Crystal Gayle
Check in with Lew Jones for the latest on your favorite country legends!
Q: What convinced Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle to perform together on the song, "Just You And I"?
(George, Pocatello, ID)
A: Perhaps it was serendipity, George, or just good vibes. And, it almost didn't happen. Crystal tells it like this: "Eddie asked me if I would do some harmony on a song that he had recorded, and when I got the tape and I was listening, I said 'Eddie, I think I can do a little bit more than just harmony, if you want me to,' so I went into the studio and put down what I was hearing, and it turned into a duet." It certainly worked well with the public. It went to No. 1 in the fall of 1982, Eddie's 11th No. 1 song, and Crystal's 10th. And, my personal experience with the recording: It is the most requested "first dance together" song for wedding receptions ever since. And, concerning the late Eddie Rabbitt, Crystal says, "I miss him very much. We toured together and sang together a lot."
Q: Being an older country music fan, where is "Norma Jean" of the Porter Wagoner show? I enjoy your answers from the other questions. Thanks for being there.
(Vada, Demorest, GA)
A: Continuing a long career that has included, as you mentioned, the Porter Wagoner Show, The Ozark Jubilee and The Grand Ole Opry, Norma Jean's staying active, Vada. She can be found around Branson, Missouri. From time to time, she appears with a loose consortium of aptly named, "Grand Ladies of Country". Along with Norma Jean, others who regularly appear include Jeannie Seely, Jan Howard, Liz Anderson, Jean Shepard, Leona Williams, Margo Smith, Mary Lou Turner, Jody Miller and Wanda Jackson. You can see all of this at Branson's God & Country Theatre on Highway 76. A strong Christian, she also has a large role on Sunday mornings at the same theatre, with the "Cowboy Church" religious service. You can catch up with her by going to her website, prettymissnormajean.com.
Q: Who sings the song, "Rumor Has It?"
(Phyllis, Cortez, CO)
A: It was Reba McEntire, Phyllis, and it went to No. 3 for Reba in late 1990. Her album of the same name did even better, being certified Double Platinum- selling more than 2 million units. Born into an Oklahoma rodeo family, Reba came a long way from singing the national anthem in Oklahoma City (where songwriter Red Steagall discovered her,) to a mantle full of CMA awards and a (so far) 32-year recording career.
Q: Hey Lew, I have noticed that none of the old stars like Bill Anderson host the Grand Ole Opry anymore. Did the Opry move them out for the new younger crowd? A lot of us still like the old country music and the old stars.
(Tommy, Rockingham, NC)
A: It's an old dilemma, Tommy. If you are managing the Opry, do you allow it to stand still musically, and let the world of country music, as it evolves, go past you? Eventually, you would have no audience but (us) senior citizens. What I have observed the Opry trying to do, when I have attended, is to present a multi-generational show with the younger element interspersed with the more seasoned performers. And there's something cooking at the Opry that may interest you, coming up in a couple of months. On Thursday nights beginning on March 26, 2009, The Grand Ole Opry will present a new offering, "Opry Country Classics".
Steve Buchanan, president of the Grand Ole Opry Group, says, "The programming in Opry Country Classics is a perfect complement to our Grand Ole Opry performances featuring the new stars, superstars and legends of country music."
I think we can all be pretty sure that there will be plenty of country music's living legends on hand for that show.