[Note from the editor, Shlepcar (Chris Earley)]: This song is a selection by my totally awesome old man, the Vietnam vet, Marine, Harley rider and American Indian, Ray Earley. The write-up is via email, and I can't actually verify all of the claims, but I'm going to post what he wrote to me. If you've ever heard any of the stories from me of my Dad, or read about him in the 2007 version of this site, I hope you're happy as I am for his contribution. The tone has been set.]
Me (to my dad Ray): I've resurrected my old site, www.songotheday.com I encourage you to check it out, actually to register so you get the emails- it is an easy way to keep up with your oldest son
Ray:
OK Chris- Has anybody ever done anything on one of the greatest songs of all times? SUMMERTIME BLUES by the late great Eddie (Raymond) Cochran, DOB 10/03/1938-17/04/1960. I was 13 or 14 when “Summertime Blues” was first played on KDWB in Minneapolis. I fuckin' went crazy when I heard this song at 15. I had a '51 Ford “Vicky” dual-exhaust. The springs had been heated to collapse them and make it a low rider. I had put speakers behind the grill, so everyone else could hear Eddie, or the”Big Bopper” (Chantilly Lace), the Impalas, or the Del Vikings.
When Eddie Cochran was killed in England, I actually got pissed-off drunk! We mourned him!! Albert Lea, Minnesota has Eddie Cochran Days in June, but I believe he was originally from Oklahoma.
People born in Minnesota sound nasally..like Bob Dylan!
Me: Thanks for this- would you like me to post it to the site?
Ray:
Boozhoo Chris: Post it. You need an old fart to remind youse where the “music” came from. Back in those days everyone dug Elvis, which was ok, but Eddie Cochran was a musician. He could play a guitar; Elvis strummed along. After the 'MUSIC DIED' and then Eddie, I was in “Dinkytown” in 1963 AND HEARD “SPIDER JOHN KOERNER. He played with Dave “Snaker” Ray, Tony “Little Sun” Glover on “Blues,Rags and Hollers”.
I lived on the West Bank, and partied with the boys in the late 60s, which led me to the blues: guys like Sonny Terry and Brownie MaGhee, Muddy Waters, and Bo Diddley.
The Beatles sucked. Girls loved them. I hated them.
Dave Ray died of cancer a few ago. Tony Glover is still kickin', and John Koerner still plays the bars. Electra recorded a few of their albums, but spent their Wad on The Doors.
Chris, you were conceived while “Blues, Rags and Hollers” was playin' in the 8-track player of my '67 Mustang Convertible.
Love Pop
Me: Thanks Pop! lu
-Ray Earley
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