Rock and Roll

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Rock and Roll Music 

Here’s The Beatles singing about Rock and Roll. They were extremely popular when I was in my late teens.

‘D’ in luv

“You get ‘A’ in biology……..but when you’re out with me baby, you get ‘D’ in love.” Someone lent my brother an LP of Mickie Most, and some of those songs were so good. Johnny B. Goode. It made me want to be a famous rock and roll guitar player. We all have our dreams. “His mama said one day you’re gonna be a man, and you will be the leader of a big old band, people comin’ round from miles around, to listen to your music when the sun goes down. Someday your name is gonna be in lights saying: Johnny B. Goode tonight.” We were thrilled one day to actually meet Mickie Most on the street in Margate, Natal, and he invited us to go to his show that night. “I love Corina, far across the sea.” I think he must have sung “That’ll be the day” because I heard it when I was young, and it wasn’t by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

Johnny B. Goode

Here is Chuck Berry singing his song.

Corina, Corina

Ray Peterson does it on the go go show.

Memphis

“Marie is only 6 years old, information please, try to get me through to her in Memphis, Tennessee.” When I heard Johnny Rivers sing that song, it felt so fantastic to me. That guitar playing, the beat, the ‘live’ recording, the tune, everything was so good. Unfortunately it is a bit of a sad song about a guy trying to get in touch with his daughter, but it has such a happy beat that it feels like a happy song. Many years later when I came to North America, I heard about Chuck Berry, and found he wrote Memphis and Johnny B. Goode. Many of the rock and roll singers and song writers I never heard of in Africa. I guess we only heard certain singers.

Blueberry Hill

I found my thrill. It brings back so many memories of childhood. I also associate this song with Happy Days and inspiration point. I think this song was originally sung by Gene Autry, and I have seen it on an Elvis record, but Fats Domino was the one that really had the appeal with this song.

Three steps to heaven

The guy who inspired me to learn to play guitar used to sing this song and another Eddie Cochran song called: “Cut across Shorty.”

Rock around the clock

This was a very big hit for Bill Haley and the Comets when I was a kid. Cliff Ricard said on his show that this was the biggest selling Rock and Roll record of all time. When I was little it seemed so exciting to be grown up and stay up all night. Then when I was 20, I was forced to do military training in the Rhodesian Air Force, where they forced me to do security duty all night, and I didn’t like it at all. I just wanted to sleep!

Lucille

Little Richard was one of the pioneers of Rock and Roll, and had many hit songs when I was young.

Jailhouse Rock

This was the very first Rock and roll song I ever heard, and I had never heard drums and guitar like that before. It caught me hook, line and sinker.

Move on down the line

Cliff Richard was a massive hit when Elvis went to the army. This clip is cut short, but it helps to give the feel I had as a young teenager.

The last time

One time in Bulawayo I saw the Rolling Stones ‘live’ at a concert with all the thousands of teenage girls screaming, and it was electric. Many parents complained. I wish I could get the same movie for this website, but I can’t find it.

UNFORTUNATELY, MANY OF THE SONGS I HAD LISTED HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF THE INTERNET.

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Favourite Love Songs by Johnny Cash

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Give my love to Rose

This is one of my favourite love songs by Johnny Cash. He sang about a lot of things. The first time I heard him was on the radio at Don Normand’s house in Salisbury, when he was singing “Folsom Prison Blues” ‘live’ at Folsom Prison. So I went to a record store in Bulawayo and bought it. It was so fantastic to have a ‘live’ recording, because it felt like the real thing. The number I liked the most was, “I found him by the railroad track this morning, I could see that he was nearly dead.” (Give my love to Rose). About a guy who had gotten out of prison and heading home. One line really gripped me. “I was trying to get back to Louisiana, to see my Rose and get to know my son.” It was so heartbreaking to realize that his boy didn’t even know his dad. When we visited America for the first time in 1976 we went to Folsom Prison, and saw some of the souvenirs the prisoners made.

You’re the nearest thing to heaven – My Favourite Love Song by Johnny Cash

It starts like this: “I’ve sailed the peaceful waters of the oceans deep and blue. I’ve held my breath and watched the western sunset’s golden hue. I’ve flown above the mountain peaks, of valleys wide and green. But you’re the nearest thing to heaven that I’ve seen.” It is such a beautiful song. Many times at night when I lie in bed and cannot sleep, and I sing some of my favorite love songs in my mind, and this one is always on the list.

I walk the line

“I find it very, very easy to be true, I find myself all alone when each day is through.” He wrote a lot of his own hits.

Daddy sang bass

Over the years I have loved many of the songs Johnny has sung. ‘Daddy sang bass’ reminded me of singing with the family, and I sang it at my sister’s wedding.

No Charge

‘No charge’ is a very touching song about a boy wanting to get paid for all the chores he did. I first heard this song when we came to Canada.

A thing called love

Apparently this was on the top of the British hit parade in the 70’s. I have often sung this song, as it is one of my top favourite love songs. Love is better than hate. It talks about the love of a mother for her baby, and that became so real to me when our son was born. My wife loved him so much. So did I..

I saw a Man

Johnny did gospel recordings too, and I found a preacher in South Africa who had an LP of Johnny singing hymns. One song that I thought was very, very holy was, I saw a Man. “Last night I dreamed an angel came, he took my hand and he called my name.”

Are all the children in?

Another song that I loved was a story song about a mother asking the family, “Are all the children in?” I sang that song in Witbank in 1971 at three separate meetings, and at each meeting 50 young people gave their hearts to the Lord. I also recorded it on my LP record: It’s Gotta be Love.

Here was a man

I sang this “song” many time in Africa, and felt a very great anointing on it.

Tennessee flat top box

I first heard this song on a tribute show for Johnny Cash, and I loved it instantly. So here is the man himself singing it. I love that guitar playing. It is so catchy.

I call Him

In Bulawayo, John Piermain used to sing this song, and I really love it. This is the song I sang at the evangelist’s meeting the night before the TV appearance where I sang Honeycomb.

Thanks a lot

A friend in Johannesburg gave me a tape with this song, and it brings back so many memories.

Wings in the morning

When we were in Scotland, my sister Kathy was asking about this song, that I gave her on a tape many years ago. I am glad I have found it on the net.

Wonderful time up there.

Many years ago I bought our family each a copy of Johnny’s album called: ‘A believer sings the truth.’ This song was on that album.

The fourth Man

I used to sing this song around the campfire in Germiston around about the late 80′s and early 90′s. When I was very young I had a dream one night that I was one of the guys in the fire, and I said: “Meshach, is that Shadrach in front of you? He said: “Yes”. So I said: “Well who’s this behind me then?” So he said: “Never mind, just keep walking!”

That’s enough

I have just found this song, and it means so much to me. Some years back I was criticized by so many people that I quit playing the guitar and writing songs, and I often thought of a line in the song where he says: “I won’t miss a friend I never had.” I didn’t know what song it was, but now I have found it. It is like finding hidden treasure!

Papa was a good man

I remember singing this song in Fort Victoria, and John Hitchcock and Jan Venter burst out laughing. I gave my record to my father-in-law who had a problem with drinking, and he later quit. My wife fasted three days for him, and somebody ministered to him while he was on holiday at a hot springs.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Favourite love songs by Pat Boone

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

When I was a little boy I went to visit a school friend, and they had a Pat Boone record, with a big picture of his face on the cover. It seemed so exciting to me. Many years later, I made my own LP record called: It’s gotta be love. So I have added a bunch of favourite love songs, and I hope you enjoy this selection.

1. Bernadine

So here is the very first Pat Boone song I ever heard.

2. Love letters in the sand – My favourite love song by Pat Boone

“Thank you” to the people who do these lovely videos with the beach scenes.

3. Just out of reach

4. Send me the pillow that you dream on

5. Three coins in the fountain

6. Blueberry Hill

This one of my favourite love songs that many singers have recorded.

7. Vaya Con Dios

8. My happiness

9. Harbor lights

10. Everybody’s somebody’s fool

11. Melody of love

12. Now is the hour

13. Let me call you sweetheart

14. Running Bear

15. El Paso

16. Wayward wind

17. Moon River

18. Remember you’re mine

19. Why Baby why

20. If dreams came true

21. Red roses for a blue lady

22. Blue Hawaii

Still one of my favourite love songs that I sing in my mind all the time.

23. Remember me, I’m the one who loves you

This one makes me think of Dean Martin. When we went to Pat and Debbie’s show, he said how that Dean Martin tells a story that sometimes he plays golf with Pat Boone, and when they shake hands, his whole right side sobers up!

24. Spanish eyes

25. Begin the Beguine

26. Rip it up

27. Tutti Frutti

28. Memphis Tennessee

Here is another one of my favourite love songs that I sing all the time.

29. The Locomotion

30. My blue heaven

31. Anytime

32. Tennessee waltz

33. White silver sands

34. Fascination

35. How deep is the ocean?

36. It’s now or never

37. Blue suede shoes

38. Personality

This song takes me right back to my teenage years, when my brother loved the song.

39. Drifting and dreaming

40. Sentimental me

41. Walking the floor over you

42. Hound dog

43. He talks about Elvis

44. He talks about performing on the same stage as Elvis

45. Ain’t that a shame

46. Ain’t that a shame – different pictures

47. The nearness of you

48. Because of you

49. Moonglow

50. I’ll remember tonight

51. Sweet little sixteen

52. Chattanooga shoeshine boy

I remember hearing this song on the radio when I was young.

53. A wonderful time up there

When I was about 12, I heard Pat on the radio sing: “Well now everybody’s gonna have religion in the morning, everybody’s gonna be singing that story.” Having grown up going to church, it was so nice to hear a religious song make it on the radio. He even wrote me a letter of advice, which I cherish. When I was in my early twenties, this was one of my favourite religious songs, and I used to sing it a lot.

55. Check out his website

In the 70’s I purchased a few of his records when he was backed by The First Nashville Jesus Band, and those songs are superb. Songs like “Born again, free from sin, I’m happy night and day.” “Me and Jesus, got our own thing going. Me and Jesus, got it all worked out.” “He was Somebody’s darling, He was some mother’s son, once He was fair and once He was young.”

Many years ago, he wrote me a letter. Maybe one day I will share it on one of my websites.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, and hear more of Pat Boone’s songs, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Country Love Songs

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Don Williams country love song

As write this I find myself thinking of Don Williams and a beautiful country love song he sang. “You placed gold on my finger, you brought love, like I’ve never known, you gave life to our children, and for me a reason to go on.” (My best friend) At present I am reading a book by Nancy Reagan, where she says she never wanted to go life alone. I think that is true of all of us.

My love affair with trains.

This is one of my top favourite country love songs, but can’t find it on you tube. I heard it on a Merle Haggard record many years ago and here are some of the words: “Ev’ry time I hear the sound of a train, comin’ down that ol’ railroad track, I get that far away look in my eyes. I’d love to throw my hammer down, and take off to some distant town, an’ not even take the time to say goodbye.” It is all about a married man who has hobo blood boil in his veins. At the end of the song he decides to stick with his family. Good stuff! It has such a lovely tune and a real driving beat. It is tops! I have just found out that it is written by Dolly Parton. Good shot Dolly.

Merle Haggard

Here is Merle Haggard singing: “The fightin’ side of me.” I first heard this song on TV in South Africa, sung by Bobby Angel.

Charlie Rich

Here is Charlie singing about “The most beautiful girl in the world.” There is a song he sings on a record that I have, but it is not on the net. Some songs paint a picture with their words. This is one of them, and it also has a tremendous life lesson. It is called “Let the little bird fly.” “She came into my life one spring, swinging her doll on an old tire swing, she was just ten and I’d just turned 13. A little bird fell from the tree, she gently picked it up and gave it to me. It tried to get away and I squeezed with all my might, and with a little girl plea, oh please set it free, she softly cried. Let the little bird fly.” Years later they date, and he sings, “but love has to breathe, and I held on much too tight.” Then she flies away. Some people have a tendency to want to smother you with love and attention, but that always feels weird. Some psychologists believe that each person needs about a yard of personal space around them.

Wolverton Mountain

When I was a teenager, Wolverton Mountain was a popular country love song by Claude King. His accent was so strange. I had never heard that accent in Africa! I guess he was from somewhere in the southern United States. It is about a guy on Wolverton Mountain who is protecting his daughter from strangers, but Claude wants to climb that mountain and get the girl. It makes me think of how scared I was to ask my girlfriend’s father for her hand in marriage.

Shania Twain: Never ending song of love

Sometimes people ask me, “What is your favourite song?” Just to shock them I say, “Man, I feel like a woman!”

Send me the pillow that you dream on

This song has been stuck in my head since I was in my early teens. I doesn’t make much sense, but here it is. It is still one of my favourite country love songs, and I can’t get rid of it.

Dusty guitar

When I was a teenager, I painted a picture of our two guitars and I used to associate this song with that picture. Just like this song says, I had big dreams of getting somewhere.

Kenny Rogers Coward of the county

“There’s someone for everyone.” In every country love song there are good words that are part of our lives. When my son was a baby, a health nurse tried to take him away from us, and the lady doctor told my wife: “This is not the time to cry, it is time to fight.” My wife fought, and we still have our son. The Holy Spirit has been using this song to speak to me. In the song he says: “It won’t mean you’re weak if you turn the other cheek.” Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, and I realize that many times when people have been bad to me, I have not turned the other cheek. It has been my instinct, when I get hurt, to fight back, which is different to the teachings of Jesus. So I have repented, and have asked the Lord to forgive me. Jesus taught that if someone takes your coat, give him your cloak as well. He taught that if someone forces you to go one mile with them, then go two. He said we must be as harmless as doves. So I am going to try and do better!

George Jones – She thinks I still care

I tried once before to put George Jones on this page and it was taken off the internet. So I will try again. This morning (Jan.22.2011) as I went to have a shower, I smiled at myself in the mirror, and thought of this country love song that I have heard on the radio. He sings: “Because I’m not the happy guy I used to be, she thinks I still care.” Those words spoke to my heart. When I was young, I used to sing and play the guitar in front of the mirror, and smile at myself. I was a very happy person. Some years back some people criticized my singing and guitar playing, also my song writing, and everything I have done in my life, so I stopped doing it all. I realize that I have to overcome all that criticism, and start being the same happy person I used to me. It seems crazy me sharing this with the rest of the world, but maybe it is therapy! So many songs seem to be sermons to my heart. So, “Thank you” to all the singers and song writers. In fact, when I read Dolly Parton’s book, she said that she writes songs as a kind of therapy.

Running Bear

Redoing this website tonight, I came across this song I heard when I was a kid. I still remember all the words, and sang it a few years ago at Portal Village in Port Colborne.

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Favourite love songs by Dolly Parton

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Back in the 70’s was when I first heard of Dolly Parton. I met a guy in Johannesburg that had some of her records, and I remember him playing some of them for me. One of her favourite love songs struck a chord with me and I wrote my own song called: How can I say “I love you.”

1. Coat of many colors – my favourite love song by Dolly Parton

“I told them all the love my Mama sewed in every stitch, and I told them all the story Mama told me while she sewed it, how my coat of many colors was worth more than all their clothes.” I was shocked when I read her book of how they wanted to take it off her, and she didn’t have anything on underneath! I feel so very deeply with that song. Dolly was so proud of her coat, and it meant so much to her, while to the other kids it was rubbish. I often think of the words of Jesus where He said: “Cast not your pearls before swine.” So often in my life I have had rich people mock me when I have been down on my finances, and it hurt very deeply. I have been on both sides. There were times when I have been doing well, and other times when I have been in need.

2. I will always love you

In the 80’s when I worked at Damelin College in Johannesburg, I heard Whitney Houston singing on the jukebox: “I will always love you.”

3. Highway headed south – it has been taken off the YouTube

I was shocked when I read Dolly Parton’s book about how when she first went to Nashville, she was so hungry, she would go to a hotel, and eat the food that people put outside their door when they were finished. She could have gotten diseases that way! But I guess when you are desperate, you do things you wouldn’t normally do. So, even big stars like Dolly Parton have been through their hard times. So don’t give up. There is still hope.,

Apparently Dolly has written about three thousand songs. She says that writing is a kind of a therapy for her, and helps her work out her problems. I found that true in my own experience too. Sometimes I have had great difficulty forgiving people who have done me wrong, so I have written a few songs on forgiveness. With a song, as you sing it over and over again, it kind of gets into your spirit, and helps you to overcome.

4. My love affair with trains

My favourite love song that Merle Haggard sang was written by Dolly Parton. I heard her on TV say how Elvis wanted to record her songs, but the Colonel wanted 50% of the royalties, so she declined. She said Whitney Houston’s recording of her song ‘I Honestly Love You’ brought in a lot of revenue for her. That is also important.

5. Old flames can’t hold a candle to you – it has been taken off the YouTube

I heard this song on the radio recently, and felt I must add it to this site. It is a very real song.

6. When I sing for Him – it has been taken off the YouTube

My wife has a recording of Dolly singing this song, written by Porter Wagoner. It is a very holy song.

7. Wings of a dove

This was a hit song when I was a kid, but I have just heard her version of it, and it sounds very nice.

8. God’s coloring book

Done with beautiful pictures.

9. Daddy was an old time preacher man

10. Applejack

I didn’t know she could play the banjo! I also have a gospel website, if you would like to check it out: Country Gospel and Bible

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Happy Songs

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Happy go lucky me

One song I loved when I was young was: “Happy-go-lucky me.” It has been so long now that I can’t remember how it goes. Ah but I have now found it .

Seven little girls

Finding the last song helped me find this one. When we were teenagers, we were on holiday at Mac’s Cottages in Margate, South Africa. There we met three girls who sang this song. They thought it was fun, because their Dad’s name was Fred. They were real pretty and sang so nice.

Do what you do do well boy

This was one of my favorite love songs when I was 19 years old. “He couldn’t move a mountain, nor pull down a big oak tree, but my Daddy became a mighty big man with this simple philosophy.” (Do what you do do well boy, by Ned Miller.) That song helped me when I sang on TV. After the show, the manager said I could sing whatever I wanted.

Walk Tall

The other song I sang was: ‘Walk Tall.‘ The first song was about a dad advising his son, and the other song about a mother telling her wayward son to walk tall. Those are both very good moral songs.

Green green

Trini Lopez sang some happy songs like: “Green Green.” I heard it on a ‘live’ recording when I was young. “Green, green, it’s green they say, on the far side of the hill. Green green I’m going away to where the grass is greener still.” It seems like all my life I have been looking for greener pastures. To me, far away places seemed so exciting. Even as a kid, the places in the distance seemed far more appealing than the places nearby. I used to love the blue mountains in the distance. When I painted pictures in Matopos, near Bulawayo, I always used to start with the blue mountains in the distance, then work my way forward. One part of the song I don’t like is where he says, “Buddy can you spare me a dime.” I don’t feel comfortable with people begging.

Tiger

When we were teenagers on holiday in Margate, Natal, we roller skated at the roller rink to “Like a Tiger” by Fabian. That was such a happy song with such a nice driving beat, I would skate as fast as I could. Although I have never sung that song, I still love to hear it. It brings back all those happy memories.

Lift girls lament

Jeremy Taylor was a big hit in Africa when I was a teenager, and this is one of his songs. I remember hearing another song about him taking his horse to town, and getting a parking sticker stuck on the horse’s bum.

Happiness is

Here is another happy song that I forgot to include. It was a song I heard when I was young, sung by the Ray Conniff singers. Happiness is different things to different people. So true.

Frog kissing

I first heard this song in 1976 when we were riding across America, then later on I heard it on a record by Chet Atkins.

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Favourite Love Songs by Jim Reeves

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

 

1. Adios Amigo

A lot of my favourite love songs were sung by Jim Reeves. He sang so many songs, but the first one I heard was Adios Amigo, and I was instantly hooked on his singing. I loved his deep rich voice. He sang with so much sincerity, and the music was so soothing. I was into cowboy and western books at the time, and Adios Amigo sounded like a cowboy story. Unfortunately many of his love songs were about lost love, and when I sang them I became very blue and negative about myself. But it was a very beautiful feeling. However, Jim Reeves also sang some magnificent love songs.

2. I love you because

This is another one of my favourite love songs. ”I love you because you understand dear, every single thing I try to do, you’re always there to lend a helping hand dear.” When I was young, and sang that song, I longed to find a girl who could understand me.

3. Your old love letters

“Today I burned your old love letters, burned them gently one by one.” That song inspired me to sing on TV. I called the TV station, and they said they wanted to hear me. So I immediately went and sang for them, then they asked me to come on that night! It was so sudden, and I ended up singing for nine months on the Bulawayo TV station in 1965. Rhodesia is now called Zimbabwe. That song reminded me of a girlfriend I lost, and the letter she sent me had perfume on it. She knew how to do it! That was so special. I could feel with the lost love songs because of that girlfriend that I lost.

4. A dog love song

“Tige you were faithful, faithful to the end, Tige how I miss you, you were my best friend.” Many times I lie in bed in the middle of the night, and recite that song to myself. I get chills going all over my body. No other song does that to me. It happens on the line where his mother says, “I hate to tell you son, but now you’ve got to know, when you left, it broke his heart, Tige died 3 years ago.” I think it must have been an angel, disguised as a dog, that led him safely home that night.

We have always had cats, and during the winter we have fed stray cats in our area. There is a man in our city called Tony, who has been helping us with the stray cats and their babies. Today he helped us with our own cat who needed to see the vet. I am putting his web site on here if you would like to check it out, and maybe help him. http://www.feralcatsofwelland.com/

5. He’ll have to go

One of his most famous songs says: “Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone.” That line alone just grabbed me. It is so beautiful. Later he sings, “Darling I will understand.” It is so comforting to know that people like him had an understanding heart. To me J.R. was like a father image. When I listened to him sing, it felt like he was my dad, giving me lessons in life and love. The music in his songs was always so beautiful to me.

6. I won’t forget you

This song runs through my mind all the time.

7. You’re the only good thing that’s happened to me

We have our ups and downs, like all lovers do, but you know in your heart, that I adore you. (I sometimes change the words of songs to suit myself).

8. A new moon over my shoulder

When I was young, I thought that the music in this song was the best ever. It is still one of my favourite love songs, that I sing in my mind.

9. In the misty moonlight – One of my favourite love songs by Jim Reeves

I love the talking part. It has so much meaning.

10. I’ve enjoyed as much of this as I can stand

You look lovelier tonight than I remember.

11. Don’t let me cross over

This was a big hit for him.

12. Blue skies

Such a beautiful song.

13. The search is ended

Finding someone to love is one of the biggest searches ever.

14. Four walls

I always related to this song because I am a bit laid back, and not an aggressive sort of person, (unless I get provoked).

15. Welcome to my world

I love the lush violin type music on this one.

16. Have I told you lately that I love you?

This is also one of the standard top love songs ever. When I was little I heard my mother sing this favourite love song.

17. Till the end of the world

This one takes me right back to a friend’s house where I heard it.

18. Waltzing on top of the world

This is romance!

19. Moonlight and roses

A friend lent me this LP when I was young.

20. Mexican Joe “live”

It looks like Jim Reeves is with Tex Ritter. This song is the first song I sang on TV when I was a teenager.

21. Yonder comes a sucker “live”

I think he wrote this one, so he wasn’t always crying over lost love!

22. Maria Elena

Lots of memories with this one.

23. I’d like to be

This song takes me right back to where we were living when I was a teenager.

24. My heart is in Rosa Rio

The other night I lay in bed singing this song. I still know all the words!

25. Silver haired Daddy of mine

This is such a lovely song about a Dad. Written by Gene Autry. My Dad was the other side of the world when he died, and I wasn’t able to see him.

26. Waiting for a train

So much fun being on a train. Lots of memories for me.

27. Fools Paradise

This one brings back so many memories. He said he heard it on an old Tex Ritter movie.

28. The Blizzard

Cold weather is a big problem in North America. You gotta be prepared for the worst, or you could be dead.

29. Wreck of the Number Nine

When Jim Reeves died, the radio station played a program of songs in his honour, and this was one of the numbers. It is so sad. This is reality though. Where I lived, the station master made a mistake, and sent out a train, when there was another coming in on that track, and they met head on.

30. Bimbo

On one live recording he says: “I always break a string on Bimbo.”

31. But you love me Daddy

I first heard this one while waiting for a train. It seems so sad that he didn’t have any children of his own. His own Dad died when he was little.

32. Too many parties and too many pals

This is very thought provoking.

33. Distant drums

I have put this one here by the favourite love songs because it makes me think of when I was in the military. This was a big hit after his death. I think it was number one in the U.K.

34. J.R. on Stage – side one

I had this record when I was young, and loved it very much. I love the way he takes off other country singers.

35. J.R. on stage – side two

When we were in Nashville we were able to see his bus “Big Blue” that was on the back of the record.

36. The 46th anniversary of his passing

I just came across this today (January 20.2014) and enjoyed this nice glimpse of my favorite country singer.

37. Early years – 50’s

Hi. I just found this one today too. What I thought was so interesting was, seeing Jim and Elvis in the same photo. I always wondered if they knew each other.

38. Cindy Walker talks about her song “Distant Drums” and how J.R. made a demo for her

A very interesting story behind one of his biggest hits.

39. His wife Mary talks about his million sellers

He had 33 gold records in South Africa. When I was a kid in Rhodesia, he was as “big” as Elvis.

40. He talks about being mobbed at the airport near Johannesburg and the film “Kimberley Jim”

We have a copy of the film that we bought at his museum in Nashville.

41. Country singers talk about his drinking and his fighting

Hank Locklin tells an interesting story about how Jim was driving home in a storm, and he saw a man holding up his hand as a stop sign. He stopped, but he saw no man, but then he saw the bridge was down. I believe that must have been an angel warning him and sparing his life on that occasion.

42. His manager shares some secrets

Some interesting facts.

43. The plane crash

A lot of things I didn’t know. It was such a shock when I heard of his death. To me, he was like a father image. His songs were like a father giving advice to his son.

44. Some ‘live’ concerts

He came to Bulawayo, but I didn’t see him.

45. J.R. interview in Europe with museum pictures

As he is talking and singing, you can view the museum.

46. Mary showing the museum part 1

It brings back memories from 1983 when I went there.

47. Mary showing the museum part 2

She has an Elvis jump suit.

48. Mary showing the museum part 3

I took my family there in about 1995, and showed them “Big Blue.”

49. Mary Reeves – A lifetime with Jim

She writes about her happy life with her husband.

50. Mary’s voice – She talks to Larry Jordan – Author of  “His Untold Story”

Apparently some people doubt that Larry knew Mary, so he recorded her telephone conversations.

51. Old time religion

We used to sing this one a lot when we were kids.

52. Beyond the clouds

I only heard this song as I was doing this web page, but it feels real good. I hope he made it through the pearly gates. The person who loaded this one did a real good job with the art. Such lovely pictures.

53. The farmer and the Lord

Recently there has been a tremendous drought across the USA, and it makes me wonder about the laws of God. In the scriptures, God says that every seventh year, the ground it supposed to be left alone to rest, but I don’t think anybody obeys the laws of God. I think Jim does this song so nice.

54. Across the bridge

“Across the bridge, there’s no more sorrow, across the bridge, there’s no more pain.” That song was such a blessing and inspiration to me. I loved it so much that I recorded it on a long playing album back in 1972.

55. Trouble in amen corner

One man told me that my singing was not worth listening to, and it hurt me real bad. Maybe God likes my singing, I don’t know. Thinking about it, I did sell a few thousand records, so maybe some people did like my singing.

56. Have Thine own way Lord

To me, he sings this song of faith with way more sincerity than I have heard it in any church. I remember being in Botswana on holiday when I was a teenager, and wanted to learn to play the mouth organ. I had tried and failed so many times. One day I took the mouth organ and sat under a thorn tree, telling myself that I am not going to move from this place until I can play it. I tried to play “Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way, Thou art the potter, I am the clay.” After half an hour I could play it, and any other song too.

57. The flowers, the sunset, the trees

I love the sunsets. God used to talk to Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening.

58. In the garden

I met a preacher once, who claimed that Jim Reeves was anti church because of the song My Cathedral. Later on, thinking about it, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Did that make Jesus anti church? Some people have weird ideas.

59. Teach me how to pray

When I hear this song, my mind goes back to when I was a kid, and the house we were living in, and my parents bedroom. To me, songs paint pictures in my mind.

60. A beautiful life

A beautiful life, is about doing good deeds every day. I associate that song with a story I heard once about a pig and a hen walking around the perimeter fence of a farm. They saw a hobo sitting under a tree by the side of the road. The hen felt sorry for him and said to the pig: “He looks so hungry, let’s give him some breakfast.” “What do you have in mind?” said the pig. The hen replied, “Bacon and eggs.” The pig wasn’t impressed, and said “That’s easy for you to say, for you it’s an offering, for me it’s a sacrifice!”

61. May the good Lord bless and keep you

Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. That is one of my favorite Bible verses.

62. I’d rather have Jesus

This song was written by George Beverly Shea, who used to sing at the Billy Graham meetings.

63. Suppertime

“Then winding down an old familiar pathway, I’d hear my mother call at set of sun.” That was so beautiful. When I was a little boy my mother had a rule that we had to be home before sunset. That song kind of takes me right back to my childhood, and the house we lived in, with all the memories that go with it.

64. The night watch

I remember as a teenager, lying in bed late one night, and hearing a song on the radio where Jim Reeves was singing: “Bright stars are watching the world as it sleeps, shepherds watch over the little white sheep, the lighthouse is shining for ships far at sea, as God keeps the night watch for you and for me.” That was so comforting. Many years later we were visiting relatives in Rhodesia when one night terrorists attacked a farm nearby. The farmer’s wife was screaming over the farmer’s radio “They are shootings at us, come and help us!” It was like a death scream from a movie, but it was for real. It was very scary. By God’s grace we have continue to live many years since then. Later on, in Germiston, South Africa, we would hear shooting coming down the street, and we would lie in bed praying that it wouldn’t come by us. God has kept the night watch.

65. God be with you

One day, lying in hospital with a cracked spine from a car accident, I thought of this song where he sang: “Smite death’s threatening wave before you, keep love’s banner floating o’er you.” I came very close to death in that car accident.

66. It is no secret

It is no secret what God can do, what He’s done for others, He can do for you.” That song has run through my mind for about the past 50 years, and many times has inspired me not to give up hope.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Favourite love songs by Marty Robbins

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

When I was  19, I sang on TV in Bulawayo, and wore a check shirt with a scarf around my neck. I grew up with cowboy comics, and loved the idea of the wild west. I used to have an air pistol and shoot at tin cans like I saw in the cowboy comics. So Marty Robbins songs like El Paso and Running gun appealed to me. I used to sing Running Gun a lot when I was a teenager.

Red River Valley

Red River Valley has always been one of my favorite love songs. I heard my mother sing this when I was little. “From this valley they say you are leaving. I shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile.” It reminds me of a girl I used to know.

Marty Robbins – a favourite love song about a Devil woman

I loved to sing the line: “Running along by the seashore, running as fast as a can, even the seagulls are happy, ‘cause I’m coming home again.” That tied in with my love for the sea.

160 acres

“A hundred and sixty acres full of sunshine, a hundred and sixty million stars above.” In the 70’s I had a tape of favourite love songs by Marty Robbins, and this one was my favourite. I also remember another song about a guy riding a bucking bronco in a continental suit.

At a friend’s house I also heard Marty Robbins sing a gospel song which I still remember after all these years: “Blessed Jesus should I fall, don’t let me lay, if I stumble and go down along the way.”

My woman, my woman, my wife

I have heard this song on the radio, and it is very touching. It makes me think of my wife and the troubles she has been through, but she is a real saint.

Don’t worry about me

I have seen this song on TV and heard it on the radio. One line really stands out to me: “Love can’t be explained.” It can’t be denied. Everyone needs love. Even the stray cats around our home need love, and come for head pats.

Lord You gave me a mountain

I first head Elvis Presley sing this song, but I think on the radio they said that Marty Robbins wrote it. I notice that he died in 1982, and I remember him singing in Hamilton Ontario that year, but didn’t manage to see him. Nobody lasts forever. Whatever good you can do for anybody, do it now.

SOME OF MY FAVOURITE LOVE SONGS THAT I HAD ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF THE NET. SAD.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Favourite Love Songs by Elvis Presley

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Here are some of my favourite love songs sung by Elvis Presley.I got hooked when I was about 11 years old. I was at a friend’s house when he put on the record Jailhouse Rock. That song did something to me. I had never even heard guitar playing before. That music and singing just captivated my imagination, and I became a big fan. His singing and songs just seemed so exciting.

1. Baby I don’t care

The song: “Baby I don’t care” had words like “You just wanna park where it’s nice and dark, and kiss and hold me tight, you’re so square, Baby I don’t care.” It was so exciting for a kid.

2. It’s now or never

I think he must have been a very romantic person because of all the love songs he sang. “It’s now or never, come hold me tight, kiss me my Darling, be mine tonight.” That song seemed to stay for weeks on top of the hit parade in Rhodesia. In fact when I was at Graceland I noticed the record on the wall had sold 32 million copies.

3. Wooden Heart

“Can’t you see I love you, please don’t break my heart in two.” Some years back I went through a lot of criticism, so this song means a lot to me. I don’t have a wooden heart. I know he went through a lot of hatred and criticism too. I admire the way he came through it all. At one time in my life, I thought I was so strong that nothing would get me down, but I guess I was wrong. One guy in Nashville told El to go back to truck driving, then later I saw Chet Atkins on the web saying that El nearly put them out of business. So some people’s criticism is not always justified.

4. Blue Hawaii

To me, this song is so romantic. “Come with me, while the moon is on the sea.”

5. Have I told you lately that I love you?

One time a guy was in a hospital bed, and when his wife was leaving, she asked him this question, and he wrote the song!

6. Don’t leave me now

Another lovely song.

7. Wear my ring around you neck – one of my favourite love songs by Elvis Presley

8. Young and beautiful

This is from the movie Jailhouse Rock, after the other man hurt his throat.

9. No More

I borrowed this record from a girl fan when I was a teenager, and this was one of my favourite songs by Elvis Presley.

10. Such a night

His on stage movements are so fantastic. No other singer can do it like him. “Just the thought of her lips, sets me on fire.”

11. Treat me nice

When I was a little kid and heard this song, I ran to my brother and told him I heard a new song called: “Dreaming eyes.”

12. You’re the reason I’m living

I heard this one on the radio years ago. So glad to find it on youtube. An old Bobby Darin number.

13. If you love me

Heard this one for the first time today. An old one from Olivia Newton-John.

14. Are you lonesome tonight

15. I want you, I need you, I love you

I think it is very romantic.

16. Stuck on you

17. Smokey Mountain boy

This was the first El movie I ever saw, and I loved the beginning as he drove his jeep down the mountain singing this song. When I sang it, I only did the last verse, and put in my own home town name in the song.

18. Don’t be cruel

19. Blue moon of Kentucky

This a ‘live’ recording at the Louisiana Hayride. It is exciting to hear the crowd. This was on the flipside of his first record.

20. Don’t you think it’s time

I heard this one at a friends house when I was a young teenager. It felt so romantic. It brings back all those memories. The good times.

21. A fool such as I

22. I can’t stop loving you

I never knew he sang this song, I have just found it now by mistake.

23. I can’t help falling in love with you

Lots of nice romantic pictures here. People and animals.

24. Paralyzed

This is ‘live’ at the Louisiana Hayride, back in the 50’s.

25. I beg of you

My brother had this EP record when I was a young teenager, and I loved this one the most of the 4 cuts. “I don’t want my heart to be broken.”

26. Playing for keeps

27. Kiss me quick

I wonder if kissing so many girls had an effect on him. I remember reading about Pat Boone not wanting to kiss any girl in a movie because he was married.

28. Love me

29.  Promised Land

30. I need your love tonight

31. You gave me a mountain

I heard a radio announcer in Buffalo say how much this favorite sad love song meant to him when his wife left him, and he couldn’t see his children again. I read a book of Alec Baldwin having the same trouble – he couldn’t see his daughter.

32. It keeps right on a hurting

I have heard this sad love song on the radio by another singer. I guess we all go through hurting times. One of my favorites.

33. Make the world go away

Many years ago this was a big one for Jim Reeves and other country singers.

34. I’ll never fall in love again

Pictures of Elvis and Tom Jones. One of Tom’s favorite sad love songs.

35. You’ve lost that loving feeling

It is so sad to see good love go bad.

36. You were always on my mind

So often we take people for granted, but everyone has feelings.

37. Softly as I leave you

38. For the good times

Yes, we must always concentrate on the good times.

39. Blue eyes crying in the rain

I really enjoyed listening to this one. Nice piano.

40. Blue Spanish Eyes

Such a lovely song that I heard before by Al Martino.

41. I forgot to remember to forget

42. Love letters

43. I’m left, you’re right, she’s gone

I heard this when I was young, and still love it.

44. You don’t know me

I love seeing those palm leaves. We had this song on the Clambake movie when we were in South Africa.

45. After loving you

I think I heard Jim Reeves sing this one.

46. I’ll remember you

47. Don’t cry Daddy

This one found a place in my heart many years ago. There is a special bond of love between a parent and a child.

48. Hound Dog “live” on the Milton Berle TV Show

I love this “live” version of the song. I love the way he moves. I have a video of this, but on this clip it gives so much more. It is very funny.

49. Jailhouse Rock

50. Mean Woman Blues – movie

In the movie he ends up in a fight.

51. Got a lot of livin’ to do – movie

He was so full of life.

52. Let’s have a party – movie

I have all these movies.

53. Guitar Man

It is very hard to make a living playing guitar, and this songs brings it out. Written by Jerry Reed (of Smokey and the Bandit).

54. In the Ghetto

55. That’s alright Mama

This is a ‘live’ recording at the Louisiana Hayride. It feels exciting to me.

56. Blue suede shoes

‘Live’ on a ship on the Milton Berle Show. The real thing!

57. Mystery train

Pictures of trains and girls.

58. Green green grass of home

Both versions of El and Tom Jones.

59. Old Shep

60. How great Thou art

He also sang a lot of Gospel love songs, expressing his love for God. He makes me think of David in the Bible. David loved a lot of women, but also loved the Lord. Most of David’s songs are about his love for God and how He saved him from his enemies. One of Elvis’ songs, How Great Thou Art, is one of the best love songs to God that I have ever heard. “O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.” One time we were on a mountain on the border of California and Nevada, and the words of the second verse became so real to me: “When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing so sweetly in the trees. When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, I hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.”

61. If we never meet again

One time when I was young, I was seeing a friend off at the train station, and he started singing a song as the train was pulling out, “If we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore.” I loved that snippet of a gospel song, and later bought the record of El singing it. That gospel song has run through my head for about the past 40 years.

I hope El made it to heaven, and I hope I do too. Other songs of his that I love are: “I’ve got confidence, God is going to see me through, no matter what the case may be, I know He’s gonna fix it for me.” Many times when the problems are too big for me, I have to hand them over to God, and ask for His help. So far I am still alive!

62. He Touched Me

One very holy gospel song that El sang was: “He touched me, O He touched me, and O the joy that floods my soul.” When I was 20, I had a cracked spine from a car accident. Six years later, I was in terrible pain. To get out of bed was a major ordeal. Then I heard a preacher say that Jesus suffered and died for all our sins and all our sicknesses. I didn’t see it that way, but he quoted the prophet Isaiah who said: “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities … and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53,5. When the soldiers lashed Jesus’ back, it was for our healing. Then he challenged us to raise our hands and say, “With the stripes of Jesus I am healed.” When I did that all the pain instantly left my spine. I often think of that in connection with that song.

63. We call on Him

One thought provoking gospel song that El sang is: “We call on Him, whenever storm clouds gather …. why must it be that only when we’re lonely, and hope grows dim that we call on Him?” Unfortunately, that is the way we often react. When things are going great, we forget about God, but when we are in trouble, we need Him. I saw a car sticker once that said: ‘God wants to be the steering wheel, not the spare tire.’

64. There is no God but God

“There is no God but God, I know this is true, God made everything, He made me He made you.” I remember singing that on a beach in South Africa. I used to sing all over the place. One time I was singing outside a supermarket, with hundreds of people listening, when the South African Police came with their big mobile prisons and stopped me. I was very scared. I thought they were going to put me in jail.

65. He is my everything

These are far better words than: “There goes my everything!”

66. His hand in mine

I wish I could feel His hand in mine right now.

67. Without Him

Jesus said that he is the vine and we are the branches. That without him we cannot bear any fruit. We need to be always plugged into Jesus.

68. It is no secret

69. In my Father’s house

This morning as I went for a walk, this song was on my heart, so I have added it on here. Some of these words have so much meaning. “He’s preparing me a mansion there I kinow.”  An El fan has added this gospel song to the web, and the pictures are so beautiful. God bless y’all.

70. Bye and bye

71. If the Lord wasn’t walking by my my side

As I listened to him singing, it was like I was having fellowship with him.

72. Mansion over the hilltop

When I was little, I remember going to a youth meeting, and they were sitting around a fire singing and playing music. This was one of the choruses they sang. Such wonderful memories.

73. Why me Lord

This gospel song is done by El, and J.D.Sumner.

74. Known only to Him

75. Who am I

I first heard this song by Jimmy Swaggart.

76. Where no one stands alone

I always associate this song with Porter Wagoner.

77. Help me

78. Stand by me

When I’m growing old and feelbe, stand by me. Amen.

79. In the garden

Recently, I read the story of how this song was written. A man had a vision of Mary Magdalene by the garden tomb. Peter and John visited the tomb and left, and she was alone crying, when Jesus came to her, and comforted her. It adds a whole new meaning to the song.

80. Amazing Grace

An old song, but he makes it feel new.

81. Peace in the valley

82. You’ll never walk alone

Jesus said He will never leave us.

83. Somebody bigger

We are so small compared to the universe that God has made.

84. I asked the Lord

I had never heard this song before. It seems like a home recording. On TV one time they said he did recordings in the “Jungle room.” I have been there when I visited Graceland.

85. Where could I go

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Singing and playing the guitar

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Hi. My name is Don. I have been singing and playing the guitar for about 50 years, and many years ago I wrote a few hundred songs.

I was born in England, but when I was a baby my folks took me to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in Africa. So that is the world I grew up in. Like Tarzan! We had a rope in a tree in the garden that we called the Tarzan rope. But as a kid I had lots of American comics, and in my mind I wished I had been in America. I used to make my own toy guns out of wood, because we were poor, and crawl around the garden pretending I was a cowboy in America.

I grew up in a very religious family, singing lots of church choruses. Then one day at a friend’s house I heard Elvis Presley singing “Jailhouse rock.” That changed a lot of things. I had never even heard guitar playing before, and Elvis’ singing was so different from anyone I had ever heard. From then on I started listening to the radio, hearing all the latest songs. My dad moved from Salisbury to Bulawayo when I was twelve, and that took a lot of adjusting to a new city and new schools, but the music remained the same. Somehow in the moving, all my comics were lost, but music became my new love.

I saw an Elvis Presley guitar in toy shop, and wanted it, but my dad bought a normal guitar instead. It didn’t have the same excitement, and when I banged on it, it was just a noise. I got discouraged and quit. So my dad started learning to play. One day I saw a friend of my brother playing the guitar, and got inspired to try again. My dad showed me chords, and how to play following the bass notes on the music, and I was away. We had a room in our house where my dad had church services, and I started playing there.

One day it was arranged for me to sing a solo. I learned the song off by heart, four verses and a chorus. When I got up to sing, I first announced the song: “Just a closer walk with Thee” and my mind went blank. I couldn’t remember the first verse! So I started with the chorus, racking my brain to find the verses. After singing the chorus a few times, I remembered the first verse. Later I remembered the last verse, and I ended the song feeling so embarrassed. After the service one guy said he enjoyed the song, and I confessed that I had forgotten the words. He said he didn’t know that. Then it dawned on me, that other people don’t know the words anyway, so it doesn’t make any difference. Many years later, when I started singing my own songs, I would sometimes forget the words, but I knew the people listening didn’t know the words to my songs anyway, so it was okay!

Some years later, I sang and played guitar with another guy in a church service, and I made a mistake. He was grinning about it, and everyone thought he had made the mistake! So you have to learn to cover up mistakes.

When Jim Reeves died, I had the crazy notion of trying to be the next Jim Reeves. I guess a lot of guys had the same idea. I loved his singing and music. My brother heard of a hotel that was having a talent contest, and suggested I give it a try. He said everyone who entered would get a crate of cokes. So I entered. I didn’t win, but I got paid in cokes. It was my first earnings.

I got chosen to play in the first rugby team of our school, and we had to take the overnight train to Salisbury. While in Salisbury, I remember being at my uncle’s house, and playing the guitar and singing. A few months later, my uncle, Geoff Cartwright, arranged for me to sing at the Salisbury agricultural show. That was an incredible experience. My brother paid a deposit on an amplifier for my guitar and I was ready.

A radio shop next door to the stage arranged a microphone system for me, and I stood on an empty stage with about a hundred empty seats in front of me. I was scared and shy, so I had my dark glasses on. The plan was for me to be singing for a half an hour, and then there would be a mannequin parade after me. Apparently they announced over the loudspeaker system that I would be singing, which I didn’t know about.

As I stood there, I was thinking that I would be happy if one or two people stopped and listened to me for about half a song, and then walked on. To my amazement, people came and filled up all the seats and there were hundreds more standing at the back. This amazed me. People were actually listening to me. I sang two or three times that day, and there next morning I had no voice. Someone suggested I gargle with salt water, and my voice came back.

Later that week, it was arranged for me to sing in the interval of the rock band contest, which was for the last 4 nights of the show. There I was sharing the mike with the guy who did the hit parade every week on the radio. What a thrill. I think his name was Kennedy. They had a big revolving stage, and while the one band was playing, the next band would set up on the other side. Some of those bands were very good. The Shadows, Cliff Richard’s band, were the rage at the time, and I think a lot of the bands patterned themselves after them.

Going back to school after that experience, felt like a letdown. After leaving high school I started singing on TV in Bulawayo. That was a wonderful experience. Everyone was so good to me. Unfortunately my parents weren’t happy with me. They wanted me to have a good normal job. My mother kept telling me I was supposed to be uplifting Jesus. I did sing a number of gospel songs on the TV, but they didn’t have a TV, and never watched me.

One night I was invited to sing at a church in Bulawayo, and they had an evangelist from South Africa preaching. I sang a song called: “I called Him.” Many years later I found out it was a Johnny Cash song, although at the time I had never heard of Johnny Cash. The preacher commented on the words of the song: “My mother sometimes tells me I should take it slow, but the pace is not what matters, it’s the direction that you go.”

The next night I was singing on the TV, and in the middle of the show, the evangelist from the church the night before came on. He told how he got converted in Johannesburg. Then straight after him, I had to end the show with a song: “Honeycomb, won’t you be my baby?” I felt terrible. I wish I had known he was coming on, then I would have sung a gospel song. Everything was done ‘live’ in those days, but I timed the songs before the show and gave in the title.

Now this evangelist was a fire and brimstone preacher. When he preached, I could feel the flames under my seat. So I dreaded having to face him after the show. I knew he had to be at the church that night, so I hung around as long as I could in the studio, until they started switching the lights off. As I went through the big sound proof door, there he was waiting for me. I thought he was going to chew me up and spit me out. To my surprise, he didn’t do that. He spoke to me gently in love. “Why don’t you sing for Jesus?” I had sung for Jesus for many years, but I never got paid for it. I had to make a living, and the TV was paying me. Something happened to me that night however, and a couple of weeks later I quit singing on TV. I lost my day job because of sanctions, so I ended up with no job.

The following year, doing forced military training in the Rhodesian Air Force, I heard a lot of guys using Christ’s name in vain. That upset me tremendously, so I quit singing pop songs and switched purely to gospel songs. I said to myself, “If they are going to use Jesus’ name like that, then I am not going to sing their songs anymore.” It was a rash decision, but that experience affected me so badly.

Many years have passed since then, and I have been through a lot of wonderful experiences, and some supernatural experiences too. Many people have been very good to me. Thank you. I have also been through some very bad experiences that have caused me a lot of harm and heartache. Some criticism has severely affected me. I think that in every country and society, race and religion, there are nice people and horrible people. In the final analysis, this is what I believe: I still believe in Jesus, and I still believe in love.

Over the years I have written over 200 songs. Some love songs, some happy-go-lucky songs, and some spiritual songs. There is something about songs that seem to work their way inside a person, and stay there forever. One day I may be able to put my own personal favourite songs on the net.

Pictures of Bulawayo

I mentioned how I sang on TV in Bulawayo, so here is a link for you to get an idea of the city. I lived there from the age of 12 to 24.

Pictures of Harare

I lived in Salisbury (now called Harare) from babyhood until the age of 12.

Posted in Singing and playing the guitar | Leave a comment