Subject: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Boy' From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 18 Dec 99 - 04:51 PM It wasn't Jimmy Witherspoon or Jimmy Reed or Muddy Waters or Don Williams. But somebody sang a real sweet version of "I'm Just A Country Boy" back around 1958 or so. He had a deep soft voice kinda like Barry White, but not with the sexy overtones. Have looked ALL over the net and cannot find anything close. If anyone has any idea of who this was, please email me at CavalierLady111@yahoo.com. Thank you. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: Gene Date: 18 Dec 99 - 05:09 PM How 'bout Sonny James? |
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M JUST A COUNTRY BOY^^ From: Gene Date: 18 Dec 99 - 05:40 PM I'M JUST A COUNTRY BOY recorded by Sonny James Words and Music by Fred Hellerman and Mashall Barer
I ain't gonna marry in the fall
Never gonna kiss those ruby red lips
'Cause I'm just a country boy
Never could afford a store-bought ring
'Cause I'm just a country boy Will compare these lyrics to Sonny James LP! Click to Play |
Subject: I'm Just A Country Boy From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 18 Dec 99 - 05:42 PM Thanks for the response, but that was not the right version. (See previous post). Some of the lyrics are:
Of the prettiest girl in town. Never gonna ask her if she'll marry me. Cuz I know she'll turn me down. Money have I none, But I have silver in the stars, and gold in the morning sun. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: CavalierLady 111@ yahoo.com Date: 18 Dec 99 - 05:50 PM I had already written my letter before I checked the posts. Thanks, Gene. You have got all the right lyrics and he did have a sweet soft voice. Will find a clip I can show hubby and see if that is the right one. Sure sounds like a close match. Thank you so much. What a neat site, with nice helpful people!!! |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 18 Dec 99 - 05:58 PM Nope, hubby says that although Sonny James is a good singer, that's not the version he is looking for. So I am still open for suggestions. Thanks very much. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: MandolinPaul Date: 18 Dec 99 - 06:04 PM Freddy King did a duet with a woman to a song by this name. I'm not sure if this is the same song or not. It went: I'm just a little country boyThis is all I can remember, but it wasn't the typical Freddy King style, and a very nice song. I used to have it on a greatest hits album. Paul. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: Stewie Date: 18 Dec 99 - 07:11 PM A quick look at a couple of the big stores reveals that Val Doonican, David Ball, Ronnie Lane and LC 'Good Rockin'' Robinson also recorded a song of this title. Val Doonican might be a contender. Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: I'm Just A Country Boy From: Abby Sale Date: 18 Dec 99 - 08:51 PM This was cut by Belafonte earlier than 1958 - maybe two or three years. It was sung as a lovely sweet ballad. I think the reason it wasn't so well known was that it was the flip side (how do you explain to a 16-year-old what "flip side" means?) of one of his bigger hits -- "Hold 'Em Joe," probably. It was/is also a comic mountain song. Same tune, twice times the tempo. I only remember two verses.
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Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 18 Dec 99 - 10:27 PM Abby: I excitedly checked out every single Belafonte song at Amazon .com, but found nothing, of course. If it was the flip side of a 45, that seems to make it a bit more difficult. Where would I even begin to look for this? any ideas. And thank you. I appreciate all the suggestions. What challenging searches my husband finds for me! |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: WriteFLyer Date: 19 Dec 99 - 01:04 AM Belafonte is right. I had it on a big ol 33 rpm. Smatter of fact, back in those NYC days, Belafonte was a neighbor in the Village and Leadbelly's niece was a friend o' mine. Banjo picker Billy Faire and I were an item.... Ah me |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: John in Brisbane Date: 19 Dec 99 - 06:40 AM The definitive velvet voice for this song is Nat King Cole. Regards, John |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 19 Dec 99 - 09:23 AM John you beat me to it! Nat King Cole Regards, Dave |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 19 Dec 99 - 11:45 AM Well, folks, this is getting interesting. My husband pursed his lips and said, "uh.....I don't.....think so??" But isn't quite sure about the Belafonte version. So I managed to find a record on an auction site. Am planning to bid on it. But now, another choice!! And what a fine choice....you guys are right. Nat King Cole is the perfect velvet voice for this song. I can see it is going to be another long day searching the web. But when hubby remembers a song he used to love, I always try my best to find it for him. Found a wonderful Sil Austin record for him... really made some brownie points there. But the searches are getting harder and harder as the years go by. Another one of the disadvantages of growing older. haha. Thanks, everyone..... I sure appreciate all the help!!!......Cav |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: curious Date: 19 Dec 99 - 11:52 AM Might help to know if singer is
American/Irish/English/Australian/etc... |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: I'm Just A Country Boy From: Abby Sale Date: 19 Dec 99 - 12:06 PM How do you - or _do_ you quote others on this thing? Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! And more ho, ho, ho! (But no dis, _really_. It's just funny!) It was a 78! |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: The Martian (inactive) Date: 19 Dec 99 - 12:19 PM The version I have on an LP somewhere is sung by Val Doonican. If you need a midi file, let me know, and I'll create one for you. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: John in Brisbane Date: 19 Dec 99 - 07:05 PM I have the Nat King Cole version of this song on a cassette I bought in Bangkok about 12 years ago, for maybe $2. I can't recall what the excat name of the track is, but maybe (?) it's a contraction of the full title. I've seen this track many times over on NTK albums, maybe his greatest hits would be a good place to start.
Do you want the Music or the Record or Both? If you really want the dots I know I can source the full piano score in the next 24 hours. Please let me know.
Regards, John |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 19 Dec 99 - 07:44 PM Wow, lots of response... need to check more often. Oops, yes I remember 78's, just was not expecting that to be the case. Tried to check Val Doonican, could not get anything...yet. Chores to do today. But will try. could not find anything but auction record for Belafonte, and have not explored Nat King Cole yet. Hubby remembers that the voice was not that smooth and refined, but earthy and mellow. I think Doonican (from Amazon.com) is from Ireland!? No versions to listen to tho. Do any other sites offer a quick listen like Amazon?? Would love to hear a midi if it would not be imposing too much, Martian. Thank you for the offer. And I just want the music to listen to John. We are not talented enough for the sheet music, but thank you so much for the offer. I have never seen such nice folks before. What a neat club you have here!! Thanks----Cav |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: John in Brisbane Date: 19 Dec 99 - 07:49 PM Hi Cavalier Lady, I have located a score (but not seen it yet) and hopefully by the time you arise tomorrow morning there will be a piano rendition of it at the Mudcat Midis Site which you can play on your Midi Player. I would have offered to record a WAV file for you but I have a rehearsal tonight and two concerts on Tues and Wed nights. Regards, John |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: CavalierLady111@yahoo.com Date: 19 Dec 99 - 08:57 PM John: That is so nice of you!!!!!! Sounds like you keep really too busy to do something like this, but I sure do appreciate it. One question ---- how do I find the page for the Mudcat Midi Files? This is all brand new to me. Sounds very interesting! Thanks again. Cav |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: John in Brisbane Date: 20 Dec 99 - 01:58 AM According to the score the composers are:
Fred Brooks and Marshall Barer
I will send the Midi to Alison whom I expect will post to the Mudcat Midi Site fairly quickly. I changed the arrangement a bit, but it's still fairly straight. The Nat Cole version syncopates it somewhat (and improves it in my opinion) but I haven't had the time to play with it too much. It's a great song! Regards, John |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: Barry T Date: 20 Dec 99 - 08:30 PM If you can't find any of the old classics, I recommend Roger Whittaker's interpretation. I had the pleasure of hearing him perform it live in Massey Hall, Toronto, many years ago, backed up by a group called Saffron. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: alison Date: 20 Dec 99 - 10:45 PM Hi, I've just posted the MIDI (thanks John)... at Mudcat MIDIS slainte alison |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: rich-joy Date: 09 Jun 02 - 05:06 AM Cavalier Lady - are you still with us??? I think the artist you're looking for is George Mc Kern (?spelling?) - my Mum and I used to LOVE this song when it was played on the radio in WA in the 60's (that's Western Australia BTW!!!) but I haven't heard it in years ... Australian singer Marian Henderson (she of the wonderful, haunting, mellow voice) also had a version called "Country Girl" on her excellent "Cameo" album (70's???) ... Don't know a thing about George though - anyone else???? Cheers! R-J |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: GUEST Date: 13 Aug 04 - 11:22 AM I'm late with this. The song was sung by Jim Ed Browns from the album "Alone With You". |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: GUEST Date: 13 Aug 04 - 11:24 AM JIM ED BROWN ALONE WITH YOU (RCA Victor LSP 3569) '66 Produced by Chet Atkins |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: GUEST,shadygrove Date: 13 Aug 04 - 10:34 PM I think 'rich-joy' is correct; the version in question was by George McKern; I remember this version very well. The singer had a deep, 'Brook Benton-esque' voice and style; none of the other singers mentioned are even close. It seems to me it got a lot of radio play back in the 60s, but I have searched for it in vain since then. |
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Bo From: Barbara Date: 13 Aug 04 - 10:51 PM You know, I learned a song with the same chorus but different verses from an early sixties/late fifties Eric Darling record, Electra, I think. His verses were about red birds and blue jays and such. Perhaps that one is in the database too, I haven't looked yet. Blessings, Barbara |
Subject: Lyr Add: WOODY KNOWS NOTHING From: Joe_F Date: 14 Aug 04 - 09:23 AM Barbara: That's "Woody Knows Nothing". It's not in the DigiTrad, and I don't know if it's in the forum, because the search keeps stalling. So here it is: WOODY KNOWS NOTHING Woody knows nothing but peckin' on a bough. Ah, but the sky's of blue! Never knew till I met you What love, O love could do, do, Love, O love could do. Can't you see yon turtle dove Flies from pine to pine, Mournin' for his own true love As I, my dear, for mine, O mine, As I, my dear, for mine. Bluejay pulled a four-horse plow, "Sparrow, why can't you?" "'Cause my legs is little and long, They might get broke in two, They might get broke in two." Redbird sittin' on a sycamore limb, Singin' out his soul. Big black snake crawled up that tree, Swallowed that poor boy whole, Swallowed that poor boy whole. Raccoon has a bushy tail, Possum's tail is bare, Rabbit ain't got no tail at all, Just a little bitty bunch of hair, back there, Little bitty bunch of hair. I'm but a poor little country boy, Money have I none, But there is silver in the moon, Gold in the morning sun, O sun, Gold in the morning sun. On _American Folk Singers and Balladeers_, BOMC 10-5717, but I have followed Suzanne Mrozak in using the first stanza as a chorus & in stealing a stanza from "Bile That Cabbage Down". In this version, tho, the "country boy" lines are just a stanza, not the chorus. |
Subject: RE: Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Boy From: Franz S. Date: 14 Aug 04 - 10:27 AM I have a strong recollection that Jimmy Rodgers (the one who recorded "Honeycomb" and "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine") had a recording of this song in the '50s, but I can't find any proof of it. |
Subject: RE: Req: Looking for: 'I'm Just A Country Boy From: GUEST,Allan S. Date: 14 Aug 04 - 03:00 PM I learned it back in 1951 At the University of Connecticut folk song club it included this verse So it has to be that old at least If I had a lazy girl Sure as sure youre born I's send/bring her down to New Orleans Trade her off for corn for corn trade her off for corn Allan S. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,oopcdaisy@hotmail.com Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:39 PM I have also searched in vain for this recording by George McKern, but to no avail. Has anyone ever found it? I remember his beautiful, resonant voice and would love to find his recording. Karen |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Margret RoadKnight Date: 22 Feb 05 - 07:15 PM Try George McKurn (sp) |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Ferrara Date: 22 Feb 05 - 08:56 PM Jimmie Rodgers did record it on his "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" album. CLady, where do you live? If you don't find the version you're looking for elsewhere, I have that album & we could try to set something up where I play it for you over the phone. I tend to lose track of mudcat threads (and everything else....) so if you can't find it, PM me. Rita F |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: rich-joy Date: 23 Feb 05 - 03:53 AM Ferrara, I emailed Cavalier Lady back in June 2002, but no answer ... I have just located the Harry Belafonte version on the RCA album "In My Quiet Room", but can't play it yet. However, the sleeve credits the song to "Brooks-Barer" - as opposed to "Hellerman-Barer" in the 3rd post above by Gene ... The excellent Marian Henderson LP "Cameo" that I mentioned in June '02, just says "Trad, arranged by ...." I have had no luck in Google with either spelling of "George Mc Kern / Mc Kurn" - or anything else I could think of!!! - I would still LOVE a copy of his recordings!!! Cheers! R-J |
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M JUST A COUNTRY BOY (George McCurn) From: rich-joy Date: 23 Feb 05 - 03:59 AM YeGods!! I just don't understand Google sometimes!!!!!! Just found this NOW on "House of Lyrics : I'M JUST A COUNTRY BOY George McCurn Words and Music by Fred Hellerman and Mashall Barer -peak Billboard position # 55 in 1963 -Arranged and Conducted by Herb Alpert I ain't gonna marry in the fall And I ain't gonna marry in the spring For I'm in love with a pretty little girl Who wears a diamond ring Oh, uh, oh I'm just a country boy Money have I none But I've got silver in the stars And gold in the morning sun And gold in the morning sun Never gonna kiss those ruby red lips Of the prettiest girl in town Never gonna ask her if she'd marry me 'cause I know she'd turn me down 'cau-au-au-use I'm just a country boy Money, money have I none But I've got silver in the stars And gold in the morning sun And gold in the morning sun Never could afford a store-bought ring With a sparkling diamond stone All I could afford was a loving heart The only one I own 'cau-au-au-au-au-ause I'm just a country boy Money, money have I none But I've got silver, silver in the stars And gold in the morning sun And gold ….all in the morning sun Transcribed by Robin Hood Cheers! R-J |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: rich-joy Date: 23 Feb 05 - 04:15 AM And there's this info from ARTIST DIRECT site : George "Ooppee" McCurn was once proclaimed by producer Jerry Moss as "one of the very greatest and sought-after bass singers in the gospel field." Originally from Chicago, McCurn's earliest known professional credit is not until 1948 when he joined the Kings of Harmony vocal quartet as a replacement for legendary gospel bassist Isaac "Dickie" Freeman. No recordings of McCurn singing with the Kings of Harmony are known to have survived, nor or is there any trace on record of a West-coast based group he briefly joined called the Gospel Harps. In 1950 George McCurn jumped at the chance to join the already-famous Fairfield Four, again replacing Freeman, and made his first recordings as their bassist for Dot in October of that year. McCurn appears on all of the Fairfield Four's Dot recordings except for the first dozen or so, which were made with Freeman. McCurn stayed with the Fairfield Four until it broke up in late 1954, and utilized this opportunity to join another well-established group, The Pilgrim Travelers. By his own account, McCurn served five years with The Pilgrim Travelers, touring with them and appearing on the last batches of their Specialty recordings, even past the point when Lou Rawls had replaced founding tenor Kylo Turner and the group was re-christened "The Travelers." Finding himself released from full-time duty to the so-called "Travelers" by 1961, McCurn decided to take a break from gospel and joined on with The Ink Spots for a European tour that lasted until November, 1962. Upon his return McCurn hooked up in Los Angeles with producers Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss and their fledgling A&M record label. In January 1963, McCurn recorded his first solo single, "I'm Just a Country Boy", with Alpert, Moss and arranger Shorty Rogers on board. "I'm Just a Country Boy" was a very minor hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 at position # 100 in the month of March 1963. McCurn's follow-up album, Country Boy Goes to Town!!!!!, was A&M LP 102, but it failed to find an audience. Country Boy Goes to Town!!!!! remains one of the scarcest of all albums issued on the A&M label, but it is also considered inordinately obscure and few collectors are even aware that it exists. George McCurn seldom recorded afterward, but was hired for occasional sessions which required a deep bass singer as a backing vocalist; it doesn't appear that he ever returned to singing gospel music. By the time Don Williams had turned the song "I'm Just a Country Boy" into a bona fide hit in 1977, George McCurn had been out of the business for some time and was certifiably forgotten. McCurn died at age 65 in Los Angeles in 1985; among many musicians who praised George McCurn as "the greatest gospel bassist in the world" during his prime was singers Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke. Neither of them would be around to mourn George McCurn at his passing. ~ Uncle Dave Lewis, All Music Guide. seems the recording is pretty rare too ... McCurn, George-Country Boy Goes to Town !!!!!- LP- Stereo-A&M SP 102 - 1963 release, 33 1/3 RPM solo LP by George McCurn formerly of the Gospel group The Pilgrim Travelers and the Ink Spots. The sound of this album is Soulful Pop with McCurn's mellow Jesse Belvin-style vocal. Tracks include "God Bless the Child", "I'm Just a Country Boy" & "He'll Have to Go." some other versions : I'M JUST A COUNTRY BOY (Fred Brooks / Mashall Barer) Harry Belafonte - 1954 George McCurn - 1963 Sam Cooke - 1964 Jim Ed Brown - 1965 Ronnie Laine - 1974 Don Williams - 1977 Also recorded by: Jimmy Witherspoon; Roger Whittaker; David Ball; John Holt; The Brothers Four; Bobby Vinton. re the authors : most of The Net references say "Fred Hellerman" and not "Fred Brooks", as above ... Cheers! R-J |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Margret RoadKnight Date: 23 Feb 05 - 08:08 PM George McCurn played Mr. Washington in Melvin Van Peebles' musical "Don't Play Us Cheap (2-LP album released 1972) Enclosed booklet says that he recently toured in "The Big Show of 1928", and that he'd performed in U.S., Europe, Thailand, Australia & China. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: iamjohnne Date: 24 Feb 05 - 01:54 AM This is a version by Fred Neil. It may or may not be what you are looking for, but his voice was deep and smooth like velvet steel. Country Boy Tuning: DADGBD D(7) is played throughout the song; in "Bo Diddley" style: d -0--0------0-0-0----0-0------ b -3--3------3-3-3----1-3------ G -2--2------2-2-2----0-2------ D -0--0------0-0-0----2-0------ A -0--0------0-0-0----3-0------ D -0--0------0-0-0------0------ Now I'm just a country boy I got sand all in my shoes You know I got stuck in the big city Got to sing the big city blues Yeah yeah Miss Lindy Say baby don't you leave home I don't care about them And I don't like it Well they best leave us alone Hey Miss Lindy I said baby don't you go If I got to jump in the muddy Mississippi Gonna swim to the gulf of Mexico Say swim to Mexico Let's swim See I'm just a country boy I got sand all in my shoes You know I got stuck in the big city Got to sing the big city blues City blues Yeah Miss Lindy Yeah yeah Miss Lindy |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST Date: 04 Sep 05 - 02:16 PM |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,tracerfxr@aol.com Date: 07 Jan 06 - 10:43 PM I recall very well the recording of Country Boy while I was in San Diego in the early 60s, probably 63. The artist did have a Brook Benton type of voice, but one thing that was distinctive was his pronunciation of the word turn in the second verse. It had an eastern US inflection to it and almost sounded like "toin". I do have a copy of the Geo. McCurn album, but it doesn't sound quite the same. I wonder if different versions were used for the single and the album? All in all, the Don Williams version is my next favorite. FYI, Fred Hellerman, aka Fred Brooks was one of the founders of the Weavers folk group, and came under a lot of investigation by the Macarthy Commitee in the 50s, which may have prompted him to use a pseudonym when registering copyrights,etc. Lou VanK. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Dave Roberts, Salt Town Poets Date: 08 Jan 06 - 02:43 PM A version of this song was used by Southern TV (part of the ITV network)in the late sixties/early seventies as the theme to a children's show, also called 'Country Boy'and presented by Jack Hargreaves. Not helpful, I know, but it was a lovely song and I recall Val Doonican singing it many times on his Saturday night TV show on BBC1. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST Date: 28 Feb 06 - 12:42 AM its George Mc Kern , thats a definate... |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Bob Coltman Date: 28 Feb 06 - 08:20 AM Memory is uncertain, but I'm practically sure I heard Bob Gibson do substantially the Country Boy song BEFORE any of the artists / "composers" cited above. I know for a fact Susan Reed did an early version with the jaybird verses, perhaps as early as the late 1940s, but certainly no later than 1952. Much of it is traditional lyric, including the "country boy, money have I none" verse /refrain. What you've got here is another o' them folksong thangs copped by writer/performers, with a new verse or two to make copyright stick. Bob |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Allan S Date: 28 Feb 06 - 08:50 AM as I said above University of Connecticut folk song club 1951 Allan S. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Randy Kosht (A&Mania) Date: 28 Jul 06 - 12:11 PM Besides the single (A&M 705) and the album (LP/SP 102), George McCurn had a number of singles out on A&M including some B-sides not on the album. There is also a single on Liberty Records, produced by Herb Alpert and Lou Adler before A&M was started, and a single on Reprise recorded after George left A&M. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: RobbieWilson Date: 28 Jul 06 - 02:18 PM |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: David C. Carter Date: 28 Jul 06 - 06:34 PM Richard Manuel of the Band did a great version of this song;I can't place which album it's on at the moment.It's an out take I believe. I've heard most versions,but this is the one I prefer above all others. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Texas Date: 28 Jul 06 - 06:59 PM Any idea who did the version in 1979 ? Same title. Went, I 'm just a country boy, country boy at heart. Show me where I start, buy a horse and cart. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: 12-stringer Date: 29 Jul 06 - 12:16 AM Any idea who did the version in 1979 ? Same title. Went, I 'm just a country boy, country boy at heart. Show me where I start, buy a horse and cart. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Record I remember is by Ricky Skaggs. Was it as long ago as 1979, or did he do a cover somewhat later? |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Texas Date: 29 Jul 06 - 08:21 AM Big thanks 12 Stringer, just downloaded it. That's the one, came out in 1979 |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Tony Date: 22 Aug 06 - 08:58 PM George McCurn was the singer of Country boy in 1960 |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,MRS. TRAYON HAWK Date: 03 Sep 06 - 08:06 PM HELLO THE ORIGINS OF I'M JUST A COUNTRY BOY CAME FROM MY GRANDFATHER MR. GEORGE MCCURN, HE WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF THE GOSPEL GROUP THE INK SPOTS |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST Date: 04 Sep 06 - 01:44 AM Any idea who did the version in 1979 ? Same title. Went, I 'm just a country boy, country boy at heart. Show me where I start, buy a horse and cart. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Record I remember is by Ricky Skaggs. Was it as long ago as 1979, or did he do a cover somewhat later? This particular "Country Boy" was written by virtuoso British guitarist Albert Lee and was first recorded by him on the album " Head Hands and Feet" |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Rusty Dobro Date: 04 Sep 06 - 07:24 AM BTW, I've read on the internet that Albert Lee's 'Country Boy' was too fast to play, and that he used some kind of electrickery (delay?) for the recording. However , I saw HHF at the 'Greyhound' in Fulham Palace Road in the early 1970's, and Albert played a Gibson straight into an amp, no gizmos at all that I can remember. He did cheat, though, and use natural genius. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Kenoldies Date: 30 Dec 06 - 07:07 PM George Mccurn hit #100 on Billboard March, 1963 |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Murray MacLeod Date: 21 Jan 07 - 07:48 PM For an immensely enjoyable clip of the great man showing what chicken-pickin' guitar is all about, try this clip Albert Lee playing "Country Boy" |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Jim Lad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:28 PM Many fond memories of Val Doonican singing this on his rocking chair and his Faire Isle Knit on a Saturday night. Lovely song. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,rattymatty Date: 26 Apr 07 - 08:13 AM I have the album and the single on A&M - probably the rarest record herb alper t ever produced. The singer from america now living in sydnet, Delilah, used to go out with george back in the early sixties. i spoke to her about him only weeks ago. he was known as oopie and toured with the ink spots. Country boy goes to town!!!!! is the album and his name is spelt McCurn not with a K. My father payed it sunday mornings on reel to reel tape - fabulous album... |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Sliding Down The Bannister At My Auntie's House Date: 27 Apr 07 - 02:34 AM Wasn't this a hit for Jack Hargreaves? |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST Date: 28 Apr 07 - 02:36 AM Yes - he wrote it! |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Rusty Dobro Date: 28 Apr 07 - 05:41 AM Now if Val Doonican were to cover the Albert Lee song............... |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Scotty Boy Date: 13 Jul 07 - 11:58 PM You all are blowing my mind. Amazing stuff..... I thought the song was original when I heard Richard manuel of The Band sing the song when it was released shortly after his death (Jerico, 1993). I can not imagine the song being sung by anyone else. I will have to check this stuff out. I definitely can not imagine the song have the same impact sung by a smooth sounding carooner like Harry Belafonte. I am not warming up to Allison Krausse's new version yet. I want to hear the pain in the voice. Richard manuel sounds like he lived this song for 30 years before he ever recorded it. Thanks for all the great history on this amazing song. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,RF Date: 16 Aug 07 - 11:52 PM Allison Krauss did a version of this recently on GAC. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Tuccaboy Date: 13 Sep 07 - 05:23 PM I have a 45 Festival record of George McCurn singing this song backed by Herb Alpert. It shows (Brooks-Barer) (Davis) as the writers/composers, and it has wonderful voice variations going from low to high. Absolutely beautiful singing. On the other size of the record George sings 'In My Little Corner of the World', also backed by Herb Alpert. Date of the record? - I would say at a guess late 1950's/early 1960's |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Pete Date: 26 Oct 07 - 05:09 PM You're looking for Ronnie Lane |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Stringsinger Date: 26 Oct 07 - 07:33 PM Freddie Hellerman did not write this song. He probably got it from Erik Darling who recorded it and sung it regularly. Woody Knows Nothin' has many variants. One is the Burl Ives offering, "Saturday night and Sunday too, true love on my mind. Monday morning and the rest of the week, White man got me gwine." "Jaybird pull a four horse plow. Sparrow why can't you? 'Cause my legs is little and long and they might break clean in two." Frank |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,iamfarmerpaul at hotmail.com Date: 04 Dec 07 - 08:01 PM I see someone mentioned jack hargreaves' Southern T. V. programme and its theme song. It was sung in a very classical way by a deep voiced singer. I'd love to hear that again if anybody knows who it was. Also I always thought it was, I've got silver in the MOON,not stars. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,klaas feenstra (netherlands) Date: 07 Jan 09 - 08:07 PM No doubt it is an old song, but Belafonte made it known. A very nice version came from Julie Felix in the David Frost Report show on BBC television, by the way. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: PinkAliPink Date: 07 Jan 09 - 09:52 PM http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fwueuaKkAE8 is the Harry Belafonte version & seems to be the right one, what a shame if the OP didn't find it & doesn't return. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Acorn4 Date: 08 Jan 09 - 06:54 AM The song was used as the theme for a program on country life hosted by Jack Hargreaves in about the sixties or seventies -called something like "Country File" or similar. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 08 Jan 09 - 12:38 PM Thematically, a pretty little Travis Edmonson (Bud & Travis) song that follows along these lines is "Guess I'll Go Home." Unfortunately, I don't have the sheet music, only the lyrics. Guess I'll Go Home She's the butterfly in my cottonwood tree She's a cool sip of cider in the sun She's a bluebird's wing, she's the song I sing When my day is done She doesn't know she sets my heart to singin' And I don't guess she even cares 'Cuz other fellas hold her hand at dances And other fellas walk her on the square One bought her a ribbon One bought her a comb I can't buy her nothin' So I guess I'll go home But I could give her the diamonds in the morning dew Or the gold in a field of corn Or the pearls of light in the stars at night Before the day is born If only I could tell her how I'm feelin' If only she would listen to my song I'd think of all the pretty things to tell her Then she'd know I'd loved her all along Then she'd walk beside me And call me her own But that's just a dream So I guess I'll go home |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Ted Anderson. Date: 02 Jul 09 - 11:12 AM The man was george Mckern. I found him,My father has looked for him,It has taken me 2 years to find him,you are right,it is the best version I know,it was written in 1958.As far as know,it was written by sam cooke,but never published.It is brilliant.Don Williams and the like do not do it justice.I hope you all like it. Cheers ted. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Eric the Viking Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:06 PM Alison Krauss does it beautifully on "A hindred miles or more" released 2 years ago. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Ted Anderson. Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:30 PM sorry mate,you dont know what your talking about.I like Allison,but you have never heard this song by the man,get a life. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Eric the Viking Date: 02 Jul 09 - 02:45 PM Sorry Ted (get your own life and prove that you know what you are talking about) it was just an observation and an addition to the list of recordings. I've heard it sung by at least two other people over the years. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Artful Codger Date: 02 Jul 09 - 03:44 PM YouTube has several ciips of this song, including renditions by Don Williams and Harry Belafonte. Nat King Cole sang "Nature Boy"--one of the songs closely identified with him, but not the same song. Perhaps this is what some folks were thinking of when they mentioned him. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Bob Coltman Date: 03 Jul 09 - 09:05 AM To sum up, this song is traditional, dating back probably into the 1930s or before, but has been augmented since 1955 or so with a few songwriter-composed "tin pan valley"-style verses. As far as I've been able to trace it, the oldest original was sung as early as the 1930s by Bascom Lamar Lunsford, probably learned by him from one of the mountain people he collected his songs from. It was then picked up by Susan Reed sometime in the 1940s. She may well have learned it from Lunsford personally, perhaps at the Asheville Folk Festival. She then sang it in New York and on the folk circuit in the 1940s and 50s, and made it quite well known. I think, but am not sure, that the next professional folksinger to spread it around was Bob Gibson. Based on that, the various composers like Fred Hellerman got going on their own proprietary versions, such as the "I'm Just a Country Boy" and "Woody Knows Nothing" variants quoted above. I've covered this in more detail in the "Woody Knows Nothing" thread: http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=18708#1947471 The two threads ought to be linked to one another, as it's all the same song. Bob |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Artful Codger Date: 03 Jul 09 - 03:15 PM Bob's link clickified: Woody Knows Nothing thread |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Grant Date: 29 Jul 09 - 05:10 PM http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:George%20McCurn:1927160992:page=biography |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST Date: 29 Jul 09 - 05:13 PM http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:George%20McCurn:1927160992:page=biography Apologies but forgot to submit a message with the link. This is the guy I beleieve you're looking for and it is indeed, to my mind, the best version of a wonderful song. Would love to know where a copy might be available now. Grant |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Mary Hockaday Date: 30 Dec 09 - 06:57 PM I saw a movie in about 1946-47-48 that had a plot very similar to "WW and the Dixie Dancers" and this song was sung in the movie. I was a Country Girl (still am!) and a teen-ager at the time; didn't go to many movies, but this one stuck in my mind. The song held a lot of meaning to me because although I was just a Country Girl and money had I none; but I always had 'silver in the stars at night and gold in the morning sun!" I would like to know if "WW and the Dixie Dancers was a re-make of an old film with a new name. Anyone with information could e-mail me at marell@cableone.net |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Stringsinger Date: 30 Dec 09 - 07:22 PM Before any of these guys, Erik Darling was singing "Woody Knows Nothing". He even might have written some of the verses. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: fumblefingers Date: 31 Dec 09 - 05:42 PM I wonder if it's an old Jimmy Dickens song? |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Barry Date: 09 May 10 - 12:52 AM I know that George McKern was the original singer of "I'm Just a Country Boy" & I feel it is the best version. However it seems to be lost forever. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: rich-joy Date: 09 May 10 - 08:29 PM I'm Just A Country Boy George McCurn Words and Music by Fred Hellerman and Mashall Barer -peak Billboard position # 55 in 1963 -Arranged and Conducted by Herb Alpert Read earlier posts for his BIO ... (and I still consider his the best version!) Cheers, R-J PS for net-searchers, please note that the spelling is McCURN not McKERN :~) |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Martha Burns Date: 27 May 10 - 11:01 AM Stringsinger: I've always loved the Eric Darling song, one of the first I learned to sing and play. Still like to sing it, now. Should have more verses. So many birds, so many possibilities. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,mike addley Date: 11 Sep 10 - 05:12 PM Makka played it on the ABC this morning.Great song. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Pamela Date: 11 Sep 10 - 09:50 PM Trying to get the sheet music. My mother heard it on Makka this morning and is desperate to get a copy so she can play it. She said it was the loveliest song she had ever heard! |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Larry The Radio Guy Date: 12 Sep 10 - 03:04 PM Rich-Joy. Thanks for all that information about George McCurn. That was the first version of the song I ever heard, and I eventually found it on a 45 rpm (I think the 'b' side was his version of "My Little Corner of the World". In the early 1960's I folowed the Top 100 (or in my case, "the Top 93" on CJCA Edmonton) hitparade charts faithfully, and my favorites were always the ones that were "number 89, 1nd week on, and on the way down". That's how I remember I'm Just A Country Boy. Interestingly, I eventually found the George McCurn lp by the same name, but the version on that LP was different from the one on the 45. Anyway, it would be great to find his rare 2nd lp. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: Larry The Radio Guy Date: 12 Sep 10 - 03:07 PM Just an addendum: I realize the George McCurn LP I had was called "Country Boy Goes to Town". So it appears as if it would be the first one that I'm not aware of. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,JEFF TYSON Date: 14 Sep 10 - 09:00 AM G'DAY from W.A , Pamela and Mike. I too heard it whilst driving to work on Macca's radio show last Sunday and it totally blew me away. It's the sweetest love song that a lot of ordinary guys (most of us) can relate to . Maybe all we Aussies should " JUST ASK MACCA" where we can get a download from, because ABC RADIO has obviously got it, unless MACCA was spinning some dodgy vinyl down by the banks of the old Murrumbidgee in the early hours. And also a big thank you to "Rich-Joy for all the correct information on this subject . |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Ron Date: 24 Feb 11 - 11:37 PM The original song, as someone here said, was sung by George McKern and I think its the best version. It was on the radio (AM of course)in the early 60's, I'm thinking about 1963-1964. Maybe some archival platters in a local long running radio station may have the song. Would be great to hear it again! |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Johnny Adelaide Date: 22 Mar 11 - 07:22 PM Margaret. Love your music. I caught this thread after I heard this song recently on Australia All Over. George McCurn sounded like the one and I managed by devious means to get a copy on an auction site. SADLY it's not the one I heard from back in the 50's and 60's. If only I could find out from the ABC whose record it was. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Johnny Adelaide Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:19 PM G'day Jeff Tyson, Pamela and Mike. I tried the ABC webpage with no luck. I even bought the McCurn 45rpm at auction but it's not the one played by Macca. Have you had any success? |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Kathy in Wisconsin Date: 07 May 11 - 03:41 PM Hi people, I just stumbled on this discussion, which has been going on for more than a decade ... I fell in love with this song listening to the Brothers Four's version on a RECORD ALBUM, which I still have. Album title is "More Big Folk Hits: The Brothers Four" (Columbia). Credit there is to Folkways. By the way the album was produced in "mono" -- surely somebody else out there remembers THAT. I can't find a date on it anywhere. I play the tune on a little wooden flute, which I carry around with me when I'm hiking. Taking it to Ireland next week. Carry on! |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Dennis in SoCal Date: 20 Oct 11 - 06:04 PM I wish I had gotten involved in this conversation earlier. George, better known as "oopie" is the singer everyone is talking about. In the mid 70's he was a member of a group calling themselves the "platters". I think one of the members may have had a short stint with the group in the 50's. They played every weekend at a place called Peppi's on Sepulveda Blvd, in Torrance. They played at my wedding in 1975. Oopie lived on 57th street in LA. LOng ago lost contact with him. He was an awsome vocalist. His version of God Bless The Child was the best. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,BigDaddy Date: 21 Oct 11 - 01:32 AM My favorite version is the previously-mentioned one by Harry Belafonte from the "In My Quiet Room." LP. Wish they'd release that album on CD or iTunes. Belafonte's version of the song is available on iTunes. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST Date: 03 Dec 12 - 09:38 PM There's a nice version by Steve Camacho (from the 1962 album "Folk and Other Songs") that's currently available for purchase via the usual online places. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Kerry Date: 24 Jan 14 - 07:46 PM The version of this from the 1950s was Burl Ives. My dad heard it on the radio, sang it to my mom. It's been their song. I've searched for years. Pre-internet, a friend searched the archive of the CMA. No luck. If anyone has found it, I'd LOVE to get it for them while they're still around. Thanks. |
Subject: RE: Origins: I'm Just a Country Boy From: GUEST,Mckittrick Date: 19 Sep 16 - 06:53 PM Best version to me- Sam Cooke |
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