Loretta Lynn - part III

Coal Miner's Daughter


Don't Come Home A Drinkin'


Take me Home, Country Roads


Honky Tonk Girl, LIVE

Loretta Lynn - part II

Discography:

Solo studio Album
1963 Loreta Lynn Sings
1964 Before I’m Over You
1965 Songs from My Heart
1965 Blue Kentucky Girl
1966 I like’em Country
1966 You Ain’t Woman Enough
1967 Don’t Come a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)
1967 Singin’ With Feelin’
1968 Fisrt City
1969 Your Squaw Is on the Warpath
1969 Woman of the World / To Make a Man
1970 Wings Upon Your Horns
1970 Loretta Lynn Writes’em & Sings’em
1971 Coal MIner’s Daughter
1971 I Wanna Be Free
1971 You’re Lookin’ At Country
1971 One’s on the Way
1972 Here I Am Again
1973 Entertainer of the Year – Loretta
1973 Love Is the Foundation
1974 They Don’t Make’em Like My Daddy
1975 Back to Country
1975 Home
1976 When the Tingle Becomes a Chill
1976 Somebody Somewhere
1977 I Remember Patsy
1978 Out of My Head and Back in My Bed
1979 We’ve Come a Long Way Baby
1980 Loretta
1980 Lookin’ Good
1981 I Lie
1982 Making Love from Memory
1983 Lyin’, Cheatin’, Woman Chasin’, Honky Tonkin’, Whiskey Drinkin’
1985 Just a Woman
1988 Who Was That Stranger
2000 Still Country
2004 Van Lear Rose

Collaboration studio albums
1965 Mr. & Mrs. Used to Be
1967 Ernest Tubb & Loretta Lynn Singin' Again
1968 If We Put Our Heads Together
1971 We Only Make Believe
1971 Lead Me On
1973 Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man
1974 Country Partners
1975 Feelin's
1976 United Talent
1977 Dynamic Duo
1978 Honky Tonk Heroes
1979 Diamond Duet
1981 Two's a Party
1989 Makin' Believe
1993 Honky Tonk Angels

Compilation Ambums
1965 Hymns
1966 A Country Christmas
1968 Loretta Lynn's Greatest Hits
1968 Who Says God Is Dead!
1972 Alone With You
1972 God Bless America Again
1973 Story
1974 Loretta Lynn's Greatest Hits Vol. 2
1976 Blue-Eyed Kentucky Girl
1979 The Very Best of Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty
1988 20 Greatest Hits
1991 Country Music Hall of Fame Series
1994 Honky Tonk Girl - The Loretta Lynn Collection
1998 All Time Gospel Favorites
1999 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection
2004 All Time Gospel Favorites
2004 The Very Best of Loretta Lynn
2005 The Definitive Collection
2005 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection
2006 Gold
2006 Chronicles
2007 Number 1s

Singles
1960 I'm a Honky Tonk Girl"
1960 New Rainbow
1960 Darkest Day
1962 Success
1963 The Other Woman
1963 Before I'm Over You
1964 Wine, Women, and Song
1964 Mr. and Mrs. Used to Be
1964 Happy Birthday
1965 Blue Kentucky Girl
1965 Our Hearts Are Holding Hands
1965 The Home You're Tearing Down
1966 Dear Uncle Sam
1966 You Ain't Woman Enough (To Take My Man)
1966 Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)
1967 Sweet Thang
1967 If You're Not Gone Too Long
1967 A Man I Hardly Know
1967 What Kind of a Girl (Do You Think I Am)
1968 Fist City 1968
1968 You've Just Stepped In (From Stepping Out oN Me)
1968 Your Squaw Is on the Warpath
1969 Woman of the World (Leave My World Alone)
1969 To Make a Man (Feel Like a Man)
1969 Who's Gonna Take the Garbage Out
1969 Wings Upon Your Horns
1970 I Know How
1970 You Wanna Give Me a Lift
1970 Coal Miner's Daughter
1971 After the Fire Is Gone
1971 I Wanna Be Free
1971 You're Lookin' At Country
1971 Lead Me On
1971 One's on the Way
1972 Here I Am Again
1972 Rated
1973 Love Is the Foundation
1973 Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man
1973 Hey Loretta
1974 They Don't Make 'em Like My Daddy
1974 As Soon as I Hang Up the Phone
1974 Trouble In Paradise
1975 The Pill
1975 Feelin's
1975 Home
1975 When the Tingle Becomes a Chill
1976 Red, White, and Blue
1976 The Letter
1976 Somebody, Somewhere
1977 She's Got You
1977 I Can't Love You Enough
1977 Why Can't He Be You
1977 Out of My Head and Back In My Bed
1978 Spring Fever
1978 From Seven Till Ten
1978 You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly
1978 We've Come a Long Way Baby
1979 I Can't Feel You Anymore
1979 I've Got a Picture of Us on My Mind
1979 You Know Just What I'd Do
1979 The Sadness of It All
1980 Pregnant Again
1980 It's True Love
1980 Naked In the Rain
1980 Cheatin' on a Cheater
1981 Lovin' What Your Lovin' Does to Me
1981 Somebody Led Me Away
1981 I Still Believe In Waltzes
1982 I Lie
1982 Making Love From Memory
1983 Breakin' It
1983 There's All Kinds of Smoke (In the Barroom)
1983 Lyin', Cheatin', Women, Chasin', Honky Tonkin', and Whiskey Drinkin' Too
1983 Walking With My Memories
1985 Heart Don't Do This to Me
1985 Woudln't It Be Great
1986 Just a Woman
1987 Honky Tonk Angels Medley
1988 Who Was That Stranger
1988 Fly Away
1988 Makin' Believe
1993 Silver Threads and Golden Needles
2000 Country In My Genes
2004 Miss Being Mrs.
2004 Portland, Oregon

Loretta Lynn - part I

     Few day ago I watch one movie about life of famous country singer, Loretta Lynn. The name of that was Coal Miner's Daughter.

She was born in small village Butcher Hollow in Kentucky, April 14, 1934 to family of coal miner Melvin "Ted" Webb and his wife Clara Marie (Ramey) Webb. Her own name was Loretta Young. She was the second of eight children. She grew up in same village. Maybe somebody didn't know, she is also from one side Indian, because her mother was of Scots-Irish and Cherokee ancestry.

     She was married in January 10, 1948 to Oliver Vanetta Lynn, who was known as "Doolittle," "Doo,". Yes, you see right. Only in her 13 years old. Very young. Her husband had to promise to her father two things: 1., he has never beat her, 2., he has never taken Loretta far away from her family house.

The wedding day was very poor, only few people. She hadn't any experiences of married life and houses works, as she said she was uneducated. Doo worked, she was housewife. But without any knowledges of cooking, of housekeeping. Maybe that's why Doo was angry with her and bagged he. She returned home, to parent's house. In that time she was pregnant but she didn't know it.

Doo decided to leave Kentucky and went to Washington. When he got to know about pregnant we changed decision and stayed with Loretta in Butcher Hollow. To her 17 years old, she had already 4 children (Betty Sue, Ernest Ray, Jack Benny, Doo - I hope I write right). In 1951 they left to Custer, Washington. There she was full time mother.

She started to sing as child in church, but after wedding she stopped it. Again she started to sing from her children and around their house. Doo liked it and that's why he bought her guitar, although she wasn't able to play on it. Loretta learned to play during cooking, during many house works.

One day Doo invited her to pub and there she began singing in local club - Grace Hall. The first embarrassment went away and Loretta had great success. From that time she sang more time but Doo had other plans. Next step was recording single named I'm A Honky Tonk Girl and Doo sent it with her photo to many radios.

It looks her life is on right way, and suddenly hard blow, her father died (1959). Loretta taxed herself with her leaving to Washington.

New plans - open her sing career. Her children stayed with grand mother in Kentucky and Loretta with Doo started to visit all radios, where they sent her single. They took Regional Record Reports and started. The first step was to play her song. In radio they wasn't put it, but Loretta was relentless and it was well.

     The brake point came when she got 14 of full-state hitparade. In that time Doo decided the time is right to come out in Grand Ole Opry. Loretta had never hoped to be there, but it was in Ernest Tubb show. In white hat and in own sewn dress, Loretta was light point of this show. Step by step her fame was growing up and she was in Tubb's show next week again.

After that the success show changed success show.

One day she sang song especially for Patsy Cline, who had car accident. Patsy's husband Charlie Dick invite Loretta to Patsy's room in hospital where she was. Both women found affinity and the friendship started. Loretta went with Patsy on Patsy's tour. Doo went with them.

Loretta became famous, her husband started to go back and it wasn't what he wanted. He drunk, to be aggressive.He still love her and that's why he made decision - Loretta continued in tour, he went home.

Loretta is pregnant again. Patsy make plans but she died during returning from benefit concert(at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Kansas) at plane crash in March 5, 1963 near Camden, Tennessee. Patsy Cline was 30 years old. Loretta was broken-hearted.

The pregnant was ended by childbirth of twin girls. As soon as possible she returned to concert's activity.

     Again she was busy, she traveled on tours, recorded albums, showed on concerts. She became the most favourite country singer, especially The first Country Lady.

The concerts were very strenuous, Loretta slept more in bus as in normal bed in house and she started to have headache. She have taken medicaments, more and more. Tempo is hard, on next tour Lorette was traveled with her husband Doo, but problems of her health has deepen. She didn't remember song words, she is run-down and in the end she flaked out direct on podium.

Later she spent time on their Ranch with her husband and her children. Doo decided to build new house.

The free time was very important for her, she returned to the light of reflector, with new vitality, with new songs.

During the movie, I thought: Yes, it was very long time ago, it was normal, it was in 19-teen century. It can happened only in that time. And after movie? Stop, it was in 20-teen. Loretta is still the first country lady. And she is good example that when man wants something and work on himself, he can have success. REMEMBER IT.

     All information was from movie Coal Miner's Daughter.
(Direction: Michael Apted, Script: Loretta Lynn, Thomas Rickman, George Vecsey, Actors: Sissy Spacek (Loretta Webb / Lynn), Tommy Lee Jones (Doolittle 'Mooney' Lynn aka 'Doo'), Levon Helm (Ted Webb), Phyllis Boyens (Clara 'Clary' Webb), Bill Anderson Jr. (Webb child), Foister Dickerson (Webb child), Malla McCown (Webb child), Pamela McCown (Webb child)).

Waldemar Matuska III

     Many his songs became popular and most of them I have on LP or single. I listen them as small child and maybe I was one of his youngest fans. I have still photo album with all news and photos of him. And also singles and albums. Maybe thanks him I prefer men with beard. :o)

I remember that day, when my mother brought news and said: “See there, Walda emigrated to US. Listen his LP Osm lásek, what there he said:” And I wasn’t able to understand why? He was popular, he had many possibilities to travel abroad. I was his fan so much. I switched on LP and listened what he said: Sometimes people ask me, if whether I would like to go visit US. Well I would go and in the moment again back. I prefer this my land.” I was so young, maybe I wasn’t able to understand all reasons. From that time I listened his songs many time but something was broken inside of me.

When he returned after Velvet Revolution, I saw other man. I know, nobody can be still young. He looked like broken and ill old man, without that sparks in his eyes, without charm smile. There was different person. It’s a pity, but I like to sing his songs henceforward and when I sing them, Matuska still looks like I remember him (before his leaving). I wish him so many happiness, much health and good luck.

Discography:
1965 – Zpívá Waldemar Matuška
1967 – Osm lásek Waldemara Matušky

1967 – Waldemar Matuška
1971 – Lidové písně z celého světa

1971 – Waldemar Matuška 1966 / (CD r.v.1990)
1971 – Jo ho ho - Waldemar Matuška zpívá písně o moři
1973 – Láska nebeská
1974 – Johoho (reedition)
1975 – Kluci do nepohody
1977 – Co děláš, to dělej rád
1980 – Suvenýr - Waldemar Matuška a jeho 12 nej...
1980 – Suvenýr
1982 – Waldemar
1985 – The Country Door Is Always Open
1990 – Waldemar Matuška (1966-1971)
1990 – Waldemar a Olga – Niagara
1991 – Co neodnesl čas
1996 – Waldemar - Lidové písně z celého světa + 10x Bonus
1996 – Nebeskej kovboj + 8x Bonus
1996 – Sbohem, lásko + 8x Bonus

1997 – Jo ho ho + 8x Bonus
1997 – Waldemar Matuška a Jeho 23 suvenýrů
1997 – Jsem svým pánem + 6x Bonus
1997 – Láska nebeská (reedition CD)
1998 – To všechno odnes čas
1999 – Osm lásek Waldemara Matušky + 7x Bonus
1999 – Síň slávy (cd 1)
1999 – Síň slávy (cd 2)
2000 – Kluci do nepohody (reedition)
2000 – Portrét hvězd – Waldemar Matuška
2000 – S čertem si hrát (with Eva Pilarová)
2000 – To nejlepší
2001 – Suvenýr (reedition)
2002 – Co neodnesl čas (Největší TV hity)
2007 – Slávik z Madridu (Největší hity)


Albums recorded in US:
Teče voda, teče
Niagara
Merry Christmas

Filmography:
1960 – Sedmý kontinent
1963 – Der Andere neben dir
1964 – Limonádový Joe aneb Konská opera

1964 – Kdyby tisíc klarinetů

1966 – Dýmky
1966 – Fantom Morrisvillu
1966 – Revue v mlze
1966 – Smrt zo oponou
1967 – Tajemství Viléma Storitze
1967 – Hotel pro cizince
1967 – Ta naše písnička česká
1967 – 1968 – Píseň pro Rudlofa III
1968 – Všichni dobrí rodáci
1971 – Kam slunce nechodí
1973 – Noc na Karlštejne

1977 – Talíře nad Velkým Malíkovem
1980 – Trhák

2004 – Český Woodstock

Čert ví


Santa Lucia


Santiano


Hříšník a fláma

Waldemar Matuska II

     In Czechoslovakia, there was very popular competition named Zlatý slavík (Golden Warbler). Waldemar won it twice, in 1962 and 1987, and few times he was on second position.

His popularity grew up.

As he said one time, he had never acted, but life brought him these experiences and he created unforgettable characters in various movies (Patrik in Kdyby tisíc klarinetů – 1964, Kojot Kid in Limonádový Joe – 1964, Cyprian ambassador in Noc na Karlštejne – 1973) and in serials (Píseň pro Rudolfa III, etc.).

He left with Eva Pilarová Semafor and started in theatre Rokoko and here he was actor of dramas named Labyrint světa, Drak je drak, Filosofova historie and recitals Rokokokoktejl and Osm lásek Waldemara Matušky. Eva Pilarová very early returned to Semafor, but Waldemar got new partners. He sang with Marta Kubišová, Helena Vondráčková, Karel Gott, Jitka Zelenková, Hana Hegerová, Václav Neckář, etc.). From this period are hit such as To se nikdo nedoví, Tisíc mil, Úžasná láska and Jen se s písničkou smát (all with Helena Vondráčková), Červencové ráno, Nech tu lásku spát, Píseň za paddle,Víc nechtěl by snad ani D’Artagnan and Píseň Ofélie (all with Marta Kubišová), Tak aby ste to vědela (with Hana Hegerová), Mám malý stan (with Karel Štedrý), Co z toho mám(with Karel Gott).

1970’s came and Waldemar brought hit by hit. It was for example Jó třešně zrály, Růže z Texasu, Sedm dostavníků, Mrholí, Kladivo, Divoké koně, Píseň pro Kristínku, Buď pořád se mnou, Slávici z Madridu, Sbohem lásko, Už koníček pádí, Pojď se mnou lásko má, Tuhle rundu platím já.

In the beginning of 70’s he sang folksongs and he release album Waldemar Matuška zpívá lidové písně z celého světa, from folksong from various countries of the world. In this time also was recorded album with marine evergreens Johoho (most popular songs were Má láska je za velkou louží, Námořníckej bál, Santiano, Hříšník a fláma, Čas chvátá, Kvetou lípy).

In Rokoko he had met his love Olga Blechova, who sang with him hits such as Míle, Vítr to ví, Žít jen žít. In 1976 he married Olga. They sang together from that time to today.

From period in turning point 60 and 70-teen, Waldemar had hits Krysař, Ráno, Bůh ví odkud já tuhle písničku znám, Až se můj čas ponachýlí, Asi do věží, etc.

He presented himself on different festivals and competitions, such as Bratislavská Lýra (He was on the first position with song Pláňka and few years on third position with songs To se nikdo nedoví, Don diri don, Už modrej činžák zhas), Dečínska kotva, Zlatý klíč.

In 1976 he with Olga came to music band K.T.O. (Kamarádi Táborových Ohňů – Friends of Campfires). From this period came many famous songs, for example Co děláš to dělej ríd, Kluci do nepohody, Jezebel Jen se hádej, Má co chtěla, Léta pádí, Tam nad tou hrází, Září bílej sníh, etc.

His popularity in Czechoslovakia was so high; it gave him chance to have concerts abroad (UK, India, Iraq, Kuvajt, Cuba, US, Canada). He took this chance and in 1986 he left Czechoslovakia and emigrated to US. He stayed in Saint Petersburg, Florida and there he lives up to this day.

Communist prohibited to play his songs and stopped to release his album Jsem svým pánem.

He received US nationality. He showed for fellow-countrymen in US and recorded other albums.

After Velvet Revolution in 1898 he came back and had more concerts. His songs are still popular.

He is still living in Florida and at times he visit Czech Republic. Matuška songs were so popular and evidence thereof is establish of Waldemar Matuška Revival Band.

Píseň pro Kristínku


Ach, ta láska nebeská


Po starých zámeckých schodech


Harfa

Waldemar Matuska I

     What all in the field of music we could lose if he would stay in glasshouse? And what so nice glass products we lost, when he decided to go on singer’s road? I hope you agree with me, the second decision was that right. His unforgettable songs Jo třešně zrály, Tereza or Růže z Texasu are known in all generations of country fans in our countries (Slovakia, Czech).

Maybe you would be surprised that two states have some authority to consider him an own. He was born on June 2, 1932 in Košice. All youth he lived with three brothers in center of Prague. He inherited his talent of his mother, who was operetta singer in Vienna theatre scene. Despite this fact, he wasn’t accepted in school band and he hadn’t good rating of singing at school. This fact didn’t stop him to show with various bands and he had be able to play on many music instruments (for example guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica, etc.)

He finished studies and worked as glassmaker only short time, but during that time he had shows with different bands.

The first success was with band Matrosov. In 1950 he tried happiness in State band of songs and dances, from that he went to Reduta and there he established band Mambo Kvintet.

In 1960 he was first time in recording studio and he recorded his first song Suvenýr (Souvenir).

He came to theatre Semafor (Divadla SEdmi MAlých FORem - Theatres of Seven Short Forms), where very early he became star. His colleges were besides Jiří Grossmann, Miloslav Šimek, Jiří Suchý, Jiří Šlitr, Karel Štedrý, Miluška Voborníková, Eva Pilarová, etc.

The first dramas were Člověk z půdy, Zuzana je zase sama doma, Taková ztráta krve. With these dramas there also became hits as Árie měsíce, Klokočí, To všechno vodnes čas and Píseň pro Zuzanu. He sang alone and also duets. Popular duets were with Karel Štedrý (Takový je život, Opilá bílá myška), with Jiří Suchý (Píseň o koni, Kočka na okně).

In 1961 there Eva Pilarová came and she created famous duo with him. Their song Ach ta láska nebeská was Song of the Year 1962. Other famous duets with Eva were Tam za vodou v rákosí, Pozvání, S čertem si hrát, Dnes v noci etc.

This popularity open him the doors to radio and television. I can tell you programs Revue pro banjo, Pijácka romance, Kam slunce nechodí.

Růže z Texasu


Slavici z Madridu


Tisíc mil


Divoký koně

Kenny Rogers

     Do you remember New Christy Minstrels? If no, try to visit their page in this blog. One of the past members was Kenny Rogers.

     He was born in Houston (Texas, US) in August 21, 1938. His full name is Kenneth Donald Rogers. He grown up as the fourth child of the seven siblings in the poorest town district.
     As very young boy he started in music band Scholars. In 1958 they recorded pop hit That Crazy Feeling. He didn't finish to sing neither meanwhile studying on Houston University, also during his next job (he worked as member of advertising dept. of recording company).

     Real music career began with his membership in jazz trio of Bobby Doyle (The Bobby Doyle Three), where he played on bass. After his membership in vocal quartet Kirby Stone Four, he joined in music band New Christy Minstrels. In 1967, when the group finished its activity, established band First Edition (with few past members of New Christy Minstrels as Mike Settle, Terry Williams, Thelma Lou Camacho, Terry Jones). In the next years he recorded more albums as Just Dropped in (To See What Condition My Condition Was In – 1968), very famous song Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town (about soldier's returning from Korea war – 1969. This song had been till Top 10. This is the first Kenny Rogers's song which I had been listened.), Reuben James - 1969, Something's Burning – 1970 or Heed The Call – 1970. In the end of 1972, the band had TV show, but popularity went already down. That's why they stopped activity.
     It was that moment, when Kenny decided to set himself on self feet and started his solo career. He signed exclusive contract with company United Artist (1975). In the moment then he recorded his first country album You Lifted Me. It was his debut album and in the beginning of 1976 it became number one in hit parade. But he started to famous with the single Lucille from 1977. This album was on the top of country and also pop hit parade (number one in Hot Country, number five in Pop). They sold about five million copies. This recording got award Album of the Year and brought to Kenny the first Grammy. He was also vote award The Favourite Singer of All Time.
     From this moment Kenny started to bring one hit after another and also other interesting awards in many different categories (he has received many awards for his music and charity work, included Grammys, AMAs, ACMs, CMAs). He freely traversed interim style, he showed that country star can have success also in pop scene.
     He had some famous duets with famous singers as Kim Carnes (I don't Fall in Love With a Dreamer), Sheena Easton (We've Got Tonight), Dottie West (Every Time Two Fools Collide, AnyoneWho Isn't Me Tonight, What Are We Doin' in Love), etc.. He came to TV shows, acted in few movies (Six Pack, The Gambler, Christms in America, Covard of the County, ...).
     In the end of 1983 he finished cooperation with United Artist and signed new contract with RCA company. From this time I can reflect song Islands In The Stream with Dolly Parton (song was composed by Bee Gees originally for Diana Ross and immediately became hit), Real Love, Crazy, Morning Mesire, .....
     In 1989 he choose recording company again, now it is Reprise Records, where he recorded his the most famous hit Love Is Strange (again duet with Dolly Parton).
     In the end of 80-teen and in the beginning of 90-teen he was busy by charity work, concerts and his own restaurants with fast food Kenny Rogers's Roasters. Also he wrote two books (Kenny Roger's America, Kenny Rogers: Your Friends and mine).
     He established recording studio Dreamcatcher in 1998 and produced Christmas album Christmas From The Heart.
In the last time, his succes was album The Greatest.
     In the 21st century, Kenny is back with new single.(Buy Me a Rose). He doesn't record any album, but he has success with greatest hit packages. He income to American Country Charts.

     From his private live: Kenny has been married five times. Now his current wife is Wande Miller. He has one daughter and four sons.

Kenny Rogers Discography:
1967 The First Edition
1969 Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town...
1970 Fools
1970 Something's Burning
1971 Tell It All Brother
1971 Transition
1971 Kenny Rogers and the First Edition Greatest.
1972 Backroads Jolly Roger
1972 Planet Texas
1972 The Ballad of Calico
1973 Monument - Jolly Rogers
1973 Star Collection WEA
1974 Rollin Jolly Rogers
1976 Love Lifted Me EMI America
1977 Daytime Friends EMI America
1977 Kenny Rogers United Artists
1978 Love or Something Like It United Artists
1978 The Gambler EMI America
1978 Every Time Two Fools Collide United Artists
1978 Ten Years of Gold EMI Ameri
1979 Kenny Razor & Tieca
1979 Singles Album United Artists
1979 Classics United Artists
1979 Classics EMI
1980 Greatest Hits Evergreen
1980 Greatest Hits EMI America
1980 Greatest Hits SND
1980 Gideon United Artists
1980 Shine Out Radar
1981 Christmas EMI America
1981 Lady Liberty
1981 Ruby MFP
1981 Share Your Love Razor & Tie
1982 Love Will Turn You Around EMI America
1983 We've Got Tonight Razor & Tie
1983 Eyes That See in the Dark RCA
1983 20 Greatest Hits [EMI America] EMI America
1984 The Best of Kenny Rogers Breakaway
1984 Duets Capitol
1984 What About Me RCA
1984 Once upon a Christmas RCA
1985 Heart of the Matter RCA
1985 Love Is What We Make It Liberty
1986 Short Stories Liberty
1986 They Don't Make Them Like They Used To RCA
1986 15 Greatest Hits MCA
1987 25 Greatest Hits EMI America
1987 I Prefer the Moonlight RCA
1989 Christmas in America Reprise
1989 Something Inside So Strong Reprise
1989 Kenny Rogers with Kim Carnes Capitol
1989 Breakout Pair
1989 Lucille & Other Classic Pair
1989 All Time Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Universal
1990 Greatest Hits RCA
1990 Featuring the Songs of Kenny Rogers & First... Universal
1990 20 Great Years Reprise
1990 Greatest Country Hits Curb
1990 At Their Best Hollywood
1990 Love Is Strange Reprise
1991 Some Prisons Don't Have Warner
1991 Back Home Again Reprise
1991 The Best of Kenny Rogers & the First Edition... Huub
1991 The Very Best Quicksilver
1991 Love Songs Universal
1992 The Best of Kenny Rogers CEMA
1992 All Time Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 Universal
1992 Lucille Special Music
1992 Heart to Heart RCA
1993 If Only My Heart Had a Voice Warner
1993 Every Time Two Fools Collide: The Best of... EMI-Capitol
1994 20 Greatest Hits Big Country
1994 Early Years Essex
1994 Timepiece 143/Atlantic
1995 Ultimate Bransounds
1995 Christmas Wishes Cema Special
1995 Greatest Hits Prime Cuts
1995 Anthology Alex
1995 The Best of Kenny Rogers Capitol
1996 Kenny Rogers Eclipse Music
1996 Golden Hits Intercontinent
1996 Greatest Hits Hip-O
1996 The Gift Magnatone
1997 Across My Heart Magnatone
1997 Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 Public Music
1997 Decade of Hits Warner
1997 20 Golden Hits Galaxy
1997 Songs You Know By Heart Beacon
1997 Revue Collection Revue
1997 King of Country Javelin
1997 For the Good Times [SMS] Planet
1998 Original Hits Master Tone
1998 Good Time Liberator Mastertone
1998 With Love Madacy
1998 Original Gold Disky x
1998 Original Gold Disc One Disky
1998 Original Gold Disc Two Disky
1998 Through the Years [Disc #1] BX
1998 Through the Years [Disc #2] BX
1998 Through the Years [Disc #3] BX
1998 The Love Collection [Excelsior] Excelsior
1998 20 Great Love Songs Disky
1998 Branson City Limits [live] Unison
1998 Christmas from the Heart Dreamcatcher
1999 She Rides Wild Horses Dream Catcher
1999 For the Good Times Pegasus
1999 Through the Years: A Retrospective Capitol x
1999 A&E Biography [live] Capitol
1999 Love Collection Madacy
1999 Kenny Rogers [Classic World] Liberty
1999 Classic Love Songs Crimson
1999 Through the Years Golden Sounds x
1999 Islands in the Stream: The Greatest Hits... Music Club
1999 Love Songs [Madacy Box] Madacy x
1999 All the Hits & All New Love EMI
1999 Endless Love Empire Music
1999 Simply the Best Disky
1999 Love Songs [Madacy Box Disc 3] Madacy
1999 Love Songs [Madacy Box Disc 2] Madacy
1999 Love Songs [Madacy Box Disc 1] Madacy
2000 First Hits Legacy
2000 Solid Gold Cleopatra
2000 Forever Gold St. Clair
2000 Always in Love Madacy
2000 Hearts on Fire Madacy
2000 Heart to Heart Madacy
2000 Kenny Rogers & Friends Madacy
2000 Classics from the Heart Madacy
2000 Collector's Edition [Two Disc] Madacy
2000 Collector's Edition [Single Disc] Madacy
2000 Always & Forever Madacy
2000 The Gold Collection Fine Tune
2000 The Best of Love [Box] Madacy x
2000 Classic Country Direct Source
2000 Dueling Country Direct Source
2000 Platinum Series D-3
2000 Good Old Country St. Clair
2000 With Love [2000] Madacy
2000 The Best of Kenny Rogers and the First... Edeltone
2000 Superstar Dressed to
2000 Love Songs, Vol. 2 Capitol
2000 The Love Collection [2000 Madacy Box] Madacy x
2000 Christmas Greetings Capitol
2000 Christmas Wishes from Kenny Rogers Delta
2000 There You Go Again Dream Catcher
2001 The Way It Used to Be Direct Source
2001 A&E Live by Request Dreamcatcher
2001 Sing You a Sad Song TKO Magnum
2001 Greatest Country Hits, Vol. 2 Curb
2001 Greatest Country Hits, Vol. 3 Curb
2001 For the Good Times Direct Source
2001 Signature Series Direct Source
2001 Best Inspirational Songs Curb
2001 The Best of Kenny Rogers Madacy
2001 Kenny Rogers LaserLight
2001 Songs of Love Madacy
2001 Ten Years of Gold Madacy
2001 The Gambler Dreamcatcher
2001 Always Leaving Starburst
2001 Love Songs Capitol
2001 Love Songs Madacy
2001 Collection Madacy x
2002 For the Good Times Town Sound
2002 The Gambler Originals
2002 The Heart of a Legend Madacy
2002 Kenny Rogers Columbia River
2002 Country Classics
2002 Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town. Prestige Elite
2002 Calico Silver
2003 Heart of the Matter Castle
2003 Back to the Well Import
HBO Presents Kenny Rogers Liberty
One Night Reprise
The Best of Kenny Rogers Collectables
Greatest Hits Reprise
The Best of Kenny Rogers & the First Edition... K-Tel
20 Great Hits Hollywood
Gift Set EMI America
The Best of Kenny Rogers & First Edition,... Satellite
Hits & Pieces MCA
60's Revisited MCA
Sweet Music Man CEMA

Kenny Rogers and the First Edition - Ruby


Lucille


Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton - Islands in the stream


Kenny Rogers & Sheena Easton We've Got Tonight

The New Christy Minstrels

     This American country group looked like model acceptance folk music for many country groups in abroad. (Rangers, Greenhorns in Czechoslovakia, etc.)
     The history of Minstrels started in turning point 50-teen and 60-teen, when young guitarist and singer Randy Sparks established own music group. There was also his wife (Jackie Miller). In the 1961 the establishing was ended and group had 10 members (Randy Sparks, Jackie Miller, Nick Woods – The Kingston Trio, John Forsha, Karol Dugan, Jerry Yester – The Inn Group, Billy Cudmore, Terry Cudmore, Dolan Ellis, Art Podell – Greenwich Village duo Art&Paul).
The name of the group was derived from Christy's Minstrels, performing institution form the middle of 19-teen century. This institution was founded by Edwin Pearce Christy in Philadelphia. They traveled through the country and helped to popularize the Negro spirituals.

     They started with Negro spirituals and already in next year they recorded the first album Presenting The New Christy Minstrels : "Exciting New Folk Chorus" for Columbia records. The record studio didn't believe them, but the success overcame their expectations. This record was nominated on Grammy (1962). This Minstrels were the most familiar group in US. It was Sparks, who created group as school chorus. The group was booked onto TV show (The Andy Williams Show). This show had a millions of American TV viewers.
     In 1963 they recorded new album "Ramblim'" with famous song "Green, Green". All this album came from collaboration of McGuire and Sparks. In these years, The New Christy Minstrels was the most popular from their history. They played concerts in clubs, in colleges and earned more money than ever before. Everything turned around them.
     The first person, who exited from the Minstrels was just Randy Sparks (May 1963). It was hard shot, but he chose McGuire as the leader of the group. It was very logical decision. At that time the group worked hard six days a week.

     During 60-teen also many interprets went through the group. For example Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes and Dave Ellington).
     In 70-teen the popularity of Minstrels began to go down when interests of country music averted from traditional to pop form. The Minstrels stopped their shows in 1971 and to 1978 only their records of some famous selection were published. The time showed that that was exactly that right what inspired further interprets and groups.
     The New Christy Minstrels had excellent vocal, which acceptance form traditional American and Irish song and classic folk music. Their addition is unforgettable.

     Past members also were :

• Kenny Rogers
• Gene Clark - The Byrds'
• Kim Carnes
• Larry Ramos - Association's
• Terry Williams
• Baxter Taylor - The Wayfares Trio
• Barry McGuire - Eve of Destruction
• Mike Settle
• Thelma Camacho
• Keith Barbour
• Dolan Ellis.

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Green Green


Today


Three Wheels on my Wagon