When Mildred Hanson received her Navy discharge and came home to the Hidewood Valley after World War II, she met a bachelor who had moved to the farm next door. John Diekman had been in the Army during the war. Mildred married him on Valentine’s Day 1947 and moved to the farm one-half mile east, where she spent the rest of her life. The number one song on the radio at the time was Ernest Tubb’s “Rainbow at Midnight,” and it became their song. As you listen to the words, I’d like you to think about two young World War II veterans starting their life together. ["Rainbow at Midnight" plays. ]

Their “home in the country” is still our home. And their “baby or two” was actually five. With all the risks inherent in being farmers, I can only marvel at how simple she made everything seem and how tough she really was. She put in many years of hard work, seldom talked about worries or fears, and baked many loaves of bread.

There was the time Dad broke his arm while cranking a tractor, and the neighbors pitched in to get the field work done. Kayo fell off the merry-go-round at age seven and spent over a month in the hospital in traction. Keith fell from the top of a grain bin and broke his leg. Ron broke an arm and a leg about the time Dad sliced his leg open with a saw, and Mom cared for her two injured men at the same time. I’m the only kid who didn’t spend time in a hospital; mumps and measles were enough for me. The major calamity was Kenny’s liver transplant. Mom flew to Portland when his surgery was scheduled, and she didn’t come home for almost two years, until Kenny was well enough to come home.

Mom believed things work out the way they’re supposed to, and there’s no point in worrying or grumbling. She and Dad instilled their values in their children, and raised us all to be independent, productive citizens. They supported us in whatever choices we made. Mom looked on the bright side. Her conversations often included “Nothing to complain about here” or “This is such a beautiful day.” I’ve tried in recent years to follow her example. Whenever I feel the urge to complain or criticize, I remember Mom’s patience, and it helps me hold back the critical words and speak positive ones instead.

One summer day in 1968, Kayo and I were sewing clothes for ourselves when Mom said, “While you girls are sewing, you might as well make me some maternity clothes.” What a shock that was. We bought a pattern and fabric and made her several dresses. Shortly before Thanksgiving, Dad called me at Augustana College to tell me Ronald John had been born.

The winter of 1968/69 was a rough one. Mom and Dad had four kids in four different schools–Kenny in our one-room school in the valley, Kayo in Clear Lake, Keith in Watertown, and me in Sioux Falls. Plus a brand new baby. Dad used a snowmobile to transport everybody to and from the valley when the roads were plugged with snow.

That winter might not have been as tough on Mom as the winter of 1953, when Kayo was born. Dad put Mom and preschoolers Keith and me in the car during a blizzard and pulled the car with a tractor several miles to the open road to get to the hospital. Dad always enjoyed telling that story, but Mom never had any comments about it.

When I decided to adopt April and Amanda, but didn’t know how to be a mother, I called Mom. She flew to Los Angeles to spend that first weekend with us. The night before Mom and I picked up the girls, she helped me finish the quilts I’d sewn for them. By the time she flew back home, we had made it through the awkward transition period.

In recent years, Mom enjoyed people-watching and playing slot machines in the area casinos. She would “take the long way” when she drove to Watertown, meaning a detour to the casino north of town. This February she fell and hit her head, but that didn’t stop her. After getting out of the hospital, she and Kayo and I spent a night at a casino and Mom played the slots for sixteen consecutive hours. She repeatedly said how much she’d enjoyed herself, being there with her daughters.

Then some unknown infection attacked her, and she was hospitalized again. We sent her to Avera McKennan Hospital last week in the hope the doctors would find and cure her infection. But they found a new problem. An artery was rupturing, and the damage could not be repaired. A doctor told us Mom had reached the end of her life. She was mostly unconscious, and we visited her Thursday night, not knowing how many days she had left.

She woke up early Friday morning and asked the nurse what day it was and what time it was. Her heart stopped shortly thereafter. Now she is with Dad “in the starry blue.” And Kenny is there with them.

Mom sometimes commented that she wanted to be buried in her dress blue Navy uniform. She was proud it still fit. The last time she wore it was at my retirement ceremony, when she was eighty. The admiral asked her to stand and model her uniform, and she proudly did a 3-60 in front of the crowd. Today she wears her blues for the final time.

From one sailor to another, Mom, I wish you fair winds and following seas.

SIOUX FALLS ARGUS LEADER 
Here’s a feature article about me in the Sunday newspaper: http://www.argusleader.com/article/20120422/LIFE/304220005/The-Navy-just-beginning?nclick_check=1

LETTERS
Jeff Chandler, back in Little Rock again, writes, “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed meeting and visiting with you at the Hall of Fame party. That afternoon was truly a blast from the past for me, and I was so happy it all came together so well. The book is wonderful…you are an amazing writer. Thank you for all you have done…and tell your lovely sister I said hello!!! Please keep in touch…and thanks again for writing a book about my life…oh, and Marty’s too!!!!”

Kenny Clark reports, “It was a wonderful day for Larry Hunt, he really enjoyed seeing the old gang again. Thanks for all you’ve done.”

Tom Barton says, “I just have to say that I was SOOOOO tempted to jump in the car Friday afternoon and drive to Nashville from the Dallas area to be there! I sure wanted to be! Unfortunately, I had another commitment on Friday night that I had to keep… I am so glad that it went well.”

Barbie Corwin writes, “I’ve been behind in reading my e-mail for a while, but the reply you put in the newsletter was just fine. Hank was in the hospital again this past week. They didn’t find anything new, so, especially, things are still the same – he’s still recovering from the back injury.”

Mike Johns says, “I really enjoyed this most recent newsletter. It really looks like you had a great time. Twentieth Century Drifter is terrific, in my opinion, it is your best work to date.”

Les Leverett writes from Nashivlle, “I would have loved being at the CMHofF for that one. My wife is not well, and I spend a lot of time taking care of her. I wish you much well deserved success on the new book.”

Jimmy TeGantvoort in my hometown says, “Great job Diane, looks like something you will always remember, and it looks you are the closest thing I will ever be to a Nashville star.”

Linda Elliott Clark writes from Washington D.C., “Thanks for your continual updates and hard work to keep the country music legends alive. Congratulations on your book release.”

Jody Nix in Big Spring, Texas, says, “Great reading and congratulations on your wonderful book.”

Terry Counts says, “Double dippity doggone…I missed all of this good stuff!!!! I honestly intended to be there for your accolades and the opening but I reckon the doctors had a different idea!! Looks and sounds like it was a ball….I miss all the fun…no fair! Dying to (well, not dying to) but eagerly await getting out and around and getting the new book…but not for a few weeks yet, dernit…heard it was a blast. As usual…accolades!”

Doris Pape says, “Great Letter Diane.  As soon as I spy the Marty book in Huntsville, I am going to get it.  Looks like you all had a good time. Isn’t Sunshine Carol a wonderful person. She kept us so informed about what Marty was up to. Keep up the good work.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
Hank Corwin replaced Skip Jackson as Faron’s steel player in 1975. He told me, “I had been working at Opryland Park and doing studio work. Skip called to say he was leaving Faron, and I wasn’t doing anything, so I took the job. It lasted 6-7 months. While working for Faron, I also was a staff musician. I did all the Nashville On the Road television shows.” Hank retired from the Opry as a staff musician at the end of 1999. He says, “If you work the road and club dates, you can do that all your life, and at the end all you get is Social Security. I went with Porter Wagoner because he was an Opry member and I knew that contributed to the pension plan.”

I’ve updated my website with a few photos and links to a radio interview and online book reviews: http://dianediekman.com/?page_id=7

LETTERS
Arie den Dulk writes from the Netherlands, “I finished reading your book and I loved it very much. Easy to read, well written. It was a wonderful experience watching Marty from the first row in Rotterdam, Holland.” He asks, “I wonder if you have any or do you know anyone who has souvenir program books of Saturday Night Grand Ole Opry of either Marty Robbins or Faron Young from the 1955 to 1964 period?” adendulk@gmail.com

Dennis Atkins in St. Paul, Minnesota, says, “I just finished reading this wonderful book. I have always been a fan of Marty Robbins, and to find out more of his personal side in this book was very revealing. I saw Marty perform at Reeds’ Ferry Ranch in Nashua, New Hampshire, back in the late 60s and had a great time. Thank you Diane for authoring two wonderful books. I have read your bio on Faron Young, and now Marty Robbins. I hope your next one will be as enjoyable as these last two have been. I hope all country music fans will read these two books about these two great singers.”

Chris Pierce writes, “I hope the book sells well. Marty was a dear friend and if I’d not been here in Ireland for Holy Week I’d have been present with you all on Saturday. Jim Glaser and Jeff Chandler were quite pleased with the way things went. Haven’t spoken to Joe Babcock but he looked as happy as a cat with a bowl of cream in the photographs. Doesn’t seem possible that it’s almost 30 years since Marty died. A writer known for indepth profiles of celebrity types in the 70s and 80s travelled with Marty and the band for most of a month. Since he was a freelancer his work usually went to the highest bidder. In Marty’s case, Penthouse made the high bid. When the article went to print Marty was terrified that Marizona would find out. He made me swear to never tell her. It would have been a difficult day if Marizona or any of the ladies in the office had found the magazine while he was alive. I bought the magazine for him so he could see what the article looked as published. No one thought twice about a male college student making such a purchase. Believe it or not the article being published by Penthouse caused quite a stir 30 years ago in Nashville.”

Tom Kaufman in Denton, Maryland, says, “I still am enjoying your newsletters and am wondering if you know of any plans for the Marty book to be made available to NLS? I think it would be wonderful for us who are blind or visually impaired to be able to read what I’m sure is a fine book. Thanks…and keep up the good work.”

Response: NLS decides which books to do. I suggest contacting them and requesting Marty’s book. Having readers ask for it would be the best way to get attention.

Roy Keith Trawick writes on Facebook, “I was just reading that chapter in your book on Faron Young where he is sued by that nasty Catlett family for his spanking of their feral daughter. I got soooo angry at the sloppy journalism and the misrepresentation of the facts….Almost any performer would know what to do today…but back then we just believed in the best in people. Ha!! A gripping read!”

Mike O’Neill writes from Nashville, “Great interview with Eddie Stubbs. You sounded very warm and friendly with great information on your Book.”

Barbie Corwin sends this update on her husband, “Hank had a fall on March 5 & was taken to the hospital. He has a fracture in his pelvic bone. They felt that his irregular heart rhythm had caused the fall, so a pacemaker-defibullator was installed. We have hopes of bringing him home today. He is still in pain with his back, but they feel that it will heal without surgery. I’ll let you know how he’s doing later in his recovery.”

Don Powell writes, “Yesterday was my birthday and my daughter Ronda (Phyllis’s daughter) gave me a copy of Faron’s book and Marty’s book. I could not have received a better present. She also bought her a copy and has already read every page that had anything about her mom in it. All our kids hung around Faron’s building and was friends with everyone who had offices there…Faron called them little curtain apes. Ronda said the book is bringing back so many memories. My son Justin (Phyllis’s son) always hung around with Tommy Jennings, and Waylon, Billy Strange, Roger Miller and a bunch of the artists with offices there. Faron had a baby blue Continental and it was his pride and joy…one day Waylon sent Justin over to the grocery store to get boxes of Cheerios that had little stickers inside that looked like B-B holes. These guys put those stickers all over Faron’s car and it looked like someone had shot holes in his windshield and all over the door…they all hid and when Faron came out and saw his car…he just threw a fit and was cussing and then the guys came out from hiding and he knew what had happened. Waylon started telling Faron it was Justin that did it…Justin was 16, and said what am I supposed to do…Waylon said you better start running, so he took off around the building.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
I met Larry Hunt and Buddy Rogers for the first time at the CMHOF event on 31 March. Buddy was Marty’s drummer in 1967-68, and Larry played electric bass from 1970 until Marty’s death. Buddy told me, “We never had to wear anything that had lightning streaks up and down the sleeves or pant legs. With rhinestones or sequins. At one time we had custom made suits at one of the finest clothiers for men in Nashville. Other times we wore jeans and a western shirt and roughout boots. We never had to wear that crazy, wild, slithery stuff, and I really appreciated that.” Buddy left Marty when he opened a music store and started doing the early morning Eddy Hill TV show. Both Buddy and Larry live in the Nashville area.

Larry Hunt is behind me, in the black shirt, with Buddy next to him and directly behind Jim Glaser.

MARTY ROBBINS BOOK RELEASE EVENTS
Saturday, March 31– 12:30 at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. I will briefly talk about Twentieth Century Drifter, and Joe Babcock is organizing the music show. In addition to him and Jim Glaser and Ronny Robbins, we are expecting to see Bobby Braddock, Jeff Chandler, Okie Jones, Earl White, and Buddy Rogers, plus others. The show will be followed by a book signing at 2:00.

Wednesday, March 28 — I will be a guest on the Eddie Stubbs show on WSM Radio at 8:00 PM.

On Saturday, March 17, Marty Robbins music played all afternoon at A SHOT OF JAVA in Glendale, Arizona. I talked briefly about Marty’s birthplace and childhood. Quite a few people acquired copies ofTwentieth Century Drifter. Thanks to Lisa Dowd for hosting us, Jo Wenger and Tom Robinson for setting up the event, and Lloyd Lovato for providing the music. And thanks to everyone who came. Welcome to the new subscribers to this newsletter.

LETTERS
John Morris writes from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, “It is sure great to get your news letter again. Thanks to Maurice I got to look at the new CD set with 8 classic albums by Faron. It is the same Capitol material packaged again. I sure wish Bear Family would do a Mercury set or maybe Hux could do more Mercury titles like Some Kind Of A Woman and A Man And His Music. They might think of doing all the Mercury material and then they could do some Charlie Louvin albums. Now that would be great. Keep up the great work and all the best.”

Jack McDougall says, “Looking forward to your book on Marty Robbins. I really enjoyed the Faron Young life story it was very well written. I would very much like to see a book about Webb Pierce as he was so much involved with both Faron Young and Marty Robbins and he has been so neglected over the years considering he was the top country singer in the fifties. Thank you again for the opportunité of reading these books of two of my favourite country singers.”

Mona Vanek says, “Thanks for another interesting newsletter. I’m reading and thoroughly enjoying your fine book. Even though our friendship makes me biased towards you, I’m proud to say, ‘Congratulations, Marty Robbins biography is exceptionally well written.’ ”

Edie Aderhold writes, “Thanks so much for your quick reply to me about your Marty Robbins biography. Can hardly wait to get it & start reading. I’ve already warned my hubby so he can get his meals elsewhere. I will probably hold the book in one hand & cook with the other one. That’s kinda what I did when I was reading the Faron Young biography. Thanks again for your good books.”

Tom Barton says, “I reread bits and pieces of the book each day or so… Today, I ran across the piece about Marty and Bob Hinkle doing the movie Country Music. I got to see the movie when it ran in theaters and have often watched to see if it might get re-released on DVD. Actually, if Hinkle has access to the original film/tapes, it would be great to see Marty do his entire Opry show. I had the privilege of seeing him on the Opry several times…he was always electrifying in that venue. The one that stands out the most, though, was the night when he first sang ‘El Paso City.’ I had not heard it before, and I remember his voice just soaring through the Opry House. The crowd just roared.”

Mike Johns says, “I read your recent newsletter and I am glad to see you have had terrific responses from Nashville and fans alike. Looks like you have put together a busy schedule for the book and I am happy for you. You deserve it. I am a huge fan of Jim Glaser and his brothers. Wish I could be there to meet him. Good luck and have fun. My book order will be in the mail tomorrow, can’t wait to read it.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
I’ll make an exception in this sidebar by talking about a sideman who is no longer alive. Bill Johnson played steel guitar with Marty Robbins for most of the period from 1960 through 1974. I gave Bill a dedication in Twentieth Century Drifter because he’d been such a great help in my early research. This 2008 photo was recently sent to me by his friend, Regina Broach. Bill moved from Nashville to Alabama to care for his ailing mother, shortly before I first contacted him, and he unexpectedly died there in 2009.

Saturday, March 31– 12:30 at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. I will talk about and read from Twentieth Century Drifter. Joe Babcock is organizing music by several of Marty’s band members. Jim Glaser and Ronny Robbins are expected to be there. The show will be followed by a book signing at 2:00.

Wednesday, March 28 — I will be a guest on the Eddie Stubbs show on WSM Radio at 8:00 PM.

Saturday, March 17 – 1:00 PM at A SHOT OF JAVA on Marty Robbins Plaza at 7003 N 58th Avenue in Glendale, Arizona. I will talk about and read from Twentieth Century Drifter. The event includes live music and a book signing.

LETTERS
Alice Mackenzie reports, “I got my copy of Marty’s book yesterday. I stayed up all night reading it. You did a grand job. Give yourself a big pat on the back, and thanks for writing about Marty. There are many country singers, but, Marty was the best.”

Damian Johnstone in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, says, “I’m so thrilled that you have written that biography Diane. I have it on order. I’m really looking forward to reading it. I loved your Faron Young bio. I will always remember seeing Marty live on stage in Melbourne, Australia, in 1977. He put on an unbelievable show then stayed behind backstage signing autographs and posing for photos (and having fun with us fans while he did so) for two hours after the show. He only left when the last autograph had been signed and the last photo had been taken. As you well know, it’s little wonder then that he had a legion of fans all over the world. We will never see his like again!”

Edith Aderhold writes, “I am very much a fan of your newsletter; enjoyed your Faron Young book immensely & am looking forward to your Marty Robbins book. The one on Faron is autographed by you. That meant a lot to me because you worked so hard doing all your research, etc. Please autograph the Marty book. I am so anxious to order and get mine.”

Maheen Wickramasinghe in Canada says, “What a joy to be writing you after such a long, long time. I certainly hope you are keeping well and I’m excited about your Marty Robbins book. As you know, like John, I am blind and I wonder whether you plan to put Marty’s book in audio? That will be so exciting. I love your newsletters.”

Michael Lazorko of WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh sends this note: “I had to write you personally, after spotting you on the Quonset Hut Facebook page. I too, loved the Faron Young book you wrote a few years ago, and also enjoyed your appearance on Bill Anderson’s old XM show promoting it. Great work about a great star, and I applaud you for such an effort. I recall I read it in one sitting, it was so good! I might add that I have the Robbins book on order. I’m sure Ill enjoy it as much.” He adds, “Since I first wrote you, I did get the Marty Robbins book, and as I expected, it was great! One last thing….I read where you had considered writing a biography of Carl Smith, but shelved the idea. I hope you might reconsider. There is so very little information on his life, that I would welcome such a book! Perhaps there might not be a market for such an endeavor, but I’d like to believe there are enough of us interested in the history of country music that such a book is needed on his life.”

Kathy Baucom Baker writes from Kansas, “Just received my book in the mail. I was happy that you used so many of my photos. Can’t wait to read it, I’ll let you know when I’m done.” She adds, “Finished the book Saturday morning. KUDOS Diane! I really enjoyed it – you did an amazing job!”

Tom Barton writes from Texas, “One of the greatest joys in growing up was listening to Marty on the Opry. I so wish I had had a tape recorder going a lot of nights — he would just whip into whatever song was on his mind and just do it so effortlessly. If you have heard the commercial CD with alternative takes from the Opry, I was amazed at that version of ‘Ribbon of Darkness.’ I was listening the night he sang that the first time, and one of my friends and I talked about it at school on Monday — we were both just awestruck. Then, to hear it again on CD a few years ago was almost overwhelming. Like so many others, I grew to believe that Marty was bigger than life — and then he died. He had been a pal and hero during my growing up years and I was devastated to think there would be no more of him. That was truly the day the music died for me. Thanks again for your hard work on the biography. I think you have made a lot of fans very happy.”

Mona Vanek says, “Neat newsletter, Diane. My book should arrive any day. I’m so excited! Art’s looking forward to reading it, too. We may have to flip a coin.”

Doris Pape writes, “Good update, Diane. Keep up the good work about two of the great stars of country music. Marty always seemed to enjoy whatever he was doing, maybe twisting up the lyrics of a song he was singing or making some of the funny faces he was so good at, or telling us when he was going to get to the falsetto part of the song. ‘Here it comes, here it comes,’ he would tell us. He was such a delightful entertainer. One time my friend and I were at his show in Huntsville, AL, and we followed his bus to the motel where we saw Don Winters out by the pool and asked him where Marty was. Pretty soon that sweet man came out to talk to us and I told him I sure would like a kiss….guess what! I got it. He really was a good person as well as a great entertainer. When he died, it was like a loss in the family. So sad, so young.”

Catherine Hiscox in England says, “Read Live Fast. Wow what a great book. Just got computer and been watching the great Faron on You tube! He had such a great talent and you were privileged to meet him. I have most of his CDs. I just love Hank Williams and Faron Young. God bless you.”

Maurice Bowers says, “I see John Morris from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, is asking about the 8 album set on 4 Cds. They are available on Amazon.co.uk imported from Moviemars USA in the States.”

Andy Williford, one of Faron’s boyhood friends, recalls, “Wow does that picture bring back memories. I was born at 83rd St and Linwood Ave. I think I told you that our science teacher in high school took me, our head cheerleader and Faron to the principal’s office for misbehaving in class and during the lecture the principal looked at the head cheerleader and said, ‘Bobby, you are supposed to be setting an example, Andy you are too bright a kid to not apply yourself to your studies, and Faron, the way you are going, you will not amount to anything.’  Faron later drove to the school in his new blue Cadillac and went in to visit with the principal. I laugh every time I think about that day. Happy birthday, my good friend.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
Ron Knuth and Ernie Reed provided twin fiddles with Faron’s Country Deputies in 1974; Ron gave his notice to Faron the same day Dicky Overbey gave notice to his boss that they were going to play for Hank Williams Jr. Ron says Faron didn’t like that. On Pop Goes the Country that day, Faron announced he was letting one of his fiddle players go, due to budget reasons. Ron’s email to me last week says, “Here is a pic of Faron back in the 70s. Don’t keep in touch with any of the Deputys from that time. I hope they’re all doing well. I am still in Texas and still playing some dates with Johnny Bush and Darrell McCall. So hello to all the guys see you somewhere down the road.”

Saturday, March 17 – “A Shot of Java” in Marty Robbins Plaza at 7003 N 58th Avenue in Glendale, Arizona. Plans are for a Marty Robbins tribute band to perform. Details later.

FARON YOUNG’S 80TH BIRTHDAY
Faron Young was born in a little two-bedroom rental house in Shreveport, Louisiana, on February 25, 1932. Here’s the empty lot where the house used to be, and a photo of Faron at six months old. Faron would be eighty years old on Saturday. We miss him.

LETTERS
Tom Barton is the first to report on my new book: “I want so much to thank you for writing the book! You did a superb job — and that is not just flattery…I also write professionally. My undergraduate degree was in Journalism. There are probably many people who profess to be Marty’s biggest fan, and I am one of them. Listening to him on the Opry over the radio was always thrilling, and nothing has been the same since he died. He seemed to know how to wrest every bit of fun and excitement from every minute. But, it always amazed me how far he went in life…Wonderful job!” He adds, “OK, I just HAD to stay up and finish the book! When Marty was in the process of dying, I, like so many others, was just grieving. I, too, called his office a few times to see if there was any improvement. Once, Jim Farmer answered the phone. Another time, Janet — Marty’s daughter, did. She was very pleasant, although I am sure she wanted to be doing anything but answering the phone at a time like that.”

John Morris writes from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, “It has been so long you have probably forgotten me. I got married in May and have had lots of problems with my internet and have had to change my email address. Could you please put me back on the mailing list and how can I find the letters I have missed? Also do you know of a new 4 cd set on Faron called Eight Classic Albums on 4 cds. I can’t remember the label. I hope to hear from you soon and it will be so great to get the newsletters again.”
Response: John, it’s good to have you back on the list and I wondered what had happened to you. I can’t answer your question about the 4-CD set. Perhaps one of our readers can.

Steve Clark in Fort Mill, South Carolina, says, “Add one sale to your list. I got the Amazon pre-order this morning and have ordered Twentieth Century Drifter. Look forward to reading.”

Rosemary Frisbee writes, “I would like to receive your newsletter. I am a Marty fan and looking forward to the new book.”

Linda Elliott Clark says, “Thanks for your continual updates.  You do a lot of hard work to keep everyone informed. I know others appreciate it like I do.  Keeps me in touch with bygone years.”

A reader in the U.K. requests, “Could you ask if anyone has any video or audio of Marty from Feb 65 to May 66 please? I’m willing to pay for it.” The email address is debra_from_uk@yahoo.com.

Alice Mackenzie writes from Massachusetts, “Great to hear from you as always. I am so looking forward to your book about Marty. Do you know where I will be able to buy it? On Amazon? As I live in mass I doubt if any of the book stores in this area will carry it. All the best with the book and for the future and thanks for writing about Marty.”

Berna Van Buskirk says, “I want to update my email information so that I continue to get updates about your book on Marty Robbins. I have the book you wrote on Faron and loved it! I can’t wait to order the one on Marty once I know it is out. Thanks and keep up the good work!”

Andrew Means, who wrote Marty’s sister’s book, writes from Arizona, “Congratulations on publication. Best of luck for the book launch.”

Jean Earle sends this note from Great Britain: “Once again we are approaching the anniversary of Faron’s birthday. One year we shared the happy occasion with Faron while he was on tour in England. He was on stage at the Rainbow Theater in London…..and they came on to present him with a beautiful cake while the audience sang Happy Birthday. Great evening, and afterwards Faron gave us the cake and we said we would raffle it to raise money for his favourite charity…A few evenings later while enjoying a Country show with Frank Jennings and his band, we held a successful raffle and were able to send a contribution to the Heart Foundation. I still very much miss Faron…thank goodness for his lovely recordings.” She adds, “We are very happy for you, re. the release of Marty’s long awaited book. We will be thinking of you on March 31st…good luck, hope it’s a wonderful day. I was pleased to read the good news of Alana’s Grandfather….the family have had a worrying time. Please send our best wishes for his continuing recovery.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
Al Lewis was the steel player for the Country Deputies from New Year’s Eve in 1975 until New Year’s Eve 1979. He left the band to go to welding school. Al says Faron “was reliable as far as what he told you told you. He had a bus that was built for band comfort, as opposed to impressing fans when they came back to his suite. Checks were always there. We didn’t have to worry we were going to disband for a couple months until business picked up.” Here’s a photo of Al when I saw Faron and the Deputies in Oklahoma City on St. Patrick’s Day 1977.

Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/76csn8nh9780252036323.html

Live Fast, Love Hard: The Faron Young Story http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/68xan8qq9780252032486.html

MARTY ROBBINS BOOK RELEASE EVENT
The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville has confirmed Saturday, March 31st at 12:30 as the time and location to celebrate the release of Twentieth Century Drifter. No details yet on what we’ll actually be doing. I’ll keep everyone posted.

MARTY ROBBINS IN THE SEVENTH GRADE
Martin David Robinson and his twin sister, Mamie, attended Peoria Elementary School in Peoria, Arizona, from third grade until almost the end of seventh grade. Martin’s school transcript for that last year shows marks of 5 in arithmetic and spelling, 4 in English, writing, geography, history, art, and health, and 3 in music, science, and physical education. He was disenrolled on January 24, 1938. That would have been when his mother finally left his abusive father and moved with her children back to Glendale.

LETTERS
Alana Young sends her last update on Robert Macon (Jan 6): “Grandpa saw his surgeon today. The surgeon was amazed at how well he looked and how well his incisions were healing. He said that they caught his colon blockage just in time before it burst. So, it is the surgeon’s opinion that they got all of the cancer.  Hallelujah!  Grandpa is still progressing with his physical therapy at home.  As an ex military man, he has made his own charts as to when to take vitamins, medications, do his exercises, etc., and he follows it daily.  Hopefully, with his drive, we’ll have him around for a long time to come! I have to say – most of you also prayed for my Mom in 2010 when she got meningitis. You have proved to be one of the best collections of good luck charms I could know! God Bless All of You in 2012! This should do it for updates.  Thanks again to all of you who have reached out!  It means SO much!”

Wanda Anderson in  Nashville, Tennessee, says, “I am so happy to hear about Robert Macon, I worked with him as a volunteer at the CMHOF and he was great to work with. He is a GENUINE COUNTRY MUSIC LOVER and why not with his background of  Uncle Dave? In addition to being father-in-law to Faron Young. My family was from Cannon County and knew Uncle Dave well, long before I was ever born and they moved to Texas. I am so glad about his returning health.”

June Bourke writes from New Zealand, “Just thought I would catch up with you 2012, happy new year to you. I looked back and found that I have been recieving your newsy e mails since Jan 2010. I thoroughly enjoy reading the stories about Marty and Faron very much. It makes me wish we were doing another trip there this year, but I hope we will be looking at that again for 2013. Thank you so much for such an interesting look at these great enterainers, I am still hoping to purchase a book from you or even more in due course. I hope this year is kind to you and all who are linked with this great feat you are doing.”

Jon Logan says, “Thanks for the update and the photo of Stu, a major contributor to the world of steel guitar!”

Ralph Larson writes from San Antonio, Texas, “Thank you for sending the story and link to ‘Ain’t I Right.’ I remember those times and I understand why this song would not be released. But Merle Haggard had a similar song in ‘Muskogee’ released a few years later to great success, and I cannot but wonder if Marty would have had a hit with ‘Ain’t I Right’ had his producer been more courageous. Looking forward to reading Twentieth Century Drifter.”

Mike Johns in Ft. Worth, Texas, writes, “I have recently read your book The Faron Young Story, conducting research for a book I am currently writing. You have detailed Faron’s time in the army very well. My book is about my cousin, who travelled with Faron during the Circle A days. . . . I am very interested in reading your Marty Robbins book this year. I have been a fan of his for my entire life. He was my favorite race car driver.”

Ronny Robbins says, “Just thought you’d like to know, the reason that Bobby sounded like Marty was because it ‘was’ Marty. They only claimed it was Bobby to keep CBS off of Daddy’s back.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
Steel guitarist Dicky Overbey “went to work for Faron by accident,” he says. He had travelled from Tulsa to Nashville, “taking a couple songs to George Jones to record. Darrell McCall helped me do the demos for the George Jones session, and I’d never played a 10-string steel guitar, so I was down at Sho-Bud playing a Sho-Bud. Of course, I was playing Faron’s songs, because he had more steel on his records than anybody at that time. I looked up and Faron was standing in front of me. Shot Jackson knew that Ben Keith had quit the week before, and he’d called Faron and said, ‘I don’t know if you found a steel player yet, but there’s one sitting down here playing all your songs.’ I just looked up and there he was.” Dicky stayed with Faron from 1963-66. He now lives in Texas and makes beautiful music with other artists on Heart of Texas Records. Here’s a sample: http://youtu.be/LRxuCR5gTqw

LETTERS
Dixie Grass says, “Thanks for the newsletter once again, Diane. I always look forward to it. What a tragedy these two great singers are gone. I’m anxiously awaiting your book on Marty. My husband and I both enjoyed the book on Faron and learned so much about him from you. I record old shows on tv that feature them – Porter’s old show especially. Faron was one of the biggest jokesters there was. Like you – I just wanted to hear them sing!! Their music lives on and it’s so nice to see the younger folks enjoying their songs. What voices they had.”

Mona Vanek writes from the Northwest, “I hope your heart is at peace at the loss of these two special people. Both must be smiling, and may be dedicating songs to you, wherever they’ve gone.”

Alana Young says, “Hip-Hip Hooray! Thanks a million prayer warriors! My Grandpa, Robert Macon, will be delivered to his home tomorrow [December 30] by the Bethany rehab center ‘peeps’. He has passed all of his tests to be on his own. He just has to promise to use a walker for at least a week. He has a list of PT exercises to do daily. He will be getting some help here and there that will come in, and people will come that will dress his wound still and take blood, etc. They have still just not managed to get his blood right with the thinners and such they have had him on. He has done SO well though.  Once he was able to regain some strength and see some improvement, he was really gung-ho about getting better and getting back home.”

R. Gene Baxter writes about his parents visiting Marty Robbins: “They just called and he told them he’d be working, and to come on. Mom and Dad once took him to the Rio Palm Isle in Longview, Texas, to perform, but they sat in the car, as mother did not want her clothes to smell like ‘barroom smoke,’ and they didn’t drink. Mom was a singer, a mezzo-soprano, and she didn’t like smokey rooms. She and some women travelled all over to see Marty perform, and she would take him grapes (which he loved) that she had picked out to be very pretty and sweet. He was so nice to my parents, and I will always appreciate his sweet graciousness to them. My brother, Jerry, and I went with Dad and mother to Nashville that trip when we stayed up all night with him at the radio station. I have such great memories, and also, Dad has some great photos. I MUST get a copy of your book. I can’t wait!”

Doris Pape, who introduces herself as a “member of Marty’s Army in Huntsville, AL,” asks, “Will you please add me to your email list?”

Arie den Dulk sends a copy of onlinecountryuk, in which Jim Marshall says, “Following on from her highly-praised book in Faron Young, writer Diane Diekman has recently completed an exhaustive biography on another of country music’s most popular and much-loved performers, Marty Robbins. It’s scheduled for publication by the University of Illinois Press in March 2012, but, from a pre-publication copy I’ve recently received, I can tell you that it is just as thoroughly researched and instantly readable as the Faron Young book.”

Madeleine and Okie Jones say, “Always enjoy your updates on news relating to the book on Marty, band members and friends. Sorry to hear about Jack Pruett passing away.”

Bobby Braddock writes, “Sorry to hear about Jack Pruett. I enjoyed watching the video of ‘I Can’t Quit’ which I always loved.”

Craig Johnson writes from Ivy, VA, “Thank you Captain for your updates. I enjoy reading them. As a hobby, I collect used vinyl records, traveling across the country as I do each week in my job. It keeps me out of bars, that’s for sure. I’ve been able to pick up many of Marty’s albums this year and marvel at the body of work he did. I frequently go to YouTube to play his TV studio performances of ‘El Paso,’ liking especially when he sings the ‘lost verse’ that didn’t make it on most of his albums. I’m forwarding this email to my mentor here in Charlottesville who grew up a Bob Wills fan in Altus, OK. Merry Christmas and keep up the good work.”

Jon Philbert says, “COUNTRY MUSIC PEOPLE columnist David Allan gave a nice plug to your Marty book in the December edition of the magazine.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
When steel guitarist Stu Basore was asked in 1990 to join Faron Young’s Country Deputies, he told his wife, “I don’t know if I want to do that. I haven’t been on the road in years.”  She reminded him he’d always liked Faron.  He didn’t regret the decision. “It was really one of the most fun times of my life,” Stu said in 2000, when he came to my first Country Deputy reunion. “That was a fun gig. The Sheriff is who he is. He’d get on the stage, and I’d set there and get cold chills, because–goddamn–he sang.” When we put the band together in 2007 for the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, Stu provided the steel guitar sound.

Stu Basore, Skip Jackson, Hank Singer, Robyn Young at Country Deputy reunion, Jan 7, 2000

JACK PRUETT
It’s late breaking news that Jack Pruett, lead guitar player for Marty Robbins from 1956 until Marty’s death, died this past weekend. He worked with David Houston from 1970-73, until Marty recovered from heart surgery and put his band back together. I don’t have the details yet about Jack’s death. Here’s a glimpse of Jack and his guitar on one of my favorite Marty Robbins songs, “I Can’t Quit”: http://www.youtube.com/embed/TId2u8DunF0

LETTERS
Alana Young sends this update on her grandfather, Robert Macon, after his surgery for colon cancer: “Grandpa is eating fairly well, so they took him off of the liquid food today. They want him eating, getting lots of protein and digesting food. They also removed the heart monitor today, so he will have more freedom  . . .They plan to move him to a rehab/nursing home. We are still waiting to see which one he goes to……either Bethany near Old Hickory & Nolensville roads OR the one in Burton Hills in Green Hills. There has still been no talk whatsoever of what to expect as far as his ability to take treatments to fight the cancer.”

A YouTube viewer named Maddie says, “Just reading Faron’s book right now….Excellent, all his fans should read this book…..So many things written in this book brought back memories, I too married at 16, and soon became overwhelmed by a husband who drank whenever he had a chance….different personality would come out, and then he was like a total stranger to me. Faron had a great gift with that voice….but I give Hilda my best wishes for her stamina…..through those many years…you love someone and you forgive, and forgive….Thank you for the book….”

Roy Bateman writes, “Thanks for the newsletter, always welcome. Further to the Frank Jennings write up, it may interest your readers to know that when Faron was doing a show in London, Frank Jennings got up on stage and they sang a duet together. It’s often said that Jennings was a great admirer of Faron and copied his style to a degree. I remember taking a photo of the two together after the show. Good Luck with the Marty Book.”

Hermann Lammers Meyer sends this note from Germany: “Thanks for the Faron Young Info. Cool. And very informative for me. Guitar player Pete Wade, who plays on my albums, told me a few Faron Stories. Here like to send you a song that I recorded, that I learned from an old Faron Young TV show. All best from Germany… danke schön for your time.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
Haskel McCormick worked with Marty Robbins for the year of 1974, the only time Marty had a banjo in his band. “A verbal agreement between me and him for one year,” Haskel told me. “He did about 51 shows that year. He flew us wherever we went; it was like a paid vacation to me. He took a fiddle and banjo that year. He said he wanted to change the sound of his music just a little bit.” Twenty years earlier, Marty had taken the McCormick Brothers with him on a weeklong Canadian tour. I met Haskel at the Marty Robbins band reunion in 2009. He still lives in Nashville.

Marty Robbins band reunion in July 2009, with Jack Pruett and his date, plus Joe Babcock, Earl White, and Haskel McCormick

 Darrell McCall, Ray Emmett, Jerry “Cootie” Hunley – 10 November 2007

LETTERS
Marty Martel writes, “Please keep in your thoughts and prayers our dear friend David McCormick (E T Record Shops). David was taken to the hospital for observation this past Saturday night. He is one of my dearest friends, and one of country music’s greatest supporters, and I ask you to say a prayer that his Drs. will take of David’s health issue and give him a speedy recovery.”

Anna Jane Grossman sends this update on her sister, Leila Grossman: “I just wanted to send out a note to thank you for the outpouring of care and concern. . . . Thanks to all who’ve given time, food, childcare, money, and love. Leila is doing well and is getting back to work. . . . There will be two more surgeries next year to complete reconstruction. She is fatigued, but optimistic and relieved. She says she feels that this ordeal is helping her to reevaluate her life: where she puts her time, what she focuses on, and how to maintain a good balance between single motherhood and work, and reduce stress.”

Nobuhiko Ogino, a new Facebook friend, writes from Japan, “I read Live Fast, Love Hard. The book is my treasure. Please write how Grady Martin contributed to Marty Robbins to your next book!!”

Mona Vanek, a fellow writer, says, “Awesome progress. I really look forward not only to having my own copy, but also to recommending it to the regional libraries. Have you a schedule of reviewers yet? When publication nears, I’ll begin touting Twentieth Century Drifter: The Life of Marty Robbins in my newspaper, along with Faron.”

Jane Key Seymore writes, “Marty Robbins was a great entertainer and the best singer ever. He was my dad’s favorite singer and daddy could sing country music so he knew what was good. My dad went to Heaven on January 16, 2011 and I am sure they are making beautiful music and reminiscing about old times. Please add me to your newsletter.”

Frank Jennings sends this news from Great Britain: “I’m not showing off, just absolutely thrilled skinny and wanted to share my joy with you. It means such a lot to me.” The article, titled BRITISH VETERAN FRANK JENNINGS STORMS IN AT NUMBER 1 says, “With an extremely high rating British singer Frank Jennings sweeps to the top of the Hotdisc chart from nowhere to land his first number 1. The veteran Brit who came to fame in the late 1970s . . . early in 2011 he recorded a new album from which his first single, ‘Three Days’, reached the Top 5 in the main Hotdisc chart and number 1 in the British & Irish Top 10. But now he goes one better with a debut on both listings with the old Billy Walker hit, ‘Matamoros.’”

Andy Williford says on November 2, “Faron’s 60th High School Reunion was held this past weekend at The East Ridge Country Club. Most all of his lifelong friends were there.”

Jody Nix writes from Big Spring, Texas, “Thanks for including my CD in your newsletter. I can’t wait for Marty’s book. Be sure and tune in to the radio show this Sunday night, I have a Marty song for you.”

SIDEMAN SIDEBAR
Leon Sutton replaced Odell Martin in 1964 as lead guitar player for Faron Young’s Country Deputies. He stayed until 1967 and was with Faron and the band for three movies: Road to Nashville, Nashville Rebel, and What Am I Bid?  He was known as “Wahoo,” a nickname given him by Ferlin Huskey. I met Leon and his family at the book release party in 2007. They lived in Bartow, Florida, and he was recovering from health problems. I was so pleased he felt well enough to come to Nashville and meet up with the other Deputies.

Diane Diekman and Leon Sutton