Webb Pierce- Golden Favorites

DSCN1001I was on a country kick when I was record shopping this day and this was in the $1. I also really like Webb Pierce. People either love or hate his voice.

A true country legend with a unique voice from West Monroe, Louisiana, he had his own radio show at the age of 15. After WWII, he worked at a local Sears in Shreveport while honing his craft, and performing locally. Nashville would take notice and yada, yada, yada, Webb was a country star. He would later take Hank William’s place as the most popular singer in country music after Sr’s death. Webb would also replace Hank on the Grand Ole Opry when Hank was fired. Ironically, Webb would become a heavy drinker himself along the way in his career. The Opry posed a dilemma for Webb as he was already a star when we was asked to join. Meeting the mandatory minimum of performances would take away from other appearances and thus constitute a pay cut. Because of this, he quit Opry , burning bridges and delaying his admittance into the Country Hall of Fame. Webb was finally admitted in 2001, ten years after his death.

http://www.engine145.com/forgotten-artists-webb-pierce-1921-1991/

Of all the old legends, Webb strikes me as the guy you would want to have a drink with the most, and that is a heavy playing field to choose from. He seemed like he had a real Good Ol’ Boy Quality. I guess most successful self promoters have a bit of huckster in them, but it is that likability that keeps them from full on Eddie Haskell status. While other country musicians were struggling against rock and roll in the late 50’s , Webb maintained popularity mainly thru his relationships with DJ’s across the US. He was known for his excesses, including fancy clothes and a guitar shaped pool in his Nashville home. He also set up shop by charging tourists tickets to see his pool. A lawsuit by his neighbors, including Ray Stevens, forced him to stop this practice. A replica pool was then built on Music Row. While writing this, I seem to recall seeing the guitar shaped pool when I was a kid during a trip to Nashville. However, fuzzy memories can be misleading. I mean, did I go to Niagara Falls as a kid, or did I just watch Superman II? Regardless, I did go to the Country Music Hall of Fame because I still have the souvenir pocket knife. See, consumerism is good for something.

Webb Pierce and his Swimming Pool Nashville
Webb Pierce and his Swimming Pool Nashville

This album is a collection of Webb’s favorites according to back cover, but I imagine it is more of an obligation to Decca Records. It is hard to swallow a collection of great Webb songs without “There Stands the Glass” but the songs selected showcase his unique voice which separates him from his peers. And as it was released in 1961, it has a good mix of songs, including the Everly Brothers “Bye, Bye Love”.DSCN1002

I chose “Shanghied” for mainly for its Asian strings which borderline on being cheesy. Screw that. After listening to this for two weeks, it is cheesy but I still like it. The songs are all pretty good on here and there is nothing that really stands out over the others.

Satisfactory Purchase because I like Webb Pierce.

2 thoughts on “Webb Pierce- Golden Favorites”

  1. George Strait has never joined the Opry because of the required number of appearances. Kind of wonder if he will now, since he’s quit touring. Doubtful.

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