Customer Reviews

Hoppy Gene & Me

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love this CD. I'm not a country music fan, and for the most part, I'm not even a Roy Rogers fan. But I truly love this CD. In it, Roy Rogers sings about the things that, once upon a time, were truly important to people: the love of an American for his cowboy culture (track 1 - "Cowboy Heaven"); the love of a husband for his wife (track 2 - "A Very Fine Lady"); the love of a father for his son (track 3 - "Hoppy, Gene and Me"); and the love of a folk hero for his fans (track 4 - "Happy Trails").

Roy Rogers singing "Hoppy, Gene and Me" is a heartwarming experience rarely seen in the world of music. It explores the joy of childhood, the heartbreak of adolescence, and the happiness of life. I first heard this song in the summer of 1986 (I was 11 years old) while visiting the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Victorville, California (I'm told it has since relocated to Branson, Missouri).

So, that song was the main reason I bought the CD. But I was not disappointed by any of the others. Roy Rogers' voice is always fun to listen to and smooth. This music is for the whole family, and its messages are timeless.

This album was originaly released in 1973 as an idea by the producer of the disc, Snuff Garrett, and includes previously unreleased material.

The CD sound is so clear it is as if it was recorded just yesterday. Roy's voice comes across more clear in this album than in any other album I have listened to and with my Yahoo Jukebox subscription I have listened to almost every Roy Rogers album they have made available. Tennessee Stud is probably my favorite track on the album. Although some of the tracks are a little slow for myself, I believe the best part fo the album is the sound quality that makes it sound like Roy recorded it yesterday.

Loved this CD. Tho I bought it primarily for the title song, I also liked "Cowboy Heaven) (a take-off on "Hillbilly Heaven"), the "Movie Trails" medley and "Happy Trails" tho I half expected Dale to chime in somewhere. The rest were the usual COWBOY 'tears in your beer' kinda stuff with, usually a guitar, fiddle and bass as accompaniment. "Cold Cold Heart" brought back memories of Hank but the rest of the CD, tho good was pretty much usual stuff.

But that title song made me think about another song by Rex Allen, Sr--"The Last of the Silver Screen Cowboys" so I got the album he made with Rex, Jr. "Singing Cowboys" AND that CD has a song, "Can You Hear Those Pioneers" which made me think of the "Sons of the Pioneers" so I also got the 2 CD album "Cool Water"--primarily for that song and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds". All in all, I wound up buying 3 albums because of the title song here.

By the way, later I went to Bob Nolan's website where there are DOZENS of FREE downloadable versions of THOSE 2 songs. Including by the Supremes, Clint Eastwood and the Longines Symphonette, to name a few.

But I think that ANYONE "into" Western or Cowboy (not "country") music would love any or all of the above albums.

The best track is the title track, Hoppy Gene and Me. I love this song and the memories it brings back. Too bad, today's kids don't have clean cut heros like the above mentioned trio.

Growing up during the '40's and going to the afternoon movies to see Roy Rogers is unforgetable. He is still one of my singing idols. Was glad to add this CD to my collection.

I am very glad I found this cd.I truly think if you like roy rogers,you will like it.