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ELIZABETH DRAKE McDONALD COLLECTION (Inventory #20355)

Manuscripts Department,

Library of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Contact:

Steve Weiss (Director, Southern Folklife Collection)

CB#3926, Wilson Library
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-8890
Phone (919)962-1345
Fax (919)962-3594

Email: smweiss@email.unc.edu

1. Biography of Bob Nolan, 2000. 1 item.

"Bob Nolan: A Biographical Guide and Annotations to the Lyric Archive" is a self-published book by Paul Lawrence Hopper. Hopper provided annotations to the volume of Bob Nolan's lyrics collected by Elizabeth Drake McDonald (see series 2), and the biography grew from that project. Hopper's book charts Bob Nolan's life and is illustrated with photographs from Nolan's grandson, Calin Coburn. It also includes complete lists of Nolan's songs that are recorded on transcription discs; recording session dates for Nolan; and a filmography for his group, the Sons of the Pioneers.

2. Song Lyrics of Bob Nolan, 1934-2000. (50 items) "Bob Nolan, Volume Two: The Last Song Poems," is a volume of lyrics and sheet music from the collection of Nolan's daughter, Roberta Nolan Mileusnich. There is also a cassette tape of Nolan's recordings belonging to Mileusnich that accompanies this volume. Only three of these recordings have been commercially released. Also included are copies of lyric sheets, lead sheets, and sheet music by Nolan given to Elizabeth Drake McDonald by Brigham Young University.

    a) FS-5548: "Old demos and 78s" from Bob Nolan's daughter, Roberta Nolan Mileusnich

        i) "Bob Nolan, Volume Two: The Last Song Poems"

        ii) Bob Nolan lyric sheets, lead sheets, sheet music

3. Photographs and Related Materials, 1927-2000. (277 items. Arrangement is chronological.) Prints of 274 high-resolution scans on photographic paper of manuscripts, letters, and photographs from Nolan's grandson, Calin Coburn. The photos range from family snapshots to movie stills and publicity photos of the Sons of the Pioneers. Coburn inherited the family album from his mother, Roberta Nolan Mileusnich, the daughter of Nolan and his first wife Pearl. An index by Elizabeth Drake McDonald provides annotations to Coburn's photographs. Also included is a small collection of color copy photographs from Dick Goodman, a close friend of Bob Nolan, of visits to Robert Wagoner in 1978 and of a fishing trip in 1979.

    a) CD-1190: BMP and JPEG versions of Calin Coburn's photographs

        i) Prints of scans, 1-274

        ii) Bob Nolan photographs (copies) from Dick Goodman

4. Supporting documents:

    a) Transcription from 1901 Census, King’s County, New Brunswick, Canada

    b) Family tree courtesy of Jean Nolan Krygelski.

    c) Photocopy of Harry B. Nolan’s Army discharge paper courtesy of Jean Krygelski..

    d) Photocopy of birth affidavit of Harry B. Nolan by his sister, Fannie Florence McCoy

    e) Certified photocopy of birth certificate of Clarence Robert Nobles.

    f) Copy letter from the Tucson Unified School Dist. - Clarence Nolan’s school history.

    g) Scanned photographs of Flora and Harry  courtesy of Jean Krygelski

    h) pp. 100-101, The Tucsonian, 1927.

    i) pp. 34 and 67, The Tucsonian, 1928.


5. "The Karl E. Farr Collection" containing 70 photos, 70 JPG images on CD-R, descriptive booklet with annotations by McDonald. These photos of the Sons of the Pioneers and Karl's family were handed down from Karl Farr to his son, Karl E. Farr. Arrangement is chronological.

6. "Wandering – The Songs & Poems of Bob Nolan" read by Wayne Austin including the lyrics with annotations by McDonald. Calin found copies of Bob's poems without music and Wayne Austin read these poems, recording them to CD.

7. "Tumbling Tumbleweeds", a 2-page photocopy of the Sunset Music 1934 sheet music, courtesy of Laurence Zwisohn. This first publication of the song contains Bob's original verse or lead-in.

8. "Tumbling Tumbleweeds", a 2-page article by Laurence Zwisohn, October 2002, describing the history of the song, including the court case (Nolan vs. Williamson) and Zwisohn's help in returning the copyright to Nolan's widow, Clara.

9. "The Calin Coburn Collection Vol. 1 & 2"©2004 , scans of photos, letters, lyrics, sheet music, and memorabilia with updated descriptive booklet by McDonald. Arrangement is chronological. This is the updated compilation of the original photos in the collection plus many found at a later date.

10. a) Volume 1: "Bob Nolan 1908-1980: The Music" ©2004 by Calin Coburn and Elizabeth Drake McDonald 2004 contains scans of all the sheet music, lead sheets and lyric sheets from the Calin Coburn Collection and other sources, plus annotations by McDonald. MP3 samples of each song are included on CD. Arrangement is chronological. (See below.)

       b) Volume 2: "Bob Nolan 1908-1980: Vol. 2 The Appendix" ©2004 by Calin Coburn and Elizabeth Drake McDonald 2004 contains mp3 files on CD of all the songs Bob Nolan wrote plus:

               i) Lists of the movies in which Nolan appeared, noting the appearance of his songs.

              ii) Lists of the radio transcriptions, listing Nolan's songs.

             iii) Lists of the commercial recordings and the Nolan songs on them.

              iv) Essay on the influence of earlier poets on Nolan's music by McDonald.

               v) Notes on "Remember Me", a favorite song of the composer himself.

              vi) Typescripts of court cases (Farr vs Farr, 1959, and Nolan vs Wiliamson Music, 1969)

             vii) Essay, "Bob Nolan, The Myth and the Man", a short biography by McDonald.

            viii) Typescripts of Bob's quotations plus the MP3 recordings on CD.

              ix) Comments and memories from Nolan's friends and acquaintances.

               x) Typescripts of formal interviews by Larimer / Rector (1976), Wakely (1976), Green (1979), Boyd (1998), Goodwin (1999), Goodman (2004).

              xi) Extensive bibliography and related reading

             xii) Illustrated essay on "Wagonmasters & Reinsmen" by Dick Goodman.

            xiii) Illustrated acknowledgements section with contact information.

11. "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs Vol. 1 & 2" plus demo CDs. All vocals and all instrumentation are by Dave Bourne of Agoura, CA. Includes copies of the lyrics with annotations by McDonald.

12. Large photo of Bob, Cindy Walker, Max Terhune and William Boyd courtesy of Gene Davenport

13. 2-CDs and one audio cassette of Ken Curtis songs, many previously unrecorded, courtesy of Robert Wagoner.

 

The songs on CD in the Elizabeth Drake McDonald Collection

(track information from "Hear My Song" by Ken Griffis, 1994)

 

CD - 1

1) All the Way

Recorded: September 9, 1955.

Pioneers: Nolan, Perryman, Curtis, Farr Brothers, Brady

Instrumentation: D. Rice, leader; J. Sperling, drums; R. Bundock, bass; A. Hendrickson, B. Gibbons, guitar; B. Armstrong, piano; J. Maphis, banjo; J. Hilliard, harmonica.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers" BFX 15071, 1982

 

2) Always Rollin’ Home

Recorded: Soundtrack of "Outpost of the Mounties" 1939 09 14 – Columbia / Starrett

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman, K. Farr, guitar, H. Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Comment: In the film, Nolan used I’m a rollin’ stone, always rollin’ home as it was typed on the lyric card. On the card, stone was crossed out and home replaced it.

 

3) Annie, Dear, I’m Called Away (also known as Called Away)

Recorded: August, 1934 / Standard Radio Transcription – B 1679-A; Side A

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer and Hugh Farr. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Nolan, string bass; Slye, guitar; Hugh Farr, violin.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

Comment: The words to this song have been in print since 1885 but Bob appears to have added the melody.

 

4) Apple Squeezin’ Time

Recorded: April, 2002

Recording Artist: recitation by Wayne Austin Shrope

 

5) April

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

6) At the Rainbow’s End

Recorded: 1937 12 16 ARC

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Columbia Historic Edition" FC 37439, 1982

 

7) Autumn Reverie (also known as Empty Arms)

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob with his guitar.

Comment: This song was first published in 1954 as Empty Arms and then again in 1994 under the name Autumn Reverie.

 

8) Barnyard Jubilee

Recorded: September, 1935 / Standard Radio Transcription B 3063-A; Side MM. This selection was taken from the Teleways Transcription #166.

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Nolan, string bass; Slye and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

9) The Beauty of Your Smile

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

10) Biscuit Blues

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Brady sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

11) Blue Prairie

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts except for the words, Then a silent hush but no reply which Perryman sang.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

12) The Boss is Hangin’ Out a Rainbow

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

13) Bound for the Rio Grande

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Symphonies of the Sage", Soundies BS 808

 

14) A Broken Heart Waltz

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

15) Bronco Pal

Recorded: Soundtrack of "Rio Grande" 1938 12 08 – Columbia / Starrett

Pioneers: Nolan, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. An unidentified baritone is dubbed for Nolan’s solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

16) Campfires of Heaven

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

17) Chant of the Plains (I Need You) A

Recorded: September, 1935 / Standard Radio Transcription –B 3062-A; Side LL

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye, K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; Nolan, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

18) Chant of the Plains (I Need You) B

Recorded: (undated) 10-2-4 Ranch radio transcription, c. 1944.

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Carson, Farr Brothers, Fisher. Martha Mears sang the solo.

Instrumentation: K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin, Fisher, string bass.

Comment: Although the sound quality is extremely poor, I included this selection because it is the only one I found with only the melody line.

 

19) Chant of the Wanderer

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

20) Chico Rotico

Recorded: Teleways Transcription #152, 1947-48.

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Brady, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: The Sons of the Pioneers and the Tune Twirlers.

Comment: I left in part of the introduction by Nolan to show the actual pronunciation of Chico Rotico. It is often misspelled as Chico lo Tico. Nolan definitely says Rotico.

 

21) Close to Heaven

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Brady, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: Teleways Transcription #162, 1947-48.

 

22) Cody of the Pony Express

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Brady, Farr Brothers. Perryman sang the solo and Brady recites the last verse.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

23) Cool Water

Recorded: August 8, 1945 RCA-Victor

Pioneers: Nolan, vocal; Spencer, vocal; Carson, vocal; Hugh Farr, violin, vocal; Karl Farr, guitar; Fisher, bass. Nolan sang solo parts and Carson sang, Water!

Instrumentation: P. Botkin, guitar, leader; R. Call, violin; G. Braunsdorf, bass; C. Roberts, steel guitar.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West", BCD 15 640 DI, 1993.

 

24) Cottage in the Clouds

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Brady, Farr Brothers. Perryman sang the solo part.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

25) Covered Wagon

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Nolan with his guitar.

 

26) Cowboy Has to Sing, A

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Brady, Farr Brothers. Brady sang the solo part.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

27) Coyote’s Serenade

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Symphonies of the Sage", Soundies BS 808

 

28) Daddy’s on the Rainbow

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Nolan, whistling, with his guitar.

Comment: The only available recording is a poor audiocassette with varying speeds.

 

29) Desolation

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

30) Devil’s Great Grandson, The

Recorded: December 14, 1937, ARC

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan, Perryman and Slye each take a turn singing a verse finishing with another by Nolan, trio yodel ending the first and third refrains - a Slye solo yodel after the second and fourth refrains.

Instrumentation: Perryman and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Columbia Historic Edition" FC 37439, 1982

 

31) ¿Dónde esta el mio?

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs Vol. 2" by Dave Bourne, 2004

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

32) Don’t Expect Me Home in the Morning

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

33) Echoes from the Hills

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

34) Empty Arms

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

CD - 2

1) Far Enchanted Isle

Recorded: September 25, 1957 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Perryman, Curtis; H. Farr, violin; K. Farr, guitar; Brady. Curtis sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: J. Marshall, leader; R. Bain, guitar; C. Gotthoffer, harp; F. Carlson, drums; A. Shapiro, bass; H. Roberts, ukulele; R. Perissi, French horn; B. Lee, vocal.

Available Recording: "Westward Ho!" LPM-PR108, 1961

 

2) Five Little Miles

Recorded: Soundtrack of "Utah" 1945 03 21 - Republic / Rogers

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Carson, Fisher, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo part.

Instrumentation: The Pioneers plus the studio orchestra.

Comments: In the film the song was not sung all at once but in several segments throughout, including the finale. Three representative pieces have been patched together to give an idea of the whole song plus how it was adapted for the finale of the film.

 

3) The Flower I Blessed for You

Recorded: c. 1947-8.

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Carson, Fisher and the Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo part.

Instrumentation: The Sons of the Pioneers plus The Tune Twirlers.

Available Recording: Teleways Transcription #149.

Comment: The song was renewed in 1974 as The Flower I Pressed for You. In this clip from the Teleways Transcription, I left in Nolan’s introduction which clearly says blessed.

 

4) Following the Sun All Day

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

5) For the Love of You

Recorded: February 24, 1955 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Perryman, Spencer, H. Farr, K. Farr.

Instrumentation: D. Rice, Leader; B. Gibbons, electric guitar; R. Bundock, bass;

B. Armstrong, piano; R. Hansell, drums, vibes; J. Maphis, electric guitar.

Available Recording: F2-WB 1801, 20-6655B, 47-6655B

 

6) Frontiers

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Nolan, whistling, with his guitar.

 

7) Grab Your Saddle Horn and Blow

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

8) Grey Time, The

Recorded: read by EM, February 14, 2004.

Comment: Because he couldn’t bear to attend the funeral of his best friend, this verse was Nolan’s gift to the widow of Lloyd Perryman. A title was provided by Calin Coburn.

 

9) Half Way ‘Round the World (A)

Recorded: March 17, 1944, for the 10-2-4 Ranch radio program.

Pioneers: Martha Mears sang the song as a solo with Sons of the Pioneers instrumental backup.

Instrumentation: Carson, Fisher, Farr Brothers plus The Tune Twirlers.

Comments: This first known version of the song is included here to illustrate Bob’s original intention of using the word vagrant, which was later changed to fragrant. Vagrant was a favorite word of Nolan’s.

There is also a puzzle here : it sounds like Perryman singing the "breeze" sound in the introduction. If that is so, it means the song was recorded before he was drafted in April of 1943 in anticipation of the time he would be away at war, not while he was in Burma.

 

10) Half Way ‘Round the World (B)

Recorded: January 19, 1966 RCA

Pioneers: Lanham, guitar. Perryman sang the solo.

Instrumentation: P. Botkin, leader; P. Jolly, piano; M. Pohlman, E. Coleman, A. Hendrickson, guitar; T. Morgan, G. Fields, harmonica; D. Frost, drums.

Available Recording: "The Songs of Bob Nolan", LPM / LSP 3554, 1966"

Comment: Perryman changed the original "vagrant" to "fragrant".

 

11) Hangin’ Blues

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

12) Happy Cowboy

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman, Spencer and Nolan each take a turn singing the solo parts. The Farr Brothers are also featured.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

13) Hasta la vista

Recorded: March 18, 1957 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Perryman, Curtis; H. Farr, violin; K. Farr, guitar; Brady. Nolan sang the solo.

Instrumentation: C. Atkins, leader; J. Maphis, electric guitar; M. Berry, drums; B. Dooley, bass.

Available Recording: "Westward Ho!" LPM-PR108, 1961

 

14) Have You?

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Nolan with his guitar.

 

15) He Walks with the Wild and the Lonely

Recorded: 1979

No Pioneers: Nolan solo with studio backup.

Available Recording: "Bob Nolan – The Sound of a Pioneer", Elektra, 1979.

 

16) Heaven is My Island

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs Vol. 2" by Dave Bourne, 2004

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

17) Heavenly Aeroplane

Recorded: August 1934 Standard Radio Transcriptions B 1680; Side B

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer and H. Farr. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye, guitar; Farr, violin.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

18) Hello ‘Way Up There

Recorded: c. 1940

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the "echo" part.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: This recording can be heard on the Teleways Transcription #69 from which this selection was taken.

 

19) Here is My Helping Hand

Recorded: Soundtrack of "On the Old Spanish Trail" 1947 10 15 - Republic / Rogers

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: The Sons of the Pioneers with studio backup.

 

20) High Sierras

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob, whistling, with his guitar.

 

21) Hold that Critter Down

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the 2 solo parts and Hugh Farr finishes the song with, "I’ve got him down now burn his hide!"

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

22) I Follow the Stream

Recorded: 1935 Standard Radio Transcription B 2562-A; Side 15

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Nolan, string bass; Slye and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Memories of the Range" BCD 16104 DI 1999

 

23) I Still Do

Recorded: December 22, 1947 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Carson, Farr Brothers and Brady. Carson sang the introduction, Nolan sang the solo parts. The trio is Carson, Nolan and Perryman.

Instrumentation: M. DeLugg, accordion, leader; J. Murphey, steel guitar; M. McIntyre, piano.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West" BCD 15 640 DI 1993

 

24) I Wonder if She Waits for Me Tonight

Recorded: October 21, 1937 ARC

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Perryman, Farr Brothers. Solo parts by Nolan.

Instrumentation: Perryman and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; Sam Koki, steel guitar.

Available Recording: LA 1484 OK/Voc 04136

Comment: The ARC recording I have is identical in every way to my Orthacoustic recording.

 

25) If You are Willing

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob, whistling, with his guitar.

 

26) In the Wind of Time

Recitation by Calin Coburn. We have found no recording or sheet music.

 

27) In This Room

Recorded: April 28, 1976 – Nolan accompanying himself on his guitar; recorded in his home.

Comment: Nolan’s mynah bird interjects at times.

 

28) It’s a Lie!

Recorded: c. 1942 Thesaurus Transcriptions

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Brady sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: Teleways Transcription #69.

 

29) King’s Highway

Recorded: February 24, 1955 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Perryman, Spencer, H. Farr, K. Farr, Nolan vocal.

Instrumentation: D. Rice, Leader; B. Gibbons, electric guitar; R. Bundock, bass; B. Armstrong, piano; R. Hansell, drums, vibes; J. Maphis, electric guitar.

Available Recording: "How Great Thou Art" LPM 1431, 1957 RCA

 

30) Lazy (A)

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

31) Lazy (B)

Recorded: 1947 or 1943

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman introduces the song and Hugh Farr sang the solo parts. Nolan interjects comments.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: Teleways Transcription #170

 

32) Let Me Share Your Name

Recorded: October 17, 1947 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Carson, vocal; H. Farr, violin, vocal; K. Farr, guitar; Pat Brady, bass. Nolan sang the lead parts.

Instrumentation: D. Bohme, violin, leader; C. Hurter, S. Turner, G. Kaiser, violin; J. Colvard, steel guitar; A. Klein, accordion.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West" BCD 15 640 DI 1993

 

CD - 3

1) Let’s Pretend

Recorded: October 26, 1937 ARC

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Perryman, Farr Brothers. Nolan sings the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; Sam Koki, steel guitar.

Available Recording: ARC 8-03-56

 

2) Letter Marked "Unclaimed"

Recorded: September 2, 1946 RCA

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Carson, vocal; H. Farr, violin, vocal; K. Farr, guitar; Pat Brady, bass. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Edward Mitchell, steel guitar.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West" BCD 15 640 DI 1993

 

3) The Lighthouse of the Lord

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs Vol. 2" by Dave Bourne, 2004 Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

4) Little Spaceman

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs Vol. 2" by Dave Bourne, 2004

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

Comment: This song was originally recorded for RCA on March 26 1955 by the Sons of the Pioneers but was unissued.

 

5) Lone Buckaroo

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

6) Lonely Little Room

Recorded: November 22, 1954 Coral

Pioneers: Perryman, Doss, Warren, vocals; K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; George R. "Deuce Spriggens" Braunsdorf, bass. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: ‘Buddy’ Cole, organ.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West" BCD 15 640 DI 1993

 

7) Lord, You Made the Cowboy Happy

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

8) Love Ever Green

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob, whistling, with his guitar. Bob sang both parts.

Comment: The demo recording is warped.

 

9) Love Song of the Waterfall

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo .

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

10) Man Walks Among Us

Recorded: 1979. Bob sang the solo parts and Marty Robbins duets.

Instrumentation: Unidentified studio backup plus Marty’s guitar.

Available Recording: "Bob Nolan – The Sound of a Pioneer", Elektra, 1979.

Comment: This is included with Ronny Robbins’ permission to illustrate a performance change Bob made to Marty’s work. This small change illustrated Bob’s personal philosophy. Marty was pleased Bob chose the piece and, although it was higher than he was comfortable with, Marty sang the lead part en duet.

 

11) Montana

Recorded: November 22, 1954 Coral

Pioneers: Perryman, Doss, Warren, vocals; K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; George R. "Deuce Spriggens" Braunsdorf, bass. Doss sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: ‘Buddy’ Cole, organ.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West" BCD 15 640 DI 1993

 

12) Moonlight on the Prairie

Recorded: August 1934 Standard Radio Transcriptions B 1682-A; Side D

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer and Hugh Farr. Spencer sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye, guitar; Farr, violin; Nolan string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers - Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

13) Move On, You Lazy Cattle

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Symphonies of the Sage", Soundies BS 808

 

14) My Boy

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

15) My Daddy

Recorded: August, 1934 Standard Radio Transcriptions B 1690-A; Side H

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer and Hugh Farr. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye, guitar; Farr, violin; Nolan, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers - Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

16) My Heart in Deep Despair

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob, whistling, with his guitar.

 

17) My Love’s a Voice in the Green Willow Tree

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob, whistling, with his guitar.

 

18) My Mistress the Desert

Recorded: Recited on audiocassette tape in his yard in Studio City, one week before his death on June 16, 1980.

 

19) My Old Pal, Pal of Mine

Recorded: c. 1942

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers in 1942", Danny, Mono SP 7907, undated German album.

 

20) The Mystery of His Way

Recorded: November 18, 1952 RCA

Pioneers: Bob Nolan alone.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers & Friends In the Studio" Mono LP 5088, Cowgirlboy Records

Instrumentation: Rhythm guitar and steel guitar. I have been unable to discover who backed him but it wasn’t the Sons of the Pioneers.

Comment: This is a very poor recording. Nolan actually sang off key.

 

21) Ne Ha Neé

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Symphonies of the Sage", Soundies BS 808

 

22) Night Falls on the Prairie

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

23) No-Good Son-of-a-Gun

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Brady sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

24) Oh, I Miss You So, My Darling

Recorded: September 1935 Standard Radio Transcriptions B 3063-A; Side MM

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer, H. and K. Farr. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers - Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

25) Old Forgotten Trails

Recorded: c. 1943

Pioneers: Bob sang alone.

Instrumentation: Carson and K. Farr, guitar; Ivan Ditmars, organ.

Available Recording: Thesaurus Transcription 1981 Side B.

 

26) Old Home Town

Recorded: 1979. Bob sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Unidentified studio backup.

Available Recording: "Bob Nolan – The Sound of a Pioneer", Elektra, 1979.

 

27) On the Rhythm Range

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman, Spencer and, finally, Nolan each sing a verse.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

28) One More Ride

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

29) Open Range Ahead

Recorded: October 26, 1937 ARC

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Perryman, Farr Brothers. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; Nolan, string bass.

Available Recording: ARC 8-01-51

 

CD – 4

1) The Open Spaces

Recorded: 13 ½ minute pilot radio program recorded in 1936 or 1937. MC is Harry Hall. ABC.

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Perryman and the Farr Brothers.

Vocalists: Pauline, Christine and Jo Stafford

Instrumentation: Slye and K. Farr, guitar; H. Farr, violin; Nolan, string bass.

Songs: Cool Water with Slye singing the solo parts.

Ridin’ Down the Canyon with the Stafford Sisters, solo part sung by one of the girls.

Chant of the Plains with Sons of the Pioneers, Bob singing the solo parts. Blue Prairie with both the Sons of the Pioneers and the Stafford Sisters. Nolan sings the solo parts. Perryman sings the bridge.

Tumbling Tumbleweeds with both the Sons of the Pioneers and the Stafford Sisters.

 

2) The Other Side of Somewhere

Recorded: "Bob Nolan’s Unrecorded Songs" by Dave Bourne, 2001

Instrumentation: all instruments are by Dave Bourne via multi-track recording.

 

3) Outlaws

Recorded: December 14, 1949 RCA (unissued)

Pioneers: Perryman, Curtis, Tommy Doss, vocal; H. Farr, violin; K. Farr, guitar; Fisher, bass; Doss sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: J. W. Marshall, guitar; J. Murphey, F. Tarvares, steel guitar; G. Bamby, accordion.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Wagons West" BCD 15 640 DI 1993

 

4) Pali Wind

Recorded: c. 1955. This is a demo in the collection of Calin Coburn.

Vocalist: Bob alone.

Instrumentation: It sounds like the same instrumentation as his The Mystery of His Way recorded on November 18, 1952 RCA

 

5) Parting

Recorded: 1976 Ranwood

Vocalist: Jim Nabors

Instrumentation: Studio orchestra.

Available Recording: "Town and Country", Ranwood 1976.

 

6) A Prayer for Christmas Time

Recorded: Undated home demo recording of Bob, whistling, with his guitar.

 

7) Redwood Trees

Recorded: 1956

Pioneers: Perryman, Doss, Warren, the Farr Brothers and Brady or Spriggens. Perryman sings the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman, K. Farr, guitar , Brady or Spriggens, string bass.

Available Recording: 1956 Smokey the Bear Radio Transcription

 

8) Relative Man

Recorded: 1977 Ranwood

Vocalist: Jim Nabors

Instrumentation: Studio orchestra

Available Recording: "I See God", Ranwood 1977.

 

9) Remember Me

Recorded: Soundtrack of "Sunset on the Desert" 1945 03 21 - Republic / Rogers

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Roy Rogers sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

10) Ridin’ Home

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "The Sons of the Pioneers – The Essential Collection", Soundies SCD 4147

 

11) Rise and Shine

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Brady sang the solo parts. "Over on the hill…" is by Tim Spencer.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

12) River Robin

Recorded: c. 1947-8

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass, Ivan Ditmars, piano.

Available Recording: Teleways Transcription #13.

 

13) Rocky Road in the Rockies

Recorded: Soundtrack of "Outpost of the Mounties" 1939 09 14 – Columbia / Starrett

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

14) Rocky Roads

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

15) Round-Up in the Sky

Recorded: August 1934 Standard Radio Transcriptions B 1684-A; Side F

Pioneers: Nolan, Slye, Spencer, Hugh Farr. Spencer sang solo parts.

Instrumentation: Slye, guitar; Farr, violin; Nolan, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers - Songs of the Prairie" BCD 15710 EI 1998

 

16) Round-Up Time is Over

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

 

17) Saddle the Sun

Recorded: c. 1947-48.

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Perryman sang the solo parts. And possibly Ken Carson.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: Teleways Transcription #182.

 

18) Saddle Your Worries to the Wind

Recorded: 1940 Orthacoustic "Symphonies of the Sage"

Pioneers: Nolan, Spencer, Perryman, Farr Brothers and Brady. Nolan sang the solo parts.

Instrumentation: Perryman and Karl Farr, guitar, Hugh Farr, violin, Brady, string bass.

Available Recording: "Sons of the Pioneers – Symphonies of the Sage", Soundies BS 808