I was looking through the records at the local Sally Ann and came across this. First thing I noticed was one of the comments in the paragraphs on the right. Then I noticed Jolly John's Fried Chicken, which apparently had a franchise in Penetang (short form of Penetanguishene), which is a nearby town. (to me, that is) I have to remember to ask some of my longtime Penetang resident friends (meaning old) if they remember it.
Nice to have it signed, too! :)
Always seems weird nowadays to see people referred as negroes, but 'twas the time. It would be interesting to know if Brent or Charlie started first. They certainly wouldn't have been the first to play country music, or maybe even record, but first to become famous.
Actually, neither Charley Pride or Brent Williams were the first black country artists. But Brent was Canada's criminally overlooked contribution. And for that alone, this is still a landmark album in country music history.
ReplyDeleteMany early blues players crossed over to country. But DeFord Bailey was the very first act ever on the Grand Ol' Opry https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeFord_Bailey