Customer Reviews

Gene Autry: Blues Singer, 1929-1931

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I just love this CD, here he is, the squeaky-clean idol of Hollywood's 'Singing' Cowboys', yodeling about booze, women, and jail. Blues and folk music is fundamental to what eventually became the cowboy, western, and country genres, and Gene demonstrates here that prior to his 'Cowboy' fame, he had a solid grip on the blues. He emulates the style of blues legend Jimmie Rodgers, but each track, including the 10 original compositions, is genuinely convincing. Gene's voice & timing are wonderful, and his playing competent, especially when backed up by Roy Smeck's banjo or delicious steel guitar. Before I heard this recording I felt that Gene's major contribution to music was 'Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer' and a bunch of movieland hokum, but, as with 'Roy Rogers' early 'Sons Of The Pioneers' recordings (pre 1938), I have come to find that these cowboy-era musicians were at their best before Hollywood re-fabricated them. If you are a fan of Gene Autry 'The Cowboy', this CD will surprise you, if you're not it may surprise you even more, and if you're a fan of Jimmie Rodgers, this is definitely your stuff.

When it came to singing, you name it and Ole' Gene could do it. He shows that in this wonderful collection of old blues sides, a la Jimmie Rodgers (but Gene does them a little better, I think). Notice how he adds just enough "black" accent when he sings these to sound bluesy, but doesn't overdo it by continually saying "Lawd! Lawd!" or such other blues-type exclamations. His voice was still definitely a tenor at this young age, and hadn't deepened yet into the rich baritone most people remember. Wonder what those blues would have sounded like sung by a more mature Gene Autry? This is one of those gems you don't find without some digging, but it's definitely worth it.

Most artists start by copying their heroes before developing their own style: the Beatles ripped off countless Chuck Berry licks, Bob Dylan wrote and sang like Woody Guthrie, early Sinatra tried to sound like Bing Crosby, and Gene Autry did his own version of Jimmie Rodgers. In fact he's just a bit better, having been endowed with a better set of pipes. Heresy, I know, but there it is.

It's surprising to hear Autry singing about T.B., murder, and infidelity if you know the slightly corny pop singer he latter became. I prefer this Autry to that one.

I reccommend this to fans of either Gene Autry or the music of Jimmie Rodgers.

I was aware that Gene did some of these tunes. You'd hear one now and then but to have them all on one great CD is just great! I have been a Gene Autry fan since I first heard one of my Grandmother's scratchy 78's back in the late 40's. He was THE Country-Western singer! And a very good writer also. I just love old time Country Blues and to have a CD of Gene singing it is just downright special to me. Jimmie Rodgers is more historically important in the genre and Cliff Carlise was a better musician but Gene had the pipes! Just simple straight ahead music-you can't go wrong with this album!!

A lot of people have covered Jimmy Rogers, but Autry's have to be the best. Even better than Lefty's or Merle's, which are very, very good. This is not an interpretation with the benefit of 20 or 30 years hindsight; it is, essentially, simultaneous. Besides he worked on the RR as well as having better pipes, phrasing and guitar work. And Autry never goes overboard with the accompaniment... Bobos, however, I do not believe, yodel - blue or otherwise.

I AM COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THIS CD. I'V GOT A LOT OF GENE AUTRY AND WAS SURPRISED AS TO THE QUALITY OF THIS ONE. IF YOU ENJOY OLD TIME BLUES GET THIS CD. BY THE WAY ONLY A FEW SONGS HAVE THE BACKGROUND HISSING NOISE THAT DRIVES YOU CRAZY. THESE SONGS ARE VERY CLEAR.

Purchased this cd from Amazon and was very satisfied with it. Arrived in good condition and in a reasonable amount of time. Thank you I would use this site again.