One of the all time great singers and guitar players and one of my personal favorites. He will be missed. If you haven't seen the documentary "I'll Be Me" I strongly urge everyone to do so.
Registered: 01/02/04
Posts: 7305
Loc: Lexington, Ky, USA
Met him in Bakersfield doing a show with the Browns, Buck Owens and others, in early 1963. He had had a national, non-country hit called "Turn Around, Look At Me" in 1962, and I was amaised that he could do so much. So many styles. We had a beer.
Years later (about 5 years, to be exact), he was singing all those Jimmy Web songs, on TV. What a talent.
And, what an elegant spokesman for Alzheimers disease.
He played so well, I really got into his songs. "Dreams of an Everyday Housewife" was one of my real favorites.
I still play 4-5 of his tunes a week in the dining rooms.
He's also one of my all-time favorites. That's ALL-time favorites! His versatility and talent and vocals was incredible, along with a great personality.
I discovered his version of "Yesterday When I was Young" and I fell in love with the song immediately (but only HIS version). Now, here's the sad part. I actually got the feeling he knew the end was coming and he was sadly reflecting over his life. He put so much emotion in that song I really believe he was trying to deliver a message both to himself and to his fans. A way of saying this could be his "swan song."
I'm wondering at what point in his life he sang this?