Loose Ends and Closing Credits

[NOTE TO NEWCOMERS: This was the last of the thirteen entries with which I began this blog, all entered in rapid succession during late February / early March 2008.]

And now, some loose ends that I still need to tie up.

First of all, is this single a U.P. Groove?

Arthur D. Noel - LINDA BROUGHT THE RAIN DOWN b/w PRETTY WORDS (Stop ST-1699). I've found very little info about this single or Mr. Noel, though he may have some U.P. connections (the single was made in Nashville, TN). Side B is a Marty Robbins song, while Side A was written by one Jim Aho - Elmer's relative, maybe? Or Elmer himself, under a pseudonym?


THE COTTERILL SISTERS - These three sisters from Iron Mountain were a musical trio that traveled throughout the world during the 1910s-20s, even performing for royal audiences. I figured that they'd have been likely to make a commercial record, but as far as I know they never did. However, I stand ready to stand corrected.

ELMER M. AHO - Aside from what I've cited in previous posts, I've caught many fleeting glimpses of his name on other record labels. I know that Mr. Aho hosts a country-oldies request show every Saturday night on an Ishpeming country station that I normally can't receive; I still hope to get in touch with him and get info about his other recording exploits.

NEIL BOUGIE - This Escanaban apparently recorded an album which was produced by Gary S. Paxton, the former L.A. music biggie who later became Tammy Faye Bakker's record producer. I heard radio ads for the album ("Gary Paxton is a producer ... Neil Bougie is an artist"), but I never saw the album itself in any stores, nor have I seen a copy to this day.

"SAULT STE. MARIE" by DEAN MARTIN - I know Dino recorded a song called "Sault Ste. Marie," written by one Kevin Bowe, for one of his albums; but (a) I haven't heard the song, though I've read its lyrics; and (b) I have no idea whether the "Soo" of the song was in Michigan or in Ontario! (My attempts to contact Mr. Bowe have so far led nowhere.)

KRIS ERIK STEVENS - I have found out about Kris Erik's 1972 album FEELINGS, which is now duly listed in "Some Grooves I Don't Have"; even so, can anyone tell me if Kris Erik put out any other records?

POLKAS - Besides Paul Ray, the Ramblers, Viola Turpeinen and other acts I've already mentioned, I'm sure other U.P.-connected polka acts made commercial records, and if anyone has any extra data on the subject, I'm here. (For those who don't know, Frankie Yankovic was neither a U.P. native nor a permanent U.P. resident, though he often vacationed and performed in the U.P.)

And now to give credit where credit is due ... The following people have all played major roles in the realization of this project, providing me with info and pointing me in some right directions:

KIP BROWN - creator of the Yahoo! Group "michiganmusicfromthesixties"

RANDY HAUCK - the recording engineer who worked with Omo the Hobo, and provided me with most of my info about him

BRIAN R. JUNTIKKA - U.P. native, devoted polka collector, host of the syndicated radio show "Polka Time America"

GARY ELSWORTH MYERS - Milwaukee-born musician/author/publisher, whose books Do You Hear That Beat? and On that Wisconsin Beat are both histories of Wisconsin's recorded music, often straying into the U.P. His website is http://home.earthlink.net/~gem777

STEVEN SEYMOUR - Veteran journalist and co-owner (with his wife Sue) of The Record Rack in Escanaba, one of Michigan's few remaining independent record stores. He is the author of the book Rock'n'Roll Graffiti, and yes, he has his own blog - http://rocknrollgraffiti.blogspot.com/.

DAVID WATCHORN - bassist for The Prophets of Doom and other Escanaba-area bands; he's sometimes spoken of starting his own website about the Prophets, and I hope he will.

The CUCA RECORDS DATABASE - The starting point for those interested in the history of the Sauk City, WI-based record company that played a major role in the U.P. GROOVES! saga. (And it's pronounced KOO-ka, not ... you know.) http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/cuca

And also these various and sundry individuals who had some influence or effect on the project: Catte Adams, Gerald Anderson, "Ange," Jim Brogan, Elaine Buchbinder, Lynn Coffey, Joe Dehut, John Douros, Mike Dugo, S.M. Geer, Don Heikkila, Professor Michael Irish, Jim Kirchstein, "Lady J" Koda, Frank Merrill Jr., Gene Michaels, Phil Nadeau, Lawrence & Mathew Olivares, "Country Paul" Payton, Michael Thom, Bill the VinylSpinner, Larry Wheatley, Brendan Williams, and the fine people at the Spectropop and Hillbilly Yahoo! Groups.

Well ... there. That's the "last of the first" set of posts for this U.P. GROOVES! blog. Of course, I'll be entering new info and correcting false info in these posts whenever I can, and there's always the possibility of all-new posts in the future. But for now, I thank you for your interest, and hope we'll meet again sometime.


Groovingly yours,

Andrew Charles, Amateur Popular-Culture Historian.
www.facebook.com/andrew.c.jones2

"I believe in music - I believe in love." (Mac Davis)

High School / College Bands & Choirs

I've sometimes been asked how - or if - records by U.P. high school or college bands and choirs fit into this project. The short answer is, they do.



During the decades when vinyl ruled, numerous high school and college musical groups in the U.P. made albums, usually as fundraisers. (The school bands and choirs of my birthplace, Escanaba, when under the direction of the late Conrad Beck (or his son John D. Beck), were quite prolific.)

Here are the high school / college band / choir albums I have in my collection:

Escanaba Area High School Choir and Madrigal Singers - [title unknown] (Silver Crest ES-DE-MENC-67; date unknown).

Escanaba Area Senior High School Choir & Chorale - CONCERT ECHOES & "BRIGADOON" HIGHLIGHTS (Century 34900; 1968?).

Escanaba Area High School Choir & Chorale - [title unknown] (Mark MC 1423; 1979). With John D. Beck, Director and Mary Snyder & Thom (Tom?) Knoll, accompanists.

The Fantastics - THE FANTASTICS OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (Nuggett NRS-106). The Fantastics, a show-band led by Northern Michigan University professor Tim Lautzenheiser, were NMU's "musical ambassadors," regularly touring U.P. schools and appearing on local television, especially WLUC-TV's annual March of Dimes Telethon (for many years, the U.P.'s only TV showcase for local talent). Their one album was recorded, curiously enough, in Tennessee, and co-produced by Fred Carter, Jr., veteran country musician and father of current country star Deana Carter.

And here are the ones I don't have, but know about:

Jeffers High School Jazz Ensemble - "HIGHLIGHTS" OF 1976-77 (RPC label). School now known as Painesdale-Jeffers.

Michigan Tech Lab Jazz Band / Larry Scott Quartet - SOME LIKE IT HOT, SOME LIKE IT COOL (Record label; 1974). Side One is the "hot" side, by the student jazz band at Michigan Technological University (MTU) in Houghton; Side Two, the "cool" side, is by the Houghton-based Larry Scott Quartet. Both bands included Michael Irish, then an MTU student, now head of MTU's music department.

Northern Michigan University Marching Band - title unknown (1969). I'm told the NMU marching band put out an album in 1969, but I know nothing else about it.

Suomi College Choir - SUOMI-OPISTON KUORO (label unknown). Recorded during the choir's 1963 tour of Finland; choir directed by Prof.Arthur J. Hill.

There's one record in my collection, though, that's a puzzle. I'm not even sure if it's from the U.P. It languished in the bargain bin of The Record Rack in Esky until I took it off their hands for 50 cents.



The top of each label says: "JUNIOR GIRLS' PLAY 1957 presents 'LIVE IT UP' Angela Suino, Nancy Willard, Jane Abeshouse, Beate Kaulfuss, Alice Basford, Betty Edson." There's no info about what record company made this - just a number, HBOP-0895, printed on the label and imprinted in the deadwax. The cover is white and blank; someone taped a page from the program onto it, but this page only shows (on one side) the show's logo and (on the other) a list of "Senior women and their guests" who were being honored by the "Junior women" at the production, and some other people and businesses who were thanked; but, again, no indication of where the performance took place or where the recording was made.



If anyone is familiar with this record and/or where it was made, please let me know.



And if this project results in a book, there will be a special section devoted entirely to listing all the high school and college band and choir albums I learn about.



So yes, high school & college musical group albums do indeed have a place in U.P. GROOVES!

The Vigilantes, otherwise known as...

All of the following records are by the same band (with variations), whose members (including "Jimmy B" Brogan and Lloyd Hugo) came from Houghton, Hancock, L'Anse and Lake Linden; they were the house band at the Copper Drift Lounge in the Hotel Scott in Hancock.

The Vigilantes - RAMBLIN' ON b/w SOMEDAY (SOMEONE WILL COME TO ME) (Cuca 1042). Side A was later re-titled "Travelin' On."

The Vigilantes - HIGHLAND FLING b/w NO NEVER (Cuca 1064). This single may never have been released.

The Vigilantes - WARM WIND b/w CATERPILLAR CRAWL (Hermi 001).

The Playboys - HARLEM NOCTURNE b/w BLUE MOON (Heartbeat 60).

The Lovers - TEMPTATION b/w BLUE TANGO (Sunny 1).

The Pastels - KING OF FOOLS b/w MARY (Limelight 3007).

The Flagmen - DRAG STRIP USA b/w MARY (Limelight 3014).

These two singles apparently shared the same B-side.

The All Nighters - YOU TALK TOO MUCH b/w SUMMERTIME BLUES (GMA 1).

The All Nighters - HEY BABY b/w TALK TO ME (Erie 001).

The All Nighters - GIRL DON'T GO b/w HELLO (Erie 002)

The All Nighters - LIVE AT THE BARN [ALBUM] (Erie LP 1).

This same band also played backup on these singles:

Johnny Tucker & the Pastels - MR. KENNEDY b/w WALK WITH ME (Sonic 30864)

Jay Johnson - KAREN b/w MARRIED TO SHERRI (USA 749).

Richard Parker - MONKEY ALL OVER b/w WELCOME TO PARADISE (Philips 40133; c. 1965)

Omo the Hobo

WELLMAN J. OMOHUNDRO

(Smiley Joe / Omo The Hobo / Omo the Lobo)

This charmingly eccentric troubador was born in Fayette in 1917 and died in Marquette in 1996. He apparently traveled throughout the country and around the world performing his (mostly self-composed) ballads and tunes, some of which were written-to-order. He released more than 100 records, ranging from children's songs to risque "party" discs.

Omo made most of his recordings during the mid-1960s at a California studio; he sold them during his performances (as "souvenirs," for a $1 "tip") or out of his home, either in Fayette or in Everding, CA.

SINGLES

On the ACCENT label, credited to SMILEY JOE OMOHUNDRO:

1080: I DON'T DRINK TO GET DRUNK b/w BROTHER I'VE HAD IT (also released on Accent 1098)

1082: SOMEONE JUST WANTING TO TAKE WHAT I GOT b/w THEY MADE A FOOL OUT OF ME

1092: THE MOON WAS A LITTLE YELLOW AND I WAS A LITTLE CHICKEN MYSELF b/w MY WIFE AND I

1100: YOU HAD YOUR WAY; I'M BROKE TODAY b/w HONEY YOU'VE MADE ME A BEGGAR; HELP I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU

1152: YOU HAD YOUR WAY NOW I'LL HAVE MINE b/w I'M BROKE TODAY

1169: I'M SALTING MY NUTS TODAY AND GIVING MY ICE AWAY b/w I DON'T HAVE AN EVIL MIND

1170: I DON'T DRINK TO GET DRUNK b/w ALCOHOLIC IS MY NAME

On the OMO THE HOBO label and credited to OMO THE HOBO, except as indicated:

IMPORTANT NOTE: I received the following info from two diferent sources, whom I'll call H and M. Sometimes the sources differ; when they do, I've marked the items with H and M, appropriately. If an item's not marked H or M, it's on both their lists.

As you'll see, Omo had the habit of re-releasing the same songs over and over again on different singles, with different combinations of A-sides and B-sides.

Omo 101: WHAT MAKES ME DO THE THINGS I DO b/w SWEETHEART I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU [M]

Omo the Lobo 101/112: OMOHUNDRO OR MOHUNDRO b/w I'M A POLICE OFFICER [M]

Omo the Lobo 101/134: KEEP SMILING b/w CINDY [M]

Omo the Hobo 102/214: LIKE A CLAP OF THUNDER b/w I"M JUST A HICK FROM THE STICKS [M]

103: DON'T LEAVE YOUR MEAT BALL b/w I WAS THE ONLY COWBOY WITH CLASS HO COULD RIDE THAT GIRL'S HORSE [M]

104: Medley: JUST BECAUSE & WABASH CANNONBALL b/w Medley: PISTOL PACKIN' MAMA & SAN ANTONIO ROSE [H]

104: QUIET PLEASE THE BABY'S ASLEEP b/w X STANDS FOR THE CROSS [M]

105: I'M NOT COMPLAINING JUST EXPLAINING b/w TEENAGERS BALL [M]

106: I'M A POLICE OFFICER HANDY WITH MY ROD b/w I'M A BARTENDER MY PISTOLS ALWAYS LOADED

106/112: I'M A POLICE OFFICER HANDY WITH MY ROD b/w I'M A POLICE OFFICER [M says these are different songs than on the above single]

106/154: I'M A BARTENDER MY PISTOL'S ALWAYS LOADED b/w HEY BARTENDER I'LL SWAP MY WIFE FOR A BOTTLE OF BOOZE [M]

107: HOLD ON TO MY HEART b/w WAITRESS SERVICE PLEASE [H]

107: HERE'S TO EVERY GIRL b/w DEAR OLD DAD, DON'T BE SAD [M]

108: Same as Accent 1170 above [M]

108/147: I DON'T DRINK TO GET DRUNK I JUST LIKE TO DRINK b/w I'M A DR. I WORK FOR MEDICARE [M]

108/208: ALKY-HOLIC IS MY NAME b/w I FELL FOR THAT CHICK LIKE A TON OF BRICKS [M]

108/208: ALKY-HOLIC IS MY NAME b/w I DON'T DRINK TO GET DRUNK I JUST LIKE TO DRINK (this song credited to OMO - JOAN) [M]

109: A SKUNK SHOULD NEVER GET DRUNK b/w DO YOU CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE [M]

110: I'M SELLING MY NUTS TODAY AND GIVING MY ICE AWAY b/w I'M A COTTON PICKIN' CHICKEN PLUCKER [M]

110/152: I'M SELLING MY NUTS TODAY AND GIVING MY ICE AWAY b/w MY GIRL WEARS SHORT HAIR AND BANGS [M]

Omo 112: HEY FIREMEN PUT OUT THE FIRE b/w I'M A POLICE OFFICER [H]

112/136: HEY FIREMAN PUT OUT HE FIRE b/w WORKIN' MAN'S SONG [M]

112/212: HEY FIREMAN PUT OUT THE FIRE b/w I'M A COP ... A DAMN GOOD DETECTIVE [M]

112/???: THE COP AND THE DRUNK (sticker covering "Hey Fireman" title on label) b/w I'M A POLICE OFFICER [M]

113: I'VE GOT THE WORLD BY THE TAIL b/w VITAMIN JUICE [H]

113/209: I'VE GOT THE WORLD BY THE TAIL b/w I'M A PEACE LOVIN' DR. [M]

114: MY HORSE GOT AWAY b/w I'M THE MAN IN THE MOON

"214-A or 114-A"/214-B: MY HORSE GOT AWAY b/w I'M JUST A HICK FROM THE STICKS [M]

115: GOD SENT AN ANGEL TO HELP ME UNDERSTAND b/w X STANDS FOR THE CROSS

115/221: X STANDS FOR THE CROSS (changed by sticker to HOORAY FOR THE U.S. ARMY, which is the song on the record) b/w MR. PRESIDENT [M]

116: OMO THE HOBO b/w THEY CALL ME A BUM

117: RIDE HIM COWBOY b/w MY COWGIRL FROM WAY OUT WEST

118: QUIET PLEASE BABIES SLEEPING b/w SWEET DREAMS [H]

119: DANNY BOY b/w GALWAY BAY [M]

Omo the Lobo 120: HOLD ON TO MY HEART b/w PRETTY GIRL by Omo the Lobo, as are all others on that label [M]

Omo the Lobo 121: WAITRESS, SERVICE PLEASE b/w I LIKE TO WAIT ON CUSTOMERS [M]

Omo the Lobo 121/209: WAITRESS, SERVICE PLEASE b/w I'M A MAILMAN WITH THE LONGEST ROUTE IN TOWN [M]

Omo the Lobo 121/221: WAITRESS, SERVICE PLEASE b/w MR. PRESIDENT [M]

Omo the Lobo 123: THE MOON WAS YELLOW AND I WAS A LITTLE CHICKEN MYSELF b/w BROKE TODAY, TOMORROW TOO [M]

Omo the Lobo 124: COWBOYS MADE A FOOL OUT OF ME b/w MY GIRL DAISY [M]

Omo the Lobo 124/225: MY GIRL DAISY b/w THE MOON WAS YELLOW AND I WAS A LITTLE CHICKEN MYSELF [M]

Omo the Lobo 125: WHAT MAKES ME DO THE THINGS I DO b/w MY DARLING SWEETHEART

Omo the Lobo 126: YOU RODE MY MOTORCYCLE, BUT YOU GAVE ME THE AIR b/w I'M A TRUCK DRIVING FOOL - by Omo the Lobo (I'm not sure whether "Lobo" means "Wolf," or is a combination of "Love" and "Hobo")

Omo the Lobo 127: I GOT POPCORN BALLS AND HOT NUTS ALL THE TIME b/w HAVE YOU HAD A PIECE OF AGGIE'S PIZZA TODAY? [M]

Omo the Lobo 127/228: I GOT POPCORN BALLS AND HOT NUTS ALL THE TIME b/w THE GOLF GAME (this side credited to Joe & Juanita) [M]

Omo the Lobo 129: See EP's list below.

Omo the Lobo 130: I'D SURE LIKE TO SEE MY OLD GAL FLO AGAIN b/w I WENT TO HELEN GOT TURNED DOWN [M]

Omo the Lobo 130/158: I'D SURE LIKE TO SEE MY OLD GAL FLO AGAIN b/w I SQUEEZED HER SO HARD I FELT HER CRACK [M]

Omo the Lobo 130/ 209: I WENT TO HELEN GOT TURNED DOWN b/w DO YOU CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE [M]

133: ME AND MY WIFE LOVE AND FIGHT b/w SHUT UP YOU TALK TOO MUCH [H says this is Hobo; M says it's Lobo]

134: THE BIG BOSS b/w CINDY LOU - by Smiley Joe Omohundro

Omo the Lobo 134/151: ME AND MY WIFE LOVE AND FIGHT b/w DO YOU CHEAT ON YOUR BETTER HALF? [M]

Omo the Lobo 136: BROTHER, I'VE HAD IT b/w WORKIN' MAN'S SONG [M]

137: MONEY'S MADE ME A BEGGAR b/w HELLO I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU [M]

138: SAN ANTONE ROSE b/w YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE [M]

139: OKLAHOMA HILLS b/w HOME ON THE RANGE [M]

140: GOOD OLD CALIFORNIA b/w FISHING AND WISHING [M]

142: I LOST MY BABY b/w SOMEONE'S JUST WAITIN' TO TAKE WHAT I GOT [M]

144: I'M A LOVER, NOT A FIGHTER b/w MY CIGARETTE SMOKIN' BABY [M]

146: CRAWDAD SONG b/w RELEASE ME [M]

147: I WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT b/w I'M A DR. I WORK FOR MEDICARE

At this point, H's list ends; everything below is from M.

149: I'M THE BARTENDER'S BAR MAID b/w I CAN"T GO ON A BENDER CAUSE I'M THE BARTENDER

150: I'M A COTTON PICKIN' CHICKEN PLUCKER b/w I KISSED HER AS SHE GOT TATTOOED

150/209: I'M A COTTON PICKIN' CHICKEN PLUCKER b/w I'M A MAILMAN WITH THE LONGEST ROUTE IN TOWN

151: WASHED UP COWBOY b/w DO YOU CHEAT ON YOUR BETTER HALF?

153: IF YOU DON'T COME SOON I'M GOIN' OFF BY MYSELF b/w MY GIRL WEARS FURS - MINK ALL DAY AND FOX ALL NITE

154: HEY BARTENDER I'LL SWAP MY WIFE FOR A BOTTLE OF BOOZE b/w I CAN'T GO ON A BENDER CAUSE I'M THE BARTENDER

155: I'M NOT MYSELF I'M SOMEBODY ELSE b/w WHY DO I DO THE THINGS I DO

156: OLD SQUIRRELS CAN'T CRACK THEIR NUTS b/w OLD BUTCHERS NEVER DIE THEY JUST QUIT POUNDIN' THEIR MEAT

157: THE 2 HEADED PANSY WHISTLED WHILE HE WORKED b/w OLD FAIRIES NEVER DIE THEY JUST BLOW AWAY

159: I GOOSED THE WAITRESS AND SAW FLYING SAUCERS b/w "I FORGOT THE TITLE, WRITE YOUR OWN BELOW"

159/166: I GOOSED THE WAITRESS AND SAW FLYING SAUCERS b/w ALL DAY AND ALL NITE - MARY ANN

160: WHAT HE DID FOR ME HE CAN DO FOR YOU b/w HIS SALVATION IS MY INSPIRATION

161: 7 WOODPECKERS TALKED ABOUT THEIR PECKERS b/w AT THE NUDIST CAMP THE 1ST 3 DAYS WERE THE HARDEST

163: MY WIFE'S LIKE A DOORKNOB EVERYONE GETS THEIR TURN b/w MY WIFE SAID GIDDY UP AND GO AND HAS GOT UP AND WENT

164/166: POOL GAME WAS HARD, MY CUE WAS TOO SHORT TO HIT MY BALLS b/w ALL DAY AND ALL NITE MARY ANN

166: ALL DAY AND ALL NITE MARY-ANN b/w GRANNY GOOSE GOT A GOOSE

168: MERRY CHRISTMAS b/w HAPPY NEW YEAR

173: SOUTH OF THE BORDER b/w COOL WATER

174: FOOL ON A BARSTOOL b/w WHEN THE LEAVES BEGIN TO FALL

Omo the Lobo 198: SHUT THAT GATE b/w THERE WILL BE NO TOMORROW

Omo the Lobo 199: WABASH CANNON BALL b/w RED RIVER VALLEY

Omo the Lobo 201: YOU DON'T LOVE ME b/w MY GIRL FROM OUTER SPACE

202: THE APARTMENT (credited to Omo & Juanita) b/w POLICEMAN AND THE HIPPIE

205: THE MOTHER FROCKER'S CORK SOAKIN' CONVENTION b/w I'M BILL SLIPPERS BIG BULL SHIPPER & BONNIE THE COOK

207: I'M BROKE TODAY b/w YOU HAD YOUR WAY NOW I'LL HAVE MINE

208/225: I DON'T DRINK TO GET DRUNK I JUST LIKE TO DRINK b/w THE MOON WAS YELLOW AND I WAS A LITTLE CHICKEN MYSELF

209: I'M A MAILMAN WITY THE LONGEST ROUTE IN TOWN b/w I'M A PEACE LOVIN' DR.

212: I'M A POLICE OFFICER - DON"T DRINK WHEN YOU DRIVE b/w I'M A COP - A DARN GOOD DETECTIVE

212: CIGARETTES AND WHISKEY STORY (says "I'm A Cop - A Darn Good Detective" on the label) b/w I'M A POLICE OFFICER

212/214: I'M A POLICE OFFICER - DON'T DRINK WHEN YOU DRIVE b/w MY HORSE GOT AWAY

214: MY HORSE GOT AWAY b/w I'M JUST A HICK FROM THE STICKS

221: HOORAY FOR THE U.S.A. b/w MR. PRESIDENT

225: MY DARLING SWEETHEART b/w THE MOON WAS YELLOW AND I WAS A LITTLE CHICKEN MYSELF

226: THE POOL GAME b/w THE GOLF GAME - both sides by Joe & Juanita

231: I LOVE YOU MOTHER b/w DADDY I LOVE YOU

249: Same as 148 above.

308: DO YOU CHEAT ON YOUR WIFE b/w I DON'T DRINK TO GET DRUNK I JUST LIKE TO DRINK

EP'S

All on Omo the Hobo label and credited to Omo the Hobo except as indicated.

no number: My Wife Married Old Gronel OAO (?) and Went Off On A Bender + 6 other songs.

4: 20 FUNNY SONGS (samples of songs)

7: 11 ORIGINAL SONGS b/w 10 ORIGINAL SONGS (samples)

Omo the Lobo 9: I'm a Dr. I Work For Medicare + 7 other songs.

10: I'm A Police Officer Handy With My Rod + 7 other songs.

Accent AC-1104: The Omo the Hobo Party Record (6 selections).

Omo the Lobo 129: They Call Me A Screwball + 5 other songs.

Viola Turpeinen

::::::VIOLA TURPEINEN (1909-1957)::::::

Champion-born accordionist Viola Turpeinen became known as the "Hanuriprinsessa" - the Accordion Princess. During the years 1928-1938 and 1946-1954, she cut no less than 89 sides for the Columbia, Victor and Standard labels.

-COLUMBIA-

Viola's first recordings were the four that she and violinist John Rosendahl made for Columbia Records during a single session on January 11, 1928. Almost immediately after making them, she moved to Victor.

HAMARA SOTTIISI b/w HOLLOLAN POLKKA (Columbia 3074-F; 1928)

KULKURIN SERENADI b/w VANHANMANN SOTTIISI (Columbia 3077-F; 1928)

-VICTOR-

[JR] = with John Rosendahl, violin; [JR&SP] = with John Rosendahl on violin and Sylvia Polso on second accordion; [WS&WB] = with William Syrjala (Viola's husband) on cornet and/or guitar, and Werner Birch on piano.

EMMAN VALSSI [JR] b/w KAUHAVAN POLKKA [JR] (Victor 3-80587; 1928 - later reissued as V-4100)

PENTILLAN VALSSI [JR] b/w JUKAN SOTTIISI [JR] (Victor 3-80634; 1928)

VIOLAN POLKKA [JR] b/w JAAHYVAISVALSSI [JR] (Victor 3-80790; 1928)

HYMY HUULILLA-MASURKA [JR] b/w JALASJARVEN POLKKA [accordion solo] (Victor V-4005; 1928 - later reissued as V-4177)

VIOLON MASURKA [solo] b/w IHANNE VALSSI [solo] (Victor V-4008; 1928)

HANURIMARSSI [JR] b/w PAASSKYS VALSSI [JR] (Victor V-4025; 1928)

IHANA MAA-MASURKKA [JR] b/w KAUSTISEN POLKKA [JR] (Victor V-4034; 1929)

SUOMI-SOTTIISI [JR] b/w ILOINEN-POLKKA [JR] (Victor V-4043; 1929)

SOITTAN POLKKA [solo] b/w MUSTALAISEN SOTTIISI [JR] (Victor V-4048; 1929)

VIULUPOLKKA [JR] b/w TAHTI VALSSI [JR] (Victor V-4051; 1929)

MERELLA-VALSSI [JR&SP] b/w MIKKELIN POLKKA [JR&SP] (Victor V-4112; 1931 - later reissued as V-4155)

KAIKUJA TANSSISALISTA [JR&SP] b/w ILLOISET PAIVAT [JP&SP] (Victor V-4114; 1931)

NEUVOJA NAIMATTOMILLE [JR&SP] b/w non-Viola B-side (Victor V-4117; 1931)

SURUN KAIHO YO - VALSSI [WS&WB] b/w HEI STOP - SOTTIISI [WS&WB] (Victor V-4145; 1934 - later reissued as V-4168)

PEUKALO - POLKKA [WS&WB] b/w TIP TOP - HAMBO [WS&WB] (Victor V-4147; 1934)

AHVENANMAAN - SOTTIISI [WS&WB] b/w ASIKKALAN POLKKA [WS&WB] (Victor V-4149; 1934) BS-83321

UNELMA-VALSSI [accordion solo, and vocal by Viola] b/w KAHDEN VENHEESSA - JENKA [accordion solo] (Victor V-4175; 1938)

Many of these sides would later be re-reissued after RCA acquired Victor; there are also believed to be four unreleased Turpeinen sides in the RCA vaults.

-STANDARD-

Standard Records was originally a Victor subsidiary, until Titos Demetriadas, former head of Victor's international records department, bought the label in 1945. He proceeded to sign many former Victor international artists to the label, including Viola Turpeinen.

CLAP HANDS - POLKA b/w CORVETTE - HAMBO (Standard F-5002; 1946)

LEA SCHOTTISCHE b/w ECHOES OF THE BARN DANCE (Standard F-5004; 1946)

LET'S GO - Polka b/w SUMMER EVENING - Waltz (Kesaillan Valssi) (Standard F-5005; 1946)

OLEANA - Polka b/w NIKOLINA - Hambo (Standard F-5006; 1946)

ANNIVERSARY SONG (Danube Waves - Waltz) b/w ALL MY LOVE (Dolores - Waltz) (Standard F-5025; 1947)

SHAKE YOUR FINGERS - Polka b/wNEW YEAR'S HAMBO (Standard F-5027; 1947)

TANNERI WALTZ (Kulkurin Valssi - Instrumental) b/w HARLEM - Schottische (Standard F-5029; 1947)

SINUA MINA KAIPAAN - Valssi b/w KULKURIN VALSSI [Vocal overdub of "Tanneri Waltz" above] (Standard F-5034; 1947)

SCANDINAVIAN FOLK DANCE b/w GOOD TIME - Polka (HYVAN AJAN - Polkka) (Standard F-5037; 1947)

JOULOYO, JOULOYO (Silent Night) (Viola Turpeinen, vocal) b/w JOULUAULU (Christmas Song) (Viola Turpeinen, vocal) (Standard F-5039; 1948)

TANSSIN OLGAN KANSSA (William Syrjala, vocal) b/w MUSTALAINEN (Gypsy) (Viola Turpeinen, vocal) (Standard F-5043; 1949)

KAUHAVA BRAWL - Polka (Kauhava Tappelu-Polka) b/w JANIE'S POLKA (Standard F-5044; 1949)

EVERYBODY'S WALTZ b/w TOGETHER POLKA (Standard F-5047; 1949)

SAUNASSA - Sottiisi (William Syrjala, vocal) b/wSINNULE RAKKAIN SAVEL SOI - Valssi (Viola Turpeinen, vocal) (Standard F-5052; 1949)

WOODS OF FINLAND - Waltz (Life In The Woods Of Finland) b/w WORKING BEE - Polka (Talkoopolkka) (Standard F-5054; 1950)

LAPSUUDEN TOVERILLE (Childhood Companion) (V. Turpeinen, vocal) b/wKYNTTILAIDEN SYNTTYESSA (Lamplightin' Time In The Valley) (Standard F-5055; 1949)

VINGELSKA - Schottische b/wULLA'S HAMBO (Standard F-5062; 1950)

SVEN'S HAMBO b/w HEINA AIKA - Polka (Haytime- Polka) (Standard F-5067; 1950)

JOLLY FELLOW - Polka (VEKKULI - Polka) b/wFINNISH SCHOTTISCHE MEDLEY (Standard F-5071; 1950)

ON THE BRIDGE IN MOONLIGHT (Kuun Virran Sillalla - Valssi) (V.T., vocal) b/w NOT SINGLE ANYMORE (Meinasin Meinasin Olla - Jenkka) (V.T., vocal) (Standard F-5076; 1953)

IT'S RAINING AND SNOWING (Saata Vetta, Saata Lunta-Jenkka) b/w ELLEN - Polka (Eevan Polkka) 1953 (Standard F-5077; 1953)

CARLA'S WALTZ b/wFINNISH-SWEDISH SCHOTTISCHE (Standard F-5079; 1953)

ILLALA (Tula Tullalla - Jenkka) (Viola Turpeinen, vocal) b/w TAHTI JA MERIPOIKA - Valssi (Standard F-5081; 1953)

TAIKA YO - Valssi (Magic - Waltz) KULLALLEIN MINA KAFFIA KEITAN (Cooking Coffee For My Sweetheart) (V.T., vocal) (Standard F-5086; 1954)

SAARIJARVEN WALTZ (Saarijarven Liisa) b/w TWO ROW ACCORDION - Polka 1953 (Standard F-5088; 1953)

MEILLA EI TAALLA OLE - Valssi b/w SYDAMESTANI RAKASTAN - Schottische (Standard F-5089; 1954)

All of the above Standard recordings, except "Vingelska," "Kuun Virran Syllalla" and "Meinasin Meinasin Olla," were later re-issued on five LPs by the Colonial Record Company.

All of Viola's released recordings, and some "bonus tracks," are now available on four CDs put out by Artie Music, a Finnish record company. This website sells these CDs, but be warned - most of the text is in Finnish: http://www.fiftyrecords.com/kauppa/index.html

Viola Turpeinen died in Florida in 1957, after battling breast cancer.

::::::::::::

Art Van Damme

ART VAN DAMME

Born in Norway, MI in 1920, Art Van Damme was once called "The hippest cat ever to swing an accordion." He dared to take the accordion past its polka-band stereotype and show it was just as valid as a jazz instrument. He became world famous both for his own albums and his work as an NBC staff musician from 1945 through 1960. (He continued to work for NBC even as his recording career took off!) Although he announced his retirement in 1995, he still continues to perform occasionally to this day.

Van Damme made nearly 40 albums, both for American and European labels. Listed below are his US releases:

COCKTAIL CAPERS (Capitol T178)

MORE COCKTAIL CAPERS (Capitol T300 - the cover is classic!)

THE VAN DAMME SOUND (Columbia CL-544)

MARTINI TIME (Columbia CL-630)

MANHATTAN TIME (Columbia CL-801)

ART VAN DAMME & MISS FRANCES BERGEN (Columbia CL-873)

THE ART OF VAN DAMME (Columbia CL-876)

ONCE OVER LIGHTLY (w/ Jo Stafford) (Columbia CL-968) [I have this one!]

THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG (Columbia CL-1227)

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP MUSIC (Columbia CL-1382/CS-8177)

ACCORDION A LA MODE (Columbia CL-1563/CS-8363)

ART VAN DAMME SWINGS SWEETLY (Columbia CL-1794/CS 8594)

A PERFECT MATCH (w/ Johnny Smith and Jo Stafford) (Columbia CL-2013/CS-8813)

HOUSE PARTY (Columbia CL-2585)

SEPTET (?) (Columbia CS-8992)

MUSIC FOR LOVERS (Harmony HS 11239)

BLUE WORLD (Pausa PR 7027)

KEEP GOING (Pausa PR 7104)

SQUEEZIN' ART & TENDER FLUTES (Pausa PR 7126)

ART VAN DAMME & FRIENDS (Pausa PR 7151)

LOVER MAN (Pickwick SPC 3009)

BY REQUEST (Sonic Arts Digital LS12)

For a brief but excellent bio of Van Damme, and a longer discography that includes his European albums, go to http://www.spaceagepop.com/vandamme.htm

Alan Lomax in the U.P.

The legendary folk-song collector toured the Northern US in 1938, and made numerous stops in U.P. cities, recording "a mass" of lumberjack songs, Finnish and French folk-tunes, and more than 100 Irish ballads sung by Domenick Gallagher and Johnny Green on Beaver Island. Other cities Lomax visited - and recorded in - include Newberry, Munising, Greenland, Ontonagon, Champion, Baraga, St. Ignace, Amasa, Calumet, Fulton, Red Lake, Hancock, Laurium and Ironwood. (He apparently came to Escanaba and stayed for a while, but made no recordings.)

Info on Lomax's U.P. recordings is scattered throughout many sources, both online and offline, too numerous to list here. One fine article about Lomax's recordings of Finnish folk-songs in the U.P. can be found here: http://www.kantele.com/nwfwebsite/lomax_leary/lomax_leary.html

Lane Dawson & the Dawson Boys

////DAWSON COUNTRY///

The next five singles are all by Lane Dawson and the Dawson Boys, an Ishpeming country band which recorded from 1967-70, and included Jim DeCaire, later co-founder of Da Yoopers.

BLACK MOUNTAIN RAG b/w WELCOME TO MY WORLD (Cuca 67411).

I STOPPED AND LISTENED b/w TRUCKIN' (Cuca 67412).

LONG LONG ROAD (?) b/w IT'S ALL SO WRONG (Cathay 1140).

DOCK OF THE BAY b/w BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX (Cathay 1194/1195).

GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME b/w LAURA (What's He Got that I Ain't Got) (Cathay 1196/1197).

CATERPILLAR MAN b/w BOTH SIDES NOW (Nugget[t?] 1065).

STOLEN MOMENTS b/w LONELY MAN (Clark 528).

During the early 1980s, Lane Dawson (solo) made at least two Christian albums - SINGS MORE SONGS OF PRAISE (Shalom 3034) and LOVE LETTERS (Shalom 4019).

////LEAVING DAWSON COUNTRY////

Al Barkl(e)

====AL BARKL(E)====

Born in Iron Mountain in 1927, Al Barkl began his musical career in the U.P., but moved out West in the 1950s. His first two releases were on a Sheboygan, WI label, but the rest of his performing and recording was confined to the Western states, where he worked with and opened for many big-name country acts. (I have been informed that Al Barkl died in 2002.)

By AL BARKLE & THE TRAILBLAZERS:

WOULD YOU MIND b/w LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME ALL ALONE (Polkaland 99; 1951).

HONKY TONK MAN b/w GOODNIGHT WALTZ (Polkaland 100; 1951)

JUMPIN' FROM 6 to 6 b/w WRONG (M&M 3036; 1956).

DIG ME LITTLE MAMA b/w unknown (M&M 3038; 1957).

JUMPIN' FROM SIX TO SIX b/w WHAT MAKES A MAN FOOL AROUND (M&M 4041; 1957).

THE SIGNAL b/w TEENAGE ANGEL (w/ the Tri-tones) (Vita 171; 1957).

SPUTNIK II b/w WITH THIS RING (w/ the Tri-Tones) (Vita 173; 1957).

MUSCLE BEACH b/w GRADUATION PARTY (Frantic 108; 1958).

PRIVATE WAR b/w SODA WATER (w/ Dave Rosas Band) (Frantic 110; 1959).

COME SUMMER b/w GREENBACKS (w/ Dave Rosas Band) (Frantic 111; 1959).

WOLF, WOLF b/w LORELEI (Frantic 113; 1959).

THE SIGNAL b/w WAIT 'TILL THE COMMERCIAL (by Al Barkle & the Starliners w/ Rosie & Romelle) (Koo Koo 1001; 1962).

UNEMPLOYED b/w COMING BACK ON YOUR MIND (Royal American 154; 1975).

By AL BARKL:

ANOTHER DAY IS DAWNING b/w UNEMPLOYED (Voc 108; 1969).

IF IT FEELS GOOD DO IT b/w WOE IS ME (Voc label; number and date unknown)

YOU'RE THE ONE b/w TALK WITH MY HEART (Voc label; number and date unknown; also, Kangaroo 31).