Author Archives: John Mathis Jr

Elvis, The Louisiana Hayride, Tillman Franks, Jimmy and Johnny, Country People Magazine, Country Johnny Mathis, Country Music, Hillbilly Music, Country Music History, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard Album Chart, Billboard Country Singles, BMI Awards, Grand Ole Opry

Tillman Franks 1976 Interview – Elvis, Jimmy & Johnny, Webb Pierce

Here is a 1976 interview with Tillman Franks that appeared in the British magazine ‘Country Music People’. Here’s a partial transcription of the interview on how Elvis came to the Louisiana Hayride, by Tillman Franks:

“Jimmy and Johnny had a song called “If You Don’t Somebody Else Will”. It was Jimmy Lee and Country Johnny Mathis, and they were tremendous entertainers. They were the only one, and as a matter of fact I was booking (them) at the time and I had got them on Chess Records.

Continue reading “Tillman Franks 1976 Interview – Elvis, Jimmy & Johnny, Webb Pierce” »

‘A Bluegrass Tribute To George Jones’ by Brad Davis

In December, GRAMMY Winner Brad Davis released a new 11 song project entitled ‘A Bluegrass Tribute To George Jones’. The new project also contains 2 songs written by ‘Country’ Johnny Mathis, “Let’s Go Home” and “Make Me One More Memory”.  Continue reading “‘A Bluegrass Tribute To George Jones’ by Brad Davis” »

Johnny’s Memoirs – A Boy Name Roy Orbison

“I forget who all was with us on that tour (to Canada), I never really bothered about the other artists, cuz I was too busy doing something probably something I wasn’t supposed to be doing. But I enjoyed the tours with Johnny Horton, made quite a few of them.

Then I played a date in San Antonio, Texas, somewhere back then, I remember Faron Young, Don Gibson, and there was a boy named Roy Orbison, if ever a man can sing it was Roy Orbison. And I enjoyed being at the show with Roy.”

Note about Johnny’s Memoirs: Prior to Johnny’s stroke in 1999, he had sat down at his typewriter and began to share stories about his life and music. We are sharing these excerpts in Johnny’s own words… just as he told them.

Johnny’s Memoirs – George Jones

“I was in Nashville for some reason (1964) and George Jones was doing a lot of my songs right then in his albums. George had a tour coming up and he wanted me to go with him for some reason, so shoot, I just hopped on the bus and went right along with him. Went up into Illinois, and Ohio, snow on the ground and I believe he and Dale Reeves were on the show and some more groups, at this one place. Continue reading “Johnny’s Memoirs – George Jones” »

Jerry Clower

Johnny was long time friends with Country comedian and entertainer, Jerry Clower. Jerry was always good for a one-liner, funny analogy or comment. Johnny married Jeannie McLain in 1968 and after the marriage, when Jerry would see Johnny together with Jeannie he would say, “that’s like a buffalo nickel married to a silver dollar!”

CD available: ‘Classic Country Music, Vol. 1′ – Country Johnny Mathis

The CD version of ‘Classic Country Music, Vol. 1′ by Country Johnny Mathis was made available today. This release of 12 Classic Country songs contains some recordings that have never been heard publicly before! The CD insert also contains full biographical information on the life of Country Johnny Mathis. It’s a great sounding and great looking piece to add to any Classic Country CD collection! Order the CD here: https://www.createspace.com/2200886

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