Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.001.0001
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This book is entirely dedicated to one of the most influential music labels of the twentieth century. In addition to creating the largest bluegrass catalog throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Starday was ...
More
This book is entirely dedicated to one of the most influential music labels of the twentieth century. In addition to creating the largest bluegrass catalog throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Starday was also known for its legendary rockabilly catalog, an extensive Texas honky-tonk outpouring, classic gospel and sacred recordings, and as a Nashville independent powerhouse studio and label. Written with the label president and co-founder, it traces the label’s origins in 1953 through the 1968 Starday–King merger. Interviews with artists and their families, employees, and the label’s president contribute to the stories behind famous hit songs, including “Y’all Come,” “A Satisfied Mind,” “Why Baby Why,” “Giddy-up Go,” “Alabama,” and many others. The book’s author’s research and interviews also shed new light on the musical careers of George Jones, Arlie Duff, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, the Stanley Brothers, Cowboy Copas, Red Sovine, and countless other Starday artists. Conversations with the children of Pappy Daily and Jack Starns provide a unique perspective on the early days of Starday, and extensive interviews with the label’s president offer an insider glance at the country music industry during its golden era. Weathering the storm of rock and roll and, later, the Nashville Sound, Starday was a home to traditional country musicians and became one of the most successful independent labels in American history. Ultimately, this book is the record of a country music label that played an integral role in preserving America’s musical heritage.Less
This book is entirely dedicated to one of the most influential music labels of the twentieth century. In addition to creating the largest bluegrass catalog throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Starday was also known for its legendary rockabilly catalog, an extensive Texas honky-tonk outpouring, classic gospel and sacred recordings, and as a Nashville independent powerhouse studio and label. Written with the label president and co-founder, it traces the label’s origins in 1953 through the 1968 Starday–King merger. Interviews with artists and their families, employees, and the label’s president contribute to the stories behind famous hit songs, including “Y’all Come,” “A Satisfied Mind,” “Why Baby Why,” “Giddy-up Go,” “Alabama,” and many others. The book’s author’s research and interviews also shed new light on the musical careers of George Jones, Arlie Duff, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, the Stanley Brothers, Cowboy Copas, Red Sovine, and countless other Starday artists. Conversations with the children of Pappy Daily and Jack Starns provide a unique perspective on the early days of Starday, and extensive interviews with the label’s president offer an insider glance at the country music industry during its golden era. Weathering the storm of rock and roll and, later, the Nashville Sound, Starday was a home to traditional country musicians and became one of the most successful independent labels in American history. Ultimately, this book is the record of a country music label that played an integral role in preserving America’s musical heritage.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0005
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes events that occurred following the opening of the Starday Sound Studios in May 1960. The studio became one of the top four recording outlets in Nashville, alongside Owen ...
More
This chapter describes events that occurred following the opening of the Starday Sound Studios in May 1960. The studio became one of the top four recording outlets in Nashville, alongside Owen Bradley’s Quonset Hut, RCA Victor, and Fred Foster studios. Despite having two talented house bands and a growing roster of top talent, there were still many challenges to be met in the Starday studios, including poor acoustics and equipment. An echo unit was later built to enhance recordings.Less
This chapter describes events that occurred following the opening of the Starday Sound Studios in May 1960. The studio became one of the top four recording outlets in Nashville, alongside Owen Bradley’s Quonset Hut, RCA Victor, and Fred Foster studios. Despite having two talented house bands and a growing roster of top talent, there were still many challenges to be met in the Starday studios, including poor acoustics and equipment. An echo unit was later built to enhance recordings.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0013
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ time with the Suwannee River Jamboree radio show; their recordings sessions for Starday in summer 1958; and their recordings for King Records in ...
More
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ time with the Suwannee River Jamboree radio show; their recordings sessions for Starday in summer 1958; and their recordings for King Records in Cincinnati.Less
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ time with the Suwannee River Jamboree radio show; their recordings sessions for Starday in summer 1958; and their recordings for King Records in Cincinnati.
David W. Johnson
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617036460
- eISBN:
- 9781617036477
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617036460.003.0015
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the late 1950s. It covers the brothers’ tours and live performances; and their recordings for Starday and King Records.
This chapter describes the Stanley Brothers’ professional life in the late 1950s. It covers the brothers’ tours and live performances; and their recordings for Starday and King Records.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0001
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter discusses the story behind the creation of Starday Records. Starday records was established in 1952 when two local businessmen, Jack Starns and Harold W. Daily, decided to form a record ...
More
This chapter discusses the story behind the creation of Starday Records. Starday records was established in 1952 when two local businessmen, Jack Starns and Harold W. Daily, decided to form a record label. It explains that Starns believed that a recording company was the only thing needed, as he had several artists lined up and songs ready to publish. It notes that the first Starday records were made at the ACA Recording Studios of the sound engineer Bill Holoford in 1953.Less
This chapter discusses the story behind the creation of Starday Records. Starday records was established in 1952 when two local businessmen, Jack Starns and Harold W. Daily, decided to form a record label. It explains that Starns believed that a recording company was the only thing needed, as he had several artists lined up and songs ready to publish. It notes that the first Starday records were made at the ACA Recording Studios of the sound engineer Bill Holoford in 1953.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0002
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter explores the early success of Starday Records in country music. When Starday was first established in the 1950s, it was the only label that released solely country music. Jack Starns ...
More
This chapter explores the early success of Starday Records in country music. When Starday was first established in the 1950s, it was the only label that released solely country music. Jack Starns pulled out of the company, and Harold W. Daily replaced him with the former president of the 4 Star record company, Don Pierce. It notes that Starday experienced great music success with the release of Joe “Red” Hayes’ “A Satisfied Mind” and George Jones’ “Why Baby Why.” In the emerging trend of rock ’n’ roll music, Starday attempted to make a hit through Thumper Jones’ (an alias used by George Jones) “Rock It,” but it failed due to the fact that country music radio stations did not like playing rock ’n’ roll music.Less
This chapter explores the early success of Starday Records in country music. When Starday was first established in the 1950s, it was the only label that released solely country music. Jack Starns pulled out of the company, and Harold W. Daily replaced him with the former president of the 4 Star record company, Don Pierce. It notes that Starday experienced great music success with the release of Joe “Red” Hayes’ “A Satisfied Mind” and George Jones’ “Why Baby Why.” In the emerging trend of rock ’n’ roll music, Starday attempted to make a hit through Thumper Jones’ (an alias used by George Jones) “Rock It,” but it failed due to the fact that country music radio stations did not like playing rock ’n’ roll music.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0003
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter explores the impact of the popularity of rock ’n’ roll music to the country music industry in the 1950s. Elvis Presley’s rise to fame influenced the public into becoming rock ’n’ roll ...
More
This chapter explores the impact of the popularity of rock ’n’ roll music to the country music industry in the 1950s. Elvis Presley’s rise to fame influenced the public into becoming rock ’n’ roll fans, which caused the entire country music industry to search frantically for ways to stop the advance of the genre and the loss of sales to their market. Starday Records found a solution in the form of rockabilly music — country music with borrowed elements from rock ’n’ roll. Starday Records managed to garner a significant number of sales through the release of records from their rockabilly artists, such as George Jones, Irv Green, and Art Talmadge.Less
This chapter explores the impact of the popularity of rock ’n’ roll music to the country music industry in the 1950s. Elvis Presley’s rise to fame influenced the public into becoming rock ’n’ roll fans, which caused the entire country music industry to search frantically for ways to stop the advance of the genre and the loss of sales to their market. Starday Records found a solution in the form of rockabilly music — country music with borrowed elements from rock ’n’ roll. Starday Records managed to garner a significant number of sales through the release of records from their rockabilly artists, such as George Jones, Irv Green, and Art Talmadge.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0004
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter explores the efforts of Don Pierce in maintaining Starday Records after its co-founder Harold W. Daily left. It notes that it was during Pierce’s tenure that Starday realized its ...
More
This chapter explores the efforts of Don Pierce in maintaining Starday Records after its co-founder Harold W. Daily left. It notes that it was during Pierce’s tenure that Starday realized its greatest achievement: the introduction of country music to the world. By making Nashville, Tennessee the headquarters of Starday’s country music distribution in several countries outside the U.S., it helped cement the reputation of the city as one of the biggest music centers in the world.Less
This chapter explores the efforts of Don Pierce in maintaining Starday Records after its co-founder Harold W. Daily left. It notes that it was during Pierce’s tenure that Starday realized its greatest achievement: the introduction of country music to the world. By making Nashville, Tennessee the headquarters of Starday’s country music distribution in several countries outside the U.S., it helped cement the reputation of the city as one of the biggest music centers in the world.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0006
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter discusses the successes experienced by Starday Records during the mid 1960s. Despite the tragedies that struck country music in 1964—the death of Cowboy Copas, Patsy Cline, and Hawkshaw ...
More
This chapter discusses the successes experienced by Starday Records during the mid 1960s. Despite the tragedies that struck country music in 1964—the death of Cowboy Copas, Patsy Cline, and Hawkshaw Hawkins—the genre still enjoyed a great deal of fame all over the U.S. In its surge of popularity, Starday stood as one of the biggest trendsetters in country music. The chapter relates how Starday further increased its financial success by creating the Country Music Record Club of America, an exclusive club that sells country music records directly to fans and collectors on a mail-ordered basis.Less
This chapter discusses the successes experienced by Starday Records during the mid 1960s. Despite the tragedies that struck country music in 1964—the death of Cowboy Copas, Patsy Cline, and Hawkshaw Hawkins—the genre still enjoyed a great deal of fame all over the U.S. In its surge of popularity, Starday stood as one of the biggest trendsetters in country music. The chapter relates how Starday further increased its financial success by creating the Country Music Record Club of America, an exclusive club that sells country music records directly to fans and collectors on a mail-ordered basis.
Nathan D. Gibson and Don Pierce
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781604738308
- eISBN:
- 9781621037620
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781604738308.003.0007
- Subject:
- Music, Popular
This chapter explores the decline of the bluegrass music that was popularized by Don Pierce of Starday Records. Despite of the success of Starday financially, the slow decline of bluegrass music ...
More
This chapter explores the decline of the bluegrass music that was popularized by Don Pierce of Starday Records. Despite of the success of Starday financially, the slow decline of bluegrass music became apparent to Pierce. In the late 1960s, bluegrass music became identified with anti-Vietnam War protesters, civil rights demonstrators, and homosexuals, which was assumed to have a negative effect on bluegrass music in general. Others did not agree with the sentiment, as some pointed out, that it was Starday itself which was at fault as they stopped producing new material and the record company only repackaged its older material with new album cover art, assuming that it would sell to the public like their past hits did.Less
This chapter explores the decline of the bluegrass music that was popularized by Don Pierce of Starday Records. Despite of the success of Starday financially, the slow decline of bluegrass music became apparent to Pierce. In the late 1960s, bluegrass music became identified with anti-Vietnam War protesters, civil rights demonstrators, and homosexuals, which was assumed to have a negative effect on bluegrass music in general. Others did not agree with the sentiment, as some pointed out, that it was Starday itself which was at fault as they stopped producing new material and the record company only repackaged its older material with new album cover art, assuming that it would sell to the public like their past hits did.
