Legends Q&A: December 2008

By Lew Jones

Helen Cornelius photo courtesy of helencornelius.net.

Check in with Lew Jones for the latest on your favorite country legends!

Q: I have been trying to figure out who the woman was that used to sing with Jim Ed Brown. Who was she?
(Fran, Winston-Salem, NC)

A: You're undoubtedly talking about Helen Cornelius, Fran. Her duet with Jim Ed of "I Don't Want To Have To Marry You" went to the top of the charts in 1976. They would chart together at least 18 times, going into the early 1980s. She is still actively involved, keeping a touring schedule, plus some recording activities. She did a reunion CD with Jim Ed, plus appearances and recording projects with Jeannie Seely. You can keep up to date by visiting her website, helencornelius.net.

Q: I was wondering about a song I think is country, but could be wrong. The only lyrics I can remember are, "Why baby why, can't I leave you alone, I try baby try, but the feeling's too strong". What is the song?
(Nitta, Blue Ridge, GA)

A: My first impulse, Nitta, was to tell you it was the old George Jones/Webb Pierce/Charley Pride hit, "Why Baby Why". But the words don't fit. The song you're hearing in your head is Alabama's "Why Lady Why" from 1980. Except for the one word, those lyrics do fit. It was the second No. 1 hit for the Fort Payne, Alabama supergroup. They pretty much owned the top of the country charts for the following decade, plus some. They also gathered about eight CMA awards during that time.

Q: I think the name of the song is "Jogger," but I'm not sure. It is about a guy running alongside of an 18-wheeler. Who sang it and what's the correct title?
(Catherine, West Union, WV)

A: "The Jogger" was a Bobby Bare hit back in 1983, Catherine. The song came from the mind of Shel Silverstein, author/songwriter/cartoonist and all-around creative genius during his lifetime. Bare prides himself on recognizing the hit potential of songs, and he caught onto Silverstein early on. Known around Nashville as a "song hound" for this ability, Bobby explains it this way: "I do it just like you do, by listening. If it hits me right here (pointing to his chest), just like it would affect you, it affects me." Something worked right for Bare. He's been on the hit charts almost 70 times since the early 1960s.

Q: Who sings the song with the lyrics, "Dance little Jean, this day is for you. Two people you love stood up to say I do?.your mom is marrying your dad"?
(Donna, Heath, OH)

A: The song is "Dance Little Jean" by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Donna. It was their first Top 10 hit back in 1983. The group formed in Long Beach, CA and gathered 15 top country hits in the 1970s and 1980s, including three No. 1 songs. Their biggest country song was "Fishin' In The Dark" in 1987. They also forayed into the pop Top 10 with "Mr. Bojangles" in 1970.

Q: I would like to know who sings the song "I Believe In Love."
(Jean, Flint, MI)

A: Going strictly by the title, Jean, it could be one of two songs. Bonnie Guitar and Stonewall Jackson both had songs by that name in 1968, but they appear to be different songs. Also, both Mel Tillis and Don Williams had "I Believe In You" songs, again with the same title but different songs. Hard to zero in any closer, but hope that helps.