('Wally H.', 1.12.2011): I was born on 15th March, 1958 - do you know, which country record was the #1 in country charts during that 'special day' of mine?
----- REPLY to 'Wally H' (JJ, 1.12.2011): Billboard country chart's #1 was then Johnny Cash's 'Ballad Of A Teenage Queen', good start for your life-long country music enthusiasm.

('Wally H.', 30.11.2011): I'm surprised you're categorizin' Martha Carson as a country singer.
----- REPLY to 'Wally H' (JJ, 30.11.2011): Martha Carson's recordings never hit the 'country charts', but her sacred songs were very popular in 1950's. Martha's biggest 'hit' was 'Satisfied' for 1957 (RCA Victor) ... and the gospel wing of the traditional music is often put under the 'country music' classification. 'Satisfied' was featured in many country music collection albums in 1960-70's. She became member of the 'Grand Ole Opry' in 1952 - so it's enough for me to call her 'country'.

(Nita Jo Haze, USA, 30.11.2011): How nice of you (website: Nita Jo Haze). Had a ball doing that album. Buck Owens' band The Buckaroos did all the music, and were so cool to work with also they were on the country album . Each song that I wrote was lived or I watched someone go thru they are little stories.
I was 3 years when My first Step Dad Bob Crosby married my mother, he and I took to each other and he started me off right away with his local Band in San Antonio Texas. It was he who opened for Bob Wills - he was 'Big as Life' and his music worked. I was the tag along. It was so neat - at that time Bob Crosby had a Company come to his small home studio with a machine that cut vinyl, all those recordings are lost along with my cut of Pistol packing Mama.
I can remember Bob Wills picking me up and setting me on a piano and saying: 'Little Girl, would you sing a song for me' , I said 'yes', every time, and every time I said I would sing Pistol Packing Mama. When Bob asked me if I knew another song I would answer 'DON’T YOU LIKE Pistol Packing Mama'? And he would laugh so loud, seems I remember Cigar smoke . He made Happy music, Swing it was called. I remember everyone on the dance floor smiling, Kids notice things like that.. It was a good time.
Bob Crosby was a great musician always patience with me always moving me forward, He would say to me, a 3 year old ,listen close girl you will hear it, Harmony is what he was talking about, he never pointed out when I missed it ,only when I nailed it, Sadly he was killed in a car crash years after he and my Mother were Divorced. But he could have done great things had he lived.
Soon the Bio’s for each song will be on the site I have met some very interesting folks in my time . Thanks so much for your interest, I will be sending you a Blues cut of Crazy Lizzy. She was a Lady of the evening, I realize now but always so kind to me. As a kid I spent a lot of time in the bars around town and she was so tragic, left at the altar in her wedding gown, her love left town with her best friend, and it did take away her mind, and she did die alone and I just wanted someone to remember her. And now you will. NITA JO

(Todd Minor, USA, 28.11.2011): Hi this is Todd Minor, Jim Minor's son. Jim just got inducted on Sept. 2, 2011 into the Michigan country music hall of fame. Bear Family records has a new CD out titled 'Jimmy Edwards - Love Bug Crawl'. It comes with a 24 page booklet telling the rockabilly story of my father Jim Minor, Bob Cloud and Jimmy Edwards. Page 7 shows Jim and Grady Martin in the studio.
My father Jim Minor made a guest appearance on the sat. night Grand Ole Opry show on Oct. 1961 which starred Ernest Tubb and Billy Grammer. My father just passed away 2 years ago.
Jim and Bob Cloud worked out of Flint, Mi. They joined in 1955 when Jim recorded his first record for the Western Chuck Wagon label of Flint. Bob wrote 'Don't cross your fingers cross your heart'. They owned a talent and promo agency and brought talent to Art Talmadge and Mercury Records. Jim and Bob owned a publishing company and they published and wrote songs for Narvel Felts 1957-58, Jimmy Edwards (Bullington), Connie Dycus (Rockababy rock), Vada Belle and Alice Berry all on major labels.
----- REPLY to 'Todd Minor' (Barry M, UK - 28.11.2011): I found the following info of Jim Minor (2008): "Jimmy Minor seems to be the first Country artist signed to United Artists. One of his known recordings, “Reveille,” is still listed as one of the pair’s BMI compositions, but “Golden Ruby Blue” and “My Honey” are no longer part of BMI’s records. Jimmy Minor had enough going for him to earn studio time with the best Nashville Sound musicians."

(Sven Hultin, Sweden, 28.11.2011): Thanks for your new Curtis Leach feature - I have always liked Bill Anderson's recitation of Leach's 'The Golden Guitar'. I just didn't know Curtis Leach had been a promising artist also by himself. What a tragic end he had by a woman friend. That Texas Jim Cooper had given quite a mild description in your story what that woman actually did with that knife!

(Nita Jo Haze, USA, 28.11.2011): Hi, love your page. Years ago Finland was so helpful to me with my release of 'Do Yellow Roses Mean Goodbye', I will have to go thru some of my letters just for old times sake . So good to hear from you, Nita Jo.

(Phillip W, UK, 28.11.2011): My absolute favourite song in your great Hillbilly Jukebox is Texas Jim Robertson's 'Signed, Sealed & Delivered' - what an old master!

(Ben Stone, USA, 27.11.2011): Here's a good story for you, Jukka - that's how they turned 'hillbilly' over-night! This is from 'Learn North Carolina':
"In 1944, WBT became the first station in the Southeast to broadcast twenty-four hours a day. Hillbilly music continued to dominate the station, as Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith and his Crackerjacks joined WBT. Smith is one of the station’s most well-known veterans, having penned the songs “Guitar Boogie” and “Dueling Banjos.” Smith had started his musical career in a jazz band, about which he later said:
We nearly starved to death until one day we changed our style… One Friday we threw down our trumpet, clarinet, and trombone and picked up the fiddle, accordion, and guitar. The next Monday we came back on the radio program as Arthur Smith and the Carolina Crackerjacks."

('Jürgen M.', Germany, 27.11.2011): Jukka, your country music website with its all 'specials' is something different. I am very interested in it - especially your Hillbilly Jukebox is very interesting. There are many old traditional country singers I have never before heard of. This 'Guest book' is very informative, too. All the questions and replies in the artist stories are just great.
Please, join me as a member if you've got a mailing list, 'club' or something like that. Your nine (9) Charlie Walker vinyl honky tonk albums for sale are amazing - I told my friends about them, some of my collector friends might contact you soon.

(Hank Preston, USA, 27.11.2011): Hi Jukka: Thank you for sending me the latest jukebox songs. I also greatly enjoyed "Dud" Martin's radio shows. That brought back fond memories of when they used to have radio shows like that. Those were the good old days. In later years some of the radio bands got TV shows and continued their music. I sure miss those days.
On the jukebox I especially liked the " Tribute to Roy Acuff " and also hearing Tex Ritter singing "Me and Tennessee."
In June, 1964, my band "Hank Preston and his Stony Mountain Drifters" were the opening act for a Sunday outdoor country music show in Vermont. One of the featured artists on the first show we opened for was Tex Ritter. It was an real honor to open for him and get to meet him in person. I had seen him in movies and heard him on the Grand Ole Opry.
I am so thankful now for the great memories I have of those old days in country music. I am still playing music, but it is mainly country jams. I run a very good jam here at the RV park here in Riverview, Florida on Friday nights. We often have over 20 musicians attend. The thing I enjoy so much is playing Thursday at a retirement center in Brandon, Florida. Each week about 25 elderly people come out to hear us play. It is so nice to see how happy this makes these people feel. They look forward to our being there each week.
I hope you and your family are doing well. WISHING YOU THE BEST FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR!!!! Keep up the good work. Your friend in Sunny Florida, Paul "Hank" Preston.

(Bob Weston, USA, 26.11.2011): I took a look at your photos. I noticed you had a photo of Red River Dave. I grew up in San Antonio and he was on WOAI radio. He could whip out a ballad in no time. I met him at a flea market there. He was selling intruments. You have some neat photos.

('AR', Canada 18.11.2011): If possible, please, add some Canadian traditional country music in your Hillbilly Jukebox, too.
----- REPLY to 'AR' (JJ - 27.11.2011): Thanks, just recently I added Tommy Hunter's 'Sea Of Heartbreak' and Ian Tyson's classic 'Four Strong Winds' by Waylon.
----- REPLY to 'JJ' ('AR' - 27.11.2011): Ok - but those are both just 'half-Canadians' ... I'm sure you've got also something, where BOTH - singer and composer - are Canadians.
----- REPLY to 'AR' (JJ - 27.11.2011): I can't figure this out as more Canadian as MICHAEL T. WALL singing Roy A. Payne's 'Little Boats Of Newfoundland' - OK?
----- REPLY to 'JJ' (AR - 27.11.2011): You surely hit bull's eye - it's 100% Canadian now - thanks.

(Nita Jo Haze, USA, 8.11.2011): Jukka, how nice to see my music is still out there, would love to get my hands on a cassette 'You Can't Out Fox A Fox' album. Thanks, Nita Jo Haze.

(John Beighton, UK, 25.10.2011): How much for Grant Tingey - New Moon Over Harmony Corners - Cassette - with postage to the UK please, thanks, John.

(Robert Findlay, Canada, 16.10.2011): Jukka, my name is Robert Findlay from Trois Rivieres, Que and I don't know where to start and I could only tell you what I know. I was born in Asbestos,Que on Sept 14th 1949 and according to my Mom, Peggy Findlay whom I met for the first time in 1994, I was conceived in Danville,Quebec one night by Norman "Curly" Miller who was touring with Duke and his Swingbillies. From what I heard he was playing guitar and singing "Bouquet of Roses"and my mother said she never saw him again afterwards. Made some research but did not get very far all I know he died many years ago.He was from Pittsfield, N.H. I know my time is running out since I'm 62 yrs old but If anyone would know more about him I would be so grateful. Thank you so much.

(Joyce Martin, 5.10.2011): I would like to know where I can purchase the piano music to 'Farewell Party' - I have looked for it everywhere in both books and sheet music. I am 77 years old, play the piano for my past time. Any infomation would be appreciated. Thank you very much. Joyce Martin.

(Phillip Wells, USA, 21.9.2011): Great website! How about "I Wasted a Nickel Last Night" by Red Kirk? Thanks, Phil Wells, Bridgewater, NJ.

('Natalie', 19.9.2011): Will you please add me to the notices for new material being added? Thank you very much!.

(Dennis Cardwell, 17.9.2011): Please add me to the e-mail list. The radio shows you have seem EXCELLENT. Thanks, Dennis Cardwell.

(George Willock, USA, 14.9.2011): Jukka, about the truck driver singer Bud Brewer - Bud and his wife Shirley are friends of ours. Bud left the music business in either 1972 or 1973 due to their desire to raise their family and they didn’t think Bud’s being on the road was good for their marriage or family. Bud continues to sing in his church in Fort Myers, FL. I will be traveling to see them either in October or November of this year. Bud became an owner operator of a very successful heavy construction company where he specialized in building bridges. If you have specific questions let me know and I can either answer them or talk with Bud to get your answers. Bud’s music is great! He gave me a couple of his CDs so I could listen to him while I travel for business and his music keeps the miles rolling by quickly. George.

(Patricia Stone, USA, 28.8.2011): Jukka , it is with deep regret that I tell you of the death of B. Jeff Stone at St. Frances Hospital in Tyler, TX, on Friday, August 26, 2011, after havig had a surgical procedure involving is heart. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at Corley Funeral Home, 418 N. 13th Street, Corsicana, TX 75110.

(Jimmy Brådner, 14.8.2011): Hi. If you have a list for records for sale please send it - best regards jimmy.

(Stephen O'Shea, Australia, 11.7.2011): Hello Jukka, greetings from in australia , trust country music remains one of your interests , in recent years you constructed a dvd video slide show featuring artists Wilf Montan [ 'The Rocky Mountaineer' ], if you happen to have a c.d of this clip in your library would it be possible to purchase a copy . we hope this email reaches you , early reply greatly appreciated , Stephen .

(James Brigham, USA, 4.4.2011): I remember 'Duke & Swingbillies' in Burlington, Vt. I used to go to WCAX and watch them live. Jimmy Maynard lived on Colchester Avenue in Burlington and was going out with a girl from The Big Block in Winooski, Vt. He use to come to my house to play and sing for my Dad before he died in 1960. Duke use to let me ride with them to some local gigs. Long time ago.....

(Lonnie Lynn LaCour, 4.4.2011): Jukka, due to the side effects of lymphpma (even in remission) l have temporarily had to retire from performing after over 55 years. Hard to believe i m now 75, thank you, Lonnie Lynne LaCour.

(Patricia Stone, USA, 19.3.2011): B. Jeff Stone was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame last year where he will join many great performers such as Elvis Presley, Ray Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and on and on and on.

(Don Paden, USA, 12.3.2011): Hello Jukka, I wouldn't be surprised if you are aware of these "Warped" reissues of Frank Hutchison recordings, but just in case you aren't, here is the url. It's a very nice presentation of the second volume of this collection. I enjoyed reading your article on Frank Hutchison. I will search to see if I can find more of your articles... or perhaps you can direct me to other writings you have done on early country musicians.

(Chuck Payne, USA, 12.3.2011): I would bid $17.50 on the vinyl LP record "Vietnam-The Soldiers Story" by Bobby and Virginia Lee (JRM Music). Please inform me as to how the transaction will take place, what are the shipping charges, etc. I am interested in a song titled "From a cross to a star". I have a couple of friends whose father or brother are MIA and this is what this particular song is about. Yes, I was there from 68 to 71. Thank you very much, Charles Payne.

(Floyd Alexander Jr, USA, 7.3.2011): Greetings - my name is Floyd Alexander and I am interested in your list of records. I love early country music and was excited to find your great web site, Thanks Floyd.

(Keeter Stuart, USA, 23.2.2011): My name is Keeter Stuart. I’m a songwriter and performer and a member of the WMA. Stan Jones was my great-uncle. I’d very much like to get a copy of the Stan Jones concert for Chevron that you have. Is this in CD form? Also, is this something you are looking to sell? Please let me know. Thanks very much. I understand that you are a big fan of his songs and music. Well, so am I! I hope all is going well in your life. Keep the music alive….listen to me singing some of Stan’s songs.

(Earl Whisenhunt, USA, 5.2.2011): Have you ever heard of a song that Lawton Williams recorded, by the title of 'Morgan'? The official title is 'Ballad of Morgan' and not just 'Morgan'. It was part of the soundtract for a movie. I believe the movie was the same name "Morgan", although I could never find it. I do have a cassette that he gave me with "Morgan" on it. A rather unique song.
I knew Lawton Williams well enough to call him a friend. He gave me the cassette with Morgan on it. I believe it was a demo cassette. I told him I never heard the song, but that I liked it. That is when he said it was a soundtract song for a B grade movie. I tried in vain to find the movie, but to no avail. He tried to get me to invest in Wren Stewart's career. She is the daughter of the late Wynn Stewart. But, I had heard her sing and didn't share the feeling of her talent that he did. Let me know if you have a cassette player and I will try to borrow a second one and make you a copy of the whole cassette. Will probably lose a little of the quality in the transfer. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Earl Whisenhunt.

(Stewart Kantor, USA, 23.1.2011): I was shopping today in vintage store in Sunnyvale, California and found an album (33 1/3) 10”. This album had no cover. The label on the album says “Audiodiscs Recording blank”. Someone has written on the label: Chevron Concert #32 (SoTex). When you listen to the record, it mentions that the program is the story of the American West as interpreted by Stan Jones’ musical direction. Do you know anything about this recording? I can’t find anything on this anywhere. I will make an MP3 file of it and send it to you. I spend a lot of time collecting vinyl. I live in the Bay Area and we had Fantasy Records, Arhoolie. I live about a mile from The Record Man. This day I found a lot of western at this one store in Sunnyvale. Chevron has a large facility in Richmond and perhaps it came from someone there. We have amazing vinyl resources. We also have a store called “The Record Man” near my home in Redwood City that has every piece of vinyl imaginable sorted alphabetically by genre. If you are ever looking for anything rare, I would be happy to go there and purchase it for you.

(Bethany Avalos, USA, 7.12.2010): Hi, my name is Bethany Avalos I saw your web site about About Ezra and the Beverley Hillbillies .. I have some photos. If you would like me to send to you ... They are photos from My greatgrand mother old photo collection ... My greatgrand mother's name was Cleo Parker Robertson, she was the Daughter of Mary Florence Dossey. My great grand mother's 1st Cousin was Len Dossey, he was the son Of Sidney Dossey, Mary Florence 's (my 2nd greatgrand mother) Brother .. I have some of the Arizona Wrangles also.
Thank you, Bethany Ferguson Avalos.

(Les Adams, USA, 5.9.2010): Hi Jukka, Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed the Rex Allen film. Rex Allen was a good friend of mine. I moderated several film-festival panels he was on, and he was greatly involved with fund-raising on some projects I also worked on…e.g. the Western Heritage Museum at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. If you have never visited it, I have a hunch you will love Chuck Anderson’s The Old Corral website.

(Lewis B.Finch, USA, 4.9.2010): I like this Finnish singer you sent - Tapio Rautavaara. He has a Johnny Cash style and a Neil Diamond voice. I keep sending some George Kent songs for you. Although George never toured Europe his music did get noticed there. 'The Great Southstate Truckstop Disaster' was included on a German compilation album of Truck Songs and I have sold a number of CD's to people all over England.

(Hank Preston, USA, 31.8.2010): Hi Jukka, The first Jukebox Hit parade was very good. It is good to hear those old songs. My vote this time is for Ernie Lee's "Tennessee Border". It was a hard choice as I also liked Cal Smith's song too. Keep up the good work. Also enjoyed the artists articles you feature.
Your firend in the U.S.A. Paul "Hank" Preston.

(Lewis B.Finch, USA, 27.8.2010): I had the privilege of having George Kent as my friend for over 30 years. I played in his road band and and was with him when he died. In 2009 Me and the guys who played with George did a tribute to him and his music in Loveland Colorado where he lived. George was a friend and a mentor and I will miss him dearly. George recorded 68 songs in his life. I have got most of them.

(Thurman Price, USA, 25.8.2010): Hello Jukka, I live near Haymarket Virginia about 40 miles from Washington DC. I worked as a software developer, manager and then consultant before retiring in 2006. I have five children; three live near by, one lives in Indiana, and the 5th lives in Texas.
I have listened to hillybilly/old time country music since I can remember. In my teens I bought my first record player for $10. The first record I bought (and still have) was by George Morgan (Candy Kisses/Please Don’t Let Me Love You). I continued to collect 78s primarily of Hank Williams, Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb. Later on I collected albums, cassette tapes and now CDs. I have downloaded a lot of my music to my computer. I also make CDs mixing songs and artist and listing to them while working around the house or on long driving trips. How popular is traditional music in Finland? Looking forward to hearing from you. Thurman.

(Hank Preston, USA, 20.8.2010); I would like to mention that when I moved to Florida in 1982 to Tampa, Florida, Ernie Lee had a 6 A.M. live TV broadcast on TV station WFLA. Tampa, Fl. Sometimes he had other musicians with him on the show and other times he appeared along. He used to sign off the show by saying"If you are too busy to go fishing, you're just too busy!.
Ernie lived in St. Petersburg, Florida at the time and used to drive every morning to do his early morning show.
Please keep up the good work. Your friend in Florida, U.S.A. Paul "Hank" Preston.

(Billy Edd Wheeler, USA, 21.4.2010): Jukka, Of course I'll be glad to be an honorary member of your internet club. Look forward to hearing more about it.
Best, Billy Edd.

(Frank Frantik - 'Praguefrank', Praha, Czech Republic 12.4.2010): Hello Jukka, Thank you very much. Yes, I want to be member of the group. You can publish my name and/or contact in members list etc.
All the best, Frank Frantik.

(Hank Preston, USA - 27.12.2009): Hi Jukka: Thank you for the beautiful picture you sent. It reminded me of Vermont. I would like to get your country website. I somehow lost my connection when I transferred my files from my old computer to a newer one. Judie Lee contacted me and said she also needed your site which I will forward to her.
2009 turned out to be a very good music year for me. I am playing in a band called "The Florida Keys Band" and we had numberous bookings this past year. I play electric bass and dobro in this band.
Sometime in the future we plan to make a CD featuring original songs that the band leader, Billy Darnell and I have written on it.
Hope all is well with you and your family. Your friend in the U.S.A, Paul "Hank" Preston.