I don't post very often, but I was looking at some stuff by Don Robertson on YouTube tonight and ran across his song "You're Free To Go". I listened to Don's recording of it and enjoyed it. But I remembered that Jim had recorded this pretty song and I hadn't listened to it in a long time, so I pulled it up. Wow! I had forgotten just how well Jim sang it, but in the first few seconds I was reminded! I used to listen to the LP it was on a lot back in the seventies, (The Intimate Jim Reeves) I believe. Anyway, any of you who haven't heard Jim sing it lately, you might consider giving it another listen. I love it. Thanks.

Another one from this album 'Have I stayed away too long' is not seen often played and is a great recording.

I've always loved Jim's recording of "You're Free To Go", but I never realized it was written by the great Don Robertson. Not only has Don written many great songs--quite a few that Elvis recorded throughout his career--but Don was also a great piano player, and has played on many sessions for Elvis and other artists. It's always been thought that Floyd Cramer invented the "slip-note" style of playing, but it was actually Don Robertson, who claimed that Floyd got it from him. Floyd's playing was always more widely known in the music business,and it was him that made the "slip-note" style so popular. Don never had any hard feelings about it though, and never seemed to mind...

Mike, I love to hear Don play the piano! I have a CD of him singing and playing that I really like. And there's a YouTube recording of him playing "The Tennessee Waltz" that I listen to occasionally, which is great. His singing reminds me a bit of Elvis. And, Don's catalog of songs he wrote, or helped write, is very impressive. Great talent.

Jim recorded several songs Don wrote, or helped write. "I Really Don't Want To Know", "Stand In", "There's Always Me", "You're Free To Go". I like all of those.

Mike....
Speaking of the slip-note technique'....
there is a very interesting video on You Tube called 'Floyd Cramer's Last Date At Historic RCA Studio B'. The original 1960 hit 'Last Date' written and played by Floyd Cramer with the support of Chet Atkins at the recording controls.

This recent video was recorded in 2014, and the interesting part is who was there. Floyd Cramer's Grandson Jason Coleman is playing the exact piano that is still in Studio B that his granddad used. Jason plays just like him. Also there was Chet Atkin's Great-Niece Meagan Taylor playing guitar. And a further contribution by Charlie McCoy on the accordion. There are a number of session players also.

All in all, a very talented group of musicians (not surprising) and a look back at studio B in all its glory, when REAL music was actually recorded.

Highly recommend everyone give it a view. You will not be disappointed.. Thank you...

Are you aware that Dean Manuel's family claimed that Dean wrote "Last Date" but Floyd Cramer got credit for it? (Maybe he sold it to him? That was common).

Dean played the song on the upright piano his aunt and uncle had when he and Jim Reeves visited their home for supper in Batesville, Arkansas the night before Reeves and Manuel were killed in the plane crash while returning home to Nashville on July 31, 1964.

I now recall this story, since I read your post. I was sure I read it in your book "Jim Reeves ..His Untold Story". Thanks to the 'index' I found the story on page 599.

In closing, you mention the word 'Intriguing'.... Certainly summarizes the Emilee Parks interview.