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02 Apr 03 - 11:07 AM (#924520) Subject: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Cool Beans News services report the death of Farrell (Rusty) Draper, at 80. He had a hit with "Freight Train'' in, I think, 1957. I believe he also sang the unforgettable "The Railroad Runs through the Midddle of the House.'' RIP, Rusty. |
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02 Apr 03 - 12:09 PM (#924570) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: GUEST,Martin Gibson From artistdirect.com: Rusty Draper was a popular singer during the 1950s who had a number of hits on both the pop and country charts. He was born Farrell H. Draper in Kirksville, Missouri and became interested in music after his father gave him a guitar on his tenth birthday. He made his radio debut at age 12 in Tulsa on the Cy Perkins Show, hosted by his uncle Ralph Powell. Soon afterwards, Draper began working at a Des Moines station, where he often filled in for sportscaster (and future President) Ronald Reagan. When Draper was 18, he moved to San Francisco, where he began performing at the area club the Barn; legend has it that a Navy officer was so impressed with Draper's singing that he refused to pay his $75 tab until the owner hired the singer full time, where he soon became one of the club's biggest draws. He then went on to spend eight years playing at the Rumpus Room, where he met Marcia Wilsey, who became his wife and manager and got him guest appearances on several television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show and Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. Draper had just signed with Mercury when his wife arranged a national tour of clubs and theaters; while he toured, his second single "Gambler's Guitar" hit the country Top Ten and crossed over to the pop charts as well. In 1955, Draper scored three Top 20 pop hits, and between 1956 and '57 had five more. His next hit came in 1960 with a version of "Muleskinner Blues." He scored his final pop hit with a cover of Willie Nelson's "Night Life." In 1968, he returned to country with a Top 60 hit, "Buffalo Nickel." In the years that followed, Draper continued to perform in clubs, write songs, and appear on TV. He spent seven years as the "singing emcee" at the Mel Hertz Club in San Francisco, and returned to the charts one final time in 1980 with "Harbor Lights." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Music Guide |
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02 Apr 03 - 01:52 PM (#924641) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Jerry Rasmussen Well, that makes at least three people who remember Rusty Draper (counting me.) Rusty was one of a small handfull of singers in the 50's who were recording songs that had a folk "feel" to them. Before the Kingston Trio and around the time that the Weavers were still having an occasional hit, my attraction to folk music was primarily through Frankie Lane and Rusty Draper, even though the music they recorded was not really "folk."Fifteen or twenty years ago, I came across a Rusty Draper album in a used record store and snatched it up. I'd long since lost the two or three 45 rpms I'd had of Rusty. Revisiting his music was an eye-opener for me. I could hardly get through the album, one time. But, if his recordings didn't wear well, I still appreciate the interest he helped create in me for story songs and ballads. He, Frankie Lane, the Weavers, and to a much lesser extent Harry Belaphonte and Burl Ives created that initial interst in folk music, and I'm thankful for that. Jerry |
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02 Apr 03 - 02:01 PM (#924652) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: M.Ted I remember him--in fact, I used some of Rusty's background to as the basis for a character in one of my stories--sad that he's gone, and sadder that he is not much remembered--not sure which album you got Jerry, but his big hits still sound great to me! |
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02 Apr 03 - 03:33 PM (#924717) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: GUEST,Arkie Didn't he record "The Shifting, Whispering Sands". Seems like that was one of his biggest hits. |
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02 Apr 03 - 03:37 PM (#924720) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Giac I remember his Shifting, Whispering Sands, and Are You Satisfied? The latter was on the radio in 1955, I think. I was around 14 and had malaria, having to stay in bed for weeks and weeks with nothing to do but listen to the radio. Hadn't thought of him in a long time, but I do remember his voice. Mary |
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02 Apr 03 - 05:42 PM (#924803) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: GUEST,Dale Copy and paste from this site. Click the link if you want the whole list. I am not sure if it is an indictment of me or the music of today that I know virtually every song on the list, but none that might be popular today. CASH BOX TOP 50 BEST-SELLING SINGLES Week ending September 12, 1953 12 GAMBLER'S GUITAR Rusty Draper-Mercury 70167 20 LIGHTHOUSE Rusty Draper-Mercury 70188 We had a 78 of Lighthouse, and I sure do remember that ~~ one of my favorite songs of that era. I think we had another Rusty Draper record too, but that was the one that still sticks in my mind over the last almost 50 years. (How did that happen? Seems hardly a day past 40) |
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02 Apr 03 - 06:58 PM (#924857) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: reggie miles I've been playing the flip side of Rusty's The Railroad Runs Throught The Middle Of The House for years and it's still a favorite. We had the 45rpm when I was a kid and I loved listening to that song about the railroad with it's train sound effects. It wasn't till I was fully involved in music as an adult that I turned the record over and noticed Pink Cadillac on the other side. It's a rockin' rockabilly song that's got great lyrics. I've been playing it ever since. I've found much of his recorded material over the years. At a music in the parks gig, years ago, I had one of Rusty's ex-bass players come up to me after having heard me play Pink Cadillac. He said he was so happy to hear that the young people were still playing those songs. Well, we were playing but there wasn't but a half dozen folks in the whole park and he must have been the only one listening. :) Rusty has lived near here, about an hour away, in North Bend, WA for a long time. I know some folks who live in N.B. who knew him and have played music with him. I wish I could have done the same before he rode off into the sunset in his pink Cadillac. |
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02 Apr 03 - 07:09 PM (#924865) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Mark Clark “Here we go, really motivatin' burnin' up the road, A four carburator and hydromatic drive, I'm tearin' down Main at a hundred and five, Oh, golly gee… I still sing that one to myself in the car but I'd forgotten it was a Rusty Draper tune. So long, Rusty. - Mark |
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02 Apr 03 - 07:32 PM (#924875) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Deckman I also remember him well and fondly. Bob |
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03 Apr 03 - 12:21 AM (#925016) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Willie-O Never heard of him before today, but they played "Gambler's Guitar", his first big hit, on CBC radio this evening. Really an odd number! Sounds like he did more than a couple of novelty tunes. Which is probably why he's not well-remembered. Unless you're Spike Jones, those'll put you in the No-Play bin once your era is over... W-O |
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03 Apr 03 - 02:18 AM (#925049) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: GUEST,Dale In depth obituary from The Seattle Times He lived at North Bend, Washington the last 30 years. |
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03 Apr 03 - 06:04 AM (#925120) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Steve Parkes I inherited two or three of Rusty's lps (albums, if you prefer) from Grandad in '83; he'd been given them by GtUncle Dennis from London (who we rarely see, so I don't know how big Country Music fan he is). I remember The railroad runs ... from the 50s, but by a UK vocal outfit (probably The Stargazers), and I think Alma Cogan recorded it too. Well, thanks for that one, Rusty. Steve |
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03 Apr 03 - 04:47 PM (#925526) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: Genie I remember The Shifting, Whispering Sands well, but I'd forgotten it was by Rusty Draper. And, yeah, Jerry R., those 'folk/pop' predecessors of the "Folk Revival," like Tennessee Ernie, Frankie Laine, Harry Belafonte, Rusty Draper, and the guy who had a pop hit with "Freight Train" probably primed me well for becoming a real folk fan later. Anyone have the lyrics to "The Railroad Runs Through The Middle Of The House?" Genie |
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03 Apr 03 - 04:54 PM (#925529) Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOUSE (Bob Hilliard) From: Giac Google found these for me: IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HOUSE Band: Rusty Draper Album: Non Album Tracks The railroad comes through the middle of the house The railroad comes through the middle of the house The trains all come through the middle of the house Since the company bought the land They let us live in the front of the house They let us live in the back But there ain't no livin' in the middle of the house 'Cause that's the railroad track When a bill collector comes to the house He knocks and bangs on the door So we sit him right down in the middle of the house And he never comes back no more The railroad comes through the middle of the house The railroad comes through the middle of the house It comes and goes through the middle of the house And the trains are all on time Here comes the five-o-nine singin' this song in the middle of the house The railroad comes through the middle of the house In and out of the middle of the house Right smack dab through the middle of the house Where the parlor used to be There's a great big door in the front of the house There's a little old door in the back But we can't have doors in the middle of the house 'Cause that's the railroad track A relative came to visit the house He liked to scream and fuss So we sat him right down in the middle of the house And he never more bothered us The railroad comes through the middle of the house The railroad comes through the middle of the house It comes and goes through the middle of the house Since the company bought the land. |
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20 Nov 10 - 11:15 PM (#3037139) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: GUEST,Geoff Dornan Rusty and his wife Macia (don't remember an "r" in her name) lived in Reno when he hit with Night Life. I was just a 10th grader with a cheap guitar but he was generous enough to show me a couple of things and encourage me to practice-practice-practice. They owned the apartment complex where my family lived on Stardust Street. He sat in our living room and proved it wasn't some studio magic, playing and singing Night Life for us. It was all over the radio at the time. I especially liked her -- always generous, hard working around the complex. He was a musician, not a businessman. Don't think he would have gotten near as far without her. Music needs more folks like Rusty who don't just stay in one pigeon hole. Folks willing to share their stories across lines to a wider audience. |
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01 Dec 10 - 02:15 PM (#3044314) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: GUEST I am Rusty's First Grandchild, however never met him!!! His son John was my Father; although I have not heard a lick from him in 38 years. I am very curious about my Ancestors' and how talent does not fall far from the tree!!! I have tryed everyway to find my Bio-Family, but with no luck. If anyone knows anything please contact me at cindyzamora33@yahoo.com |
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01 Dec 10 - 04:40 PM (#3044446) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper From: open mike there is some info on Ancestry.com in the Parker Family Tree Farrell H. "Rusty" Draper (January 25, 1923 – March 28, 2003) born 1923, Kirksville, Adair Co., MO married Merry Lou Wilson, father S.C. Draper died Bellevue, King County, Washington, USA sorry, but i can't find anything on John.. or rather, i can find bunches or John Draper, but not sure any have Farrell as father... |
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31 Jan 11 - 02:49 AM (#3085707) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,michael ace Have many rockin' Rusty Draper 45's---still play him on my show on WVUD 91.3fm---7 come 11 is my favorite--Good Golly Pretty Molly is excellent too |
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15 Feb 12 - 03:49 PM (#3309080) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Guest Hi Rusty's Grandchild, I knew Johnny Draper. He played guitar and bass in bands I played in, back in the 1980's, in Sacramento area. I haven't seen him in more than 20 years. Just thought I'd report that to you. |
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16 Feb 12 - 08:04 AM (#3309402) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: Beer I missed this when first posted and was taken back to see all the different songs the late Rusty wrote. I always thought that "The Shifting, Whispering Sands " belonged to Jim Reeves. I guess back in my younger years I never looked to see who wrote the songs. Thanks for bringing the thread back and have enjoyed reading about a great writer. R.I.P. Rusty Adrien |
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06 May 12 - 09:28 AM (#3347445) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Michael Mooney I recall a song on Country radio from the late Sixties, I think it went "Buffalo Nickel, you got a long way to go..." Would that be Rusty? |
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25 Nov 12 - 02:23 AM (#3441830) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,A fan in Tacoma I was 13 years old when I heard Rusty Draper play at the Winthorp Hotel on Broadway..much older now, but he wa a headline then, and a headliner with us who remember him..God Speed |
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24 Jun 13 - 11:23 PM (#3530029) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Guest Johnny was a friend of mine as well. Last I heard he was in the Bay Area. |
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27 Jan 14 - 12:56 AM (#3595787) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,a relative To the grandchild, I met rusty at my in laws house in fall city wash in the 90s . he was relative, I think a cousin of my mother in law. you can look up Joe and Carol Monahan, or their daughter Lisa Jennings. My wife is now an ex but I guess you may be related to her and my kids. MIke D. |
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27 Mar 19 - 10:34 AM (#3984764) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Joel Billy Johnny is still alive and kicking it. We keep in touch. We played music together,I’m a harp player, and threw darts together in Sac We’ve been planning song writing sessions. Still writing and playing. |
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16 May 19 - 08:07 PM (#3992697) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Macia-no "R" Thanks for recalling my aunt's name -- like mine -- having no "R" in it. She was my father's sister, and we were both named after their paternal grandmother. I was a teenager when she died, and she and Rusty had been divorced for some time by then, but I've heard many fun stories of the couple and their life together! |
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31 Oct 23 - 10:41 PM (#4184954) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST Yes ?? |
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31 Oct 23 - 10:41 PM (#4191279) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST Yes ?? |
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31 Oct 23 - 10:44 PM (#4191280) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Amy DeGraaf-Zay (Granddaughter) Yep! |
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31 Oct 23 - 10:44 PM (#4184955) Subject: RE: Obit: Rusty Draper (1923-2003) From: GUEST,Amy DeGraaf-Zay (Granddaughter) Yep! |