Country Music of the 40s, 50s and Early 60s

This thread was inspired by Kitty Wells. The same day I knew she died, I started it with her Waltz of the Angels and on page 2 panzade played It Wasn't God Who Made Honkeytonk Angels.

Yes, I know. I didn't see this one listed. (Did I miss it?)

I misunderstood. No, it was not played by her. I don't recall if I played the Ray Price version or not. Makes no never mind. Kitty is worth listening to, no matter what.

George Jones

Patsy and George

great photo edgar

the end of an era.

The Louvin brothers

Merle's at a stage in his career where he's playing smaller venues.
A couple of weeks ago I got to see him at the Seminole Casino. Sat about 10 feet away from him. The stage volume was so low you could hear his band members talking amongst themselves.
He's a national treasure.

Earlier than Merle Haggard, but similarities perhaps?

Merle always counted Lefty as an influence.

There is early Lefty, then there is later Lefty. Both good.

Wasn't Merle influenced by Bob Wills as well?

from Merle's official website:

Starting out as a fan of Bob Wills, Haggard eventually found his musical idol in Lefty Frizzell, and worked up a pretty impressive copy of the original’s singing style.

“For three or four years I didn’t sing anything but Lefty Frizzell songs,” Merle told Music City News. “And then, because Lefty was a fan of Jimmie Rodgers, I learned to imitate him too.”

Haggard got the chance to see Lefty perform in person when he was 14. “He was dressed in white – heroes usually are,” Merle said.
Here he is on Bob Wills' last album "For The Last Time"

And wasn't another influence on Lefty the late, great, Floyd Tillman?

I must admit, it is mainly my husband who is the expert on early country music. I appreciate it - as one does all good music - but don't have the facts at my fingertips as he does.

When I was a kid the local DJ refused to play Slipping Around.