Billy Barksdale was a family man and the hardest worker I've ever heard of: if he wasn't delivering Dr. Peppers all over Northeast Alabama, he was selling encyclopedias door-to-door. In the rest of his spare time, he was playing music in a dance hall, at a radio station, or in a living room. Billy Barksdale, my grandfather, was especially a musician: that's how he came to be in Ira Louvin's band. I describe my grandfather's tragic connection to Ira Louvin in the piece "Billy Barksdale: The History". In "Billy Barksdale: The Music" are recordings of some of his own compositions and other country songs that he performed with many talented musicians who are listed in the credits for that piece.
My grandfather has been included in several history books about The Louvin Brothers. Unfortunately, my grandfather has been misrepresented and some important details about him were either wrong or missing. I hope this project begins to set the record right and does justice to the enduring memories of all who knew and continue to admire the talented Billy Barksdale.
credits
released July 18, 2015
Danny Barksdale, Narration, Production, Engineering
Tom Stiles, Final Mix and Master
Production made possible through the Artist Residency Programs at Jack Straw Cultural Center in Seattle, WA.
A huge thanks to all the gracious interviewees:
Terry Barksdale
Charles Beshears
Johnny Whitley
Weed Roberts
Billy McMinn
Jack Barksdale
Maxine Moses
Shirley Tomlin
and thanks to my wonderful father Steve Barksdale who is a constant supporter and inspiration: this project is dedicated to you!
Nicolette Hoang's velvety vocals are the finishing touch on this pitch-perfect update on outlaw country with a touch of 60s glam. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 27, 2024
Former frontman of punk band Roidz has crafted a richly layered contemporary pop record exploring the world of lives lived on the fringe. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 7, 2023
The classic sound of country music comes to life on the new one from Florry: boot-stomping rhythms, swinging guitars, and weeping lap steel. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 20, 2023