Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Johnnie Dwyer



This one is a bit of a head scratcher. Credited on the pre-Band Box label Columbine as Johnnie Dwyer with Billy Lee and the Rocky Mountain Playboys. As there tended to be several bands calling themselves the same thing, I have no clue whether these guys are affiliated with Hank Locklin's, Jimmy Snow's,  Rocky Rauch's Rocky Mountain Playboys.

A 1949 issue of Desert Magazine notes:

December meeting of the San Fernando 
Valley Mineral and Gem society of Se- 
pulveda was a Christmas party and pro- 
gram including songs and recitations. John 
and Johnnie Anderson furnished music with 
their electric guitars; the Craig family acted 
out a skit portraying a night on a field trip; 
Johnnie Mitchell, Mary Newbold, Mr. Lil- 
jibald, and Master Johnnie Dwyer sang, 
and Master Hal Dwyer recited "What Are 
Rockhounds?" 

Johnnie (Johnny) went on to record at least one single on the Dee Jay label, re-recording "Love Grown Cold," with The Pike County Players--again there apparently was more than one group calling themselves that (sigh).

That said, this is a sweet country ditty.

The Mesa Verde Story


Lots of great memories going to Mesa Verde National Park, as I'm sure everyone does. However, I never climbed the Balcony House ladder, nor do I recollect seeing Esther the mummy - not sure how I missed that experience. Guess it's time to go back for a visit.

Eva-Tone red flexi on "The Mesa Verde Story."  Runoff shows 61071AXT, so guessing this is a 1971 recording. No indication who is voicing "Ranger Bill," or who is providing the Native American chants in the background. Cool little souvenir.