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Country Style USA

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 17, 2025, 1:28 pm

Found a new video on YouTube. Type in Jim Reeves/June Webb. From 1957.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 19, 2025, 7:40 am, in reply to "Country Style USA"

Thank you Gary for another Jim Reeves video I have never seen before. Can't believe there are still videos out there, after this many years, that are still being discovered.

It seems that June Webb is a bit animated and uncomfortable before the cameras. But Jim makes her feel included with his warm welcome and support for her.

Not sure why Dean Manual is not there, maybe he didn't join Jim's band yet. But clearly Leo is there and showcased with his talent. Very nice to see.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2025, 2:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Roy, this is from 1957. Too early for Dean i believe. Buddy Killen on bass.

Re: Country Style USA

Thanks Gary, I was thinking too early for Dean yet.

I did a quick internet search and found Dean Joined the Blue Boys in 1959 (no month was mentioned). It also states that at the same time drummer Mil Rogers and bass player James Kirkland joined to form the Blue Boys, along with Leo Jackson officially joining who was just returning from the military.

Not sure when Buddy Killen joined but you may be right instead of James Kirkland. The same report interestingly and of course incorrectly states Jim and Dean died in a plane crash in 1969 ??? Where did this come from. I think I will look back in Larry's book so I can be clear just exactly when James and Buddy joined the Blue Boys. But in the mean time, can anyone help us with this ? Thank you....

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2025, 1:35 am, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

I believe Jim's performances from this show were included on the DVD anthology that Larry released. Still, good to see this show in its' entirety. I believe Jim's band before the Blue Boys were the Wagonmasters. Floyd Cramer was one of the members. Not sure if Leo Jackson was in that group though. At the time of this show, I would guess that Jim was backed by the Wagonmasters, although Leo is present here. Anyone know who all the members of the Wagonmasters were?...

Re: Country Style USA

The one thing for sure is that there were, over the years, a lot of personnel changes with not only the Blur Boys but Wagon Masters as well. From what I found from the Internet and also Larry's book shows a picture of constant changes in band members and I guess this leads to a lot of confusion to keep it all in order.

I want to quote here from what I found so far.
"The Blue Boys were Jim Reeves road band and at different times various personnel. Initially Reeves' called his band the wagon Masters, but to avoid confusion in Nashville with Porter Wagner, he renamed it in 1958 The Blue Boys. The band initially comprised of Billy Harlan (bass) Royce Morgan (guitar) Jimmy Day (steel guitar) and Pee Wee Kershaw (drums). Until shortly before the new name, Leo Jackson was Reeves' lead guitar but at the time of the formation, he was doing military service and Morgan took over. About a year later, Reeves changed the band and saw appearances from James Kirkland, Henri Strzelecki, Mel Rogers, Bobby Dyson and Roy Aldridge, he ended with a line up that featured Leo Jackson (lead guitar) Dean Manuel (piano) Bud Logan (bass, vocals) and Jimmy Orr (drums)."....end quote.

Mike you mentioned Floyd Cramer but oddly his name does not appear which is strange. I think you may be right but where exactly he contributes is not mentioned. And where does Buddy Killen fit in as Gary mentioned. Can any one help here ?

Well I hope this is not too confusing, and really hope this is somewhat correct. If anyone can add or correct what I posted, please do so. Main objective is to get this right but obviously can be challenging to say the least....

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 24, 2025, 9:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

This photo, taken in 1955, shows Floyd Cramer (second from left) in Jim's band, and I believe they were called the Wagonmasters then...

Re: Country Style USA

Thank you Mike for the great group picture showing Floyd Cramer with the wagon Masters in 1955. This shows at least a part of Floyd's early connection to Jim, and of course more contributions in studio sessions, in the following years. Also a big shout out to you on the pics you shared with us today. The bowling pic I have never seen before. Thank you !!

I did a quick search of Buddy Killen thru Larry's book. (Thank God I downloaded the index) Thru most of what I found, the book listed him as one of Jim's favorite song writers. He was also instrumental in supporting Jim in many recording sessions. I was unable to actually find if he ever was a band member with the Blue Boys, but I think he was. However, I could not find any dates. Hope this helps a bit and again if anyone can add or clarify more of Buddy Killen's career with Jim , please jump in.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 27, 2025, 3:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Buddy Killen wrote a book. I think the title is "By the Seat of My Pants. I have it somewhere. Its an autobiography. There is a chapter about Jim. He and Jim were close friends. The song "The One That Got Away" was written by Buddy and/or Jim. Great song on the album "Gentleman Jim".

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 2, 2025, 2:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Buddy's book is for sale on Amazon. I'd recommend it for us Jim Reeves fanatics.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 3, 2025, 5:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Thanks Gary for your thumbs up of Buddy's book. I just ordered a copy and am looking forward to an interesting and informative read. Hopefully that is how I will find it. I will post my opinions of the book, here on the Forum, once I read it. Stay tuned folks ...

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Robert Wagner <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Robert+Wagner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 4, 2025, 8:04 am, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Just checked Amazon. Stated one left in stock, hardcover for $14.00.

Got it before gone.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 17, 2025, 6:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Just started to read Buddy's book. Very well written and a lot of information with a well constructed time line.

I peeked ahead to view the pictures and there are quite a few. Interesting to note that the picture Mike Slater posted on this discussion, shows Floyd Cramer being part of the Wagon Masters. This exact photo is in the Killen book and to my surprise, the Gentleman to Jim's immediate left was Buddy Killen.

So Buddy was a member of one of Jim's bands and I will have to read further to see how long he stayed, and where he went from there. But I know there was a close connection for both artists, thru out the following years.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 17, 2025, 8:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Glad you got the book, Roy. I look forward to your thoughts about it. Jim and Buddy were pretty good friends.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 18, 2025, 6:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

I would like to share a few thoughts on the opening pages of the Buddy Killen book.

A very descriptive first two chapters that would, by today's standards, be shocking to say the least. My God, I thought Elvis was born poor until I read how life began for Buddy. To state that his life started with abject poverty would be putting it mildly. But that is how life was and accepted. And no where did I sense he was looking for pity or sympathy. . They were always proud and with the support of loving parents and teachings of the church, hard work, life was difficult but rewarding at the same time.

I have read stories through out my life about the "Dirty Thirties" especially in the Deep South, and this was a confirmation as to how life was, in stark reality.

Can't wait to read on, and if these few first chapters are typical, the rest will be a very interesting read.... Thank you

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 20, 2025, 12:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Roy,sounds like a really good book so far. From what you said, it sounds like Buddy's family was as poor as anyone could be. Elvis' family was extremely poor too. Don't know if they had anymore than Buddy's family, but it could have been just as bad. Elvis was born in a one room shack that his father buil. This was their home. They were so poor that Vernon, Elvis' dad, forged a check so the family could put food on the table. He was caught and spent some time in prison. When Elvis made it big, he always remembered when his family was dirt poor and this was one of the reasons he was so generous to people. A lot of big stars have millions and are stuck up, thinking they are better than others, but not Elvis. He remained the same person throughout his life and never let his good fortune change him a bit. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the rest of the book!...

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Robert Wagner <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Robert+Wagner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 21, 2025, 9:21 am, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Just browsed through the book.

There seems to be a lot of interesting background info on the Country Music scene. Jim is covered in section 15.

Good price for a hardcover book.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 23, 2025, 8:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Couldn't agree more Gary that Jim was at his best and happiest and showing it. I would personally say that this Oct.16/1962 show will always exemplify Jim's love of his craft. Dottie West was good, but I thought Archie's part a bit odd, but that's just me. I guess that's what comic relief is.

It was nice to see all the Blue Boys showcased which included Dean Manual, Leo Jackson, Bobby Dyson (very good on the bass and back up vocals) and I believe Jimmy Orr on drums. A surprising difficult song called "January" came off perfect. Never heard that one before.

There were visuals that would not happen today, showing host "T" with a cigarette a couple of times including when he had his arm around Jim. But that was then and that's ok.

Did anyone notice Jim playing piano along side Dean in the closing credits. A rare site I would say, but very nice to see.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Martin Rolls <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Martin+Rolls' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 26, 2025, 8:11 am, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

I very much agree. I wonder if someone could make a DVD of this performance and others? I would very much like to buy it.

Martin

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on March 31, 2025, 6:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

I have almost finished the Killen book. William Doyce Killen -- AKA (Buddy) B Nov. 13, 1932 ... D Nov.1, 2006 had an amazing musical career that spanned longer than most.

I would like to make a few comments here on the Forum of what I found for all our good friends here.

Buddy can be said to have met and worked with every artist that ever hoped to be a star in Nashville in the golden years of the 1950's and 1960's. Everyone from signing a struggling 14 year old Dolly Parton to playing bass for Hank Williams. A very interesting story how he met Roger Miller and helped with his career. This also included Patsy Cline. The rest of the list is far too extensive to list here, but it included everyone.

And of course I could not wait to read his connection to Jim Reeves which was in the middle of the book. I must say I think Buddy who claimed Jim to be the best friend of anyone he ever worked with, could have told a more positive story line. Buddy seemed to center on Jim's troubling mood swings and spoke quite a lot of Jim weakness for women in vivid detail. There were some other interesting stories but nothing already put into print. This covered about 5 pages. Buddy did not mention he was a co writer for "The One That Got Away" despite his name along with Jim's posted in the Bear book. He also only says he played back up on some of Jim's recordings and on stage. Never confirmed he was a member of the "Blue Boys" which I always wondered about. The odd part is that the rest of the same chapter dealt with a guy named Joe Tex, someone to be a lesser known singer. This covered 8 pages.

Nothing more until a few further chapters on, Buddy talked about the plane crash. Here I found a few glaring mistakes that I found troubling to say the least. First he says Jim was returning from Batesville on the same day he went there. Buddy got the date of the crash wrong, saying it was on Aug. 1st. and that Jim was 39 years old. All incorrect. He says he was one of the first to the crash site and his observations in detail were most graphic.

Other than a few mistakes, the book I still feel was a good read. An incredible amount of information of most (if not all) of the stars back in the day. It kept me interested and never wanting to stop reading, the hallmark of any good book.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Gary Bryson <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Gary+Bryson' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2025, 10:35 am, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Roy, thank you for your impressions of the book. I have moved and have misplaced my copy. I'd like to read it again. Buddy was an interesting guy.

If I had written, or helped write, a song that Jim recorded, I'd probly have that noted on my head stone.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2025, 6:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Only too happy to share my thoughts Gary.

I wanted to mention something else on the Jim Reeves chapter. Buddy claims that in the mid 50's, he took an acetate recording of "Four walls" to Jim's house in Madison for him to listen to. Buddy said it was a female singer. Jim was impressed and recorded it. The problem I'm having is the fact it was not released until 1957, and the royalties from the song paid Jim enough to build the house in Madison. So the time line seems a bit off. Can anyone clarify, but I think I got this right. I am thinking this is in Larry's book about the royalties.

There is also an interesting story later on in Buddy's career, which by the way lasted well into the 1990's, of his meeting and mentoring Paul McCartney of all people. Buddy invited Paul and his then wife Linda to Nashville for a seven week stay. Buddy helped Paul launch his new found band "Wings". I really felt Buddy was quite modest in this revelation. But the end result was the start of "Wings" and Paul was always appreciative for Buddy's help, especially in how to handle the band members. Paul said that he thought he knew all about the stage and recording business from his "Beatles" days but Buddy taught him the most.

Anyway folks, stay tuned I have a few more chapters to go.

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Mike Slater <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Mike+Slater' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 2, 2025, 8:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

In answer to Roy's first description of Buddy's book, it sounds like a very interesting read, but ad I've experienced with quite a few books, if there are careless inaccuracies about facts that have been known for years-- in this case-- Buddy's description of the events involving Jim's plane crash-- it only causes me to have doubts about other stories. How then would we know what is true and what Is NOT true. Careless research forces me to have doubts about the details of any story. In Roy's latest post, he mentions Buddy bringing Jim an acetate of "Four Walls" for him to listen to. I heard Jim himself tell a completely different story concerning this song. Jim said he was in Chet Atkins office one day and saw a demo of "Four Walls" leaning against the wall. He asked Chet about it to which Chet replied "It's a pretty song, but no one wants it. I believe he did say the demo was done by a female singer, but Jim saw no reason why it couldn't be sung by a man as well. And we know how it later became a big hit for Jim.Of course, Jim has been known to tell stories that weren't quite true either, like his claim that he got his first chance to sing one night because Hank Williams didn't show up. It was actually Sleepy LeBeef. Sometimes it's difficult to know who is telling a story accurately...

Re: Country Style USA

Posted by Roy Zinck <iframe src='https://members3.boardhost.com/jimreeves/info/user=Roy+Zinck' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 3, 2025, 8:04 pm, in reply to "Re: Country Style USA"

Well Mike all I can say is, unfortunately you are right about publishing incorrect dates and events. In this age we now live in, misinformation and disinformation is the norm. However back in the day and with this book in particular I just put this down as simply not paying enough attention to dates and events. Yeah, to get the wrong month Jim died in a plane crash is beyond carless. Maybe Buddy had so many events and dates to recall, that it became just too much. I am certain and here's hoping that most of his recollections are correct.

Mike, your story of the way "Four Walls" was found and recorded is the correct version, of which was recanted in Larry's book.

Just an add on to the Paul McCartney story. Paul, Linda and two of their sons first stayed in a hotel in Nashville. Once the public knew that Paul and his family were there, the place became a night mare from rabid fans clamoring just to see him. Buddy moved them into his own house simply to give security and a place to relax and tend to his music.

Interesting story.... Buddy asked Paul during his stay how he could ever manage this fame and not get mobbed and injured. Paul said the secret is to never "break stride' when going from a performance to the limo. Just smile, sign autographs and keep moving. If you ever stop, you're in a heap of trouble. Good advice for me when I become famous (LOL) stay tuned.....

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