Tales And Songs Of The Old West - Texas Jim Robertson

 

Tales And Songs Of The Old West

Tales And Songs Of The Old West

Texas Jim Robertson

Strand  SL 1016

1961

From the back cover: There is nothing more enchanting than the melodies the cowboys croon to soothe the cattle at night as they ride herd, and there is no one who can interpret these "Lullabies" better than "Texas Jim" Robertson. In this album, "Songs And Tales Of The Old West", Texas Jim is at his best for he is a rarity in show business – a real honest-to-goodness Texan who was actually raised on a ranch in Texas. He is a phenomenon of the entertainment world in more ways than one. Although his recordings have sold millions and his success brought him so much fan mail that at one time it required a staff of six secretaries just to handle steady stream of letters from enthusiastic listeners, Texas Jim has always been known as "one of the nicest gents in the business".

From the foreman of his father's ranch, Jim learned just about all there is to know about the art of cattle ranching, riding, roping, branding, herding, and round-up. His father taught him to play the guitar, banjo, and mandolin, and his love for Western songs came naturally.

He first appeared on radio over a Charlotte, North Carolina station, and this was the start of a lifetime career. It was while singing on that station that he was heard by a representative of National Broadcasting Company who offered Jim an opportunity to come to New York to sing on that network. He jumped at the chance. When he came to New York he was just a big kid with a guitar, a grand low-pitched voice, and a wish to be friendly with everyone. His NBC program was an immediate success, and because he was such a friendly young man the producers at NBC also became interested in him, and soon he was playing dramatic role on many radio shows where the deep tones of his voice produced just the effect the directors wanted.

He played in scores of programs including "Death Valley Days", "Against The Storm", "Lone Journey", and for a time was a villain on the "Dick Tracy" series. It was during this period that Jim recorded for RCA-Victor's Bluebird label. He quickly became on of that company's best selling artists and was in demand for personal appearances throughout the United States and Canada.

In 1937 he made another important step in his life when he met and married the beauteous Mariannie Holiday. Life went along happily for Jim until that fatal Sunday in December 1941. Within ten minutes after hearing the radio flash that Pearl Harbor was attacked, Jim was on his way to join our armed forces. He was turned down because of underweight – Jim's lanky six foot, three inch frame didn't carry enough flesh as specified by military regulations. He went on a diet to fatten up, and decided that while he was preparing to meet the physical requirements he would help the war effort by devoting his time to entertaining the men already in uniform.

He joined the famed WJZ Victory Troop and sang at military installations throughout the area as well as at Canteens for servicemen. The WJZ Victory Troop of which he became an integral part, raised $149 million for the Government. Finally, Jim managed to pass a U.S. Marines physical and was off to "Boot Camp" where Marines receive basic training. Jim's Marine outfit saw plenty of rough action in the Pacific, and was among the first to land when the Japanese home islands were taken over by the U.S.A. After the Marines were firmly established Jim was named Chief Announcer and entertaining artist for the Kyushu Network, operating out of Omura. He returned to New York in 1946 after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marines, was singed for a new series on the ABC network. He also resumed recording for RCA Victor.

In recent years Texas Jim Robertson has devoted his time to personal appearances throughout the country singing in clubs and helping young people. STRAND Records is proud to present this truly exceptional artist singing songs that are a part of him. His quality and sincerity will remind his old friends of his greatness and gain for him a host of new admires. – Sidney H. Ascher

Little Old Sod Shanty

Home On The Range

The Girl I Left Behind Me

Billy The Kid

Great Grandad And Me

Crawdad Song

Goin' Down The Road

Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie

Last Great Roundup (Cowboy Prayer)

The Old Rugged Cross

Little Old Bible Of Mine

Don't Just Pray