Moon Mullican Boogies

02-8-10... So, I thought my know-it-all friend might have learned his lesson when he asked if I'd take the Jets over San Diego for five bucks. He learned nothing, asking me two weeks ago if I'd let him win back his five by taking New Orleans in the Super Bowl. Honestly, I had no preferences in either game. I just wanted to see high-quality, competitive football. I did, and now, he owes me ten. Just goes to show that nothing's for certain in this life, and nothing's ever for certain when it comes to sports. They are the "Aints" no more. Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints on their first-ever Super Bowl win.


One thing is for certain: do the crime and you'll do the time, either in prison or elsewhere. Stonewall Jackson learned it. He's still got Life To Go.

02-10-10... Look, I ain't sayin' I'm for or against her, but Sarah Palin's no dummy. Does anyone really think she needed those messages written on her hand to jog her memory? No. She knew it would keep her in the forefront of the news cycle for days on end. Four and counting... mission accomplished.

Johnny Cash has the best ingredients for what makes a music icon -- he writes memorable, sing-along melodies, and lesson-learning, story-telling lyrics. Here's one of hundreds from his library that fits the bill. Home of the Blues

02-12-10... The next several posts will be from records purchased at a yard sale upon which somebody'd spilled something on them. Soda, beer, piss, who knows and who cares? I'm into the music, and I'm not overly concerned with quality of the sound. (just in case you hadn't already figured that out!) Some of these titles are kinda hard to find, and I'm glad to have them in any format or condition.

First up is Moon Mullican, one of those nearly forgotten pioneers. By the time rock and roll had made the scene, Aubrey Mullican was in his 50's, but his piano and vocal stylings mixing black (Negro) blues of the South, western swing and honky tonk paved the way for soon-to-be megastars like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis, and Bill Haley. I suggest you Google his name and learn more, but I will share one little-known fact with you. He co-wrote Jambalaya with Hank Williams, but because of his contract with King Records he couldn't publicly take the credit, even though he did collect royalties on it.



I'll let his music speak for him. This here was his biggest chart hit, recorded in 1951, and if your toe doesn't tap there's something wrong with you. Some group did this song a few years ago. Don't remember who, but do remember it paled in comparison to Moon Mullican's version of Cherokee Boogie.

Links to these 2-minute mp3 audio samples are HERE

Louvin Brothers Duets

Arriving on track 10, posts from January of 2010:

01-4-10... We give the order, the subconscious does the work.

Lyrics like these must come from the cosmos, the conduit Johnny Cash, the song Big River.



01-6-10... To know the truth about any condition heals it.

Evolving from the brother duos of the 1930's like the Blue Sky Boys and Charlie and Bill Monroe, the Louvin Brothers revived the style in the 1940's and '50's. With Ira on mandolin and Charlie on guitar, the Louvin Brothers elevated the vocal stylings to new levels by use of clever interplay of their voices, each of them alternating between lead and backup several times within one song.





Today's post is a perfect example. After singing the first line, Ira fades back in holding the vowel while letting Charlie take the lead, and then Ira pops the high tenor with ear-piercing accuracy as the brothers sing melody and harmony together. I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby



01-8-10... The real name of Grandpa Jones was Louis Marshall. He began his career on radio in the 1930's and developed the Grandpa character long before aging into the role. The bit was comedy, but none of it would've worked had he not been a talented singer and musician with guitar, banjo, and hammer dulcimer. He was a standard on the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, and was greatly loved for continuing to perform the old-time styles of country and gospel throughout, despite the coming and going popularity of other sounds like honky tonk and countrypolitan.

This song from 1958 is all about message, and although his backup singers on occasion do a poor job of synchronizing with him, Louis "Grandpa Jones" Marshall rings out loud and clear these important lyrics while adding some good guitar work to enhance the catchy melody. Falling Leaves

Links to the mp3 samples of these songs are HERE