First here is a KCSJ radio show from 1957. In the studio that night were: Buddy (drums and singing), Del ‘Tex’ Boyles (piano), Clarence ‘Russ' Hayes (steel guitar); Roy ‘Pinky' Leatherman (guitar), LeRoy Meyers (bass guitar) and Duane ‘Duke' Farrin (violin). Plus a few guests in the studio that night which was not unusual.
In the middle of this page is the only known record of Buddy Johnson and The Colorado Rangers with Jimmy Cox.
Toward the bottom of this page is a recently discovered final tribute to Buddy Johnson on the KIDN Ace Ball Radio Show from December 14, 1986, recorded just 9 days after Buddy's death. Included are interviews of many Colorado Rangers band members.
On this first recording, most of the banter is between Buddy and Duke, but I think during the whole show each of the band members chimes in a little and each is a featured player. Western Swing is a form of music which combined the musical feeling of the swing era of the 1940’s with Western music as popularized by Bob Wills. Throughout this recording you can hear Dad’s driving beat on the drum, the smooth sounds of Russ’ steel guitar, Duke's spunky violin, Roy’s lead guitar, the piano stylings of Del’s piano, and the supportive licks of LeRoy’s bass.
Of the over 30 tapes, I have of various dances and shows, this is the only show which was recorded in stereo which was still somewhat rare. I have yet to fully explore or digitize them all. Please forgive the occasional sound drop outs and stretched tape which slightly distorts the sound of this 60+ year old recording.
But you get a real feeling of the music and Buddy and all these young musicians who at the time were in their thirties.
In this photograph, left to right: Russ Hayes (steel guitar), Duke Farrin (fiddle), LeRoy Meyers (drums), Roy Leatherman (lead guitar), Del Boyles (piano) and in front Buddy (bass).
I believe that this is probably the band that you hear on the music tracks below but with one exception on this night. I’m pretty sure that Dad played drums and LeRoy Meyers was on bass guitar, I recognize Dad’s drumming.
1. Midnight (1:46): Features Russ’ steel guitar, Duke’s violin with Russ and Duke singing together. Buddy commenting at the end.
2. Indian Love Call (4:03): Buddy introduces, then Duke’s violin starts off, followed by Russ’ steel guitar, Del on piano comes in and then returns to Duke’s violin, with comments by Buddy at the end.
3. Someday (4:54): Conversation with Buddy, Duke and Ken? (probably one of the visitors that night). Duke starts off with violin leading to Buddy's singing supported by Russ’ steel guitar. Del 'Tex’ piano, Russ, then back to Duke’s fiddle, Dad finishes the song out.
4. Happy Birthday (:49): Dad and Duke talk and joke about guest Mrs. Doris Smith’s birthday, then all sing Happy Birthday.
5. Roadside Rag (4:27): Dad mentions a number of the guests. Russ ‘Leon’ takes off with his steel guitar, you can really see with this instrumental how tight the band was. Del comes in with some ‘Boggie Woggie' piano. Duke joins in with the fiddle which is replaced with Russ’ steel full out. Dad comments.
6. I’m Getting Sentimental Over You (4:45): Dad advertises Elizabeth dance and upcoming Gunnison dance. They banter about a Gunnison cafe. Del ‘Tex’ Boyles' piano plays a slow one, then Russ’ steel guitar picks up the tune. The tape was particularly distressed on this one though. Song just trails off to which Buddy jokes.
7. Three Way Boogie (4:03): Buddy jokes with Duke. Dad’s drum starts it off, to which everybody joins in. First, Duke, then Del, then back to Duke. You can really hear how the swing music of the 1940’s influenced this song and band! A good one despite a few song drop outs.
8. Heading down The Wrong Highway (4:02): Dad gives the time and station ID, from "the Steel City of the West, Buddy Johnson talking to you from the big K, KCSJ Radio of the Great Southwest in Pueblo Colorado”. The gang all kid bass player LeRoy Meyers about getting married soon. Duke’s fiddle start it off, then Russ sings, Del comes in on piano until Duke’s fiddle takes over. Russ is shadowed by Duke’s fiddle and they finishes it off. They all comment.
9. Take Me Back To Tulsa (2:27): Everyone is joking around, then into the song with Dad singing, a quick one.
10. Coconut Grove (5:08): Talk, then Russ takes off with the steel guitar. Ten years earlier Russ was a Marine serving in the South Pacific and you can really hear the lush Honolulu steel sound here. Then Del’s piano takes over, followed by Duke’s fiddle. Finally back to the steel guitar. Dad comments.
11. Maybe I’m Right, Maybe I’m Wrong (4:36): Dad talks and jokes with Duke and Russ as he looks through all his lyric cards. Russ starts followed by Buddy singing on top of his rock solid drum beat. Duke and Russ take over, then Buddy’s back. Some tape stretching unfortunately.
12. Westphalia Waltz (5:20): Dad’s intro then everyone in but largely featuring Russ’ steel guitar. Duke joins in on the fiddle, then together Russ and Duke see it through together in harmony.
13. Marie (4:11): Duke takes over the mike and then starts off ‘Marie’ a good, memorable song. Dad’s back now, you can hear it in his drum beat. Del’s piano makes a good appearance with some great styling added in for good measure. Then Russ comes in heavy and the band really shines brightly (despite tape stretch). Back to Duke, then they all hit it hard to finish. Duke and Dad in background comment.
14. City Lights (4:08): Dad’s back at the mike now and starts wrapping it up talking to a member of his listening audience. Duke starts then Dad comes in singing. Del picks it up, followed by Russ on steel guitar, then to Duke’s fiddle. Dad comes back in singing. Some tape stretching here unfortunately.
15. San Antonio Rose [KCSJ close] (:28): Dad gives some program information then San Antonio Rose, Dad’s theme song, finally a quick station ID.
If you’ve listened to all the songs in order, you’ve just listened to a complete 1957 KCSJ radio show which was broadcast 8 to 9 PM on KCSJ radio at 590 on the AM radio dial probably during the summer of 1957.
Discography
Chaw-Mank presents Blue Ribbon Records
Side AA ‘Colorado Hills (are calling me)’ and Side A ‘Can I take My Pony to Heaven’, vocals by Jimmy Cox (The Colorado Troubadour) with Buddy Johnson and the Colorado Rangers. Blue Ribbon Music Co. Staunton, Illinois.
KIDN Country Ace Ball Radio Final Tribute to Buddy Johnson
Tribute to Buddy Johnson on the KIDN Ace Ball Radio Show Dec. 14, 1986, recorded 9 days after his death.
This final tribute contains lots of music (some distorted) and lots of great memories from many of his band members.
Interviewees are: Jim Lacy, Russ Hays, Duke Farrin, Leroy Myers, Jim Harrington, and son John Johnson.
1. Ace Ball interviews Russ Hayes who played with Buddy for 17 years just like Duke
2. Buddy sings Dark Town Strutters Ball recorded at KGHF radio studio which later became KDIN Country radio
3. Ace interviews Duke Farrin who came back to Colorado for Buddy’s funeral from 35 below zero Thule, Greenland
4. Buddy sings Time Changes Everything which was recorded Wed. May 18, 1955 on KCSJ radio
5. Ace continues interview of Russ Hayes
6. “If you tuned in late”, Ace reads Buddy’s obituary and continues interview with Russ Hayes
7. Duke Farrin sings It May Be Silly, But AIn’t It Fun recorded May 18, 1955
8. Ace interviews Duke Farrin relates how Buddy hired him on the spot when he heard Duke play at the Senate Bar
9. Buddy does an introduction and then sings A Jazz Rag song
10. Ace interviews Leroy Myers played with Buddy from 1959 to 1960 and on specials, he tells of their special drums setup
11. Buddy sings a medley of Springtime In The Rockies and Home on the Range (some tape distortion)
12. Ace interviews Jim Lacy about his band The Melody Rangers opening Gayway Park and how they had 40 years of friendship
13. Buddy announces the Gayway Park opening in Beulah while he’s in New Mexico and then plays Sintimental Journey
14. Ace interviews Jim Harrington on Buddy’s steel preferences, how he admired how Budd Johnson was so widely respected
15. South with Buddy on drums, Duke on fiddle, Russ on steel guitar, Tex Boyles piano, and Dave Yarberry on trumpet
16. Ace short interlude
17. Buddy always would sing My Buddy and then ended his dances with San Antonio Rose, his theme song
18. Ace interviews Buddy’s son John Johnson who thanks everyone for their appreciation and remembrance of Buddy Johnson