Origins: Desert Sands (record by Glenn Ohrlin)

Subject: Origins: Desert Sands
From: JK23
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 10:36 PM

Looking for origin/composer of "Desert Sands" recorded by Glenn Ohrlin on his "A Cowboy's Life" (1997). In his liner notes he writes, "I heard it on the radio once when I was about ten." I've found reference to a recording by Louise Massey and her Westerners: "Carry me over the warm desert sands" (1937; Conqueror 8896; Vocalion 4310), which is nearly the same as the opening line of Orhlin's work. Are they the same song? Have also found reference to the Massey title in "Jim & Jane and their Western Vagabonds Book No. 2," but don't have access to a copy. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Subject: Origins: Desert Sands (Glenn Ohrlin)
From: JK23
Date: 25 Apr 11 - 11:50 PM

Looking for origin/composer of "Desert Sands" recorded by Glenn Ohrlin on his "A Cowboy's Life" (1997). In his liner notes he writes, "I heard it on the radio once when I was about ten." I've found reference to a recording by Louise Massey and her Westerners: "Carry me over the warm desert sands" (1937; Conqueror 8896; Vocalion 4310), which is nearly the same as the opening line of Orhlin's work. Are they the same song? Have also found reference to the Massey title in "Jim & Jane and their Western Vagabonds Book No. 2," but don't have access to a copy. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Origins: Desert Sands (Glenn Ohrlin)
From: Arkie
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 10:40 PM

Glenn would have been eleven or twelve in 1937 so that put Louise Massey in the ballpark.

Subject: RE: Origins: Desert Sands (Glenn Ohrlin)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 11 - 11:02 PM

That's what I was thinking. She wrote some similar tunes so it's a reasonable guess. I'd like to hear the record or see the music to see if it's the same song Glenn sings. There are several by that name listed in ASCAP but no dates or lead sheets. Thanks for your response.