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Bob Luman had the hit on “Come On Home And Sing The Blues To Daddy”. According to Record World the song reached #13 whereas Billboard had it at #24. I suspect Luman’s popularity was regional because it received a lot of airplay as an oldie in Central Florida throughout the 1970s, and WCMS in Norfolk played the song frequently during the summer of 1972 (I spent the summer with my folks)
Charley’s seventh album arrived in the spring of 1969 with another dozen great songs. It was released after his hit “Kaw-Liga” (taken from his “Charley Pride-In Person” live album) and just before the subsequent single “All I Have To Offer You (Is Me) “
The single hit on this LP, “Let The Chips Fall” has the distinction of being released on two Charley Pride albums within the same year. It is the oldest recording on this album. It was the final song recorded during sessions for the album “Songs Of Pride – Charley That Is” in April 1968. Issued as the follow-up single to “The Easy Part’s Over” in September ’68, the record peaked at #4 in November but was not immediately available on a Charley Pride album. Because Charley’s subsequent LP was a live album the track was held for this album. Then five months later it was included on “The Best Of Charley Pride” that featured all of Charley’s previous singles including his first #1 hit “All I Have To Offer You (Is Me).”
I love albums that are sequenced with a strong opening track. My view is that it‘s like a concert with the first song setting the stage for what follows. The choice was note perfect with Doug Kershaw’s Cajun classic “Louisiana Man” leading the way. Most arrangements of this song feature a Cajun-style fiddle but instead Lloyd Green created an innovative steel guitar arrangement that was embellished by Pig Robbins’ cool piano fills. This is one of the best versions that I’ve ever heard.
The other remakes are all great listening too. “It’s The Little Things” was a #1 hit for Sonny James in 1967 and Charley does an excellent version. “Billly Bayou” written by Roger Miller was a #1 hit for Jim Reeves in 1959. Charley’s rendition emulates the arrangement of Jim’s original including the lead guitar riff and rolling piano. “Come On Home And Sing The Blues To Daddy” is one of those songs that SHOULD have been a big hit. As Paul mentioned Bob Luman’s version was on the charts at the time that this LP was released. Waylon Jennings & Bobby Bare’s duet was titled “Sing The Blues To Daddy” and was issued on Waylon’s “Just To Satisfy You” album released two months earlier. Charley’s performance is similar to Luman’s treatment and also very well done.
“She’s Still Got A Hold On You” was definitely a missed opportunity for a single release. The Jack Clement song is a standout track. “Take Care Of The Little Things” is another single-worthy tune that remains a favorite.
One of the unfortunately circumstances of the recording business is that sometimes due to space limitations great tracks must be overlooked. Albums are recorded over a period of months and when it’s time to select the final line-up they often have more songs than they can release. One of the songs recorded during sessions for this LP was left in the vault where it remained for almost 30 years. Finally in 1997 it was exhumed for the “Essential Charley Pride CD.” Charley’s recording of the Hank Locklin classic “Please Help Me I’m Falling” is another excellent performance and would have been a great choice for a bonus track on the CD release of this album had they included any.
The “Sensational Charley Pride” album was certified Gold in 1973.
Charley’s career was kicking into high gear as he delivered another A+ album.
That’s a very nice version of Please Help me I’m Falling.
Found one more too good to not share.
In the fall of 1969 ABC-TV premiered “The Music Scene.” The show featured musical performances and some comedy and had the unusual duration of 45 minutes -it aired adjacent to another 45 minute show to fill the network’s 7:30-9pmET time slot.
It only lasted 17 episodes. Though the show primarily featured pop music many episodes included country stars. Guests included Buck Owens (who appeared on the premier episode) , Roger Miller, Merle Haggard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Charley Pride who sang ‘Louisiana Man” from his Sensational Charley Pride album on the December 8, 1969 program.