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Notes From Janet

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2007 Notes:

December 23, 2007

Re: RCMH Christmas Show


Please click to see a larger version.

[Editor's note: the above photo was taken from a screen grab of the Rodeo City Music Hall website as of January, 2008. You can visit the website at this link.

Says Janet: The show was very good. There seemed to be a larger crowd. I didn't get home till 11 or somewhere in that time frame.

Amber was wonderful. 14 years and what a cutie. Megan Shipman was really good. Another singing Shipman. Mike Shirley's grandson Zack did a fine job on the flute too.

It was bitterly cold on the night of the concert, and this webmaster was unable to go. But Janet braved the elements, and the circumstances gave her pause to reflect upon her Faith at this time of year. I include the tag line just to show that Janet's sense of humor is never absent, no matter how deep the subject.

I always think of 'street people' when it is that cold outside.

As I wrapped up in my beautiful leather fringe western jacket I again said a prayer of thanks to the Lord who has taken wonderful care of me since the time I was that little girl growing up. More than once in my life God has protected me even though I was not paying good attention to the direction I was taking.

I have been very lucky that 'He' had a plan for me far beyond anything I could hope for. Once I let Him 'take the lead in my life' it has been an amazing ride.

Wow, that was deep huh?

 

December 20, 2007

Re: Chandler Bennett on TV for Christmas

From Chandler's parents:

Chandler will be on RFD-TV, "Johnnie High Christmas Show" its on Dish Network channel 231 and Direct TV 379.

Christmas Eve 7:00pm, Christmas Day 11:00am CST

Have a Merry Christmas!!!

The Bennetts

From Janet:

Chandler Bennett will be on RFD-TV on the Johnny High Christmas Show. I'm very proud of her. She came up and sang at Gene Autry and the folks loved her.

I am still a mentor for her. I think this little gal has so much going for her.

By clicking the button above, you can go to our photo album of the Rodeo City Music Hall concert at which Janet introduced Chandler.

 

December 18, 2007

Re: Upcoming Performances

I think Megan Shipman is on the Rodeo City Music Hall show this week.

I will sing C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S for one of my songs and Santa's Yodeling Song for the other. Mike Shirley and Larry Shipman are supposed to be there too.

We are headed out to sing right now at the Duncanville Assisted Living Place and John will make their day. They just love to look at him. He loves it.

 

December 10, 2007

Re: Lori Faith Merritt

She's sooooooo good at taking photos. Her equipment is top notch.

 

December 2, 2007

Re: Gene Autry Fans Christmas Party

The little party down at Rodeo City Music Hall was good [dated December 1]. We stayed till about 4pm.

It was just a wonderful time with about 25 or so of the boosters of the Gene Autry Oklahome Museum. It was a really good time.

 

November 29, 2007

Re: Trip to Gene Autry, Oklahoma

We have been up to Gene Autry, Oklahoma all day working with some folks brainstorming on how to help the festival for 2008 and other stuff. Got into traffic coming home but just took another route home.

 

November 20, 2007

Re: Ryan and Brad Hildebrand


Please click to see a larger version.

These twins have been [my] email friends for many years but in 2006 they came to WMA in Albuquerque where I met them in person for the first time.

Ryan was in a three way tie last year for male winner of the yodeling contest. These brothers both yodel really well and I am so proud to be their friend and mentor.

They were at WMA again this year and although Brad entered the yodeling contest and didn't win top prize, he did a great job. They performed showcases at the [Albuquerque] festival on Saturday.

 

November 20, 2007

Re: Albuquerque WMA Festival

On Thursday Morning I hosted the WMA Yodeling Contest. The winner was Bobby Kingston originally from Canada but now living in Las Vegas.

Rex Allen Junior was inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame on Thursday. Rex Junior and his dad Rex Allen Senior are the first father and son members of the hall of fame.

Friday I performed on a showcase with John.

On Friday Night I was one of the singers featured on the WMA Barndance Show. I hope I get a photo of it. I had three handsome musicians as my back up band. I borrowed them from Judy Coder and they graciously agreed to play for me. They are Stan, Dan and Phil also known as Pride of the Prairie. They fellas can play it all. I can't thank them enough.

Saturday I had an appointment to coach two really talented girls and one talented little brother of the girls. We took some photos and I will get one to you as soon as I get it.

Saturday afternoon I performed a showcase with John. One of the artists couldn't make it to her allotted time slot so you can bet John and I just kept on singing. It was a truly good set and a great topper to the weekend.

The Texas Trailhands with my co-host Devon Dawson of the Cowtown Opry Buckaroos Group won WMA Western Swing Group of the Year and we're all pretty dern excited about that and so proud of our friends on their winning this award again. I think this might be the third time or maybe even the fourth. They are wonderful musicians and are very deserving.

 

November 8, 2007

Re: CMA Awards - 2007

The Awards Show Presentation was the best in years. You could hear what the people were singing, saying and the presenters were not the same old stuff we've been fed for years. I liked it.

Le Ann was beautiful each time she was on and looked fabulous. The Reba duet was a winner even without a standing ovation that they should have gotten. Her clothes were awesome. Oh MY.

 

November 3, 2007

Re: Porter Wagoner

Porter Wagoner. I was such a fan from his first recordings. There was so many wonderful stories of the stars of that era. Most were dirt poor and took their singing and musical talents to the top and in most cases earned far more money than they had ever known.

Porter's duets with Norma Jean were outstanding and their TV shows were just the best. When Norma Jean left the show, all fans including me wondered how he could ever replace Miss Norma Jean as she was known.

He tried more than one 'female artist' on the TV and touring shows but not until Dolly Parton stepped onto the scene did the duo click. Wow did it click. I was an instant Dolly fan and for years scowered the old record bins trying to gather in all of the greatest of Dolly's soulful singing and songs. Their duets were 'magic' and she was a 'knock-out' from day one.

I did one show in 1964-The Big D Jamboree- where Porter was on the show with Norma Jean but he stayed on the bus and I never saw him. I had to leave and head for the Longhorn Ballroom that night where I was booked to also sing there.

While we lived in Nashville in 1969, I attended one live taping of his show and again, it was great.

Porter will be missed. Not much chance of any of those great old talents ever being replaced. We can only hope there is another Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Roy Acuff, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Tex Ritter, Tex Williams, Gene Autry out there.

I don't think many of today's talented young people have that drive and if they do, they start making so much money right away that they learn showbiz as they go along. In the old days, the artists learned from those old honky tonks which is where most country acts were asked to appear in those days.

I'd love to see it happen. I'll be watching and waiting for it.

 

November 3, 2007

Re: Catherine Bowler - She Did It!

This is the young girl Catherine Bowler who won the Patsy Montana Yodeling Championship in 2005. This is so neat.

I asked for clarification as to what this choir does and this is it. It sounds quite like it is a hugh honor and something of a 'leg up' for college entrance stuff. It looks like they give one 'command' performance but the honor is a truly big honor.

In the first of the email she is talking about Larry and Jane Frost who are the couple who run the Missouri Patsy Montana Days.

Janet

[Editor's note: the following is the Email Janet received from Miss Bowler's manager.]

Hi All,
   I am pleased (and surprised!) to tell you that Catherine was selected for the MO All-State choir this week! We are absolutely flabbergast that she made it as only FOUR kids were chosen per voice part (i.e., 4 sopranos, 4 basses) from the entire greater St. Louis area. Needless to say, competition was fierce, so we had minimal expectation that she would make it. She auditioned as an alto.
   It was a combination of 75% prepared piece (everyone auditioning sang the exact same song) and 25% sight-reading score (meaning you are given a short musical line that you have never before seen and have 20 seconds to look at it before singing it once for a judge--that part can be quite nerve wracking!)
   Anyway, she and we didn't even believe it was true when we first heard the results...but yep, it's confirmed! So I guess our little yodeler is a certified classical singer now, too!
   The choir has the same number of representatives from 11 districts across the state of MO and they convene for 3 days in January for the MO State Choir. They bring in a guest clinician from a different state university to conduct.
   Well, we're really excited for her and think it will certainly be a plus to put on her high school transcript as she thinks about college applications in the not-too-distant future!
   Hope all is well with you all!

 

October 29, 2007

Re: Janet and Jessica Bremer


Please click to see a larger version.

This girl is one of the Buckaroos and is just a special young lady. She won a Cowtown Opry Scholarship in March and chose 'Yodeling Coaching with Janet McBride'. On October 28th I drove to her home for some quality time with her.

We had a great time with the family and also had a very productive yodeling session where she learned three songs of her choice: The Gospel Yodel, I Think I Heard A Yodeling Bird and Swingtime Cowgirl.

Jessie has 5 brothers who also play and sing. This is quite a family.

The picture was taken at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame this year when the Cowtown Opry Ladies were there - June 2nd I think.

 

October 26, 2007

Re: The Texas State Fair.

The 2 hour gig at the Texas State Fair was a lot of fun. The Cowtown Opry group was asked to perform.

This group of course includes the Buckaroo Kids so I was there along with The Walton Family, Antie Jay, The Farr Boys, Roncho Ron, Billy Cates, Jessie Dell, John and Janet, Gabriella Webster and Aria Zaruba.

The Fair Crowd was wonderful. They loved the Cowtown Opry Talent and Musicians, and the Buckaroos, as always, gave us all a thrill to see them perform.

We hope the Fair Board will ask us back next year.

 

October 22, 2007

Re: Alexa Whipple wins multiple awards!


Please click to see a larger version.

This is so cool.

This girl's grandmother emailed me in October of 2006 through the website. She was emailing for her 11 year old grandaughter Alexa. She wondered about yodel coaching and when I found out through emailing that they lived in Arapahoe, Nebraska, I told them that I would be in Cedar, Kansas over Memorial Day Weekend and would do a workshop.

Alexa could already sing really good but came for yodeling. Alexa sang on the stages of the festival while there and the people loved her. I told her parents Mr. and Mrs. Whipple that I would bein Kansas again for the Watermelon Festival over Labor Day and
another coaching session was set.

By the session in Cedar, in Late August, Alexa had already realized that she needed to play her guitar and was working with her father on that also. Alexa sang at the Watermelon Festival and was a hit.

An email came this morning from Alexa's representative. I thought you might 'love it'.

Alexa competed this weekend at the NE Country Music Festival and pretty much stole the show. She sang He Taught Me to Yodel in the Amateur Youth division and won first place. She sang How Great Thou Art in the All-Around Gospel division and also took first place. Finally, she received the All-Around " People's Choice" Award and All Around "Entertainer of the Year". <

This is the girl who is with me in the photos I recently sent (one is posted above).

Winning all of this is just so neat. We all agree, she's very good.

Janet

 

October 20, 2007

Re: December date change for Buckaroos.

The December date for Buckaroo's has been changed to December 16th. We moved that date so that Devon Dawson could be there. She had a conflict on the 9th. Didn't bother me to do the change, so we did.

 

October 13, 2007

Re: Mary Resek, excellent Canadian recording artist. Please click on the photos below for larger versions.

I have been working with Mary Resek from Canada for some time. In October 04 she wrote for tracks information because she wanted to yodel.

We've emailed many times over the last 3 years. I'm glad she 'cut a record' because that is was what she truly wanted to do with her music.

Like Taylor Ware says, 'yodel on'.

We placed a link to both Mary's website and her MySpace page on our Links page under the tab "Links: G-R." Names are placed in alphabetical order according to first name.

 

October 13, 2007

Re: Grand Prairie Senior Center.

Out trip to the Grand Prairie Senior Assisted Living Center was just so very neat. They were afraid we weren't coming!? We got there at nearly 10AM for singing at 10:15 but evidently the lady had 10AM start time. I don't know but we were singing at 10AM and didn't stop until 11AM.

The residents and staff were so appreciative. John played his harmonicas, I sat on my stool and we just jammed for an hour. It was great.

 

October 9, 2007

Re: Taylor Ware on Rachael Ray.

I was able to see Taylor's appearance on the show last week. She did an outstanding job for her young age. No telling just how far her talent will take her. Far I hope. She's as cute as a bug.

 

October 4, 2007

Re: Encore Western's celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gene Autry's birth

Those up close shots of all of my friends were taken while they were all at the Gene Autry Hundred Year thing out in Los Angeles at the Autry Museum. I was so thrilled that I ended up on it with that old clip from the museum.

I love to see people excel in this business. Encourage is the word for me. That is what I do for them.

Charlotte [Autry] is so sweet and has taken her talent a long way in the time since I have met her but she has done it by herself. She got in there and got busy.

John Buttram has a wonderful shot a the old film festivals just because he is 'Uncle Pat's Nephew' and just happens to look and talk like him. I told him several years ago that he was missing a bet if he didn't 'go for it' so he also started following up on jobs for stuff and he now has a pretty neat career going. He is a very 'good' man.

 

October 1, 2007

Re: Janet's appearance with John and Mike Shirley in the Encore Western movie "Gene Autry: White Hat, Silver Screen."

I haven't seen it (the clip) but Mike Shirley's wife called me last night and said it is on again (the clip I mean).

She believes that is the clip they took about 4 years or so ago but no matter, I am pleased that they chose to use it again for this huge celebration.

Re: what went on during the 100 year anniversary celebration at the Gene Autry Museum in Gene Autry, Oklahoma.

They [camera people from Encore Westerns] were there all weekend taking photos of lots of folks but they didn't interview me in any way. They might have been filming at some point but no interviews. They did interview the headliners.

Alas, I was not one of them but I can tell you for sure, the 'youth segment' of the show was so wonderful and the children who were there have all been touched by me in some way. That is all the recognition I needed to just be elated.

I'll get the days of appearance for Chandler Bennett, Chelsea Beck and Noble and Elijah Farr. There were other kids too but these are the ones I think are on our site at this time.

Charlotte Autry is a darling gal, John Buttram is a really nice guy and is always a hit at Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum. Of course Glen Campbell wasn't there but he would have been welcome.

Devon Dawson. She is the co-producer of the Buckaroo's, as I am sure you remember. She is in the latest Buckaroo's photo. There is Devon, her husband Chuck up there with me. She is the gal who sung the song 'Jessie The Yodeling Cowgirl' on the Riders In The Sky CD for Disney. She had had quite a successful career as Jessie.

Thank you so much for going [to take pictures] and for your adding it to the site. It is so appreciated.

I found my dress, as you did. They have put it back where it first was and where it probably was when you were there. It is so pretty. The boots that are mine are not all marked. There is a grey high heel pair and a black pair with inset flowers in pink and yellow that aren't marked but I'll tell them some other time.

The place was packed all 4 days we were there.

 

September 12, 2007

Re: My first Watermelon Festival

The week before the Labor Day Weekend we just visited friends in Cedar Kansas. We had a jam session on Thursday Aug 23 where we invited the whole town of Cedar/17 people and just had a ball. I sang at the Community Church on Sunday Morning the 26th. We had another jam and rehearsal on Aug. 30th and again invited all who heard the noise. Jim Garling, Jim Barnes, John and I and Lowell Lydic got ready for the Sunday Evening Singing in the Gaylord Kansas Park and I also got ready for the Sunday Morning Service where I was the featured singer.

Monday Morning/Labor Day was the Parade through downtown Gaylord Kansas. This is not a big downtown area and most of the stores are no longer open but there were about 80 entrants in the parade and it was a hoot. We rode on the Cedar Kansas Float. After the parade, about 500 people came to the park for a 'good old fashioned' carnival with beanbag toss, darts, some rides, some food and lots of entertainment from the stage. All you could eat free watermelon started about noon.

I conducted a yodeling workshop at 1pm where my new little yodeling student Alexa Whipple from Arapahoe Nebraska came and yodeled for the kids. I had about a three hour workshop with Alexa on Friday Aug. 31 down in Cedar. We had set an appointment to work with her and her parents brought her early so that we'd have some quality time to 'yodel'.

At 7PM Jim Garling, Jim Barnes, Lowell Lydic, John and I took the stage and entertained until way after dark. The sound and lights had to turn off at 9:30 so we called it a day. We also featured Alexa for three numbers and she just blew them away. She is very good.

We drove to Lubbock for the Friday and Saturday booking at the Cowboy Symposium there. Two of our Buckaroo's came to Lubbock and I featured them on my shows when possible. They are the cutest boys. Their names are Noble and Elijh Farr.

Sunday we started for Fort Worth and at 2pm we started working with our Buckaroo's. It was Grandparents Day in the Stockyards and the kids really showed their stuff. We were tired to say the least so we came home and were so glad to see our own bed.

All is well.

Janet

 

August 17, 2007

Re: Appearance at Gaylord, Nebraska September 3rd

It has turned into Sept 1, 2, 3 now.

Sept. 1 - I'll be in the town parade. The time is unknown as of now.

Sept 2 - I'll sing at the Gospel Sunday Morning Church Meeting.

Sept. 3 - Yodeling Workshop and Evening Performance...

On September 3rd here will be free Watermellon from 12 noon, I will conduct a 'yodeling workshop' for all who want to attend and then at 7pm Monday Night there will be a show featuring myself and John, Jim Barnes, Jim Garling, Lowell Lydic and Alexa Whipple.

 

August 17, 2007

Re: Photos from the AWA Awards Show on our Features page.

Both the photo of Chelsea Beck holding her statue and the one of Chelsea with me were taken by Chelsea's grandmother.

In some photos you will see Bill Barwick. He is the really deep voice you hear on the Westerns Channel. From day one he has been the announcer for everything.

Re: Tommy Allsup: When the Big Bopper died in the plane crash with the Buddy Holly band members it was Tommy who gave his seat to the Bopper. I think that is how it goes.

 

August 8, 2007

Re: AWA Awards Show the previous night.

Chelsea [Beck] won yodeler.

Doughboys [produced by former Mesquite Opry Band leader Art Greenhaw] won (duo group) but I am not sure which category but probably traditional. Art was there and accepted. I am sure someone got that photo but we were not close enough for anything from the stage. It was a good show as always. I got some photos after but won't know how good until I finish the roll.

 

July 26, 2007


Please click to see a larger version.

That photo (date) not for sure but the photo was taken by a photographer who had put up his equipment at a 'hair salon' with the photos of course, for sale.

Like so many of the other photos I have sent to you, this one is a 'one of a kind' and now you have it and I have scanned it so it will never be lost forever which is what I am aiming for.

 

July 25, 2007

Re: The passing of Karol Dyess's mother

Karol's mother passed away. Let's mention that. The funeral will be Friday [July 27] in Athens. They are sweet folks.

Karol Dyess is the award winning producer of the Rodeo City Music Hall, located in the same building which once housed Janet's Mesquite Opry.

 

July 25, 2007

Re: What Janet is doing in July

I'm actually practicing daily for a gig in Gaylord. Going to sing some great old songs and yodel of course but I need to rely on my brain for the words and not a piece of paper.

It's been good for me to 'have to' practice more. I was getting very rusty.

Janet is scheduled to sing at the Gaylord Labor Day Watermellon Festival in Gaylord, Kansas on September 3rd.

 

July 11, 2007

Re: Janet with Gayl Rouse


Please click to see a larger version.

Gayl Rouse and her husband Johnny drove from their home in Mississippi just to meet me in person and have a little 'yodel coaching' session.

They drove with their RV and stayed at a beautiful RV park and then returned home the next morning. You can see from the photo that we enjoyed our time with them.

 

July 8, 2007

Re: Janet with the Buckaroos


Please click to see a larger version.

We had 16 kids show up. Many for the first time. What a hoot and what a thrill to be the one to show them their first mic!

We had some 7 year olds all the way up to 15 years old. They all get their shot.

It was a long day because it was hot and humid but, again, it was a 'totally wonderful experience'.

 

June 24, 2007

Re: Gene Autry Museum photo dated June, 2007


Please click to see a larger version.

Pictured are Larry Shipman, John (behind Janet), Janet, and Mike and Zack Shirley. Says Janet: I didn't take this but it was taken last weekend the 16th at the Gene Autry Benefit Show.

 

June 22, 2007

Re: Fourth of July plans ...

Holiday Plans for the 4th will find us at the second annual McBride Family Reunion. We are so looking forward to it.

One of my fans from Mississippi is going to come to the area, where I will meet up with her and give her a 'yodeling lesson'. Yippee.

 

June 22, 2007

Yesterday, John and I performed at the Grand Prairie Senior Home. He took his newly acquired Harmonicas and played several of the songs along with me.

John and I have been there many times in the last few years and we know the staff and many of the residents. They always gather early for us, and for yesterday they gathered a full wing of people and brought them all in at once.

I started singing at 10:15 and sat on a stool and sang for a full hour. I yodeled about 6 songs total and sang some great older country songs that I have been working on.

For the first time ever one of the staff came up and asked the price of a CD to make available for the center. Nearly every one of them said a big Thank You as we were leaving. I was on cloud nine.

Oh yes, this bunch loves John too.

 

June 14, 2007

Today is the TV interview. We'll leave early so as to not be late to Denison and the TV station.

I am going to send a photo that Pat Boilesen took of a dog. The three of us Pat, John and I were in Albion, Nebraska after the Cedar doings.


Please click to see a larger version.

We went to lunch with Pat and on the way we parked beside this 'dog'. It was just too good not to take a photo of.

 

June 13, 2007

We drive to Denison tomorrow to do an interview about Gene Autry on the TV station up there. It will be on sometime between 11 and 12 I think.

My aim is to make known that the Gene Autry Museum will host kid talent 16 and under on Friday afternoon. We want to listen to the youth of Northern TX and So. Oklahoma to see if there is a hidden jewel that we can put on the September show.

I will be in Gene Autry [Oklahoma] about noon [Friday the 15th] and will spend the afternoon listening to those who come. I think we have 5 signed up already.

 

June 11, 2007

Last 4 days were Fan Fair in Nashville and all of the stars work hard.

LeAnn [Rimes] had her Fan Club Party and one of our kids Grace Ann was able to go. She talked with LeAnn (that is one of the perks of going) and she told LeAnn that she knew me.

They said LeAnn said 'She is Fantastic'.

 

June 11, 2007

The DJ I spoke with live on air was Tommy Tucker at KRLC Radio in Lewiston, Idaho. Big popular station in that area. My Cowgirl's Dream recording was their 3rd most played song of
2006.

We talked about the Honky Tonk Ballads CD and the old days of Country Music. They have played Janet McBride up that way a lot.

 

June 10, 2007

Today was Buckaroo's and they were wonderful. I didn't get home till 7 this evening and it was so hot there today butttttttt, I feel great cause they are so good.

 

June 8, 2007

I will be talking live with a radio station in Lewiston, Idaho about 12:30 to 1 our time. It is a very popular radio station up there. The DJ who I'll be talking with 'loved' the Honky Tonk Ballad CD.

I'll let you know how that goes.

...

Radio went good. Just talked about the CD, the old music, he again went on about the Patsy Song. One of his favorites from last year. He is just a great DJ who likes Janet McBride music. We talked a long time.

 

June 5, 2007

Re: Barbara Fairchild's appearance at the Cedar Springs Festival with Janet and John, and some help Mike Johnson gave with the Library of Congress.

Please click either photo above for its larger version.

Barbara sang Kid Stuff and of course Teddy Bear and one of my personal fav's 'cheatin is'. She said that she wished more adults would listen to that song even today. I did love that one when I first started hearing her.

She is just so special. She said she will be doing a fall matinee show for several weeks at the Bald Knobers Theatre in Branson.

Can't leave out her husband Roy Morris who has been married to her for 13 years. He came to the opry with her the last time she appeared with us. Nice guy and a great singer and showman which just adds to Barbara's stage presence.

Going to mail my 4 LP's and my CD's to the Library of Congress today. Our friend Mike Johnson put me in touch with the lady who is making it happen. Mike found that I had one LP (Longhorn) and one CD (50 Years of Yodeling) there and wondered why the rest of my stuff wasn't in there.

It will be there soon. me

 

May 31, 2007

We had a good festival in Cedar. I have been singing a lot more old country songs, along with less yodeling and I liked that really well. Seems the fans did too.

Mike Shirley and I did our sets back to back so we could share some time. Which is really nice.

And Barbara Fairchild was a 'hoot'. She is such a great entertainer and the crowd loved her. She got up on my set and sang harmony for me. YIKES THAT WAS FUN.

I will be able to make it to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth on Saturday (June 2nd) and I will be the hostess for the Yodeling Workshop and Yodeling Contest after. I was not going to be able to be there but, with the cancellation of the Patsy Montana Festival, I will be.

It is an all day Birthday Celebration for the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Janet

Editor's Note: you can see the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame announcement by clicking this link. According to their tentative schedule, the mini-workshop and contest will take place 12:30-1:00 PM.

May 13, 2007

Re: After my recent mention of the upcoming *A*CMAs, Janet became inspired to send my a photo of herself and Mr. McBride right before the *CMAs*! Here is the photo from her home dated 1969, and then words about her first attendance at the Country Music Association Awards a few years earlier.


Please click to see a larger version.

I went 1965 or 66 which might have been the first year of the awards. It is pretty fuzzy for sure. Maybe two before the 1969 one [referred to by the photo].

Mr. McBride was so very handsome. Nope. I didn't sing or even get noticed but I was there. First time was at the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman for sure.

We sat on the ground floor but a few rows back. I thought I was really somebody that night. It might have been the night Roy and Dale were there.

 

May 2, 2007

Re: Janet and John went to see LeAnn Rimes on this date, who was in Dallas to do radio promos and make an appearance for Operation Smile.

When we got there I walked to where she was standing and and just said 'Hello' and she lit right up and hugged my neck. Her husband was there and smiled and then just let her talk with us while he stepped back. She hugged John and we talked. She said her Mom and Dad were doing OK and that she was fine.

I told her my webmaster wanted a photo for the site so we took two: one of me with her and one with she and John.

We spent about 5 or 6 minutes with her and then we said goodbye. She said she was very glad we came by. She is just beautiful. And She was just so nice.

 

April 23, 2007

Re: Janet forwarded this review of her latest CD by a DJ who has been playing her music for quite some time, now.

From: OJ Sikes [osikes@nj.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2007 10:04 AM
To: jmcbride.yodeler@sbcglobal.net
Subject: FW: CD review: Janet McBride

Importance: High

Honky Tonk Ballads and Classic Yodels - Janet McBride

Bronco Buster mono CD 9060

The early 1960s was my favorite period in country music. Those were the years when Patsy Cline & Loretta Lynn opened the doors for women who were soon to become super-stars, taking the country by storm. The Texas shuffle hit its stride in Nashville then, after having been introduced earlier. Walking bass lines were vital to many arrangements, and great things were happening on the West coast as well. It was also the period (1961-67) when Janet McBride recorded the songs on this new CD.

You won’t hear mega-hits here, but there are 28 great songs that will bring back pleasant memories because of their “sound,” even if you’ve never heard them before. One song, “I’m Wild Bill Tonight,” was big enough that it resulted in lots of touring for Janet McBride with her recording partner, Vern Stovall. But there’s so much more that’s wonderful to listen to, you won’t find yourself focusing on that one. You’ll be tempted to put it in your CD player, hit the “repeat” button, and let ‘er go.

If you’re into “classic country,” the names of musicians who recorded with Janet will read like a “Who’s Who in Country Music,” e.g. steel guitarists Ralph Mooney & Lloyd Green, Tommy Allsup on guitar, Melba Montgomery & Jonie Mosby singing back-up, and Wynn Stewart’s full band, to mention a few. The CD’s main emphasis is on country ballads and dance tunes rather than the yodeling, but the yodels you’ll hear illustrate very clearly why Janet McBride is such a renowned yodeler. She’s amazing!

This CD is a treasure, a “must have,” whether you’re familiar with Janet’s early work or if you simply love classic country music.

$24.95ppd from Frontier Records, Box 157, Jenks, OK 74037, (phone 918-445-2300 Wed.-Frid. 10am-6pm)

or e-mail frontierrecords@att.net.

Or $22ppd directly from Janet McBride, P. O. Box 850351, Mesquite, TX 75185-0351.

 

April 21, 2007

Re: Claude McBride/Honky Tonk Ballads songwriting.

I was not a registered writer with BMI at first. Claude was.

I just think being naďve was a big part of it. I didn't know that if I wrote a song all I had to do when I recorded it was to write to BMI and then register as a writer with that song.

Finally Mr. Groom asked me why I wasn't getting my name on my songs because he knew I had written The Guy Here With Me. When I told him I wasn't a BMI registered writer he looked at me like DUHHH.

Anyway from that day on I was included along with Claude (of course), but that reason is I was trying to get his name out there too.

I wrote (with no help from anyone) The Guy Here With Me, Swiss Cheese, That's Not Like Me, Why'd You Do It.

For Wild Bill Tonight and It's Not The Lies That's Hurtin I was a cowriter.

I helped write Almost Three. Even If I Win I'm Gonna Lose was my idea but Claude and Ronnie Blair wrote it. I helped with Arms of A Child. Yodelin Jan I wrote alone.

Claude didn't tell me not to write, but he got credit for the writing until we moved to Texas and then it changed.

He passed away in 1973. All of my 80's songs of course, I wrote myself.

Claude McBride was a very handsome man. Everyone LOVED him. Everyone. He just was not a person who should have ever married.

Heading for my cup of coffee. Me

 

April 7, 2007

Re: Janet's birthday on April 5th.

Had a good birthday. Some grandkids, daughter and great-grandkids came and we cooked hamburgers outside and had a lot of fun with them.

It was a good party.

Still copying stuff (from VCR tape to DVD). Will I ever finish?

Getting ready to drive out to the show tonight.

Janet

 

April 4, 2007

Re: This photo of Janet and John with a number of celebrities at Festival of the West in March 2007 - which we placed on our Features page...

Lynn Anderson's name speaks for itself, Johnny Western wrote and sang the theme songs for the character "Paladin" in Have Gun Will Travel, and so many other western theme songs.

Rollie Stevens and Jeannie Campbell are just the best friends and musicians and recording artists.

When I queried Janet about matching names with faces in the picture, she offered more about Johnny Western.

Yes, Johnny Western is the man in black. Really nice fella.

He was the front man for Johnny Cash for over 30 years. He is a DJ/part owner of KFDI in Wichita KS.

We have been friends for over 40 years.

You can learn more about the Have Gun Will Travel show by clicking the logo above (that website sometimes loads slowly).

 

March 6, 2007

Editor's note: Janet wrote off-handedly about her project of transferring VCR tapes of Mesquite Opry shows to DVDs with the following words...

Still taking VCR to DVD daily from morning to night. I am over three hundred at this time and doing as many as 6 a day when I am here. I'll be slowed down during the Festival of the West. I hate to slow down because I have trudged along so well.

So far so good. I'm up into 1994 right now.

I then asked Janet if we could share that news, and what else could we say about it? Here is her response.

March 7, 2007

Well if this thing [the machine] doesn't wear out before I finish I'll be doing great. I have loved seeing the parts of the shows that I have taken time to stop and watch. Some are outstanding, some of the talent is so good and of course some isn't that good but that is what made the show so great. (you can put that in) Everyone sometimes had a bad night.

You can mention that the switch to DVD from VCR tapes is occuring but that no editing is being done at this time. Nothing is ready for sale yet but might be in the future.

I found a VCR tape that has Le Ann on it singing two numbers. One is the National Anthem. She was 11. Great stuff.

Don't know how I missed it but it seems I did.

 

March 2, 2007

We go to Fort Worth this afternoon for the fundraiser for the Cowtown Opry. It is called the Gala. I hope we raise some money for the opry. It is the only fundraiser for the year so we all give it our all.

We're hanging good over here. Karol told me last Saturday that she was in the studio working on 'Grown Man Lie' right now. I don't know if that means they are doing all new music or sprucing up that track but time will tell.

I know she did a wonderful job on the song that night at RCMH. Thanks again for all you do [putting the video of Karol's performance on the site].

[Re: the appearance of Kacey Musgraves on the final show for the season of Nashville Star]

Kacey was beautiful.

 

February 15, 2007

We made it to sing this morning [to the Grand Prairie retirement center]. There was a little snow flurry but the roads were clear and the people just loved us being there. I always sing all of the old songs I know cause that is what they remember and that is what they want.

Dagmar Binge emailed this morning. My package was mailed surface air on the 12th. I'll have the Bronco Buster CD before long. It is on the internet now.

I can't wait.

 

February 4, 2007

Editor's note: Janet wrote these words regarding her February 3rd appearance at the Rodeo City Music Hall.

Karol sang the song Kristy Faulk and I wrote called "I Just Hate To Hear A Grown Man Lie." It was so good. You would like how she did it.

John was in the audience and not on the stage and he said 'She did a great job' and I loved it too.

Karol told the crowd she is about to record it. She asked them 'would you like to see it on my new record'?

The crowd 'roared' with applause.

The talent was all very good again last night. It was a good show and a good crowd too.

 

January 26, 2007

Editor's note: I wrote Janet the following words after the last appearance by Kacey Musgraves on Nashville Star:

"How totally devastating that a young lady who stands tall and glamorous, and refuses to sashay her hips, curl her lip, or put a growl in her voice has to be set aside for the more gritty performers. How sad that Country Music’s Miss America had to say goodbye."

Janet responded with the following excellent words.

Yes, it was very sad to see that happen but, like she [Kacey] said 'it was a bump in the road'. I hope she keeps that positive attitude.

Kacey will bounce back from this and go forward with her recording project that is nearly finished. She will also be considered by many record companies in the future I am sure.

She's a beauty and will make some wonderful recordings so we shouldn't worry too much right now.

I think the best of all worlds and the most money will come from her songwriting if she gets the opportunity to continue writing with the 'big names' in Nashville.

I hope she will pursue those opportunities with a vengeance.

 

January 8, 2007

*** COMING SOON ***

Binge Records to release a CD of Janet's 1960's original recordings.

The title will be:

JANET MCBRIDE
HONKY TONK BALLADS
& CLASSIC YODELING

We'll tell folks how to order these when they are released.

You can pull up the page of Dagmar Binge in Germany with either Binge or Cattle Records.

Binge Records: http://www.dagmar-anita-binge.de/binge-lps.htm

Cattle Records: http://www.dagmar-anita-binge.de/cattle-lps.part.8.of.8.htm

 

January 7, 2007

Re: the talent at Rodeo City Music Hall January 6th, 2007

Yes, that bunch of talent was some of the best I've seen there. I really enjoyed just watching them and knowing the place still has the magic.

It was fun.

 

January 2, 2007

Re: the passing of Del Reeves on New Year's Day.

Del Reeves was a mainstay at the Grand Ole Opry for many years. He was a truck driver before he had a hit song.

I think he used to come to the Longhorn Ballroom in the late 60's and I might have met him once, but I'm just not sure about that.

I do know we saw him several times at Fan Fair in the late 1980's early 90's and he always put on the best show of the night. He was so popular they put him on last so that he could perform until everyone got tired, which was usually way after the opry was to close.

The entertainment field lost a star in Del Reeves.

-o-

Janet McBride

To Contact Us:

Janet McBride
P.O. BOX 871882
MESQUITE, TX 75187-1882
Fax: (972) 686-8757

To send an Email, please click the mailbox above.

 

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