Why Hollywood Loves Johnny Cash—and not Merle Haggard

City Journal ^ | 13 January 2006 | Howard Husock

[PzLdr]

The Searchers did a real nice version of "Four Strong Winds" on their third or fourth U.S LP. Still do ocassionally in their live shows. Great song.

[Victoria Delsoul]

I didn't know your name was Cristobal.

[fabriclady]

"But I'm also a Jones fan, my favorite being "He Stopped Loving Her Today.""

I liked George Jones. My sister and her husband leased a country music park near Rising Sun, Maryland. George Jones was one of the performers in the summer of 1957. He would sing all day for $2,000.00. Johnny Cash wanted 3,000.00, so they could not afford him. George was very friendly. I got to talk to him for several minutes between each show. Boy, I thought he was SOMETHING.
Years later, I believe 1968 or 69, my husband and I went to a country music show in Sudlersville, Maryland, Tammy Wynette was the star that night. She and George had got married that day. While she was performing, George staggered on stage and ruined her show. The marriage was suppose to be a secret, but he had to announce it. I haven't liked him so much since that happened.

[Alberta's Child]

I'm fine . . . I think. LOL.

I didn't want you to think I was criticizing that photo you posted by suggesting he looked a bit like Elton John, that's all. :-)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Oh, LOL! No problem.

[writer33]

Don't get me started, Mogengator.

:)

[writer33]

It's Christopher, in which case, I use Chris.

[Do not dub me shapka broham]

O NOES!!! TEH COMMENT MADE IN JEST!!!

There, that ought to take care of it.

;-)

[Alberta's Child]

That's such a great tune, ain't it?

Here's my favorite . . .

And the sighing of the pines, up here near the timber line
Makes me wish I'd done things different -- oh, but wishin' don't make it so.
For the time has passed so quick . . . the years all run together, now.
Did I hold Juanita yesterday, or was it fifty years ago?

[Alberta's Child]

LOL -- thanks so much, Victoria!

[Rastus]

No, a yes to getting fooled by the Hannity column.

[Alberta's Child]

I didn't know that -- I'll have to check it out.

[Rastus]

I like Navajo Rug from the same album. Ai-yi-yi, Katie!

[processing please hold]

And growing more everyday. People are moving out to the rural area now. Won't be long and I'll have next door neighbors. ugh.

[Alberta's Child]

Navajo Rug is probably his most popular tune. There's nothing like driving along the ridgeline of Coach Hill in Calgary on a July night during Stampede Week, seeing the nightly fireworks over the Stampede Grounds illuminating the buildings of downtown Calgary in the distance . . . as Country 105 Radio plays their nightly rendition of "Navajo Rug" as a Stampede "sign-off" of sorts.

[Rastus]

Down here in Texas, I think he's virtually unknown. I doubt if you'd hear that song on the radio. I became aware of him through the Sons of the San Joaquin's recording of The Gift.

[Inyo-Mono]

Tyson wrote "Someday Soon," a great tune covered by Judy Collins back in the late '60s, early 70s.

[Alberta's Child]

He's virtually unknown in most places outside Alberta, though he still does shows at small venues throughout the West (Nevada, Montana, Colorado, etc.).

[BurbankKarl]

How long has it been since NYC had a country station?

[BurbankKarl]

Must be related to Sammy Hagar