It's been particularly warm in the East of England just now, so after a morning of gardening I thought I'd have a lazy afternoon. I relaxed and listened to Jim.
First of all I played 'Talkin' To Your Heart'. Can anyone recite as well as Jim? If they can I've never heard them. Jim is superb. The LP copy I have is a New Zealand issue. He really was an international star!
I next listened to 'Tall Tales And Short Tempers'. The story of infantryman Rodger Young intrigues me. Does anyone know if he was a real person?
Regards to everyone.
Martin Rolls.
Re: Rodger Young
Posted by Roy Zinck on May 1, 2026, 6:29 pm, in reply to "Rodger Young"
Martin... Yes indeed Rodger Young was a real person.
'The balled of Rodger Young' was written by Frank Loesser in memory and recognition of Rodger, and first performed in March 1945. This brave soul served in the Pacific Theater during W W II.
Army Private Rodger Wilton Young died after rushing a Japanese machine-gun nest on July31, 1943. He received posthumous the 'Metal Of Honour' for his sacrifice.
There again is that troubling date of July 31st. appearing.
Thank you Martin for your post. Much appreciated. And by the way, could you send some much needed warmer weather to Eastern Canada for us? thanks..
Re: Rodger Young
Posted by Martin Rolls on May 2, 2026, 5:45 am, in reply to "Re: Rodger Young"
Thank you Roy. Very interesting, and tragic. I shall take a note of this with my LP.
Our warm weather is predicted to end tomorrow with significant thunderstorms, so I wouldn't wish those on you!
Martin Rolls
Re: Rodger Young
Posted by Mike Slater on May 3, 2026, 6:35 am, in reply to "Re: Rodger Young"
Martin, very interesting question.I knew Rodger Young was a real person, but never knew anymore about him than the info in the song lyrics. So thank you Roy for all the info. Yes, I always get a chill whenever I hear him mention July 31st in the song. I always loved the albums "Tall Tales and Short Tempers" and "Talkin' To Your Heart". Jim speaks so well and his voice is like pure velvet. A talking album is perfectly suited for his amazing voice. Recently, I found another one of the "Grand Ol Opry" videos on you tube where Jim does "The Farmer and the Lord". I had never seen this before and never realized Jim did this on any TV show. Simply incredible performance!...
Re: Rodger Young
Posted by Robert Wagner on May 3, 2026, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: Rodger Young"
I'm going off on a tangent here which is my failing but this thread brings a lot to mind.
Some time ago I also became interested in the Roger Young Story, due to the song, and having a brother named Roger. I find comfort in the fact that Rodger Young was a man of small stature, bespectacled, with physical impairment, yet displayed great determination and courage so much so as to receive America's Highest Military Honor.
It sometimes distracts that people who receive recognition have "Movie Star Beauty", approved by "Central Casting", unlike us regular folk.
As far as "Tall Tales and Short Tempers", I'm more in the "Fool's Paradise" club.
As far as "The Farmer and the Lord", you guys are right, no one does it better than Jim. Other renditions, by other artists, don't stand up as well either.
If I recall right, Jim got a little mixed up on the verses but made it through anyway.
I will close now but I have to message Roy about some Jesse Stone, Eastern Canada, info I just received.
on May 1, 2026, 9:55 am