Legends Q&A: This Month's Question

March 2009

By Lew Jones

David Ball

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

Q: I would like to know the artist that sings the song "Riding With Private Malone. Also, I've been looking for the song that was done in the 1950s called "A Soldier's Bible." It's about a soldier that takes a deck of cards into church with him, and he uses them as his Bible.
(Charlotte, Vallejo, CA)

A: The "...Private Malone" song was by David Ball, coming in at No. 2 back in 2001. As for the song about the Bible, I think you may be referring to "A Deck Of Cards," which actually dates back to 1948, when it was written and first recorded by T. Texas Tyler. Tex Ritter covered it the same year, Charlotte, and there were later versions by Wink Martindale in 1959 and Bill Anderson in 1991.

Q: Who was the composer or first singer of the country song "Tall, Tall Trees"? I remember it in the '50s or '60s.
(Pamela, Corpus Christi, TX)

A: Alan Jackson had the best success with the song, his version reaching No.1 in October of 1995. But Pamela, you're right in your memory from the 1950s. The song was co-written by George Jones and Roger Miller in that era. You can find it by George on his compilation, Cup Of Loneliness- The Classic Mercury Years; and by Roger Miller from his 1970 album, A Trip In The Country. The best I can tell is that Miller's album is only available on the original LP record, and you'd have to find that in the bargain bins or an online auction.

Q: I am looking for the song, "The Blue Side Of The Grey" by Atlanta. I hope you can help me out.
(Fred, Shelby, OH)

A: I found it on their 1984 album, Pictures, Fred. And, surprise! It's only on the original vinyl LP. This aptly named group — from Atlanta, of course — charted nine singles in the mid 1980s. And, to quote their biggest song, they definitely made some "Sweet Country Music."

Q: I've always been a big fan of Conway Twitty. I was wondering if anyone remembers a song he did called "The Sound Of An Angel's Wings, probably done back in the '60s. I've always liked this one and would love to find a copy of it.
(Vickie, Evensville, TN)

A: Vickie, it's pretty rare. Conway had it on his 1969 album, Darling, You Know I Wouldn't Lie, and it no longer seems to be in print. I did find one copy on a major auction website. Considering the luck we seem to be having this month, I hope everyone is keeping at least one working record player up in good shape. I guess it's a function of the fact that the vintage music we like so well can sometimes be a bit obscure.

Q: I want to know who sings the song "No Man's Land"? And also, who sings "Wine Into Water?"
(Elizabeth, Decatur, ME)

A: The first is by John Michael Montgomery, Elizabeth. It reached No. 3 for him in 1995, one of the near-unbroken string of 20 Top 10 songs by the Danville, Kentucky singer, that he had in the 1990s and early 2000s. I spoke to him recently as he toured the country promoting his 2008 album, Time Flies. His legendary friendliness was on full display. Look for that album on the Stringtown label. He's also being featured on the "Sticks And Stones Outdoor Adventure" television show. Check local listings. As for the second part of your question, "Wine Into Water" was by T. Graham Brown, which charted back in 1998.

Q: Who sings the duet with Reba on the song "Does He Love You?" Thank you for your time.
(Bee, Midlothian, VA)

A: It was Linda Davis, Bee. The collaboration was award-winning, both at the Grammys and the CMA awards. Linda and Reba have had a long-term professional relationship, having toured together frequently, with Reba employing her as a backup singer on a number of tours. Of course, with "Does He Love You," Linda was brought to the forefront in a collaborative, rather than just a background, role. A note of trivia for Linda Davis fans — talent runs her family. Linda's daughter, Hillary Scott, is in the new group Lady Antebellum.