Honky Tonk Years (1950-66) [Box set]

Product Description
10 Cd boxset, includes 82 page hardcover bookt. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Honky Tonk Years (1950-66),Ray Price,Bear Family,Box Sets (Audio Only),Country,Pop

Average customer rating: Ultra Listenable Riminising With George Outstanding! Merry Christmas Dad Great Time Piece

50 Years of Hits George Jones Manufacturer: Bandit Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: 40 #1 Hits Hits I Missed...And One I Didn't 25 Number Ones The Conway Twitty Collection Ultimate Waylon Jennings ASIN: B00064AEPG Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

1. Why Baby Why
2. Just One More
3. Tall, Tall Trees
4. Color Of The Blues
5. White Lightning
6. Window Up Above
7. Tender Years
8. She Thinks I Still Care
9. You Comb Her Hair
10. The Race Is On
11. We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds
12. Still Doin' Time
13. Walk Through This World With Me
14. She's Mine
15. I'll Share My World With You
16. A Good Year For The Roses
17. Take Me

Tracks:

1. A Picture Of Me Without You
2. Once You've Had The Best
3. The Grand Tour
4. These Days I Barely Get By
5. Her Name Is
6. Near You
7. Bartender's Blues
8. Night Life
9. He Stopped Loving Her Today
10. Yesterday's Wine
11. Same Ole Me
12. I Always Get Lucky With You
13. She's My Rock
14. Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes
15. The One I Loved Back Then (The Corvette Song)
16. The Right Left Hand
17. Radio Lover

Tracks:

1. I'm A One Woman Man
2. A Few Ole Country Boys
3. You Couldn't Get The Picture
4. Finally Friday
5. I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair
6. High-Tech Redneck
7. One
8. I Must Have Done Something Bad
9. When Did You Stop Loving Me
10. Wild Irish Rose
11. Choices
12. The Cold Hard Truth
13. Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)
14. 50,000 Names
15. I Got Everything
16. Amazing Grace

Customer Reviews:

Ultra Listenable.......2007-05-20

Along with "Hits I Missed and One I didn't", every time I listen to this 3 disc set in my vehicle it seems like the first time I've heard Jones' voice, hooking, mesmerizing...
For me George ranks right there with Tina Turner, "The Best", Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart", Rolling Stones "40 Licks", Dylan and Cash "Girl from the North Country", Clapton's "Layla", Big Head Todd "Bittersweet", Dylan and the Dead "Slow Train Comin", Kris Kristofferson "Me and Bobbie McGee" and "Sunday Mornin", Fleetwood Mac, Gordon Lightfoot's "Edmund Fitzgerald", Beach Boys, CSNY,CCR,Buffalo Springfield, Roy Orbison, The Band, Hapa's "He'Eia", Eagles, Motown, Jefferson Airplane.. all the music I listen to driving and running that just turns to dust it's so worn out. And also George is right there with, Winston Churchill, whose liver, Richard Burton said, "The world would admire".

Can't disagree with Wynona that the best country song ever and the best country singer at that moment singing it is "He can't stop loving her today".For me, better than "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is the phenominal "Choices", his story...everybody's story in a way.

How many other guys riding around out there on their John Deere riding lawnmowers to go get a bottle of Jack are turning out as clean and good as this?

Riminising With George.......2007-05-17

When I purchased this CD I thought I was buying it for my husband, Lyle. Little did I know, how much I would enjoy the CD. Some of the older songs were not familar to me,but Lyle remembered them all(he's nine years wiser than me). We've introduced it to family members and have yet to find anyone who doesn't enjoy it as much as we do. I'm glad Mr. Jones was able to release this CD while he could still comment on his life and career instead of someone doing it after he's gone. That personal touch means alot.

Outstanding!.......2007-04-04

If you love George Jones like many of us do, you must buy this set! It is probably the BEST of ALL his recordings. The quality is pure, crisp, studio sound with his best vocals. I have many recordings of George Jones, but this set is simply the best versions of his repitoire!

Merry Christmas Dad.......2007-01-12

I got this for my dad at Christmas. He couldn't have been happier. He loves George Jones. It made his day

Great Time Piece.......2007-01-09

I bought this cd as a goft for my father and he loved it. Brought back memories of better days.

Average customer rating: Mickey's Best Mickey Gilley at is best The best Still the best collection around after all these years Shares his cousin's talent

Ten Years of Hits Mickey Gilley Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Johnny Lee - Greatest Hits It Couldn't Have Been Any Better The Essential Earl Thomas Conley Classics T.G. Sheppard - All-Time Greatest Hits ASIN: B00000262U Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Room Full Of Roses
2. I Overlooked An Orchid
3. Window Up Above
4. City Lights
5. Don't The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time
6. Lonely Nights
7. Tears Of The Lonely
8. Put Your Dreams Away
9. Talk To Me
10. You've Really Got A Hold On Me
11. Stand By Me
12. True Love Ways
13. That's All That Matters
14. A Headache Tomorrow (Or A Heartache Tonight)
15. You Don't Know Me
16. Bring It On Home To Me
17. Lawdy Miss Clawdy
18. She's Pulling Me Back Again
19. Chains Of Love
20. The Power Of Positive Drinkin'

Customer Reviews:

Mickey's Best.......2007-03-03

Just recently bought this disc and can't quit playing it. If you just want one Mickey Gilley, buy this. If you get to Branson, see him live at a reasonable price.

Mickey Gilley at is best.......2006-03-14

This compilation represents everything that I enjoy about Mickey Gilley's music. Great lyrics and beautiful ballads that keep you listening again and again.

The best.......2006-01-15

If you like Gilley, here's the reasons why.

Still the best collection around after all these years.......2004-11-06

I cannot recall the last time I heard a Mickey Gilley tune on the radio. It would appear that his brand of country music is no longer in favor with todays country music crowd. And that is a shame. Mickey Gilley produced some of the best country music in the decade between 1974 and 1984. And "Ten Years of Hits", which was originally released back in 1984, remains the best anthology of the work of this marvelous artist.
There can be no doubt that Mickey Gilley was a dominant figure in country music during that period. In all, Gilley produced nearly 50 charted singles and accrued an impressive total of 17 #1 records on the Billboard Top Country Singles chart. He certainly had his fair share of success with original tunes like "Lonely Nights", "Tears of The Lonely" and his all-time biggest seller "She's Pulling Me Back Again" from the golden year 1977. But for the most part Mickey Gilley's bread and butter was his stunning covers of other peoples hits. His first #1 record was a remake of the George Morgan classic "Room Full of Roses". He would go on to cover nearly a dozen other great tunes written by legends like George Jones, Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, Little Willie John and Smokey Robinson. You see, Mickey Gilley was more than just a country singer. For in his music you will detect a small helping of R&B, a smidgen of pop and some good old rock and roll. Much like his labelmate Charlie Rich, Gilley was not particularly easy to classify. I am really amazed he did not achieve more success on the pop charts than he did. Though I loved just about every one of the 20 cuts on this disc, my absolute favorites are the cover of the Ray Charles hit "You Don't Know Me", "Talk To Me" and most especially "True Love Ways". I have always loved that tune and while I am fond of the original version by Buddy Holly and the 1960's hit by Peter and Gordon I think that Gilley made the definitive version of that song.
Mickey Gilley became a cultural icon in the early 80's. His Gilley's nightclub would become the most famous country nightclub in the world. Among the legendary performers to appear at Gilley's during the 1980's were Ernest Tubb, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis and Brenda Lee. And then of course there was the whole "Urban Cowboy" phenomenon. Sadly, Mickey Gilley closed his club in 1989. Shortly thereafter the entire complex burned down and Gilley's was only a memory. Today Mickey Gilley maintains a busy concert schedule at his theatre in Branson, Mo.
In spite of the fact that "Ten Years of Hits" was released some 20 years ago this is still your best buy. Perhaps one of the reissue labels will see fit to release a new compilation with additional tunes and updated information about what Mickey is up to these days. But in the meantime, go for this one. Highly Recommended.

Shares his cousin's talent.......2004-10-12

Mickey, a cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis, was a formidable performer in his own with a long string of country hits to his credit in the seventies and eighties including seventeen number ones, most of them included here. Mickey was also the owner of the nightclub used as the setting for Urban cowboy, a movie that became a major influence on country music. Mickey's pop country style is typical of the brilliant soundtrack, which I reviewed long ago.

Many of Mickey's big hits were covers of old pop songs (Stand by me, True love ways) and country songs (I overlooked an orchid, Window up above, City lights) from the fifties and sixties. He had a few good original songs too, most notably Don't all the girls get prettier at closing time, A headache tomorrow or a heartache tonight and She's pulling me back again.

No single CD compilation can include all hits but this contains most of those that really matter. The most obvious omission is Paradise tonight, his chart-topping duet with Charly McClain. You can find it on a compilation of Charly's music, though it has also been added as a bonus track to the re-mastered version of 16 biggest hits (so it's got 17 tracks). That compilation contains 15 of the 20 tracks included here plus Fool for your love and Paradise tonight, omitting Tears of the lonely, You've really got a hold on me, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Chains of love and The power of positive drinking.

Perhaps somebody will one day release a double CD of Mickey's hits. Until then, this one or 16 biggest hits provide an impressive, if incomplete, overview of his career.

Average customer rating: The finest set of western swing ever. Timeless fun! Good Luck in trying to find something better ! A Great Overview Of Western Swing Musical history that is alive and well today Western Swing is Western Folk Jazz no Hillbillies here!

Doughboys, Playboys and Cowboys: The Golden Years of Western Swing Various Artists Manufacturer: Proper UK Boxed Sets ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Philly Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Country | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Stompin' Singers & Western Swingers: More from the Golden Age of Western Swing Take Me Back to Tulsa Hillbilly Boogie Daddy of Western Swing From Boppin Hillbilly to Red Hot Rockabilly ASIN: B00005EQQE Release Date: 2001-07-05

Tracks:

1. Sunbonnet Sue - Fort Worth Doughboys
2. Nancy Jane - Fort Worth Doughboys
3. Oh You Pretty Woman - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
4. Brownie's Stomp - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
5. Osage Stomp - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
6. Who Walks In When I Walk Out - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
7. Boyd's Blues - Bill Boyd & Cowboy Ramblers
8. I Want To Be A Cowboy's Sweetheart - Patsy Montana & Prarie Ramblers
9. Sadie Green (The Vamp Of New Orleans) - Roy Newman & His Boys
10. Who's Sorry Now - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
11. Down By The O-H-I-O - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
12. Barn Dance Rag - Bill Boyd & His Country Ramblers
13. Never No More Blues - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
14. Too Busy - Bob Wills & Texas Playboys
15. Rambler's Stomp - Doug Bine & His Dixie Ramblers
16. The Eyes Of Texas - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
17. The Yellow Rose Of Texas - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
18. Red's Tight Like That - Tune Wranglers
19. Buster's Crawdad Song - Tune Wranglers
20. Big Daddy Blues - Jimmie Revard & His Oklahoma Playboys
21. Feather Your Nest - Washboard Wonders
22. Dirty Dog - Jimmie Revard & His Oklahoma Playboys
23. My Galveston Gal - Milton Brown & His Musical Brownies
24. El Rancho Grande - Tune Wranglers
25. Texas Sand - Tune Wranglers

Tracks:

1. Women Women Women - Shelly Lee & His Alley Cars
2. Mean Old Lonesome Blues - Buddy Jones
3. Bring It On Down To My House - Derwood Brown & His Musical Brownies
4. Corrine Corrina - Cliff Bruner's Texas Wanderers
5. One Sweet Letter From You - Cliff Bruner's Texas Wanderers
6. Fort Worth Stomp - Crystal Spring Ramblers
7. The Women ('Bout To Make A Wreck Out Of Me) - Buddy Jones
8. Streamlined Mama - Buddy Jones
9. Blue Guitars - Light Crust Doughboys
10. Dirty Dog Blues - Modern Mountaineers
11. Mississippi Sandman - Modern Mountaineers
12. Hot Tamale Pete - Bob Skyles & Skyrockets
13. Married Man Blues - Nite Owls
14. There'll Be Some Changes Made - W. Lee O'Daniel & His Hillbilly Boys
15. Dirty Hangover Blues - W. Lee O'Daniel & His Hillbilly Boys
16. Lose Your Blues & Laugh At Life - Jimmie Revard & His Oklahoma Boys
17. Range Rider Stomp - Range Riders
18. Hold That Critter Down - Sons Of The Pioneers
19. Chicken Reel Stomp - Tune Wranglers
20. Playboy Stomp - Bob Wills & Texas Playboys
21. Moonlight In Oklahoma - Smokey Wood & The Wood Chips
22. Keep On Truckin' - Smokey Wood & The Wood Chips
23. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) - Brown's Musical Brownies
24. Just Once Too Often - Light Crust Doughboys
25. Loud Mouth - Modern Mountaineers

Tracks:

1. Kangaroo Blues - Cliff Bruner's Texas Wanderers
2. Pine State Honky Tonk - Claude Casey & His Pine State Playboys
3. Better Quit It Now - Adolph Hofner & His Texans
4. Pussy Pussy Pussy - Light Crust Doughboy
5. I'll Keep My Old Guitar - Adolph Hofner & His Texans
6. Cowboy's Swing - Hank Penny & His Radio Cowboys
7. Lonesome Road Blues - W. Lee O'Daniel & His Hillbilly Boys
8. Liza Pull Down The Shades - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
9. Truck Driver's Blues - Cliff Bruner & His Boys
10. My Untrue Cowgirl - Jewel Cowboys
11. San Antonio Rose - Cliff Bruner & His Boys
12. Gonna Get Tight - Sunshine Boys
13. Let's Make Believe We're Sweethearts - Light Crust Doughboys
14. Mississippi Muddle - Hank Penny & His Radio Cowboys
15. Billy Boy - Louise Massey & Her Westerners
16. Good Gracious Gracie - Light Crust Doughboys
17. Mean Mean Mama (From Meana) - Light Crust Doughboys
18. Jones Stomp - Port Arthur Jubileers
19. Rockin' Rollin' Mama - Buddy Jones
20. Blue Steel Blues - Ted Daffan's Texans
21. New San Antonio Rose - Bob Wills & Texas Playboys
22. Bob Wills Special - Bob Wills & Texas Playboys
23. Pussywillow - Port Arthur Jubileers
24. Tobacco State Swing - Hank Penny & His Radio Cowboys

Tracks:

1. Draftboard Blues - Cliff Bruner & His Boys
2. Whatcha Gonna Do - Hi-Flyers
3. Cotton Eyed Joe - Adolph Hofner & His San Antonians
4. Sally's Got A Wooden Leg - Sons Of The West
5. What's The Matter With Deep Elem - Sunshine Boys
6. Lil Liza Jane - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
7. Pistol Packin' Mama - Al Dexter & His Troopers
8. Forgive Me One More Time - Spade Cooley & His Orchestra
9. Shame On You - Spade Cooley & His Orchestra
10. Steel Guitar Stomp - Hank Penny
11. Boogie Woogie Boy - Porky Freeman
12. That's What I Like About The South - Cliff Bruner
13. Stay A Little Longers - Bob Wills & Texas Playboys
14. Oklahoma Blues - Zeke Clements & His Western Swing Gang
15. Oklahoma Stomp - Spade Cooley & His Orchestra
16. Nails In My Coffin - Jerry Irby & His Texas Ranchers
17. Bob Wills Two Step - Luke Wills Rhythm Busters
18. I Got Texas In My Soul - Tex Williams & His Western Caravan
19. Wildcat Mama - Hank Penny
20. Betty Ann - Jesse Ashlock
21. One Year Ago Tonight - Don Churchill & Texas Mavericks
22. Oakie Boogie - Johnny Tyler & Riders Of The Rio Grande
23. Smoke Smoke Smoke (That Cigarette) - Tex Williams & His Western Caravan
24. Square Dance Boogie - Johnnie Lee Wills & His Boys
25. Humpty Dumpty Heart - Hank Thompson

Album Description

Budget-priced four disc set with 99 tracks from the golden years of Western Swing, including cuts by Light Crust Doughboys, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Bill Boyd & His Cowboy Ramblers, Tex Williams, Adolph Hofner, Hank Thompson and Cliff Bruners Texas Wanderers. Tracks include 'Pussy, Pussy, Pussy', 'Smoke, Smoke, Smoke'. 'Humpty Dumpty Heart' and 'Kangaroo Blues'. The tracks tell the story of this vibrant musical form that blended jazz with string bands, took in pop music & the blues, and pioneered amplification. Beautifully packaged, each disc also includes an illustrated booklet with a discography, photos and extensive liner notes. Each disc comes in a separate standard jewel case & together they are coralled up in a colorful & sturdy CD-sized slipcase box. 1999 release.

Album Details

4CD 99 track collection that covers the history of classic Western Swing. Includes extensive liner notes. A must for true fans of this artform!

Customer Reviews:

The finest set of western swing ever. Timeless fun!.......2006-07-07

Western swing fans will be dancing in the streets over this brilliant box set. It features 99 cuts dating from 1932 through the late 40's. They run chronologically and features all the great architects of western swing: Milton Brown & his musical Brownies, Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys, Light Crust Doughboys etc. Even if you're not a fan of country music, you may enjoy this one. It is genuine feel-good, stomping music with honkytonk pianos, fiddles, drums, guitars and even saxes. This is without a doubt the best buy for any fan of this genre. It is timeless fun! Crank it all the way up, pop open a cold one and all of sudden it's 1938 and you're in a Dallas honky tonk. By the way, the liner notes in the booklet are outstanding with dates, pixs, stories. Most interesting was that the Crystal Springs Ramblers from Ft. Worth were a favorite of Bonnie and Clyde's at a popular dance hall down there. Great job by Proper Records!

Good Luck in trying to find something better !.......2006-06-21

I read some of the other reviews and I can apperciate a lot what other folks are saying. I really agree with the one who said that todays Country Music makes them sick. What in the name of God does a naked Faith Hill rolling around a bed under the sheets singing some half baked so called Modern Country have to do with the music that I was raised on and grown to love. As the Great Bill Monroe stated "That junk ain't part of nothing",(I saw that on a FH video that was being played on cabel TV). What a moral let down, instead of appearing as one of our Country Stars she looks a lot more like a B-girl- that's where we are today. I said all that to say this: If you love WesternSwing like I do then you will love this set - it really has a lot of good stuff and takes you back to the days of Bob, Milton,Tommy,Leon, Spade and many other outstanding Western Swing artists. This set was a real welcome to my Swing Collection.
Keep in mind that this music ain't for everybody.If you like spending time listening to the likes of a feuding Toby with the Dixie Chicks then this real Roots Music ain't for you. But if you would be willing to sell your top coon hound to get the money to get tickets to see "Asleep at the Wheel" then you might be a fan that can apperciate what was started by Bob & Milton way down in Texas back in the early 30's.
While I type this review I'm listening to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys perform "Faded Love" on my computer so I'll cut it short. Buy this set - at this price you can't afford not too. While you are at it do what I did and get the "Proper Records - Bob Wills/Take Me Back To Tulsa" also - you will be Blessed !
"ENJOY" Joe Kopeck / Parkville,MD.

A Great Overview Of Western Swing.......2005-06-16

This 4 volume box set by Proper is a fantastic overview of that great American musical art form Western Swing.
It's not country, it's not cowboy, it's not swing, it's just great toe-tapping fun music!
The songs in this album are presented in chronological order thus allowing the listener to experience the growth and progression of this great music.
The songs are remastered originals and the sound quality is first rate.
There's also a booklet containing liner notes about all the artists and a discography.
I own several box sets by Proper and every single one is a bargain, well worth far more than the asking price.

Musical history that is alive and well today.......2004-09-13

My first exposure to Western swing was the first Asleep At The Wheel Bob Wills tribute CD, and I have been hooked ever since. However, up until I bought this collection, I have only heard Bob Wills. I was pleased to buy this in a local branch of Half Price Books. In addition to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, it also has selections from Milton Brown, Patsy Montana, the Light Crust Doughboys, Spade Cooley - just to name a few. This vibrant blend of cowboy/fiddle music and black blues/swing has yet to wander far from my CD player!

Western Swing is Western Folk Jazz no Hillbillies here!.......2003-12-12

This is a great panorama of Western Swing from its origins with Bob Wills and Milton Brown working together inthe Original Light Crust Dough Boys in the early 1930s to Tex Williams' great electric swing band from just after WWII. I've had these sides since Columbia issue an earlier version on LP more than 20 years ago.

This music has little to do with what was considered Country music at the time or its emasculated mutant descendants in Nashville.

This was not marketed as Country music. In fact in 1945 when Bob Wills, the acme of Western SWing, was the biggest grossing public attraction in the entertainment business, he had his sole invitation to the Grand Ole Opry, and then he almost walked out of there before he played a song because the hayseeds wouldn't let him bring on his drums and horns (not allowed onthe Opry until the late 1950s!).

Western Swing comes from Jazz from the pop Jazz of the 20s and early 1930s, included people who went back and forth between bands like Wills and Spade Cooley to the white big bands (though Bob Wills once tried to hire a black alto player[against the law in Oklahoma] and of late Les Paul has taken to claiming he saw Charlie Christian sit in with the Playboys at Cains and there are pictures of the Playboys having drinks in Chicago with black Jazz greats like Ben Webster!!). Townsend Wills' biographer interviewed many Playboys and none of them felt they were part of Country, but part of Jazz.

Basically it begins with people trying to play Jazz and Blues influenced music with the instruments of the old Southwestern Barn dance bands: guitar, fiddle, piano, adding in drums, and in many bands all the instruments of the Jazz orchestras. Very quickly Bobby Dunne added in the electric Hawaii, pedaless steel guitar and Leon McAuliffe who replaced him in the Doughboys and went with Wills was so well known that Bob Wills' introduction to him "Take it Away Leon" became a catch phrase in the whole country and beyond in the 1940s!

At its most hyperbolic height (captured here in the Space Cooley Orchestra's Oklahoma Stomp, a recording anyone with a set of ears should treasure) you had 16 and 18 piece orchestras with full fiddle sections (in the early 1960s Wills even rounded his fiddles with a violist from the Lawrence Welch band!), complete reed sections, and more brass than they needed, and exotic additions like the Harpist who kicks off The Oklahoma Stomp.

Further on than these recordings go, you would have players like Tiny Moore and Johnny Gimble who incorporated Bebop styles in their solos.

Along the way, mostly during that war time period when recording bans and players going in and out of the army and different bands make following a little harder, the straight western swing style of combining a guitar, steel guitar, and sometimes electric mandolin trio alternating with fiddle choirs took hold as the paradigm for Western Swing. For some reason in most bands the horns seemed to disappear or roll down to just one after WWII.

One thing about this music is that a very high level of musical technique and education became more and more part of the Western Swing environment. We know that European Jazmen like Stephan Grappelli followed the recordings of Hugh Farr who played with the sons of the pioneers and later Spade Cooley, and that Down Beat magazine described Eldon Shamblin out of Bob Wills' band as the best rythm guitar player in the country (slighting Freedie Green who even Eldon probably acknowledge was better).

The other thing in contrast with much of what was being presented as country music contemporaneously is that this was not being presented as "old time music," craddling close to old conventions, but a new hot dangerous music, drawn as close as comfort would allow from Black sources, from the dangerous white swing bands, and from the part of down home music involved in drinking, dancing, cheating, and other things not permitted in the Baptist Southeast.

WSM Grand Old Opry Stars toured the deep South playing in school auditoriums, church houses, and public squares. From the beginning Western swing belonged in barrooms, in dance halls, and other places where "the wine and liquor flow." Even Hank Williams wasn't allowed to use the word "beer" when he sang "My Bucket's got a hole in it" on the Opry. Meanwhile Western Swingers like Wills and Brown were singing about Cocaine and Opium, whiskey and beer back in the early 1930s.

And Smokie Woods wasn't called smokie cause he liked Tobacco. LOL. In fact his tune here called "Everybody's Trukin," about what is done "up in Harlem" includes much use of a word that does sound like truckin', but does not contain an r or a T but does start with an F!!

No this is not Nashville Country or even old time country music. This is Western guys and gals trying to be jazzy, bluesy, wild, whiskey soaked, drug high, hip to the secrets of Negroid nights of "truckin," playing their hearts out fast hot and heavy!

Anyone with ears should own this collection!

ps another wierd side note to this is on the great Hit\
"Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette)" both Tex Williams who sang it and Merle Travis who wrote it died of lung cancer!

Average customer rating: Oldies but Goodies Outstanding collection of "The First Lady of Country Music" A Legacy of Hits Pure, exciting Tammy Wynette--no doubt the best of her best!

Anniversary: 20 Years of Hits Tammy Wynette Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: 16 Biggest Hits Loretta Lynn - All Time Greatest Hits The Definitive Collection Honky Tonk Angels The Definitive Collection ASIN: B0000026A1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Apartment #9
2. Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
3. I Don't Wanna Play House
4. D-I-V-O-R-C-E
5. Stand By Your Man
6. Singing My Song
7. Run, Woman, Run
8. We Sure Can Love Each Other
9. Good Lovin' (Makes It Right)
10. Bedtime Story
11. 'Til I Get It Right
12. Kids Say The Darndest Things
13. Another Lonely Song
14. We're Gonna Hold On
15. Woman To Woman
16. 'Til I Can Make It On My Own
17. Golden Ring
18. You And Me
19. One Of A Kind
20. Two Story House

Amazon.com

Most of the world knows Tammy Wynette only because "Stand by Your Man" cracked the pop Top 20. There's so much more to Wynette, though, than just that misunderstood hit, and Anniversary is a superb one-disc introduction to the wide world of Wynette: the heart-wrenchingly realistic tales of crumbling marriages and confused kids ("D-I-V-O-R-C-E," "I Don't Wanna Play House"); the sweet duets with husband George Jones ("Golden Ring"); the sisterly advice ("Woman to Woman"); the gratefulness for true love ("Good Lovin',"); the struggle for independence ("Til I Can Make It on My Own"). The 20 hit singles here flesh out the complex point of view behind "Stand by Your Man," reminding that gender politics are always emotional, personal, and capable of breaking your heart. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Oldies but Goodies.......2006-11-10

Even though these are old songs this is a good CD. I like it mostly for the love/sad songs. She can really get to you with her voice. Worth buying.

Outstanding collection of "The First Lady of Country Music".......2004-06-28

I picked up this disc recently to replace a woefully inadequate 10 song collection I had purchased on vinyl a decade ago. Let me tell you this one is the real deal. After her debut single "Apartment #9" hit the Top Country Singles chart back in 1966 Tammy Wynette would go on to totally dominate these charts for the next decade. During her "salad" days from 1967 through 1976 Tammy would amass a total of 17 #1 country hits. And her hits with her then husband George Jones are among the finest country duets of all-time. Although "Anniversary: 20 Years of Hits" features only about half of her really big hits it should be more than adequate for most fans and collectors. Her most popular and familiar tunes are here including "D-I-V-O-R-C-E",
the heartbreaking "I Don't Wanna Play House" and the tune that would become her signature song "Stand By Your Man" You will also find three duets with George Jones including "We're Gonna Hold On", "Golden Ring" and "Two Story House". But perhaps my favorite song on the disc is 1973's #1 smash "Kids Say The Darndest Things". The included liner notes here were somewhat disappointing but all in all this is a very fine collection. For those diehards seeking more of Tammy's music check out her 3 CD box set "Tears of Fire" released in 1992. Sadly Tammy Wynette passed away in 1998. Later that year she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

A Legacy of Hits.......1998-07-22

Although it has been over a decade now since this tribute to the First Lady of Country Music's many hits was released, it is still one of the best chronicles of the style, sound and emotion that made Wynette the "queen of heartache" in a country song. But remember, the 20 cuts here are just the tip of the iceberg. There are MANY more musical gems out there by this legendary performer waiting for your enjoyment!

Pure, exciting Tammy Wynette--no doubt the best of her best!.......1998-07-03

Especially now after her untimely demise, it is wonderful to be able to hear ALL of her infamous recordings of the last 20 years. The sound is clear and creates a visual picture of this great lady of country music. Since most of her older recordings are worn out or lost, I was ecstatic to find this collection. A definite necessity for all Tammy's fans!

Average customer rating: Good Collection * Another Great Album For George Jones * GEORGE JONES the third and fourth decades GEORGE JONES

Anniversary: Ten Years of Hits George Jones Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of George Jones (1955-1967) I Am What I Am 16 Biggest Hits One 40 Years of Duets ASIN: B0000025T3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. We Can Make It
2. Loving You Could Never Be Better
3. A Picture Of Me (Without You)
4. What My Woman Can't Do
5. Nothing Ever Hurt Me (Half as Bad As Losing You)
6. Once You've Had The Best
7. Her Name Is...
8. Old King Kong
9. Bartender's Blues
10. I'll Just Take It Out In Love
11. Someday My Day Will Come
12. The Grand Tour
13. The Door
14. These Days (I Barely Get By)
15. Memories Of Us
16. The Battle
17. He Stopped Loving Her Today
18. I'm Not Ready Yet
19. If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will )
20. Good Ones And Bad Ones
21. Still Doin' Time
22. Same Ole Me

Amazon.com

By 1972, George Jones was already a legend with nearly two decades of classic country recordings to his credit. But when he teamed with producer Billy Sherrill in 1972, he may have even outdone himself. On the countrypolitan hit "The Door," Sherrill has the strings there from note one, softly providing the singer emotional support, and as Jones anguishes through a litany of all he's ever lost, it sure sounds like he needs it. In fact, on each of these 22 classics of honky-tonk heartache, Jones chokes down tears and swallows notes--his voice twisting, soaring, crying--as he weaves drunkenly down the thin line between despair and one more last chance. Country music has never sounded this devastated. Maybe it never will again. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Good Collection.......2005-11-26

This is an impressive collection of George Jones standards that have held up well after all of these years. This one combines songs from 1972-1982....an era not relished for it's "Country" music. I dont think there's a bad song on the CD (and there are 22); in fact, in my opinion, every single one of these should be number #1's. There are some real gems here that may have been forgotten, to include: "If Drinking' Dont Kill Me", "The Door", "Once You've Had the Best", and "We Can Make It". George has recorded so many songs, that some of the ones listed here may not ring a bell when they are mentioned, but you'll recognize each and everyone after you hear the first note. Stellar collection of original recordings.

* Another Great Album For George Jones *.......2005-08-31

George Jones is one of the few "Classic" Country Artists left. He has put out some fantastic material and it never ceases to amaze me with what he will come out with next. The Anniversary Album is a must purchase item! Each track that I listen to is a "Blast From The Past". The price of the CD is worth the monsy spent.

GEORGE JONES .......2004-11-03

This man is the greatest singer ever recorded, and this cd although not capturing all his greatest hits, captures his moments spent with epic. This cd has a lot of emotions which share his happiest and sadist moments in his life. They convey a message of hardships that relate to what a lot of people go through. One of the songs that I like is "If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will)". The lyrics are kinda funny in that song. All together I think everybody who likes the Possum will enjoy this cd. They'll never be another George Jones, ever!!! Long live the Possum!!!

the third and fourth decades.......2003-01-11

George Jones has been recording since 1953 and has had hit songs in every single year from 1955 through 1996. after a hiatus from the charts in 1997 he bounced back in 1998 and went another three years with having songs on the charts. in retrospect, this 22 song CD only sampled a decade in his then 29 year career but it's these Billy Sherrill countrypolitan-type singles that enabled Jones to continue his brilliant career long after his rowdy honky-tonk songs were replaced on the radio by crooners (Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves, a risk-taking Ray Price, among others) in the early '60s. this CD is generally applauded for it's chronological sequence of songs from his first Epic hit, "We Can Make It", in 1972 to the song that had just reached the Top-10 in early 1982 "Same Ole Me". "Good Ones and Bad Ones" was included on the album because it's been said that Billy Sherrill wanted the song to be a single but the duet album with Merle Haggard later in 1982 wiped out further interest in the 1981 SAME OLE ME album {from which "Good Ones and Bad Ones" appears on} and Epic just decided to "move on" and promote Jones and Haggard's album. i usually have a gripe and i won't let any of you readers down so here goes: why did Epic include 1977's "Old King Kong" over 1977's "If I Could Put Them All Together?". i have never understood why a strong honky-tonk lament like that went ignored but the novelty "Old King Kong" seems to surface on all the other compilations too!? both of those songs can be found on the 1977 I WANTA SING album, which also contains the hilarious "They've Got Millions In Milwaukee". i encourage all the new country fans out there to buy this "Anniversary" CD and you'll see why everyone cites George as their major influence. "Someday My Day Will Come" still gives me chills as does "I'm Not Ready Yet".

GEORGE JONES.......2002-06-21

I'm a Dutch girl and love country music very much. The best USA country sanger is George Jones. Though there are a lot of good country sangers but according to me,- he is the BEST!

Average customer rating: Stewart's Later Years

Best Of The Hightone Years Gary Stewart , and Gary Stewart Manufacturer: Hightone Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Essential Gary Stewart I'm a Texan RCA Country Legends Brand New Out of Hand/Your Place or Mine ASIN: B00005UPFH Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

1. Rainin' Rainin' Rainin'
2. Brand New Whiskey
3. Nothin' But A Woman
4. Make It A Double
5. I'm A Texan
6. An Empty Glass
7. Nothin' Cheap About A Cheap Affair
8. Bedroom Battleground
9. I Get Drunk
10. Delia
11. Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor
12. Come On In
13. Let's Go Jukin'

Customer Reviews:

Stewart's Later Years.......2004-01-28

After leaving RCA in 1982, Gary Stewart signed with Hightone in 1988 and in the next 5 years released 3 studio albums. They were on a par with his RCA work, although none reached the classic status of Out of Hand or even Your Place or Mine (both now available as two-fer on Koch Records). This release narrows those 3 CD's down to a handy 13 track compilation. There's some classic Stewart here-"An Empty Glass", "Let's Go Jukin'" and "Brand New Whiskey" are the standouts, but the rest is worthy of hitting the repeat button as well. Some say his Hightone years weren't on a par with the RCA ones, but this is a good disclaimer of that argument. If you are interested in Gary Stewart pick up Essential (RCA) and the two-fer mentioned above. Then proceed to Live At Billy Bob's (Smith Music), which was Stewart's last recorded work from 2003. If you like all those, then you'll like this. Gary Stewart was a Country artist for the ages, and his recorded work deserves a spin from new and old Country Music fans everywhere.

Average customer rating:

40 Years of Duets George Jones Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: God's Country: George Jones & Friends Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones: Kickin' Out the Footlights... Again Last of the Breed Greatest Hits, Vols. 1 & 2 Anniversary: Ten Years of Hits ASIN: B000MGBTMA Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Yearning -- w/ Jeanette Hicks
2. Flame in My Heart -- w/ Virginia Spurlock
3. Waltz of the Angels -- w/ Margie Singelton
4. Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms -- w/ Melba Montgomery
5. Let's Invite Them over -- w/ Melba Montgomery
6. We Must have Been out of Our Minds -- w/ Melba Montgomery
7. I've got Five Dollars and I'ts Saturday Night -- w/ Gene Pitney
8. Milwaukee, Here I Come -- w/ Brenda Carter
9. Golden Ring -- w/ Tammy Wynette
10. We're Gonna Hold on -- w/ Tammy Wynette
11. Maybellene -- w/ Johnny Paycheck
12. Bartender's Blues -- w/ James Taylor
13. Yesterday's Wine -- w/ Merle Haggard
14. Two Story House -- w/ Tammy Wynette
15. We Didn't See A Thing -- w/ Ray Charles and Chet Atkins
16. A Few Ole Country Boys -- w/ Randy Travis
17. Size Seven Round (Made of Gold) -- w/ Lacy J. Dalton
18. You Don't Seem to Miss Me -- w/ Patty Loveless
19. A Good Year for the Roses -- w/ Alan Jackson
20. One -- w/ Tammy Wynette

Album Description

George Jones: 40 years of Duets is a one-of-a kind collection fo 20 of jones Famous duets, incl. his first charting duet from 1957, Yearning. '60's hits like "We Must Have Been out of Our Minds", the legendary duets "Golden Ring" and "We're Gonna Hold on" w/ Tammy Wynette from the 70's, as well as his '90's duets w/ some of the country's contemporary stars such as Randy Travis and Allan jackson.

Average customer rating:

MCA Records 30 Years of Hits (1958-1988) Various Artists Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1970s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1970-1979 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1980-1989 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music ASIN: B000002O8B Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. Scotland - Bill Monroe
2. I Ain't Never - Webb Pierce
3. I'm Sorry - Brenda Lee
4. I Fall To Pieces - Patsy Cline
5. A Little Bitty Tear - Burl Ives
6. Thanks A Lot - Ernest Tubb
7. Password - Kitty Wells
8. The Bridge Washed Out - Warner Mack
9. Don't Come Home A Drinkin' - Loretta Lynn
10. Roarin' Again - Wilburn Brothers
11. Wild Weekend - Bill Anderson
12. Statue Of A Fool - Jack Greene
13. Hello Darlin' - Conway Twitty
14. After The Fire Is Gone - Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn
15. If You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry - Jerry Wallace
16. Satin Sheets - Jeanne Pruett
17. Country Bumpkin - Cal Smith

Tracks:

1. San Antonio Stroll - Tanya Tucker
2. Come On Over - Olivia Newton-John
3. If We're Not Back In Love By Monday - Merle Haggard
4. Rose Colored Glasses - John Conlee
5. (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right - Barbara Mandrell
6. I Believe In You - Don Williams
7. Elivira - Oak Ridge Boys
8. This Dream's On Me - Gene Watson
9. I.O.U. - Lee Greenwood
10. I've Been Around Enough To Know - JOHN SCHNEIDER
11. Somebody Should Leave - Reba McEntire
12. Life's Highway - Steve Wariner
13. Ocean Front Property - George Strait
14. If Ole Hank Could Only See Us Now - Waylon Jennings

Average customer rating:

Turn Back the Years: The Essential Hank Williams Collection Hank Williams Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Anthology: 1947-1972 Portrait of a Legend 1951-1964 Funeral Dress "Sleeping on the Couch Straight to Hell ASIN: B000B8I90O Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. Honky Tonkin'
2. Rockin' Chair Money
3. I'm a Long Gone Daddy
4. I've Been Down That Road Before - Luke the Drifter
5. Moanin' the Blues
6. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
7. Rootie Tootie
8. You Better Keep It on Your Mind
9. Settin' the Woods on Fire
10. Wearin' Out Your Walkin' Shoes
11. Too Many Parties and Too Many Pals - Luke the Drifter
12. Ramblin' Man - Luke the Drifter
13. Tennessee Border
14. Howlin' at the Moon
15. Move It on Over
16. Hey, Good Lookin'
17. Leave Me Alone with the Blues
18. Lost Highway
19. There's a Tear in My Beer
20. Honky Tonk Blues

Tracks:

1. Lovesick Blues
2. Wedding Bells
3. Mansion on the Hill
4. I'm Free at Last
5. My Love for You (Has Turned to Hate)
6. Your Cheatin' Heart
7. First Year Blues
8. On the Banks of the Old Pontchartrain
9. May You Never Be Alone
10. House Without Love
11. They'll Never Take Her Love from Me
12. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
13. Let's Turn Back the Years
14. I'm So Tired of It All
15. Cold, Cold Heart
16. Weary Blues from Waiting
17. You Win Again
18. Fool About You
19. Please Make Up Your Mind - Luke the Drifter
20. I Can't Escape from You

Tracks:

1. I Saw the Light
2. Thy Burderns Are Greater Than Mine
3. Calling You
4. Wealth Won't Save Your Soul
5. Pale Horse and His Rider
6. Beyond the Sunset - Luke the Drifter
7. Are You Walkin' and a Talkin' for the Lord?
8. Let the Spirit Descend
9. Battle of Armageddon
10. Alone and Forsaken
11. Drifting Too Far from the Shore
12. House of Gold
13. Where the Soul of Man Never Dies
14. How Can You Refuse Him Now?
15. Tramp on the Street
16. Lost on the River
17. When God Dips His Love in My Heart
18. 'Neath a Cold Gray Tomb of Stone
19. I'll Have a New Body (I'll Have a New Life)
20. Angel of Death

Average customer rating:

30 Years of Pride Charley Pride Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Anthology ASIN: B00000GBH5 Release Date: 1998-10-22

Tracks:

1. Just Between You and Me
2. All I Have to Offer You Is Me
3. Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger
4. I'd Rather Love You
5. Day the World Stood Still
6. All His Children
7. Hope You're Feelin' Me (Like I'm Feelin' You)
8. Happiness of Having You
9. Crystal Chandeliers
10. Kiss an Angel Good Morning
11. Shoulder to Cry On
12. It's Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer
13. (I'm So) Afraid of Losing You Again
14. (Is Anybody Going To) San Antone
15. She's Too Good to Be True

Tracks:

1. Me and Bobby McGee
2. Don't Fight the Feelings of Love
3. You're My Jamaica
4. Wings of a Dove
5. Kaw-Liga
6. I Ain't All Bad
7. She's Just an Old Love Turned Memory
8. My Eyes Can Only See as Far as You
9. Someone Loves You Honey
10. Let the Chips Fall
11. Amazing Love
12. Missin' You
13. Mountain of Love
14. I Wonder Could I Live There Any More
15. Mississippi Cotton Picking Delta Town

Album Details

Australian Only Collection Compiling Tracks from his Entire 30 Year Carrer.

Music Album:

1. In My High School
2. Jammin' with J.R. And Friends [Import]
3. "John Conlee - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2"
4. Journey
5. Live at the Birchmere [Live]
6. Live in Holland [Live]
7. Livin' It Up/If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin')/#7
8. Lookout for Hope [Hybrid SACD]
9. Love Songs [Box set]
10. Lowdown and Dirty

Music Album