Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Ask Mr. Music by Jerry Osbrone

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 13, 2011



DEAR JERRY: While watching Have Gun - Will Travel, the popular TV western in the 1950s and '60s, I noticed the theme, “The Ballad of Paladin,” is sung by someone named Johnny Western.

He has such a nice voice, and I am wondering if he made any records, or sang themes for other television shows.

I also think Richard Boone was the perfect choice for the part of Paladin.
—Janice Bolin, Boonville, Ind.



DEAR JANICE: It stands to reason Richard Boone would be well-received in Boonville.

In 1954, 20-year-old Johnny Western heeded Horace Greely's advice to “Go west young man!” He left his Minnesota home bound for Hollywood, chasing his Gene Autry-inspired dream of being a singing cowboy in the movies.

Just months later, Johnny owned his own company, Film-West Productions. On January 1, 1955, Film-West announced plans to shoot a half-hour western in color, starring, and titled, Johnny Western.

Unfortunately, those plans got derailed, otherwise they would have made television's first color western, four years before Bonanza (1959). Western finally got to act, on Have Gun - Will Travel. In the 35th episode, “The Return of Dr. Thackeray,” he played Steve Pauley, a short-tempered cowpoke foolish enough to challenge Paladin to a gunfight. Not a wise move, though he somehow survived and appeared uncredited in six future episodes (1962-'63).

It was a busy time for Johnny, who snagged TV roles on: Boots and Saddles (1957); Gunsmoke (1958); Flight (1958); Tales of Wells Fargo (1958-'59); Pony Express (1960); and The Night Rider (1962). He even got big screen parts in The Dalton Girls (1957), and Fort Bowie (1958). Western wrote “The Ballad of Paladin,” and is heard singing what amounts to about one verse over the closing credits of all 226 episodes.

Have Gun - Will Travel, the prototype intellectual western, ran on CBS for six years (September 14, 1957 - September 21, 1963). Most impressive is that a Saturday night show dominated the ratings for all but its last two years, averaging over 33% of the available audience and consistently among television's Top 3.

Based on “The Ballad of Paladin,” plus his singing cowboy persona, CBS's music arm, Columbia Records, signed Johnny to a five-year (1958-1963) deal for seven singles and one LP.

His first and most successful is the original single of “The Ballad of Paladin” (Columbia 41260). Its September 1958 release coincided perfectly with the second season kickoff of Have Gun - Will Travel.

The Paladin tie-in continues on the B-side, “The Guns of Rio Muerto.” Here the narrative is by Richard Boone with Western handling the singing parts.

Three years later, with Have Gun - Will Travel the third most-watched program — the top two also being westerns: Bonanza and Wagon Train — Johnny recorded a new version of “The Ballad of Paladin” (Columbia 42161). Accompanying John on this session was Columbia's No. 1 western music star, Marty Robbins.

Strangely, Columbia waited until 1962, when viewership of Have Gun - Will Travel was dwindling (Nielsen rated No. 29), to issue Western's first album, “Have Gun, Will Travel” (CL-1788/CS-8588).

Predictably, it did not sell nearly as well as it would if released circa 1958.

For decades, Johnny Western traveled and performed with the Johnny Cash Show, including some of those legendary penitentiary gigs. Western also served as the Cash show's emcee.

His complete body of work includes recordings before and after his years with Columbia. Among those other labels are: JOCO (1952); Philips (1964); and Hep (1967).

All of John's recorded output is available on the three-CD boxed set: “Heroes and Cowboys” (Bear Family BCD-15552). For around $70, this collection provides 74 Johnny Western tracks.

His only tune used as a TV series theme is “The Ballad of Paladin,” which earned him a permanent spot in the TV Theme Hall of Fame. Johnny Western still tours and performs, and is regularly heard on the radio.


IZ ZAT SO? Besides the TV Theme Hall of Fame (1993), John is also enshrined in the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame (2000); Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame (2000); Western Music Association Hall of Fame (2001); Wichita Professional Broadcasters Hall of Fame (2002); Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame (2004); and Kansas Western Swing Hall of Fame (2004).


Jerry Osborne answers as many questions as possible through this column. Write Jerry at: Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368 E-mail: jpo@olympus.net   Visit his Web site: www.jerryosborne.com

All values quoted in this column are for near-mint condition.

Copyright 2011 Osborne Enterprises- Reprinted By Exclusive Permission








Vinyl Record News & Music Notes

Mortal Sin Reveals New Album Title As "Psychology Of Death"


Australian thrash metal veterans Mortal Sin have recently announced that their upcoming new studio album will be called, 'Psychology Of Death.'

In a recent update, the band stated:

"We're currently in the studio mixing the new album with producer/engineer Darren 'jENK' Jenkins. We would also like to welcome guitarist Ryan Huthnance to the Mortal Sin ranks. Ryan joined the band back in August 2010, replacing Mick Sultana."







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poke at the pope? this should raise a few eye brows!

PESTILENCE: Legendary Progressive Tech Metallers To Release New Full-Length

Legendary progressive tech metallers, PESTILENCE, will release their sixth full-length to North American masses on July 19, 2011 via Mascot Records. Titled Doctrine, the 11-track long player finds the Dutch metal collective at their most extreme, offering up a torrent of thought-provoking lyrics, dissonant chords, complex rhythm patterns and low-tuned, monster riffs. While not a “concept album” in the traditional sense, the record is largely based around the various ways humanity often suffers under the burden of religion and politics. “I always put a lot of effort in the lyrics,” comments vocalist/guitarist Patrick Mameli. “I never felt the need to write ‘gore’ lyrics, like so many other bands do. I am aware of what is going on in the world and I have the feeling that I have something to say about it.”













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NRBQ Returns With New Lineup and Album


Terry Adams has reclaimed the NRBQ name for the new album Keep This Love Goin’, which is scheduled for release on July 19. In addition to Adams, the 12-track album will feature Scott Ligon, Terry Adams, Pete Donnelly, and Conrad Choucroun. The eclectic disc will include everything from material inspired by zyedco musician Wilson “Boozoo” Chavis to an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor” redone as a country song.

Former NRBQ member Tom Ardolino created the cover art for the album and also plays drums on two of the tracks. When asked about the new NRBQ members Adams commented:

Read the rest at jambands.com



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more about young's newest release, the la times does a great job covering the details:

Neil Young releases what Geffen Records didn't consider 'A Treasure'

The collection of live performances from around 1984 and 1985 of Neil Young with the International Harvesters showcases the sound that led the label to sue him.

By Randy Lewis, Los Angeles Times

The recent news that country singer Tim McGraw's record company is suing him over his latest album is just the latest of many stranger-than-fiction examples of artist-label relations going south.

In 1993, the head of John Fogerty's record label sued him for sounding too much like … John Fogerty, arguing that his single "The Old Man Down the Road" was merely a remake of Fogerty's old Creedence Clearwater Revival hit "Run Through the Jungle." (Fogerty won.)

That had followed an equally surreal case from 1984, when Neil Young was sued by his label at the time, Geffen Records, for not sounding enough like himself.

That's the backdrop for the release of a collection out of the Canadian rocker's archive, "A Treasure," a batch of live performances circa 1984-85 when he'd assembled a country-rock band that toured as the International Harvesters.

Read the rest of the story at latimes.com

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GRIMEY'S BEST SELLERS 6/06 - 6/12, 2011


Top 25 Vinyl:

1. Abigail Washburn - City Of Refuge
2. My Morning Jacket - Circuital
3. The Features - Rambo 7"
4. KORT - Please Don't Touch 7"
5. Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
6. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
7. Fucked Up - David Comes To Life
8. Battles - Gloss Drop
9. Black Lips - Arabian Mountain
10. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
11. Arctic Monkeys - Suck It & See
12. Death Cab For Cutie - Codes & Keys
13. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
14. David Bazan - Strange Negotiations
15. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
16. Cults - Cults
17. Iron & Wine / The Low Anthem - Daytrotter Sessions
18. White Denim - D
19. Efrim Manuel Menuck - Plays High Gospel
20. Appleseed Cast - Middle States
21. Jeff The Brotherhood - Mellow Out 7"
22. Kids On A Crime Spree - We Love You So Bad
23. KORT - Invariable Heartache
24. Battles - Ice Cream 12"
25. Robert Plant - Band Of Joy

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and in austin, texas, here are the best selling vinyl records at waterloorecords.com  for the week ending June 11th, 2011

Top Ten Vinyl:

1. My Morning Jacket WR
2. F#cked Up
3. Battles WR
4. Fleet Foxes WR
5. Lady Gaga
6. Death Cab for Cutie
7. Iron & Wine TX/Low Anthem
8. Arctic Monkeys
9. Adele
10. Cults

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USA


Albums:
1. Lady Gaga :Born This Way
2. Adele :21
3. Death Cab For Cutie :Codes and Keys
4. Eddie Vedder :Ukulele Songs
5. My Morning Jacket :Circuital
6. Brad Paisley :The Is Country Music
7. Various :Now 38
8. Jason Aldean :My Kinda Party
9. Flogging Molly :Speed Of Darkness
10. Soundtrack :Glee The Music Season Two


Singles:
1. Adele :Rolling In The Deep
2. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer :Give Me Everything
3. Katy Perry feat. Kanye West :E.T.
4. Bruno Mars :The Lazy Song
5. Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull :On The Floor
6. LMFAO :Party Rock Anthem
7. Lady Gaga :The Edge Of Glory
8. Black Eyed Peas :Just Can't Get Enough
9. Britney Spears :Till The World Ends
10. Lupe Fiasco :The Show Goes On


UK


Albums:
1. Lady Gaga :Born This Way
2. Adele :21
3. Adele :19
4. The Pierces :You & I
5. Jessie J. :Who You Are
6. Seasick Steve :You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
7. Bruno Mars :Doo-Wops & Holligans
8. Alec Blacc :Good Things
9. Take That :Progress
10. Status Quo :Quid Pro Quo


Singles:
1. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer :Give Me Everything
2. Aloe Blacc :I Need A Dollar
3. Alexandra Stan :Mr Saxobeat
4. LMFAO :Party Rock Anthem
5. Bruno Mars :The Lazy Song
6. Alex Gaudino :What A Feeling
7. Chris Brown feat. Benny Benassi :Beautiful People
8. Rihanna :California King Bed
9. Snoop Dogg Vs. David Guetta :Sweat
10. Jennifer Lopez :I'm Into You


Europe


Albums:
1. Take That :Progress
2. Rihanna :Loud
3. Bruce Springsteen :The Promise
4. Shakira :Sale El Sol
5. Pink :Greatest Hits ... So Far
6. Bon Jovi :Greatest Hits
7. James Blunt :Some Kind Of Trouble
8. Susan Boyle :The Gift
9. Kings Of Leon :Come Around Sundown
10. JLS :Outta This World


Singles:
1. Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull :On The Floor
2. Rihanna :S&M
3. Adele :Rolling In the Deep
4. Lady Gaga :Born This Way
5. Black Eyed Peas :Just Can't Get Enough
6. Jessie J. feat. B.o.B. :Price Tag
7. Katy Perry :E.T.
8. Snoop Dogg Vs. David Guetta :Sweat
9. LMFAO :Party Rock Anthem
10. Bruno Mars :Grenade

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and in music history for today:

In 1963, 21 year old Kyu Sakamoto became the first Japanese artist to hit the top of the US singles chart with a song called "Sukiyaki". The original title of the song was "Ue O Muite Aruko", which translates "I Look Up When I Walk". Sakamoto was killed on August 12th, 1985 when JAL Flight 123, a Boeing 747, crashed and burned on a thickly wooded mountain about 60 miles northwest of Tokyo. He was 43.

Jan and Dean's "Surf City" was released in 1963. The song featured Brian Wilson on backing vocals and would prove to be the duo's only US number 1 record.

In 1966, the Beatles L.P., "Yesterday and Today" is released by Capitol with the controversial "butcher" cover, with the Beatles smiling amongst a group of decapitated baby dolls. The original photo became a huge publicity problem for Capitol and was quickly replaced by a more conventional cover.

In 1967, five teenagers from Mansfield, Ohio, called The Music Explosion found themselves with a monster hit on their hands when "Little Bit O' Soul" peaked at #2 on the Hot 100. The group would be awarded a Gold Record for their efforts, but although they would release more material, none of their follow-ups reached any higher than #63. Drummer Bob Avery would later go on to the band Crazy Elephant, who reached #12 on both sides of the Atlantic with "Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'".

Dire Straits started a nine-week run at #1 on the US album in 1985 chart with, 'Brothers in Arms.'

In 1989, Nirvana's debut album Bleach was released in the US.

In 1993, Ray Charles made music history when his album "My World" showed up on Billboard's Hot 200, marking the sixth decade he had a charted LP. amazing.....

In 1996, jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald died in Beverly Hills, California, aged 79. Already blinded by the effects of diabetes, Fitzgerald had both her legs amputated in 1993. Winner of 13 Grammy Awards, the 1956 Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songboo was the first of eight Songbook sets. Appeared in the TV commercial for Memorex, where she sang a note that shattered a glass while being recorded on a Memorex cassette tape. The tape was played back and the recording also broke the glass, asking "Is it live, or is it Memorex?"

In 2002, a rare autographed copy of The Beatles’ album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band sold at auction for £34,000 ($57,800), more than five times the estimated price.

In 2005, Coldplay went straight to #1 on the U.S. album chart with their third album X&Y having already entered at #1 in the U.K. The last time a British artist had a simultaneous U.S. and U.K. #1 was in November 2000 with 1, a compilation of hits by The Beatles. The last studio album to reach number one on both sides of the Atlantic was Radiohead's Kid A in October 2000. X&Y went on to top over 30 global charts.

celebrating birthdays today (among many others are Steve Walsh (Kansas) (60), Ice Cube (42) and Noddy Holder (Slade) (65)



Mood Entertainment releases Jewel's latest album


"The Merry Goes 'Round," a collection of children's songs, will be distributed as part of the Fisher-Price™ Music Series

TORONTO, June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Mood Entertainment, a division of leading in-store media specialist, Mood Media Corporation (TSX:MM) (LSE AIM:MM), is set to release the latest music album from singer-songwriter Jewel on August 16, 2011. The new album, a collection of original and classic children's songs titled "The Merry Goes 'Round," is her second production with Mood Entertainment.

Jewel's successful debut in the category, "Lullaby," was released as part of Mood Media's Fisher-Price Music Series in early 2009. The album's first single, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," reached #1 on The Top Children's Songs chart the week of its release.

Ken Cross, President of Mood Entertainment, said "We're thrilled to be working again with such a talented artist on what's sure to be another hit."

The versatile singer-songwriter, actress and poet has sold more than 27 million albums worldwide, has seven Billboard Hot 100 hits, a bestselling poetry collection and a new television show on Bravo. The inspiration for her collection of children's songs is very close to home as she's expecting her first child this summer. Jewel has been keeping her fans up-to-date on the new album's progress online at www.jeweljk.com and via Twitter (http://twitter.com/jeweljk).

"By pairing Jewel with Fisher-Price, and using our retail distribution network, we're creating a market for a fantastic collection of songs that might not have gotten that opportunity in the traditional system," said Lorne Abony, CEO and Chairman of Mood Media Corporation. "This is a proven approach, and we have more partnerships like this in the pipeline."


SOURCE Mood Media Corporation