Grand Ole Opry star Johnny Russell first gained notice as a songwriter in 1960 after Jim Reeves recorded his "In a Mansion Stands My Love" (flip side to "He'll Have to Go") and came into his own after Buck Owens's 1963 hit with his "Act Naturally" (later recorded by the Beatles). Russell's own hit singles (most notably 1973's "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer") earned him Opry membership and later, regular TNN appearances. While he avoids remaking his own hits on this CD, the songs here are all his, with cameos by Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Marty Stuart, Bobby Bare, Crystal Gayle, Earl Scruggs, Sonny Osborne, and sidemen who provide strong bluegrass accompaniment throughout. Russell revisits "Act Naturally" with Owens, Scruggs, and Stuart. Parton joins him to reprise "Making Plans," her 1980 hit duet with Porter Wagoner; Gayle duets with him on "In a Mansion." Most of these star-studded affairs generate more hype than music. By maintaining the meat-and-potatoes approach that's served Russell well for decades, this one's an exception to the rule. --Rich Kienzle
Actin' Naturally,Johnny Russell,Oms Records,Country,Country & Western,Country-Pop,Pop,Traditional Country
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Actin' Naturally
Johnny Russell Manufacturer: Oms Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| Country
| Styles
| Music
General
| Traditional Country
| Country
| Styles
| Music
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ASIN: B00004RJ5R Release Date: 2000-04-18 |
Tracks:
- Act Naturally
- In a Mansion Stands My Love
- Ain't You Even Gonna Cry
- Do I Even Cross Your Mind
- 40 Acres Of Hell
- I'm Leavin'
- Making Plans
- I'll Be Gone Before You Even Know I Left
- I Give Up
- Let's Fall To Pieces Together
- He's Got You Right Where I Want You
- New Wore Off
- I'm Stayin'
- Got No Reason Now For Going Home
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Grand Ole Opry star Johnny Russell first gained notice as a songwriter in 1960 after Jim Reeves recorded his "In a Mansion Stands My Love" (flip side to "He'll Have to Go") and came into his own after Buck Owens's 1963 hit with his "Act Naturally" (later recorded by the Beatles). Russell's own hit singles (most notably 1973's "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer") earned him Opry membership and later, regular TNN appearances. While he avoids remaking his own hits on this CD, the songs here are all his, with cameos by Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Marty Stuart, Bobby Bare, Crystal Gayle, Earl Scruggs, Sonny Osborne, and sidemen who provide strong bluegrass accompaniment throughout. Russell revisits "Act Naturally" with Owens, Scruggs, and Stuart. Parton joins him to reprise "Making Plans," her 1980 hit duet with Porter Wagoner; Gayle duets with him on "In a Mansion." Most of these star-studded affairs generate more hype than music. By maintaining the meat-and-potatoes approach that's served Russell well for decades, this one's an exception to the rule. --Rich KienzleCustomer Reviews:
Johnny Russell Wasn't Actin'.......2004-03-19
This cd/album was his last a final recording. If you never heard Johnny Russell, or never owned an album by him, this is the one to have.
He opens it with his nowe classic "Act Naturally" . . . and Buck Owens who had his own hit with this Johnny penned song joins on this track.
Johnny delivers the standart country "sad song" - "In A mansion Stands My Love" - "Do I Even Cross Your Mind" - "makin' Plans" and more.
He closes this set with an "Opry Standard " of his, "Got No Reason Now For Goin' Home"!
Marty Stuart provides excellent mandolin work on this album. And there are appearances of Crystal Gail and The Whites, and others.
Johnny passed away shortly after recording this cd . . . and he went back home afterall. But he left us so many happy memories and this great music.
Johnny, everybody can see you alright now! . . . and thanks for the music and the memories!
A great album by an almost forgotten singer.......2002-09-08
Johnny had a few hits of his own, but although he had a good voice, his real strength lay in his songwriting, so his lasting legacy will be in the hits that others had with his songs. On this set, he has avoided his own hits, so it may help you to know where you've heard these songs, all written by Johnny, before.
Buck Owens and the Beatles (with Ringo getting a rare chance to sing lead) both covered Act Naturally. Making plans has been covered regularly. Loretta Lynn did a great cover back in the sixties, but Porter and Dolly's duet version was a #2 country hit - and the song that stopped it being #1 was Old flames, a Dolly solo record. Dolly recorded it again, with Linda and Emmylou, on the first Trio album. Jim Reeves was one of the first to cover a Johnny Russell song - he did In a mansion stands my love.
The liner notes mention other artists who have recorded Johnny's songs - George Strait, the Osborne brothers, Gene Watson and the Statler brothers, although I can't remember who did what song.
On this album, Johnny gets the chance to sing with Buck on Act Naturally and with Dolly on Making plans, while Crystal joins him for In a mansion stands my love. Bobby Bare joins him on I'm leavin'. The Whites (Sharon and Cheryl) provide vocal backup on three songs, while Bobby Osborne sings on the songs which also feature Bobby Bare and Dolly.
Johnny was one of those singers who achieved a lot of success without quite ever becoming a really big star. As such, he has plenty of fans from the sixties and seventies, but is largely unknown to later generations. Perhaps his music is not essential listening, but it's very enjoyable.
Johnny Russell's greatest recording.......2002-03-03
actin' naturally.......2001-08-06
Actin' Naturally Johnny Russell.......2000-04-25
Music Album:
- American Originals
- Any Way the Wind Blows
- At My Window
- Atkins-Travis Traveling Show [Import]
- Blue Roses From the Moons
- Breathe
- Cannonball
- Classic Country: 1970-1974
- Classic Crystal
- Clinch Mountain Sweethearts
