Hangover Blues

Sorry to have been gone so long. The Mountain and his intended are preparing to move to new digs and hosting the future mother-in-law for a bit. So between packing away half the music collection and acting as tour guide, we've been a touch busy in real life activities. Oh, and it's been a real thrill watching the Cubs stink. The more things change.....

And, with regret, I'm suspending the cd giveaway for the next month. Once all the previous winners get their cd's and the tunes get unpacked, normal contest service will resume. Promise.

Now, where did I leave off? Ah, yes, chick music. Broads, dames, dolls and molls.

The Maddox Brothers and Rose, aka America's Most Colourful Hillbilly Band, began life as the sons and daughter of a migrant laborer family back in the 1930's. Combining pop, gospel, boogie, swing, and, of course, all the best elements of country and western, the Maddox siblings, including 11 year old Rose, talked their way onto Alabama's KTRB, performing as the "Alabama Outlaws". From there they found moderate success, touring the country and performing on the Louisiana Hayride, even making a few appearances on The Grand Ole Opry.

Of course, it was Rose who was the true star of the group. From "Ramblin Rose" by Johnny Whiteside:

Rose Maddox was country's original, high-kicking firebrand. As leader of the Maddox Brothers and Rose from 1937 to 1957, she exploded the previously inconsequential role of the 'girl singer' in country music, established herself as one of country music's first national female stars and set the tone for every woman that followed her. A member (briefly) of both the 'Grand Ole Opry" and "Louisiana Hayride," she reached national radio audiences. Her recordings on the 4 Star, Columbia, Capitol, and Starday labels constitute one of the most influential and groundbreaking bodies of work in country music history. Strongly rooted in traditional Gospel singing, her fiercely declamatory vocal style was, and still is, a pure blast of Southern soul.

Whoops...I wrote here yesterday that Rose was still alive. I was wrong, and thanks to Colonel Tom for pointing that out. Grave error (errr...) on my part. RIP Rose.

More info on the Rose and her brothers can be found here, here, and here.

Maddox Brothers and Rose: Mule Train (mp3)

Maddox Brothers and Rose: Hangover Blues (mp3)

Most folks can't afford to buy every album they want. Cold hard fact that no amount of "rules and regulations" is going to change. But, if you find a spare 10 bucks or so in yr pocket, please consider supporting your local independent. If large online retailers are all that's left, choice will fly out the window.