

45-627-A - I’m Knocking On The Door (To Your Heart)

(Garland Cline) (Starrite BMI)

45-627-B - One Life To Live

(Garland Cline) (Starrite BMI)

I never managed to get the Cattle LP (#87) entitled "The Sweethearts Of The Air Sing Hillbilly Music", so if there's any sleeve notes, I've obviously missed them. The duo appeared on the fliside of a KAY ep, with the other side being two great mumbling rockers from Link Wray.
A side of this disc is a fast hillbilly number with threads of bluegrass influence (probably because of the banjo solo). Nice harmonies from Bob and Cindy. B side is much slower and again has nice harmonies from the duo.
They'll appear later in this series (Starday 688) (MC)

UPDATE 14th Apr 2011

Bob and Cindy Dean were a popular Country and Western team who were based in Elkton, VA and made some stunning records throughout their musical career. Bob was born on the 26th October 1919 in Elkton (Cindy Morris was born December 24th 1924).

Bob’s musical career started in 1956/7 after he found a lead guitar picker, Leon Baxter, with whom he formed a band. Their first job was just a plain beer joint in NW Washington, DC, where they picked their music three nights a week. Through their popular live performances, Bob got a recording deal with DC Records. He remembered that in Virginia there was a good fiddle player, so he got in touch with him and talked over their would-be music venture. His name was Hank Dean and he also sang tenor. (Hank was no relation to Bob). Bob hired Hank and along with Leon, the three of them recorded “Maple On The Hill” and “I’m Sheddin’ Tears Over You” on DC 8049. The sessions took place at the Paragon Studios in Washington, DC.

DC Records were interested in releasing two more sides, as 8049 was selling well locally, thanks in part to Connie B Gay’s radio program “Town And Country Time”, and Bob’s personal appearances. Their next recordings were “Back To Old Smoky Mountain” and “I’ll take Her From The Valley” (DC 4101). By this time, Bob was opening up for acts at the Constitution Hall for Connie, being followed by the likes of T Texas Tyler and the Sons Of The Pioneers.

In 1948, after the death of his father, Bob (and Cindy, who was his wife - the sleeve notes don’t mention how they met) moved to McGaheysville, VA to be with his mother. Bob worked for a while at a chemical plant, but once he was laid off, he decided to get into the music business full time. By now, Cindy was singing along side him. They formed a new band featuring his old school friend Eddie Michael on fiddle and Cindy learned how to play the stand-up bass. Carroll Ray was on electric guitar.

By 1955, Bob and Cindy Dean were winning first prize on a Connie B Gay show with a song entitled “Walk, Walk, Walking Blues”. This track, along with “When You Cross Your Heart” were eventually issued on Ben Aldeman’s KAY label from Washington, DC, with the flip side of the EP being taken up by two manic vocal recordings from Link Wray (“I Sez Baby” / “Johnny Bon Bonny”). According to the sleeve notes, these tracks were recorded in 1955.

How Bob and Cindy found themselves on Starday is a bit of a mystery as it’s not really explained in the sleeve notes. According to the session details listed on the LP, these were recorded in 1958 and their next Starday release (#688) was recorded in December 57. It mentions that a Frank Merica was on banjo at the session and Carroll Ray was still on guitar.

Anyhow, more on the artists when I get to #688. Many thanks to Steve Hathaway for scanning the LP sleeve notes for me.

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Label shots: Neil Scott

STARDAY RECORDS 626

2011-04-08T12:36:00.000+01:00

STARDAY RECORDS 626

Apr 57 (BMI Clearance on 26th April 1957.)

BILLIE and GORDON HAMRICK with the Low County Gospel Band

45-626-A - Gonna See My Lord Someday

(Nell Palmer) (Starrite BMI)

45-626-B - Jesus Is The Name

(Nell Palmer) (Starrite BMI)

Another slice of Gospel heaven from the talented Billie & Gordon Hamrick.
A side is a torrid Blue Grass / Gospel number with nice harmonies. Very nice banjo solos, accompanied by a fiddle player. B side is slower with a Dobro more to the fore. Perhaps this is my favourite 45 by the artists so far. Almost makes me want to go to church! (except, in England, we'd have no music like this being performed.) (MC)

Label Shots: Phil Tricker

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COOSA RECORDS 625

2011-04-08T12:30:00.000+01:00

COOSA RECORDS 625

Shannon, GA

Apr 57 (BMI Clearance on 26th April 1957.)

ERNEST PAINTER

45-625-A - No One But You

(Painter) (Starrite)

45-625-B - Whispering Heart

(Painter) (Starrite)

Sadly, no info on the artist. Nor have I heard either side. (MC)

Label Shots: Lars Lungren and Kent Heineman
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DIXIE RECORDS 624

2011-03-20T13:57:00.000Z

DIXIE RECORDS 624

Rome, GA

Apr 57 (BMI Clearance on 26th April 1957.)

TOM CROOKS and the Rock And Roll Four

45-624-A - My Heart Don’t Lie

(Crook) (Starrite BMI)

45-624-B - Weekend Boogie

(Crook) (Starrite BMI)

A side is a slow number, sung with a hillbilly flavour. Tom has that great "hillbilly Twang" to his voice. There's some nice guitar gently supporting Tom whilst he's crooning his love song.
Flip the disc over and you get a great relaxed Rock-A-Billy/Hillbilly/Country hybrid ditty with an accoustic guitar taking the lead with fine support from a steel guitarist. Oh, the joys of the weekend (unless, of course, you're unemployed - in which case, to quote Morrisey, "every day is like Sunday").
According to Terry Gordon, the artist was from Rome, GA.

Label Shots: Terry Gordon

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JAY RECORDS 623

2011-03-13T00:17:00.003Z

JAY RECORDS 623

New Orleans, LA
BOB COLE

Apr 57 (BMI Clearance on 26th April 1957.)

45-623-A - Face To Face

(B.Cole) (Starrite BMI)

45-623-B - You Lied

(B.Cole) (Starrite BMI)

Alas, not heard this disc, nor have I garnered a label shot from any of the normally secretive record collectors I know. Bob had his own radio show broadcast over WARB, Covington, LA and appeared as the MC and a singer on the "Old Country Barn Dance, which was held at the Ann Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA. (He was still appearing at the Ann Theatre in 1958, but after that I have no idea.) (MC)

UPDATE

The morning after I posted this, I get two messages. One (anonymous) fills in the writers and publishing credits
and one from Dean Morris who gives a brief description of both sides. Many thanks to both. Whilst sorting through a huge pile of CDR's I'm trying to sort out, I find both sides of the disc, but as there is not proper track listing, I can't work out where I got it from. Obviously he had the 45 judging by the sound quality.

A side is a slowish country ditty; a little like an early Hank Williams. (To be honest, most songs of this type always remind me of Williams). Nice dreamy steel guitar and tic-tac guitar. Guitar solo is a simple run around on the melody. The B side is faster and has a nice catchy melody. Again the guitarist skips along with the melody in the solo. If anybody has this 45, label shots would be most welcome.

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Update 8th March 2011

2011-03-08T20:20:00.001Z

Three bits of additional info from Andrew Brown.

STARDAY 536, 538, 622

Many Thanks, Mr Brown.

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STARDAY RECORDS 622

2011-03-07T15:38:00.003Z

STARDAY RECORDS 622

Mar 57

LUCKY HILL

45-622-A - Fickle Baby

(Lucky Hill) (Starrite BMI)

45-622-B - It’s Comin’ Home To You

(Lucky Hill) (Starrite BMI)

Billboard review on 29th April 1957.

A side is a hillbilly song, kinda like an early Lattie Moore King 45. Fiddles are the main instrument here. B side is slower and more bluesy (in a typical hillbilly sort of way). More of a Hank Williams type song, and the tune bears a passing resemblance to "You're Gonna Change Or I'm Gonna Leave".
As for Lucky himself, he appeared on the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial celebration in Meridian, MS, held over May 21st-22nd in 57. He wrote in billboard advertising this disc can be acquired from him form an address in Tiffin, OH. By July 57, having come back from an Armed forces tour of North Africa, Lucky could be found as a staff announcer over KDRO-TV, Sedalia, MO. In Dec 57, Billboard also announced that his piano player (Denny Bolin) had broken his neck in a car accident near Joplin, MO. That's pretty much all the info I have on this artist.

There was a Lucky Hill who recorded for TNT but I'm not sure if it's the same artist. (MC)
8th March 2011:- Andrew Brown confirmed that the Lucky Hill on TNT is the same artist as the Starday Artist.

Label Shots: Neil Scott.

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JAMBOREE RECORDS 621

2011-03-07T15:15:00.001Z

JAMBOREE RECORDS 621

4213 Rose Ave, Lyons, IL

Mar 57

BILL and BOB // BILL BOLAN and the Country Melody Boys

45-621-A - Falling Apart At The Seams

(No info) (Starrite BMI)

45-621-B - Country Music

(No info) (Starrite BMI)

No info on the artists. Musically, the A side is a weepy country ballad with that sad steel guitar sound throughout. There's a fiddle player in the background who takes a brief solo. The B side is a faster, fiddle & steel gtr led hillbilly song. Bill sounds like a real southerner when he sings, despite the label location of IL. No label shots I'm afraid. (MC)

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CAROLINA RECORDS 620

2011-02-08T14:26:00.001Z

CAROLINA RECORDS 620

Rt 7 - Box 474, Charlotte, NC

Mar 57 (BMI Clearance on 26th April 1957.)

RENE McCALL and her Candy Ranch Boys

45-620-A - We’re Strangers Now

(C Johnson / R McCall) (Starrite BMI)

45-620-B - The Waltz In The Rain

(Preston Miller) (American Music Inc)

Another record I haven't seen or heard. Anybody got this? (MC)

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CRESTWOOD RECORDS 619

2011-02-08T14:22:00.000Z

CRESTWOOD RECORDS 619

Cadet, MO

Mar 57 (BMI Clearance on 26th April 1957.)

MARVIN JACKSON with the Battreal Boys

45-619-A - Honey, If You Love Me

(M Jackson) (Starrite BMI)

45-619-B - World Of Make Believe

(M Jackson) (Starrite BMI)

Here's Marvin Jackson's first record. Now, Marvin may not be household name around these parts, but thanks to White Label / Collector Records, there's a whole CD of his stuff floating around out there. He cut some rough and ready rockabilly tracks, a few instrumentals (Marvin plays lead guitar) and some country stuff. Marvin got this and his follow up disc pressed by Starday - 300 hundred copies and perhaps some promotional material (which was either post cards to send to DJ's or - in Red Moore's case - a stamper which you could stamp "Play This - It's Hot" on the paper sleeves.) His third disc was pressed by King who only pressed 200 copies. According to my notes, the artist was based out of Cadet, MO at the time of these recordings., and Crestwood was his own label.

A side is pretty much country, but Marvin's got that voice that easily skips the fence of Country into the green fields that is rockabilly, so it's an early example of what he's gonna sound like later on. B side is a ballad. Quite nice steel guitar featured on both sides. I'll have some more info on him by the time we reach his next release (#644) (MC / Steve Kelerman / Adam Komorowski)

Better label shots would be nice!

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Label Shots: Phil Tricker

STARDAY RECORDS 618

2011-02-06T21:52:00.000Z

STARDAY RECORDS 618

Mar 57 (Billboard Review on 13th April 1957.)

BUDDY SHAW

45-618-A - No More

(Ruth Snider / B Shaw) (Starrite BMI)

45-618-B - The Breath Of Life To Me

(Ruth Snider / B Shaw) (Starrite BMI)

Buddy's back with another offering by him and Ruth Snider. "No More" is ALMOST rockabilly. In fact, if you cut out the steel and added a guitar it'd be darn close to being really good. But as it is, it's darn fine hillbilly. Flip is a ballad which, apart from the fine vocals by Buddy, is a little pedestrian for my tastes. (MC)

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HUFF RECORDS 617

2011-02-05T19:22:00.001Z

HUFF RECORDS 617

18 Southwest 27th, Oklahoma City, OK

Feb 57 (BMI Clearance on 12th April 1957.)

COWBOY HUFF

45-617-A - Lover’s Waltz

(Huff / Raines) (Starrite BMI)

45-617-B - Patonia (Pride Of The Plains)

(Arr: Huff) (Starrite BMI)

See previous entry for (what is laughably called a) bio. More of the same here from Huff. A side is indeed a waltz with fiddles taking the lead. Flip is faster and more like the previous two sides. (MC/Bill McClung).

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Label Shots: John Burton
78 Label Shot: Bill McClung

HUFF RECORDS 616

2011-02-05T19:17:00.001Z

HUFF RECORDS 616

18 Southwest 27th, Oklahoma City, OK

Feb 57 (BMI Clearance on 5th April 1957.)

COWBOY HUFF

45-616-A - No Two Timing Me

(Huff / Raines) (Starrite BMI)

45-616-B - What’s Gonna Happen To Me

(Not listed) (Not Listed)

As usual, despite exhaustive searching (well, browsing the internet and phoning a few people), I've found very little on this artist. I am informed that Cowboy Huff is Charlie Huff, a singer, songwriter and record label owner from Oklahoma. As Charlie Huff, he cut at least one good rocker on Arlo Records (which he may have owned) {She's My baby / Hiding My Tears - Arlo 100} which also appeared on Huff Records (#100). (Both Labels carry the same Oklahoma City, OK address). There's also a Cowboy Charlie Huff LP on Northstar 1001, which may be the same guy. Also Billboard magazine mentions (25th Mar 67) that ...."Charles "Cowboy" Huff is trying to sell all of part of his publishing firm, Record Masters."
Also found two 4-Star Releases {4-Star 1190 "Conversations with a mule / Sad Sack"} and {4-Star 1191 "Maybe next week sometime / High hat blues"}, plus a couple of 45's on North Star (727 & 729), plus a couple of later Huff Records (722 & 723). (Man, I should check my database more regularly).

As for this record, the A side is a fast(ish) hillbilly number with fiddles taking the solo and what sounds like an accoustic guitar taking the place of a stand-up bass. (The record is a little stomped on so I'm not sure). Bi side is more of the same really. I like Huff's vocals - he's got that Texas/West Coast drawl to his voice. Obviously as a fan of Rock-A-Billy, it's hard for me to get too excited about these, but I can imagine Phil Tricker hopping around the kitchen when he spins this on his decks while Al Turner desperately tries to catch the flying plates, saucers and teapot in Phil's wake! (MC)

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Label Shots: John Burton

NO NAME LABEL 615

2011-02-04T12:49:00.001Z

NO NAME LABEL 615
Phoenix Street, Greenwood, SC
Feb 57
HOYT SULLIVAN
45-615-A - Hoyt Sullivan's Drug Products 1 and 2
(No info) (No info)
45-615-B - Hoyt Sullivan's Drug Products 3 and 4
(No info) (No info)

Cut in records with R and B hits of the day. Hoyt ran a reasonably successful beauty products company. (See advert below). He later owned HSE Records (Amongst others) where he recorded Gospel Music. I'm figured Hoyt was (is) black, but according to Alistair Blazaar, he was white. (MC)

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VAN RECORDS 614

2011-02-04T12:34:00.001Z

VAN RECORDS 614
614 North Kimball, Malden, MO
Feb 57
CAMPBELL TRIO with Jerry Tuttle (Steel Gtr)
45-614-A - Satan Lost A Sinner
(Jack and Billy Campbell) (Starrite BMI)
45-614-B - God Can Do Without Your Service
(Jack and Billy Campbell) (Starrite BMI)

Nice, delicate white gospel (with a hillbilly flavour) from the Campbell Trio. It's the harmonies that win me over here. A side is taken at a faster clip than the B side, but it's the B side I prefer. Jerry Tuttle, the steel guitarist appears on a Rite Pressing from 62 (King Tutt - "Twisting At The Little Big Horn" / "Shorter Hours In School" - STARLINE RECORDS 1001 (Flint, MI), and hie had at least one release on Dot Records ("Tweedle-O-Twill" / "Bop Goes The Weasel" - DOT 16093). As for the Campbell Trio - nada!
(MC)

Label Shots: Al Turner

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STARDAY RECORDS 613

2011-02-04T12:18:00.001Z

STARDAY RECORDS 613
Feb 57 (BMI Clearance on 5th April 57)
ART RODGERS with the Texas Top hands
45-613-A - Our anniversary
(Rodgers) (Starrite BMI)
45-613-B - Ten Thousand Miles
(Rodgers) (Starrite BMI)

Another slightly blurred label shot from another unknown artist. I found an Art Rodgers on Seven Stars Label from Cincinnati, OH from 57, and it's possibly the same artist, but not 100% certain. The A side is a nice mid-tempo honky-tonk song. (Maybe it's my dodgy hearing and the bad condition of the disc) but he sounds to be about 30-40 years old). Flip side is mid tempo but more in the hillbilly vein. Nice fiddles and steel guitar. B side has some nice harmonies as well. (MC)
Label Shots: Phil Tricker

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MARYLAND RECORDS 612

2011-02-03T13:35:00.001Z

MARYLAND RECORDS 612
RFD No. 1, Laurel, MD
Feb 57
THE GOSPEL TROUBADORS Gospel Vocal by Henry Noe
45-612-A - Cry Aloud And Spare Not
(Noe) (Starrite BMI)
45-612-B - Ananais
(Noe) (Starrite BMI)

Not heard this disc as yet, but I managed to snag label shots from long time collector of all good records, John Burton. They're a little blurred so maybe I can get better ones.(MC)

(12 Apr 2011) - Better label shots sent by John Burton.

Label Shots: John Burton.

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UNKNOWN RECORD LABEL 611

2011-02-03T12:50:00.002Z

UNKNOWN RECORD LABEL 611

UNKNOWN ARTIST

Jan 57

"All I Do Is Cry Over You"

"One Dark Sunday Night"

This is a blank acetate, supplied by Dave Sax. It has no artist, label or song credits. In fact, it's totally blank. The only info is in the dead wax which has the issue number and A/B designations. As there are no titles, the ones listed here are what a few of us "think" they are - we could very well be barking up the wrong tree with these.

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TARHEEL RECORDS 610

2011-02-03T12:50:00.000Z

TARHEEL RECORDS 610

Jan 57 (BMI Clearance on 5 Apr 57)

LEVON McCALL

45-610-A - I Lose Again

(No info) (No Info)

45-610-B - If I Don't Change My Mind

(No Info) (No Info)

Nothin on the above artist or label. Still, at least I have a record listed, which is more than I can say for the next issue. (MC)

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STARDAY RECORDS 609

2011-02-03T12:39:00.003Z

STARDAY RECORDS 609

Jan 57 (BB rev = 9 Mar 57)

BUDDY SHAW

45-609-A - Just Like A Fool

(Ruth Snider / B Shaw) (Starrite BMI)

45-609-B - I belong To You

(Ruth Snider / B Shaw) (Starrite BMI)

Two ballads from Buddy. Both are pleasant without being exceptional. Nice snippet of overloaded each just as he starts singing on the A side. I especially like Buddy's "Hick" Vocals. Band lend fair support with steel guitar being the prominent lead instrument. My notes from the 80's note the artist was possibly from Kentucky, but I have no way of knowing if that's true. (Probably not bearing in mind the source of the info). Luckily for guys like me who crave the more RaB type of music, Buddy comes alive later on in the series. Both sides are co written with Ruth Snider - A name I've seen before on writers credits but can't place where. (I'd never make a journalist - can't locate facts and can't afford to tap into peoples mobile phones {UK readers will understand that statement} but I could always make it up as I go along, therefore securing a job at one of the Red Top Newspapers).

UPDATE 2 hrs later :-)

Gee, no sooner than I file this, I find the photo at the end of this blog on a CDR of saved material. As the fan club is based in Texas, is it safe to assume Buddy is from the same state?

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Label Shots: Kent Heineman and Lars Lungren

STARDAY RECORDS 608

2011-02-03T12:06:00.001Z

STARDAY RECORDS 608

Jan 57 (BB rev = 6 Apr 57)

LUCKY WRAY with Link and Doug Wray

45-608-A - Teenage Cutie

(H Albert / C Davis / L Wray) (Starrite BMI)

45-608-B - You're My Song

(B Baker / J Williams / L Wray / C Davis) (Starrite BMI)

Killer Rock-A-Billy and classy ballad from Lucky and Link. A side is fast, mean and moody with Lucky's understated vocals threatened by Link who threatens to steal the proceedings with a flick of his pick up switch. The ballad side is a dreamy affair with Link almost sounding like a steel guitar in parts. Sadly this was their last appearance on a Starday-Custom pressed disc (as far as we know anyways). Both Link and Lucky (to a lesser extent), went on to bigger and better things. I saw Link Wray quite a few years ago in the UK and my hearing still hasn't recovered!

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Label Shots: Neil Scott.

STARDAY RECORDS 607

2011-02-03T11:41:00.000Z

STARDAY RECORDS 607

Jan 57 (BB rev = 9 Feb 57)

DON OWENS and the Circle "O" Ranchboys

45-607-A - Last Chance

(Owens) (Starrite BMI)

45-607-B - A Thief (In The Heart Of A Rose)

(Owens) (Hank Snow Music)

A pleasantly sung country/hillbilly song. The A side has a bit of, perhaps, "Rhumba" influence. Taken at a brisk tempo, it has nice accoustic guitar accomp. with sawing fiddles and steel guitar sharing the solo. I can hear Hank Snow singing this. Odd to mention Snow as he's the writer of the B side. This is a ballad sung with feeling. There's a small bio on Don on his previous Starday Custom Release (#559). (MC)

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Label Shots: Neil Scott.

STARDAY RECORDS 606

2011-02-02T17:02:00.001Z

STARDAY RECORDS 606
(Artist based in Rome, GA at time of recording)

Jan 57 (BMI clearance on 15th Feb 1957)

HOYT SCOGGINS and the Georgia Boys

45-606-A - What's The Price (To Set Me Free)

(J Rackey / H Scoggins) (Starrite BMI)

45-606-B - The Old Chain Gang

(H Stillwell / H Scoggins) (Starrite BMI)

More jolly hillbilly from Scoggins. Both are nicely sung, nicely played. The A side sets a terrific pace, whilst the flip is more akin to a medium tempo'd blues ditty, albeit sung in a hollerin' country manner. Hoyt was performing over WROM (TV Channel 9) and was the Band leader of the Saturday Night Jamboree (Rome, GA??). In any case, it's not "Tennessee Rock", but it's a mighty fine accompaniment. (MC)

Photo Source: Rockabilly Hall Of Fame
Label Shots: Kent Heineman and Lars Lungren

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Back Row-On Right - Hoyt Scoggins.

Updates 18 Jan 2011

2011-01-18T08:09:00.000Z

I have a couple more photos of Billie and Gordon Hamrick, kindly sent to me by their son, Marty. I have also included scans of the Facebook page dedicated to the artists.

Facebook Page

The Hamricks performing a reunion 1990's

B&G Hamrick (Unk Date)

COWTOWN RECORDS 605

2011-01-18T08:08:00.000Z

COWTOWN RECORDS 605

PO Box 1694, Fort Worth, TX

Jan 57 (BMI clearance on 15th Feb 1957)

GENE HARRELL

45-605-A - I Won't Be Back No More

(Mary L Miller) (Starrite BMI)

45-605-B - Mumbles

(Daphine Orme) (Starrite BMI)

Label owned by John W Stephenson. More of a vanity / Custom Press label than a song poem concern, he did manage to release quite a few great records in amongst the dross. The label was still going through the 70's.

As for Gene, he was performing at the time at Chaylor's Night Club in Texerkana, TX at the time of this release. For some reason, there seems to be two pressings of this disc. (MC/PJT/AT)

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Phillip J Tricker

MOVIECRAFT RECORDS 604

2011-01-18T07:58:00.000Z

MOVIECRAFT RECORDS 604
930 West 7th Place, Los Angeles, CA

Dec 56

ROD BURTON

45-604-A - Wedding Bells Are Ringing For The Bride

(No info) (No info)

45-604-B - My New Sensation

(No info) (No info)

Another musical bank. Missed a copy on a set sale list about 10 years ago and seen sight or sound of it since.

The label had moved by 1957 and was located at 6766 Hawthorn Ave, Los Angeles and any correspondence was care of Gerard Enterprises.

Confusingly, I have also seen listed another disc (Drake Morgan - My Heart Believes / Are You The One - Movie Craft 605) which may or may not be a Starday Custom, or perhaps 604 isn't one after all. Only actually seeing a copy is going to sort this one out. (MC)

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TREND RECORDS 603

2011-01-18T07:39:00.000Z

TREND RECORDS 603

Grand Canyon, AZ

Dec 56 (BMI clearance on 15th Feb 1957)

KEN PATRICK with Chet Tant on Steel Gtr

45-603-A - Snow Flake

(No info) (Starrite BMI)

45-603-B - Do You Love Me

(No info) (Starrite BMI)

No info. Never actually seen or heard this record. I've been to the Grand Canyon though, if that helps :-)

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