Willie Nelson photo courtesy of Lost Highway Records.
Check in with Lew Jones for the latest on your favorite country legends!
Q: Who wrote the song "Crazy" and who first recorded it? Thanks for settling a bet.
(Virginia, Austin, TX)
A: It was written by a struggling (at the time) Willie Nelson, Virginia. Willie's friend (and talented songwriter in his own right) Hank Cochran took the song to producer Owen Bradley, who thought it would be a hit for Patsy Cline. But she wasn't so sure, according to author Joe Nick Patoski in the book, "Willie Nelson - An Epic Life." Patsy considered the song too bluesy, making her sound "too wounded." She relented, however when Bradley insisted. Despite her misgivings, it quickly became her signature song, and her recording of "Crazy" wound up in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Q: I've been a longtime fan of Don Williams. I haven't heard much about him. Is he still performing?
(Bob, Erwin, TN)
A: As a touring act, no, Bob. Don retired from the road in November 2006, after a more than 30-year career with at least 17 No. 1 songs to his credit. However, he didn't exactly retire to ostrich farming or the like! He has just released a new album titled The Journey on Country House Records, which is characterized as an album of songs written and recorded throughout Don's career. Nothing is said about it being a greatest hits package, though, and unfortunately, Don's website, don-williams.com, is mum on exactly what songs are included. I'd bet they are good, anyway!
Q: I am trying to find a CD or cassette by Shelley West and am not having any luck. Do you know where I could buy one?
(Sharon, Bremond, TX)
A: Same luck I'm having, Sharon. Despite her No. 1 hits, "Jose Cuervo" and "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma" (with David Frizzell), none of her albums are listed as being in print, currently. Her album West By West contains several of her best songs, and perhaps you can find it at an auction site or bargain bin. Or maybe Shelley will read this and bring us up to date on how we can buy her music, and any future plans.
Q: I was wondering whatever happened to Travis Tritt? He was my all-time favorite.
(Melissa, Moorefield, VA)
A: Travis is staying busy, Melissa. His current album is called The Storm and was released in 2007 by Category 5 Records. Plus, he is currently on tour, many of the dates partnered with Marty Stuart. That should be some show!
Q: I am a huge fan of George Jones, and I heard about his album 50 Years Of Hits. Where can I buy it? And I would also like to know if he is releasing another studio album.
(Brian, Aspermont, TX)
A: That CD should be readily available by now, Brian. Also, he now has out a new CD, Burn Your Playhouse Down: The Unreleased Duets, which features The Possum singing with Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, his (and Tammy Wynette's) daughter, Georgette, one with the late Tammy Wynette herself, and even a duet with Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Both of these albums can be found by clicking "Shop" above.
Q: Conway Twitty sang a song with a female singer. The song is about Joni. Can you tell me who he sang it with?
(Charlene, Portland, OR)
A: The song was "Don't Cry Joni", and the duet partner was his daughter, who took the professional name Joni Lee. Born Joni Lee Jenkins, and occasionally listed as Joni Twitty, she was right around 18 years old when the song went to No. 4 in 1975. That was her biggest foray onto the hit lists, but she had four other songs which charted during the next few years.
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