Raley Hall of Fame Album

I guess I have always been into music. It started very early in life. I guess that's what happens when you have a sibling that's eight years older than you. There are, however certain gifts along the way that stand out and become a part of you. I featured one of those releases many posts ago (Gregg Allman's "Laid Back"). I now present another old friend that helped me get through some really tough times...

Of course, Jonathan Edwards had one hit song in 1971. "Sunshine" was one of my favorites when it came out and I purchased the cassette of the album it was on.
This CD, however is one that I still listen to today.

"Have Yourself a Good Time for Me" is a real cheating song, about a guy who catches
his woman with someone else and then just gives up and well, the title sums it up.
"King of Hearts" is about being in prison. I don't think Jonathan ever served any time(he is devout Christian), a great song from a different perspective.
"Places I've Been"..."I won't let you hurt me again." Great pedal steel on this and Emmylou Harris shines on harmony vocals
"I'm Alone"..."and I don't believe it" this has a great line in it about how we are the happiest when when make our pleasures small.
"Travelin' Blues"..great honky tonk with a yodel and a harmonica solo thrown in for good measure. This was a Jimmie Rogers song from 1931.
"Rollin' Along"...this was the album's only single and it failed miserably. Jon has been quoted as saying that the record company had no idea how to promote his music, so therefore, it received no promotion.
"My Home Ain't in the Hall of Fame"..."you can go there but you won't find my name, my songs don't belong on top 40 radio, I'll just take the old back 40 for my home.' This is one of my all time favorite songs.
"Angelina" according to Jon, this song is about a guy who has a heart but no clue;loves his woman but tries to impose his will on her. Whatever. Still an awesome story
"Thirty Miles to Go"...simply a road song rocker, one to crank up on the highway and let it fly.
"Sit Down Rock and Roll Man"..."he's singin' where he can, he's a sit down rock and roll band, as he gives his heart away.."
"When the Roll is Called Up Yonder"..I used to sing this in church, this song features everyone from the sessions.

When released in the winter of 1973, it made Billboard's "Recommended LPs" column. Billboard said "lovely soft and mellow warbling. The songs are of the people and the Earth, the music reflecting thoughts of the everyday man." This is mellow country music at it's finest. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jon when he came through St. Louis starring in a musical called "Pumpboys and Dinettes"(also starring the late Nicolette Larson). He was very humble and nice and even apologized for the pot reference in "Shanty". The best.
Raley gives it 5 stars.