Customer Reviews

Just Walkin in the Rain

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

 

 

First heard this group when a child. Still recall most of the lyrics of their only two hit songs.

The Prisonaires' story is a classic tale (and told in a book with same title). The music is great. Sparsely arranged vocal pop and gospel, like a more rugged Ink Spots. The title track put Sun Records on the map, and quite likely brought the tiny Memphis recording service to the attention of high schooler Elvis Presley. For lovers of vocal R&B/ doo-wop or gospel music this is a fine collection. For any rockabilly fan it is necessary to have this collection to better put Sam Phillips' legacy in proper context.

I heard a few songs by the prisonaires on this radio show i listen to.
Wanted to hear more of them.bought the C D. They're better than
i thought they were.Just Walkin' in the Rain: The True Story of the Prisonaires: the Convict Pioneers of R & B and Rock & Roll
You should also get the book.Fasinating story how Johnny Bragg got
wrongly convicted & sent to prison. He wrote songs & formed singing
group. Wound up at Sun Recording Studio. Performed at the Governor's
Mansion.

The Prisonaires recorded on the Sun Records label, along with a young Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. The only difference was The Prisonaires were in jail at the time. They were all convicts, serving hard time. They would actually get day passes out of prison to record their music. They had a million selling hit with "Just Walkin' In The Rain" that was later remade and turned into a pop smash by pre-Elvis singing phenomenon Johnny Ray. The reason they were able to get out of jail for occasional recording sessions and public appearances was a Governor named Frank Clement who had made prison reform part of his agenda and held The Prisonaires as an example of prison rehabilitation. They even recorded a tribute to him called "What About Frank Clement{ He's a Mighty Man"}. They sang plaintive gospel like "My God Is Real" and "A Prisoner's Prayer" and were clearly influenced by The Ink Spots. The lead singer had a pleading, vulnerable vocal quality that was really quite sincere and appealing. Their story is one that has been seldom told and will no doubt make a great movie one day. To read more about their amazing story, read "Just Walkin' In The Rain" by Jay Warner.