I was pleased to read this interesting story in Kentuckys Murray Ledger & Times about George Jones - The Possums widow and the new offering from Spencer Balentines Silver Trail Distillery in Hardin KY. I wish the story had included some brief mention of the unsung (or too-little-sung) hero of this tale, songwriter J P Richardson, better known as The Big Bopper, who wrote the song that would become Jones first #1 hit. Jones recorded his version of White Lightning a few days after Richardsons death, during a legendary recording session that required about 80 takes because of Jones prodigious efforts to drown his sorrow over the death of his friend and fellow Texan. Richardson is of course best known for his 1958 recording of Chantilly Lace, which he co-authored with two others. Songs Richardson composed and recorded include Purple People Eater Meets the Witch Doctor and Little Red Riding Hood. Less well known among Richardsons compositions is another favorite of mine, Running Bear, which he wrote for Johnny Preston, his friend from Port Arthur, Texas. Prestons recording, with background vocals by not-yet-superstar Jones and Richardson, was released after Richardsons death and also became a #1 hit. Preston went on to record the song with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, but never scored another #1, though he continued to perform at least as late as 2010 before his death in 2011, age 71. Wikipedia is the source of my information. As for me, I have no connection with any of these folks beyond a love for the music. I am an amateur musician living in Philadelphia, PA. I am not an expert, nor journalist, nor historian, have no connection with Kentucky or Texas, and speak for no one but myself. https://youtube/watch?v=3NMklxiE6xw
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 00:35:33 +0000
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