There's a new box set of some recordings that Bob Wills and the Playboys did in California in the '40's that got reviewed in the New York Times today...and www.bobwills.com got credited as the "courtesy" value for the picture of Bob Wills they used in the article.  I was contacted by them regarding the picture and knew the article was coming, but I must say it was a thrill to see the "courtesy". There's also a "click through" to www.bobwills.com in the article!

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/arts/music/01play.html?_r=1&ref=arts

 

I'm selling the box set of Tiffany Transcriptions on www.bobwills.com beginning next week.

 

Just thought you might find this interesting!

Dwight

March 3, 2009

I just discovered this page http://www.bobnolan-sop.net/Weeds'n'Water/Weeds.htm Wonderful! I didn't notice a group called the Prairie Rose Wranglers listed.  They have recently changed their name to Prairie Wranglers.  They are out of Wichita, Kansas.  I've attached their version.  Here is a website about their performances http://www.diamondwchuckwagon.com/

Gene Finke

March 6, 2009

March 8, 2009

I was "back in the saddle again" for one night with one song ("Ridin' Down The Canyon") when Ranger Doug called me up to sing with them at the Del Webb Center for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg last night. Great show and great fun! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

 Dick

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       Bear Family will release a 6 CD-Box Set with the Sons of the Pioneers material from 1933 to 1943 in September. It will be called "Way out there " and it will be accompanied by a 160 page book. Retail price will be around 125 Euros.

         No further details are given on the bear-family website yet. But as far as I know it will cover all tracks (Decca and Columbia releases) from that period. That box will fill the gab with the early recordings ... hopefully with the usual Bear Family quality in restoring the tracks.

Anne Greb (Germany)

 

 

 

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June 7, 2009

have been listening to WHEN WE MEET AT THE RAINBOW'S END on the website.  it is beautiful.  not often i hear one i like so much.   can you send me the lyrics to it?   would that be proper?    what a marvelous song to greet  a visitor to the site.

Buddy Bryant

 

        The lyrics are on the site, Buddy. Have you not found our "karaoke" pages where you can sing along? I'll tell you how to get there: Click on "Lyrics" at the top of our home page and then select "At the Rainbow's End". At the end of the lyrics to the song you'll find two more renditions, one by later Pioneers and one by Rex Allen.
        Yes, you can copy the lyrics. They're all on the site for you to use freely for your own personal enjoyment. If you decide, however,  to make a book or a CD to sell, then you have to contact SGA and get permission. But for your own enjoyment, they're free!

 

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June 8, 2009

I see Bob referred to as "Poet Laureate" I'm tempted to say, "Poet Lariat" for he has certainly roped in millions of admirers and fans, myself included...............

Happy trails

James Molloy

 

Bob's "title" was given him by the editor in a special issue of Pioneer News, the "Special Bob Nolan Issue", Spring 1980. The 42-page issue of Pioneer News (No. 10-13, Vol 2 No 5 & 6; Vol 3 No. 1 & 2) was an extra large issue featuring Bob, the first of a planned series to honour each of the Sons of the Pioneers. Unfortunately, Bob died before it was published so the editor expanded the issue to include Bob's obituary, etc. "Poet Laureate of the West" caught the imagination and approval of Bob's fans and the name stuck.

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June 16, 2009

Thanks to Larry Hopper, here's the latest information on the new Bear Family Sons of the Pioneers boxed set of 6-CDs, "Way Out There",  plus the  160-page hardback book by Douglas B. "Ranger Doug" Green.

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June 19, 2009

I am so grateful for this website . . . Keep it going!  Bob Nolan's legacy of music rightfully belongs to us all - Canadian, American, and just plain human.  His voice, his spirit and music bless us even today, thanks to you.  God bless you both, Calin and Elizabeth

Dutch Maris

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June 19, 2009

I just read some liner notes indicating that Nolan had written Cool Water while he was in high school.  I thought I remembered that he had written TT-Weeds (as the Falling Leaves) while in high school. Before re-reading everything I have on this, I thought I'd just ask you.

Dave

 

Bob wrote "Cool Water" in Grade 10 in Tucson High as a poem and it remained a poem until he needed another song when they were on radio. He added music then. That was the way with a lot of Bob's great songs. They began as poems and when he needed another song, for example - one of the Starrett films, he added music.

"Tumbling Tumbleweeds" was written while he was still a golf caddy, before the Pioneer Trio was ever formed. As a poem. He added music when they needed another song for radio.

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July 11 , 2009

Did the Sons of the Pioneers record "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" sometime in the late '50s or early '60s? I'd seen references to a recording they made, but never heard it until today when I found it here (http://www.archive.org/details/RoyRogers-01-10) on archive.org, incorrectly attributed to Roy Rogers. Was this the only time they recorded the song?

 

The Pioneers recorded Ragtime Cowboy Joe in November of 1960 for RCA. That seems to be the only commercial recording they made of the song but they could have made a radio transcription or performed it on the radio. And, yes, you are correct. Roy Rogers did not join them in this session.

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August1 , 2009

You have a picture near the bottom of a band playing in 1948 that says it's possibly the Cow Palace in San Francisco. It's actually the San Jose Civic Auditorium. The building is still there and looks very much the same.
Sean Michael Lisle

 

We'll fix that immediately. We're slowly, slowly identifying more of the backgrounds to some of the Sons of the Pioneers pictures we have - thanks to our readers. It was good of you to take the time to write.

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August1 , 2009

I  think it's not possible to improve perfection. After another 2 hours perusing the various members' biographies, and much of the variety of information, I continue to be amazed, grateful, and firmly convinced that this is the greatest website in cyberspace. Thanks so much, Elizabeth and Calin, for this legacy.
Ron Boothe, Kingston, Idaho

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August2 , 2009

Oh, that glorious "Coyote Serenade" and "Far Enchanted Isle"! Note, of course, that the latter was done by our favorite trio. I will concede, though, that the song is so good that it also sounds good in the South Seas album. By the way, where did you get those tracks of Bob doing his other Hawaiian tunes?
Bob

 

We've collected Sons of the Pioneers songs from literally the whole world! Readers from every hemisphere have been helpful.

 

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August 10 , 2009

Over 40 years ago I had a 78 record by Bob Nolan. On one side was him singing a song called LOBO. I don't remember what was on the other side.I have searched over the years for a copy of him singing this song, but have never been able to find it. Are you familiar with this song?
Thank you for your time.
Penny Fletcher

The song you are looking for is Bob Nolan's "Outlaws" and you can find it on our Lyrics page with the rest of Bob's songs. Here's a shortcut for you: http://bobnolan-sop.net/Lyrics/Docs/Outlaws.htm

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August 10 , 2009

I left a comment a week ago mentioning that I'd found one of the Son of the Pioneers' very early film appearances, the short film "Way Up Thar," on YouTube. I just wasn't sure if it reached you. If it didn't, here are the links to the two parts:

Part 1

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOlOWLLBTa0

The Pioneers only sing once, but their instrumentals are heard through most of the film and they're in quite a few scenes. Bob has a spoken line about halfway through Part 1.

Also, I've been listening to Glenn Spencer's "With Someone Like You" - what a beautiful song that is! Does any other recording of it exist besides the performance in "Bullets For Rustlers"?

 

    Thank you very much for those youtube links and, no, I'm afraid your previous message didn't come through. I'm so relieved that you tried again. That is the first time we have viewed "Way Up Thar" and now we can confirm the presence of Bob Nolan's "Barnyard Jubilee" in the short.

    On the other subject, the Sons of the Pioneers recorded "With Someone Like You" for the Thesaurus radio transcriptions. Lloyd Perryman, instead of Bob Nolan, sings the verse.

 

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August 10 , 2009

Over 40 years ago I had a 78 record by Bob Nolan. On one side was him singing a song called LOBO. I don't remember what was on the other side. I have searched over the years for a copy of him singing this song, but have never been able to find it. Are you familiar with this song? Thank you for your time.
Penny Fletcher

 

The song you are looking for is Bob Nolan's "Outlaws" and you can find it on our Lyrics page with the rest of Bob's songs.

 

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August 11 , 2009

 

 

 

        I thoroughly enjoyed your Web site, especially the information and photos about my old friend Shug Fisher (although I only knew him as a boy).  My father was the producer-director of Ozark Jubilee, and they used to go fishing together near Springfield, Missouri.  I once went along on a "float trip."

         I'm writing to ask about the source of two photos of Shug on your site -- one with the "Applauz" guitar and the nice color shot from The Sacketts. I see the first one is from the Karl E. Farr collection. Do know who holds the rights to them?

         I have two black and white glossy photos I could scan for you (one is autographed to my Dad), but you have a good selection now.  I'm glad to see Shug so remembered -- he was a great guy.

         Incidentally, my parents were Canadian.

Thanks,

John Bisney

Bethesda, MD

 

Good morning, John. Great to hear from any friend of Shug Fisher - especially Canadians! The "Applauz" photo is from Karl Farr's son's collection which he donated to the Southern Folklife Collection. He told me to give any of the original scans freely to anyone who wants one, so I'll attach it now for you. The colored image must have come from the Sackett film. I should have credited it when I created the page because now I'm not sure where it came from. We would be delighted to use your scans (credited to you, of course) and as many thoughts or stories about Shug as you can remember or would like the world to know. Thank you very much for your offer.

 

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September 04, 2009

 

 

I've just read the new entry on the "message page" regarding Shug Fisher. Do you know that there is a CD available from the British Archive of Country Music featuring Shug Fisher and his Ranchmen? The songs of  this CD were recorded as transcriptions for Capitol Records at the same time when Shug was a member of the SOP between 1949 and 1952. http://bacm.users.btopenworld.com/CD-details1.html

ANNE

 

 

 

 

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September 08, 2009

I thought Bob's voice really comes through on the recording of "Chant of the Wanderer".....I was wondering why you do not list it [on Bob Sings] as one of his solo's?

Kendall Rankin

Good idea, Kendall. Thank you.

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September 10, 2009

Just curious - I watched "Utah" recently and noticed that the song "Lonesome Cowboy Blues" by Tim Spencer is entirely different from the one you have listed on his page by that title. It does begin with the words "lonesome cowboy" but it's a completely different melody and different words. Wonder what the one on the page is?

 

Good question. I have the cue sheets from "Utah" and it's definitely called "Lonesome Cowboy Blues" in that movie.

I notice that Ken Carson sings a song by the same title on the Thesaurus recording. My BMI records also show that Ken wrote a song called "Lonely Cowboy Reverie". Perhaps this is the rightful title to the Thesaurus song.

I changed the link on Tim's page to the "Lonesome Cowboy Blues" he definitely wrote. Thanks for pointing this out to us!

 

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September 11, 2009

        Drop, or shorten the automatic music played on the cover page as, on my laptop it plays simultaneously with other songs I try to listen to.
        I've now developed that acquired taste, of the simple beauty here. I find myself returning, again and again  to your site, sometimes spending hours, listening (trancelike) to the flavors of the West, unique to your site. I leave refreshed . Having enjoyed  unfulfilled portions of my life. I know it required hours of work for you to create this, and I truly appreciate it.
        My favorite song is Water, sung by the duet of Joni Mitchell and Willie Nelson.
In this , I picture myself  a trailhand , being advised, by them in song of what lies ahead, as we journey through the West on horseback .
Thank you  so much.
Doug Wofford

 

Thank you, Doug. We always appreciate tips on how to improve our site. Check the Home Page now and see what you think. You are quite right, it did take a long time to create this site - almost a full year, in fact, and we are still adding to it. There are sections for listeners like yourself and reference sections for writers. We hope you continue to be entertained by it!

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September 11, 2009

Dear Elizabeth ....and Calin Coburn,

Elizabeth I have communicated with from time to time over the past several years since this site was started, but I have not had the pleasure of addressing Mr. Coburn also.

I’m writing both of you because I am just “blown away” by this wonderful web site in the memory of Bob Nolan and the Sons. I remember when the site was minimal with information and NOW it has so...so much.

I reflected on the first time I bought Ken Griffis'  book on the group and thought this was a real treasure.

Still is- along with my revised editions I bought later. At the time, as far as I know there was no real tribute in print about the band and so this was the beginning of a gold mine in print about Bob, Roy and the band. I treasure these books to this day.

I was sorry to read a few months back about the passing of Mr. Griffis. I never met or communicated with the man. I wish I had. If he started something with his book, your web site seems to be the closing page as far as history goes, and hopefully an opening one for anyone who is just getting into the group, like I did back around 1971.

To retrace or possibly refresh Elizabeth’s memory, I lived in Millburn, New Jersey and attended the high school there. One afternoon in the spring of 71-either just before or after I graduated from there, I attended a flea market held in the back by the football field. Flea markets were interesting, but I didn’t see any great value to it at the time, being young and nuts about rock music and other music. I still am.

I passed this one spot where there were some 78rpm records being sold for 25 cents each. If there was anything good in there, I wanted it, as I was starting a large and eclectic collection of records. The only two sets of records that looked interesting were ones by Claude Debussy and another by the Sons of the Pioneers. I didn’t have a clue as to who Debussy was and I think I related the Sons with Roy Rogers, but frankly I don’t remember that connection because the only thing I remembered Roy for at the time was his TV show, which as far as I know never had the Sons on it, which was unfortunate.

I bought the records home and played them on my dad’s stereo, which he had attached on the wall in the main party room of the basement. He was always yelling at me to “turn the damn thing down!”. My dad was most likely playing golf, so I turned the record up loud.

I can’t remember what I played first, but both musics just transfixed me. I only had one connection with Debussy and that was music of his that was used in a very early cartoon show that I used to watch (around 5 or 6 AM) on Saturday and Sundays called “Farmer Gray”.

These were silent cartoons with only classical music over the action. There wasn’t much on then. This was east coast broadcasting.

I had NO connections with the Sons of the Pioneers at that time- none whatsoever. I don’t think I even recognized Pat Brady on the cover of the set. The first thing to hit me and will forever be foremost in hearing them was the harmonies and that strange baritone nasal voice in the front. It was one thing to hear these great songs, but the clincher was “The Timber Trail”. I swear I could smell the pines when those guys sang together. Eventually soon after I bought a 2-lp (33 1/3) set with the same picture of the band (I think from 47) with Bob on top of the group. Any record that I had back then that I loved to death would be immediately recorded on 8 track and eventually cassette so I wouldn’t wear out the grooves.

I’m not downplaying any of Bob’s brilliance for composing, but those voices are what did it for me. I’ve always been a sucker for harmonies and have listened to hours of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, The Boswell’s, The Andrew sisters, the Mills brothers, the Association and 3 guys originally from Cape Cod called the Rowan Brothers. Of all or any groups that I’ve mentioned here as the best of vocalists, I still feel that the Sons of the Pioneers were the best vocalists of lead and harmonies over anyone else. This for me is especially true with the group from the years 1938-1949, which I’ve always felt were the peak years for the band.

As for Bob’s writing, there are VERY few people who can create the amazing imagery that his writing’s effect had on me. The marriage between that imagery and those voices are nothing short of perfect.

I don’t want to draw this out too much. But your website is incredible. You really fill just about all the holes that Ken’s book didn’t have. I treasure and have downloaded so many lyrics from you guys. And all the pictures!!!

As I told Elizabeth, I’ve done a radio show in San Francisco now for 26 years called “The Time Warp”. I started the show with a guy named “New York” Vinnie Richichi, who’s accent is unmistakable. He was the original producer of the show and I was second in command and an alternate host. Vinnie left the show after 5 years and has since become an unmistakable big shot mostly in sports radio in the Seattle area. We had 2 other producers on the show since before I took it over roughly 3 years ago. I couldn’t or didn’t want to be the producer all those years due to my being a full time musician. Our last producer died 3 years ago and I took the reigns of that spot by default. We’ve always had alternating hosts to cover for us who couldn’t do it even on a weekly basis due to music gigs or other conflicts.

“The Time Warp” is eclectic. We play rock, blues, jazz, R&B, and a little country. That country music is somewhat pigeon holed to what we (all the jocks) feel is the best. Like Bob Wills, Marty Robbins, Michael Nesmith, Gene Clark and on top of all that, the Sons of the Pioneers.

We don’t have and have never had a large audience due to the variety of music we play and the time of the show- Friday night-Sat morning- midnight to 3AM. But, we’re lucky to have had the same station and the same slot all these years. I used to record almost every show that I hosted. Now anyone can download any show from this one guy who does it just as a hobby for the station. Digital technology never ceases to overwhelm me.

Besides acknowledging you both and the web site, I have to tell you there is one really GREAT band called “The Lost Weekend” (the name comes from the Ray Milland movie where he’s an alcoholic). These guys are like the new Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys ONLY with added (3) horns. They do some Wills, some originals and a few of the Sons and Bob’s songs. The guy who runs the band is a long time friend of mine named Don Burnham. I remember one time singing the lead to “Way Out There” playing a 5 string banjo (influenced by Pete Seeger) and doing a 3 part yodel harmony with Don and a guy named Chuck who used to run one of the cable cars in San Francisco. Doing those 3 parts just sent shivers all through me. All I will know is that Bob Nolan and Tim and Roy were amazing.

I also want to ad that both my wife and I had the fortune of seeing the Sons about a year before Dale Warren passed away. This was in Branson. At the time, I had NO idea that Dale had been with the group for 53 years, which was exactly how old I was at the time.

I normally only wish to meet or speak to people- anyone, celebrities or whoever that I feel I can say something that might have meaning to them. In meeting Dale, I just shook his hand and thanked him profusely in keeping that band and music together for so many years.

To me, meeting this guy was meeting royalty. I felt that it was my only concern and duty to help on my end by playing the Sons every once in a while on my show, as I perform a few songs live with my wife and others on guitar and sometimes banjo.

Just a closing note of thanks to you both. I wish there were other ways to spread the harmonies out just a little bit more.

Sincerely, JD Smith
Pacifica, CA.

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September 13, 2009

Enjoyed the new stuff this month.  love the website.  love bob nolan.  thanks for having it out there.    

buddy bryant
 

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September 28, 2009

I liked the radio version of Gunsmoke starring William Conrad about as much as the TV version. The theme was played by guitar solo instead of an orchestra. Do you know who the guitarist was? Was it Grady Martin?

Herman King

 

I'm afraid we don't know, Herman. Perhaps one of our readers will.

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September 29, 2009

That riddle is about Roy Rogers. You are right about a silver calfee being a bicycle!
Lois Spencer

 

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September 29, 2009

This is a wonderful web page... I love it! May I ask who is singing the song on the Douglas B. Green page of "RECOLLECTIONS"? Something like " ... Lie Still Little Doggy..."
Dennis W. Enloe

 

Douglas B. "Ranger Doug" Green is singing "Night Riding Song". He wrote the words and music, too.

 

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October 01, 2009

    I ran across something you might be interested in for your Weeds & Water collection. It's a home recording of Elvis Presley, of all people, singing "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." It's actually interesting, because he and the other singers he's harmonizing with repeat it several times and experiment with different dynamics and effects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCqnt94xuzw

    According to the video description, he used to sing "Cool Water" too (you can hear someone mention it near the end of this recording), but there's no known recording of that.

Elisabeth

 

Great addition, Elisabeth. Thank you!

 

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October 01, 2009

This website is the greatest!!!! I have always loved Bob Nolan music but had only heard a few songs over the years. This website has opened the door to a wonderful world that is surely a gift to all who listen. Thank you for sharing this music with the world.

Lynn Freer

 

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October 02, 2009
Do you have a truly clean, uncut copy of "Heart of the Golden West"? Neither Jimmie. OJ nor I have ever been able to find one in good condition. It has wonderful music like "The River Robin" and "Cowboys and Indians" and it is the one film that has both Gabby and Smiley in it! So the comedy is tops. If you don't have a relatively pristine copy, do you know someone who does? Thanks.
Bob

 

I'm afraid we don't, Bob. There are so many of those early Republic films that were cut. We're still looking. Someone somewhere will have a print and hopefully will make it into a DVD now that there is so much digital software readily available.

 

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October 02, 2009

    On the subject of uncut films...I read one bit of information about these that fascinated me. Apparently some of the Roy Rogers pictures were released in Australia and the UK with running times even longer than the American theatrical versions. "Heart of the Golden West" was one of them; the uncut version was 65 minutes but the Australian version was supposedly 68 minutes long, with one extra song. Perhaps this is why there are songs listed for some of the supposedly uncut films that do not appear in them.
    I got this information from the Google preview of this book by Australian author John Howard Reid. His listing of song titles and authors confounds me, but the info on film prints is very interesting. It's also interesting that in this author's other books (also previewable on Google) he reviewed several of the missing Starretts including Law of the Plains, The Colorado Trail, Texas Stampede, Two-Fisted Rangers and West of Abilene - maybe prints of them exist somewhere in Australia?

Very interesting. Thank you, Elisabeth. Now, if only an Australian fan would contact us.... Which of Reid's books reviews several of the missing Starretts?

 

The other Reid books that I looked at are "Great Hollywood Westerns", "Westerns For A Rainy Saturday" and "Movie Westerns". The reviews are generally brief; some of them appear in more than one of the books.

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October 02, 2009

        The Starretts bug the heck out of me. Columbia has all of them but haven't touched them in 50 years. They licensed some to the Starz Western channel but except for 1 or 2 they were all post the Pioneers even though the ones with the Pioneers are considered the best.
        As to the longer length of Roy’s films. I’m doubtful of that. Apparently a longer version of King of the Cowboys does exist and was sent to the Armed Services during WW II. But the longer Australian versions seem questionable.

Larry

 

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Oct 18, 2009

I use to click on Lyrics and hear the songs I grew up with now I get nothing but the lyrcs. My computer is not equipped with ip3 so now I get nothing. My many hours of enjoying the Pioneers has been taken away so I guess I'll just say good by to Bob Nolan and the Pioneers.
Herman Stancill

 

Hello, Herman. Thanks for writing. I'm in Peru for a month but I'll fix the problem when I get home in November. I'm so sorry the links to the Lyrics page have gone caput while I've been away. I sympathize with you fully. Worse yet, I can't even access the site from here at all!
Elizabeth

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Oct 20, 2009

Where could I get the lyrics from a gospel song by Tim Spencer called Read the Bible? Also I would like to get the lyrics to a song the Pioneers sang in the movie Rio Grande called Aha San Antoine. Any help would be appreciated.

Wes Hansel
 

Hello, Wes. Good to hear from you. Here are the words to "Read the Bible":

1. Cho:
Read the Bible when you're weary and blue
Read the Bible, brother, every word is true
Take your troubles to the book of life and pray
Read the Bible every day.

Joshua and David had their worries
Had their troubles in their day
But they knew that they could overcome them
When they heard somebody say":

Should old Sin begin to overtake you
And old Satan's at your door
Read the book for there you'll find the answer
And Sin will trouble you no more.

Let the Rock of Ages be your altar
Read a chapter every day
Raise your eyes toward the sky above you
Kneel right down and start to pray.

2. "Aha, San Antone" was written by Dale Evans.

I want some black-eyed peas
I was some mustard greens
I want some cornpone on the side.
I want my chicken fried with a golden hide.
Aha, San Antone!

When I was a kid I had a locket
And inside was a picture o' Davy Crockett
I know a gal named Ann that lives in TexArkan
Wbo loves a boy in Arkansas
But when they take a ride on the Texas side
Aha, San Antone!

These are the words from "Rio Grande" but Dale may have written more verses. If I can be of further help, please let me know.
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October 31, 2009
Your bio of Lloyd Perryman does not mention his appearance in Gunsmoke in 1974 in the episode The Fourth Victim in which he played Henry Meeker, the town telegrapher and one of the victims. He did a good job of it too.'
Slatsfan

 

Thanks for that, Pat!

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November 01, 2009

The "videos" section is a real treat... One of the best examples of the Sons of the Pioneers' musical skills was their rendition of Bob Nolan's "Song of the Rover" - I don't know which film they sang it in, but it must have been during WW 2, since Ken Carson is part of the group. Can you put that clip up on the videos section? It would be a terrific addition, and I bet it would soon become a favorite! - Rich Flanders
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November 10, 2009

Just a wonderful site. Thanks.

James Hill

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November 12, 2009

Listening to the song High Sierras, I've noticed that it is recorded from acetates that contain not before released songs. Also is mentioned that there is a cassette containing more of these recordings. As a long time fan of the music of Bob Nolan want to ask if this cassette can be obtained somewhere, would be a great addition to my collection.
Ad Slaats
 

After some consideration, Music of the West has decided not to release a CD of these old demos because the sound is so poor. If good quality recordings should ever surface, Calin will certainly take steps to see that a CD is made available to the public. The Country Music Foundation requested (and received) a copy of the old cassette with the intention of cleaning it and releasing the tracks with the early recordings of other artists. We don't know when this series will be released.

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November 17, 2009

Bob Nolan had a trio the included Rose Lee Maphis and they made a recording of the Tumbleweed song.  Can you tell me what label it is with?

 

 Bob sang Tumbling Tumbleweeds as a solo for RCA without the Sons of the Pioneers on July 3, 1953 with Rose Lee Maphis and Marilyn Tuttle (Marilyn couldn't remember the third person) singing backup. Master number is E3-VB 0140, Release number is EPA 589.

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November 18, 2009
This is a superb, absolutely stunning website. MANY THANKS!!

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November 18, 2009

Greetings....I am writing to see if either one of you can clarify for me the reason why there are two sets of lyrics for Bob Nolan's song Pali Wind? The lyrics on the www.bobnolan-sop.net website are much different than the lyrics as they are being sung by the trio on the Sons of the Pioneers Visit the South Seas album released by RCA Victor in 1969. Is there another recording of the song that contains the lyrics as they are presented on Nolan's website?

Appreciate your help, and your time!
Patty Clayton~Performing Songwriter

 

Yes, in a way there were two recordings with slightly different words although only one is a commercial recording. The Sons of the Pioneers recorded the selection you mentioned on "Sons of the Pioneers Visit the South Seas".  The second unfamiliar recording is a demo Bob made in the early 1950s after his trip to Hawaii. The melody is the same. We don't know who backed him with the steel guitar. This one was never recorded commercially. Both sets of lyrics are copyright, this one as "Wild Pali Wind" and the other as "Pali Wind". You'll notice that both sets of the lyrics are on the Bob Nolan website and a copy of both recordings. It's a great song. Thanks for asking.

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November 19, 2009

I left a message last month but I have a feeling something must have happened to it....I wondered if you have any other Tim and/or Glenn Spencer sheet music. I was fortunate enough to acquire both volumes of "Bob Nolan's Cowboy Classics" and both of "Tim Spencer's Sagebrush Symphonies" recently, but after purchase I found that there were some pages missing from the Spencer books. I'm trying to find the second page of "Roll On With the Texas Express" and the second page of "Home Again In Ol' Wyoming." Is there any way you can help me with this?

 

Yes, I'm sorry I couldn't answer your message but I was in Peru for a month. Unfortunately, I couldn't even access our website! Please send me your email address and I'll scan and send you the pages you need.

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November 21, 2009

I saw that somebody asked about the lyrics of "Aha, San Antone" - there are more verses. Here's a recording of Roy and Dale singing it on the radio in 1949. Also some other radio programs featuring Pioneers:

 

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November 30, 2009

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December 02, 2009

Thank you so much for this wonderful and entertaining site.  I loved Bob Nolan and the SOP long before I could walk.  Born in '45 I grew up with the music in around me in Arkansas and Virginia.  I remembered Bob from TV and motion pictures and found him striking and charismatic and even though he was largely a bit player, you noticed him.   It was years later on before I understood he was not only one of the SOP but that he was the poet behind their music.  How proud you must be.  Again, thank you so much for such a wonderful site that is not only devoted to Bob, but to the Americana that all he touched represents.  God Bless.

Wayne Marshall

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December 04, 2009

Sirs,
I just found your web site.  I can see that I'll be spending the rest of the day here.  My name is Marvin O'Dell.  I host an internet radio program on Heartland Public Radio called "Around the Campfire".  O.J. Sikes is a good friend of mine.  I wrote a song called "Where Would We Be Without the Sons of the Pioneers" that was recorded by a group called Journey West for a special 2-CD project I produced last year as a tribute to the Silver Screen Cowboys.  The CD just won the President's Award at the WMA Showcase and Awards Show and one of the songs from the CD was given the Song of the Year award.  I would like to send you a copy if you could e-mail me an address.  My e-mail is Musikode@aol.com.  Thank you for the great site - this is somewhere I'll visit often.

Marvin O'Dell
www.musikode.com

        Good to hear from you, Marvin. Yes, I've heard OJ play your song and I'm familiar with your name, of course.  I've sent your email on to Calin (Bob Nolan's grandson) and he will get back to you if he wishes a copy of your CD. I know I would like one. Please!
        We would like your permission to advertise your CD on our Discography page for Current Artists. What we would like to add to this page would be your blurb about it, the track list and an image of the cover, if you have one. If not, I can do that when I get your CD. We like to advertise current artists who are obviously trying to preserve the Sons of the Pioneers - as your song does.

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December 11, 2009

I have been looking for a song sung by Bob Nolan or Pat Brady called, "Nelly Belle." I once owned the 45. I am now looking for the lyrics. My e-mail adress is kennyreynolds007@yahoo.com I want the old traditional cowboy songs to continue.

K.T. Reynolds

 

You must be thinking of a song by Tim Spencer which the Pioneers recorded a couple of times - "Graveyard Filler of the West". In the 1955 recording, Pat Brady's version starts off with, "Nelly Belle! Nelly Belle. Let me tell you why I'm driving Nelly Belle." The song is actually about a horse but Pat Brady changed the words a bit to fit in with both Roy's jeep (the one he used in the TV series) and his own jeep, Nelly Belle.

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December 12, 2009

I remember a song title, "I Hear America Singing". Whoever named that song must have been inspired by The Sons of the Pioneers. Many thanks for your good work here.
Jim Reece

 

I'm not familiar with the song but I'll see if I can find it, Jim. Many thanks for your good words.

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December 21, 2009

I ran across a couple more radio shows - both from 1949, the Carnation Milk Melody Hour.

Download links:
49-01-03 -  a really nice rendition of 'Tumbling Tumbleweeds' and 'Blue Shadows On the Trail' (with Buddy Clark)
49-02-28 - 'Cowboy Camp Meeting' and 'Pecos Bill' (with Buddy Clark)
Merry Christmas!

 

And Merry Christmas to you, Elisabeth. Thanks for all your help throughout the year!