Judy Canova In Hi-Fi

I Was Wrong

Judy Canova In Hi-Fi

Arranged and Conducted by Lew Raymond

Album Production by Dave Pell

Tops L1613

1958

From the back cover: A smile as wide and natural and heartwarming as the countryside or the open range, set off by big devil-doll eyes and swingin' pigtails, serves as the famous trademark for most everybody's pet country gal, Judy Canova.

For many years now, her mountain honor and captivating ways have made Judy "Miss Country, U.S.A." As singing star with fetching twang, she also has long been a prime favorite with devotees of country music.

Matter of fact, the little gal from Starke, Florida, began her career in show business at 12 when she got a spot on a sponsored radio show over WJAX Jacksonville with her sister Anne. They were promptly and appropriately dubbed "The Happy Girls." When brother Zeke graduated from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the three Canovas decided to shake off the Southern dust and try for the big time in New York City.

After the usual scuffling for a place in the showbiz sun, they landed an engagement at the famed Village Barn. Luck was with them, for they played on night before the great Paul Whiteman. One listen was enough for the genial orchestra leader; he quickly signed them to appear on his network radio show.

Judy was off and running. A spot in a Ziegfeld Follies production (one of the few produced after Florenz Ziegfeld's death) assured her a subsequent part in the Broadway musical, Yokel Boy. Then Judy set her personal sights on the klieg lights of Hollywood – MGM and Republic studios, to be specific. The offer from Republic was almost too good to be real... She was to be a star of her own pictures.

As Judy characteristically drawls, "I packed my satchel and set up housekeeping with Trigger, Champion, John Wayne, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry..."

In addition to her Republic commitments, the effervescent lass starred in many movies for Paramount and Columbia. Some of her highly entertaining films were Scatterbrain, Sis Hopkins, Puddinghead, Sleepytime Gal, True To The Army, Louisiana Hayride, Oklahoma Annie, The War From Walla Walla, Carolina Cannonball and many more.

During this prolific period of moviemaking, there came into being a radio show destined to bring the voice and personality of Judy Canova into the homes and heart of all America. Her Saturday night "Judy Canova Show" tickled the nation's radio audience for a full 12 years.

Since then, the massive American television audience has rollicked to her humor and swung to her songs on such top-rated programs as the NBC Colgate Comedy Hour, Matinee Theatre, the shows of Red Skelton, Steve Allen, Perry Como.

Never one to retire to the hearthside, Judy's primary instinct is to get out and meet the folks of these United States. To this end she was one of the first big Hollywood stars to appear at State Fairs throughout the nation. The pioneering gal headlined shows at fairs in New York, Michigan, Kentucky and all over.

Notable for her services to her country as entertainer of troops during and after World War II, Judy was named "National March Of Dimes Girl" for three years.

In this TOPS supreme high-fidelity Canovalbum, the singer of the back-trails is heard in such all-time favorites as Wabash Blues and Wabash Cannonball. There are songs chosen to delight young and old alike – novelties, ballads, country and inspirational tunes.

Especially notable are the numbers written by Zeke and Anne Canova, buddies of her early days in show business. They cleaned Tons Of Love and It's About Time in collaboration, while Anne wrote the religious Ain't Gonna Grieve My Lord, Anymore. Throughout, the electric guitar of Speedy West and the fiddle of Harold Hensley spice the instrumental accompaniment.

Just Because 

Wabash Blues

Ain't Gonna Grieve My Lord Anymore

Go To Sleep Little Baby

The Butcher's Boy

Blow The Whistle

Wabash Cannon Ball

It's About Time

I Don't Know Why

Tons And Tons Of Love

Follow Me

I Was Wrong