Anyone know Jim and Kathy Starnes?

Subject: Anyone know Jim and Kathy Starnes - folk singers?
From: GUEST,Dylan Waddle
Date: 26 Apr 16 - 10:47 PM

I'm trying to find information about a folk duo composed of Jim and Kathy Starnes. In 1979, they released an LP titled "Precious Memories." Also, they made a 45 record with the songs "Thirty Pieces of Silver" and "If You're not Right with Jesus." Both of these were on the "Corban" or "Corbin" label.

YouTube link to one of their songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf7QeR_bNHs

While I'm not sure where they were from, there may be a connection to Kenner, Louisiana, as a phone number on the back of their album corresponds to that area code. Also, "Corbin" could be an indicator of something... Maybe a Corbin, Kentucky connection?

If it rings a bell for anyone, here are other names associated with them that are listed on the 45 and the LP:

Butch Ray and John Dice helped arrange Thirty Pieces of Silver for the 45.

Jean Summers produced the album.

The album was recorded and mastered at Mastercraft in Memphis.

James Dunn took the cover photo for the album.


That's all I know so far! Please let me know if you remember anything / find anything that I haven't. They were really great singers, and I'd just like to know more about them.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Jim and Kathy Starnes?
From: GUEST,Dylan Waddle
Date: 02 May 16 - 06:07 PM

An update: Through some research and some luck, I determined that Jim and Kathy are pictured at the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge on the cover of their album. Therefore, there is definitely a Louisiana connection. If anyone has any further information or guesses, please let me know!

Subject: RE: Anyone know Jim and Kathy Starnes?
From: GUEST,Eleanor Zachariah
Date: 03 May 16 - 05:05 AM

The only Kathy Starnes I knew had long black hair, she would be in her early 60's now. I would not associate her so much with folk music as much as I would country or Cajun.

I rang my uncle and he said if anyone knows on here knows Richie Stearns (similar surname) contact him as Kathy played with him at Milngavie.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Jim and Kathy Starnes?
From: GUEST,Dylan Waddle
Date: 03 May 16 - 10:13 PM

Hello Eleanor,

Thank you so much for your response! In the only picture that I have seen of Kathy Starnes (the cover of the album), she has long, dark hair. So, that could be right, and the age seems to make sense as well. Some of the songs on the album have a country feel to them, but the overall feeling is folk/gospel.

I'll have to see if I can contact Richie Stearns. Thank you again!

- Dylan Waddle