The American Group - The High Times (AGP 105)
The High Times
Hey everybody, I'm just dropping in here to share some wonderful news. Our heroes, The Memphis Boys, will be performing next month at the newly revitalized Franklin Theater in Franklin, Tennesee. Besides the appearance at their Musicians Hall of Fame induction in Nashville in 2007, it seems like the only gigs this legendary band has been invited to play recently have been on these like Velvet Elvis cruises. They deserve so much better than that, and I hope this marks the beginning of some wider recognition of their incredible achievements.
Ironically, they weren't called 'The Memphis Boys' until they moved to Nashville. Back in 1968, when this cool 45 was released, they were known as The American Group, and were cranking out one hit after another - but that's only the tip of the iceberg. As I've said in the past, I continue to discover them on great records I've owned for years. These guys are the real deal, and music as we know it would not exist without them.THE MEMPHIS BOYS
The Franklin Theater, June 25, 2011, 8pm
There is a movement in Memphis to place a historical marker at the corner of Chelsea and Thomas, where American once stood. The idea of rebuilding the studio and opening it as a museum (a la Stax) has gained some momentum recently, with the blessing of Chips Moman and Don Crews, but may be jeopardized by reported plans to build a 'Family Dollar' on the site. We'll see what happens...In the meantime, maybe it's finally time for Reggie and the Boys to play the Stomp. Ya think?
posted by Red Kelly at 3:12 PM
2 Comments:
Nice one, Red. There simply aren't enough good things to be said about American; its profile belongs up there with Stax, at the very least. Possibly above it. Thanks to the likes of you, there's a chance.
Lord willing, Mama Gail and Papa Don will see you there, Red. Let's sit together and hear the greatest studio band in the world ever. It was an honor to be the first producer to work at American Studio with Chips, Tommy Cogbill, Reggie Young, Bobby Emmons, Gene Chrisman and horn & string arranger, Mike Leach. (also took Tommy Cogbill's place on bass, after Tommy was called home to be with the Lord. I remember it was truly a marathon cutting "Shake A Tail Feather" on James & Bobby Purify. Chips had to mix with the console up most of the 27 hours (length of time said to longer by some) while they fixed some wiring problems. Wonder if they will have some guest artist?
Papa Don Schroeder
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