ArtistInfo

Dave Rich

dr, *1936 US, Kentucky
World and Country

Dave Rich was tutored by his world famous brother, James "Spider" Rich, the writer of the mega hit "Yakety Sax". Spider arranged the songs and played Guitar. Chet Atkins producer also played Guitar. World Famous Pianist, Floyd Crammer played his slide note piano first on "City Lights". Bobby Moore Bass and Buddy Harmon Drums. The writer of "Sugar Foot Rag" a world famous standard instrumental played by Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland also played Guitar on the Ain't it Fine Volumes. Steel Guitar Hall of Famer, Jimmy Day played Steel. The world renowned guitarist, Grady Martin also played on this album. Known as one of the greatest fiddle players to ever hit Nashville, the late Tommy Jackson also played on this volume. The Fantastic "Papa" John Gordy Š Piano and William Billy Harlan, Dave's first Bass Picker in his first band who later went with Jim Reeves also played on this Album and became a famous song writer. Elvis Presley's vocal back-up singers, the "Jordanaires" were the vocal background singers for both volumes. Also, the great Anita Kerr Singers provided vocal chorus. Ray Edenton, rhythm guitar played on almost every session that came out of Nashville for twenty-five years. Hargus M "Pig" Robins holds the record for playing on over four-thousand hits from Nashville also played Piano on this album. One of the "A-Team" players "Roy M. "Junior" Husky, Bass Guitar. Dave Rich wrote ten of the thirteen songs on this album. "Tuggin on my Heart Strings: was the first song Mel Tillis wrote that was recorded. "Lonely Street" was co-written by Carl Belew and became a standard hit recorded by many but the person who made it most famous was pop singer "Andy Williams". A little of Dave's style on "Lonely Street" was done by everyone who recorded it after him. "City Lights" was written by Bill Anderson, Commerce GA, and Bill gives Dave credit for all his success he ever gained. Most of the time Chet Atkins only wanted Dave to record his own material but these were exceptions. Dave was somewhat uncomfortable with certain lyrics to songs written in this era so he discreetly changed one line of "City Lights" that was undetected by Chet Atkins and all other RCA executives. Bill Anderson wrote the line on the second verse that said ... "the world was dark and God made stars to brighten up the night, did the God who put the stars above make those City Lights"? Dave understood what Bill was saying in the song but still felt that a more "powerful statement" was needed. Dave changed the lyrics to say "the world was dark and God made stars to brighten up the night but the God who put the stars above I don't believe made those city lights". Dave's record of "City Lights" was high in the charts all over the country when Dave's manager, Hal Smith, who also managed Ray Price and Ernest Tubbs, suggested to Ernest Tubbs that maybe Ray Price, who had many hits at that time, should cover it. Ernest and Ray were driving across Nashville when Ernest mentioned to Ray Price that he ought to record "City Lights". He did record it and since about four hundred artists have recorded this song. Ray Price's record of "City Lights" was a super hit! Ray Price was only doing what his manager instructed him to do. Dave Rich and Ray Price are close friends to this day! On Volume 1 & 2 of "Ain't it Fine" this body of work covers all spectrums from country, R & B, Rockabilly, and Pop. There are songs on both volumes that anyone would like. This may be a first in the recording industry!... The songs being recorded in eight "three hour" sessions over a three year period ­ 1955-59 the variety making this a timeless production.

Genres

• World
• Country
• Rock
• Folk

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