Customer Reviews

Louisiana Hayride: Live Recordings

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This is a truly fascinating look at June Carter's early-60s stage act, including both familiar songs and comedy routines that many listeners have probably never heard. In addition A.P. Carter songbook standards, "Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow" and "Wildwood Flower," Carter shows off her original corn-pone humor and quick wit.

She shows tremendous command of the comedy stage, lampooning the lyrics of Marty Robbins' "Big Iron," reciting a humorous poem about Elvis, and tossing off frenetic asides and barbs. But much like Buck Owens, when she swings from comedy into song, she's riveting, as are the top-notch pickers with whom she's surrounded. Supported by a full band, with electric guitars and pedal steel, these recordings are fuller than the parallel Hayride volume recently issued on Johnny Cash.

A pair of tracks from 1961, highlighting a "Stars of the Opry" show at the Hayride, features Carter singing and joking with the Wilburn Brothers. But when they swing into A.P. Carter's "Worried Man Blues," the Kingston Trio's then-recent hit simply disappears in their wake. A 1962 appearance yields Carter's rapping version of "The Heel," and a 1965 visit is highlighted by her duet with Johnny Cash on "It Ain't Me, Babe," and her backup singing on Cash's Sun-era "Ballad of a Teenage Queen."

Sound quality isn't state-of-the-art, but it's clear, and Carter and the band are nicely isolated - no doubt reproduced from transcription records of the original KWKH broadcasts. The tracks are framed by Carter's stage patter and comedy, along with applause and cheering. It gives you a good sense of how much the audience loved Carter's combination of song and shtick. This is a rare glimpse of Carter standing tall on her own, unsupported by either the Carter Family or Johnny Cash. These recordings are a great find on both a beloved artist and the legendary show for which she performed.

I just bought this cd in Nashville and I haven't stopped listening to it since. Listening to June tell her "famous poems" is a real treat. The songs are good and June is funny. Each time she is introduced the audience goes crazy for her. After I listened to this cd, I can see why. This is a good item for long time fans or new fans (thanks to Walk the Line.) This was money well spent.

June Carter fans, get ready to buckle your seatbelts and blast off into a 1960 show of Louisiana Hayride, starring the Beautiful JUNE CARTER!!!!!!!!! I put this CD in the first day I bought it. I was up laughing until 2 AM! June has once again done an outstanding job.

These segments from the "Louisian Hayride" TV/Radio show feel as if your really at the show. June is hilarious (as usual) and includes some really funny jokes into her high-pitched, bouncy, energetic songs.

If your a new fan, this is a perfect way to get to know June's comedy. It'll bring a smile to your face, and it has some really great songs. If your an old fan, June has once again outdone herself.

So what are ya waitin' for, fellers? Buy this CD today and experience it for yourself!

Love,

June

it's corny, and the music isn't great. But if you love June Carter you will want this CD. It has a way of making you feel you are there at the hayride show. What more can I say, it is history, history of one of the greats. Get it and enjoy.