23 May 2007
FARON YOUNG, TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS AGO: Faron played the Caravan East in El Paso, Texas, on May 23, 1979. The Country Deputies at the time were Ray Emmett, Richard Bass, Al Lewis, Leon Boulanger, and Cootie Wayne. Robyn Young was also on that tour. Throughout the years Faron traveled a ten-day circuit that ran from Texas up through Colorado, sometimes swinging through New Mexico and Arizona. Other clubs included the Longhorn Ballroom, Dancetown USA, Caravan, The Rising Sun, Mr. Lucky’s, and Spurs Supper Club. When my sister lived in Colorado Springs, we had the opportunity to see Faron at the Cow Palace there.
May 23 played a significant role in my past. I graduated from college on that day and, three years later, from officer candidate school with a commission as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.
LETTERS
Connie Johnson writes, “I just want to remind people they can pre order the book. I have already pre paid mine and as soon as it comes off the press I will have one. I am more than ready to read the book about the greatest entertainer, singer and friend I have ever known. He was my Daddy Cat. I gave him that name when I first met him back in 1971, and got to really know him over the years. He roared like a lion but when you got to know him and you were called his friend you knew he was gentle as a kitten. I count it an honor and blessing to have called him FRIEND for so many years. It is still so hard to believe the last time I left his home and said good bye, If I’d Only Known It Was The Last Time, I would never see him again. Our last conversation on the phone I will always remember. I cherish the years of friendship. He is ONE OF A KIND and will never be replaced.”
Pastor Keith Jenkins of Atlanta, Georgia, says, “Having just reached my 49th birthday my memories of Faron are from the late 60’s through the 80’s, but my appreciation of his music goes back to his earliest Capitol sides. To me, the cover just screamed ‘This is the one, the only, the legendary Faron Young!’ I hope I live long enough to get my hands around a copy – October is so far away!”
Debra from the UK says, “My late friend Glenn Sutton read your book and said how brilliant it was going to be. I’m looking forward to reading it.”
Betty Smith writes from Toledo, Ohio, “First thing I want to say hi again and let you know I can’t wait for your book to come out. Now next you know we have been friends of Faron over 35 years and love him like family. Great job, Diane, we’re behind you 110 percent.”