ANOTHER MUSIC LEGEND ENTERS HEAVEN'S GATES
BEN JOSEPH PETERS, who was
a Grammy Award winner and International Music Songwriter Hall Of Fame member, died Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at Nashville's
St. Thomas Hospital of complications from pneumonia. PETERS was 71.
PETERS was born in Hollandale,
Mississippi. BEN started playing with bands when he was only fourteen years old. BEN graduated from the University of Southern
Mississippi and served four years in the navy. In 1966, Ben left Mississippi to go to the country music capitol of the world
- Nashville, Tennessee. BEN's first #1 tune came in 1967 with EDDY ARNOLD's Turn the World Around. In 1970, Ben started
his own production company, BEN PETERS Music. BEN became one of the most successful songwriters of the 1970s with many chart-toppers
for CHARLEY PRIDE, including More to Me, It's Gonna Take a Little Bit Longer and the 1972 Grammy award winner,
Kiss an Angel Good Morning.
By 1973, he had earned the
Best Male Country Writer, by Billboard magazine. That same year, BRENDA LEE scored with I Can't Believe That It's Over.
Then in 1975, BEN was named Songwriter of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association and was inducted into the Nashville
Association International Hall of Fame in 1980.
PETERS' 1975 smash, Before
the Teardrop Falls, by FREDDY FENDER, was Music Operators of America's Record of the Year in juke Boxes and Record World
magazine. BEN has written over 1,000 songs that are known in the United States and in Europe. PETERS has enjoyed international
successes with Everything to Me, and RONNIE BENJAMIN's I Wanna Wake Up With You from his Reggae Fever
CD. Both these songs were number one hits in England and eventually hit the charts in Australia. BEN PETERS' songs have been
played on radio more than thirteen million times, and some of his tunes have been movie stars. BEN's songs have been recorded
by over 150 different artists in the United States and abroad.
BEN composed 14 number one
hit tunes and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980. PETERS' #1 hits are timeless, such as KENNY
ROGERS' 1977 knockout, Daytime Friends, Nightime Lovers, JOHNNY RODRIGUEZ's Love Put a Song in My Heart,
BRENDA LEE's Tell Me What It's Like and FREDDY FENDER's 1975 smash, Before the Next Teardrop Falls. Even
BEN's #2 charters are classics, JOHN CONLEE's Before My Time, CHARLEY PRIDE's Burgers and Fries and A
Whole Lotta Things to Sing About. Whether it's smooth love ballads or staunch toe-tapping hand-clappers, BEN PETERS penned
them all.
Visitation was Friday, May
27 at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 28 at 3 pm at Living Word Community
Church in Nashville.
WHERE DID THE NAME PATSY CLINE ORIGINATE?
(You can find the answer at the
bottom of this column)
CLAUDE HALL (Las
Vegas, NV) claudeh@earthlink.net Subject: Enjoyable! Jim, Loved the current stuff. I've always wondered about the technical quality of Patsy Cline's
records. Great even by today's standards. A friend of mine, Lou Dorren, tosses my concern off with the statement that this
is because the engineer knew what he was doing. For sure, someone did. She was great, too, of course. Claude Hall
OWEN BRADLEY was the talented fella who was in chrge
of all of PATSY CLINE's Decca recordings and OWEN was a genius. BRADLEY handled most of DECCA's artists in the 1950s, 1960,
and 1970s. Won't be able to attend the BOBBY VEE event in Las Vegas. Too tied down here in the Bayou City, but it will
most assuredly be constantly in my thoughts.
MIKE SHILOH (Houston, TX) shiloh@netscape.com Subject: Rose Remembers. Jim: I've really enjoyed your website and finding that so many of the good people I've
worked with over the years are still doing well. Our paths crossed only briefly, Jim: KENR 1981-82, KILT 1992 and so on, but
I was amazed that you preceded me as OM at Houston Traffic Central back in the days when it was in downtown Houston! Quite
a time. Marty Ambrose and Joanie Green and I were doing traffic on half the stations in town and on Channel 13. I'm glad Chuck
Tiller's doing better after the recent health scare, and was greatly saddened to hear about Royce Guinn's death. I've still
got some great video of Royce back in the KFMK days (1987). And I recently came across a board tape of Hal McClain's from
KENR that I'd boxed away years ago. Brings back a lot of memories. Barry Kaye's back on the air on KVST 99.7 in Conroe, Larry
Galla tells me (Larry's still doing the best classic country show I've ever heard, middays with Mary McCoy at KVST). Now if
we could just get Joe Ford and Dan Gallo back on the air. We're revving up a new news/talk station for 97.5 FM for June, with
Jim Carola, Jim Pruett, Brian Shannon, Laurie Kendrick, Martha Martinez and many others...it's quite an endeavor, so as Chuck
Joseph always said, Say a prayer for me, willya? And as ol' Jeff Jeffries used to say on KENR, "Is my mic too loud? How's
zat, Mike Cannon?" Mike Shiloh
Hey, that's good news about the new news/talk FM radio
station. Would love to do a talk show on music, oldies, plus veteran radio-TV personalities and any other subject that happens
to pop up. Don't think anyone has done a talk show like that before. There's a huge audience for nostalgia, plus radio doesn't
have the playlists or air personalities it once had and listeners are leaving in droves. That would pull me back into radio
again.
SEND
YOUR TRIVIA QUESTIONS WITH THE ANSWERS
MONICA ADAMS (St. Louis, MO) monicaadams2001@hotmail.com Jim, It has been quite a crazy week. I would love to see the article that you are writing tomorrow, please send
me a copy. I am attaching my resume' so you know a little more about my career. I would be happy to talk to you if you want
to call. I am heading out to an appointment but look forward to talking soon. Monica Adams
Big changes in St. Louis radio as was mentioned last
Friday. Bonneville's WIL FM downsized its news department. WIL FM's News Director, MONICA ADAMS, was a huge part of that surprising
and very dramatic development. Infinity did the same thing with KILT FM here in Houston just a few months ago. Longtime News
Director, JIM COROLLA, left the KILT building after serving over three decades. The entire news department at KILT FM now
consists of one person, the legendary ROBERT B. MCENTIRE, who has been at KILT for decades.
PARRIS AFTON BONDS (Dallas, TX) parris@parrisaftonbonds.com Good morning, Jimmy -- I always admired your perseverence. You are, of course, a hero. In reality, we are all heroes
and need to value each other. Life isn't easy for anyone. I try to see God's face in each person (and, I admit, there are
still times when I don't, when my own fears and insecurities stand in the way). Take care, Jimmy Braveheart -- Parris
My one true love was PARRIS WILKES which goes all the
way back to 1959, but she broke my heart that same year. Mr. DJ would you please play JOHN ANDERSON's tune, 1959?
LEX GILLESPIE (Washington, DC) Lexgillespie@aol.com Subject: Texas radio contacts for rockabilly series. Dear Mr. Rose: I am a radio producer based in Washington, DC,
and I am producing a rockabilly series for Public Radio International (PRI) to mark the 50th anniversary of Carl Perkins's
"Blue Suede Shoes" in 2006. I read your website entries on Texas radio and the Louisiana Hayride with great interest. I am
looking to interview any surviving disc jockeys from the rockabilly era of the mid-1950s. Are any of them still around --
and do you have any contact information for them? I have been producing documentaries since 1990, and I recently finished
a 26-hour-long radio documentary series on rhythm and blues music, "Let the Good Times Roll," hosted by Chicago soul legend
Jerry "The Iceman" Butler for the New York-based Rhythm & Blues Foundation (please see www.goodtimesroll.org ). This series won a Peabody Award; I am producing a similar project on rockabilly. I look forward to hearing from
you. Thank you very much for your kind consideration of this request. Best, Lex Gillespie 2950 McKinley Street, NW Washington,
DC 20015 (202) 966-0941
DON KEYES was MCLENDON's National Program Director in
the 1950s and 1960s. DON sends email and reads this column. DON would be an invaluable source to locate some of the old-timers.
KEYES lives in the Dallas suburb of Garland. CHARLES PAYNE also lives in Dallas and is another fine source to locate old-time
Rockabilly DJs.
FRANK HALEY (Albuquerque, NM) fhaley@qwest.net Subject: question from Frank Haley. Jim, So where is Chapman Mott???? and how about getting his phone number from
the guy. fh
CROWLEY said he hasn't talked with CHAPMAN MOTT in several
years. Wonder if MOTT's telephone number is still the same? Will check in with BOB.
BOB TOMLINSON (Ft. Worth, TX) frbob@swbell.net Subject: KBOX. Jim, I remember a lot of things involving KBOX. When I was in high school. (go Woodrow) we used to
go to the studios and look through the window at I believe Frank Jolly. On more than one ocassion he would talk to us and
take record request. this would have been 65-66. You could not do that at KLIF. I came home on leave from the Navy in 67 and
could not believe the change to Country. I always liked the opertunity to dial switch between KBOX and KLIF. Back them we
would have never thought of listening to a Fort Worth Station. In 1980-81 I was in Dallas visiting family and I called Alan
Peck one Sunday morning. He said sure come over and I spent a hour or so chatting about radio, the stations format and about
2000 carts of music on the wall. Some of the things we talked about went back to Brownwood and into KXYL. I'm proud to say
that station went from last to first in the time I was operations manager. We beat out the long time #1 station owned by the
Wendell Mayes family. Talk about a party at the station. We had a great staff and owners who would spent money if we really
needed it. I'm proud of my time there. I just wish I had stayed a little longer. Talk to you later, Bob
ALLEN PECK was Production Manager at KBOX/KTLC FM when
I was there from 1971-72. The ole redhead drove a new Mazda with a rotary engine. PECK was quite proud of his wheels. RON
RICE was Program Director and JOE LONG was News Director. DAVE MANDERS, who was a great big ole Dallas Cowboys football player
(#55) also dabbled in radio time sales at KBOX. Remember those days and nights at 1480 with much fondness. Neither one of
those well-traveled Mustang mobile news units were kept in proper tune, but they were filled to the brim with all kinds of
loud, noisy police scanners. After JOE died, DICK MOORE became KBOX/KTLC FM's News Director. Guess we all have our radio stories.
We can only look back and laugh or cry. Those were the days, my friend.
JIM RATLIFF (Houston, TX) homeaccount_jc@swbell.net Subject: KXOL. Jim, Don't know if you remember me, but I was an engineer at KXOL under Leo Burch From 1975 to 77.
I went on to finish my degree and work here in Houston for NASA where I developed communication systems for the Space Shuttle
(just couldn't get away from those transmitters). Don't do design work anymore, but now manage a group of engineers that build
hardware for the Shuttle and Space Station. I was shocked to do a search for KXOL and find so many articles. I especially
liked the one about the reunion in 2001. By the way, the original towers are still standing out off Douglas road. Saw them
last year. Well, thought I would say hi, Jim Ratliff
What a pleasant surprise! What does RATLIFF mean Don't
know if you remember me? How could I forget all those games of pool in Cowtown? Will always remember that never ending
game of nine-hole golf that went on after the lights were turned off. The course management did that to try and clear us out,
but we just kept on Rockin'.
Bet RATLIFF makes a whole heap more dinero at NASA that
what KXOL layed on the table, but I know he doesn't have near as much fun as we did at 1360. That was way back yonder in the
1970s before the BEE GEES sold out to disco and before KXOL gave its heart to Country music. KXOL DJs scattered like
lost sheep. Wonder whatever happened to LEO BURCH, KXOL's illustrious Chief Engineer? MICHAEL JAMES LUCAS went to program
a radio station in Waco, then back to Austin. BOB MEADOWS flew like a songbird to a radio station in Flint, Michegan.
LEON BECK (Houston, TX) houstonhotcountry@hotmail.com Subject: Reunion. It looks like it's going to happen! I'm meeting with a club tomorrow to discuss having a
reunion of musicians' (bands/singers/ songwriters/producers/club owners/etc.) and DJ's from KNUZ, KILT, KENR and KILT.
I'll give you more information once I have the meeting. I'm organizing committees to help put this reunion together. I think
if I have a dozen or so people working on the project, it'll work. The radio people and musicians should be recognized for
their contributions to Houston's country music scene over the years. I'd like to make this an annual event. Thanks, Leon
The promotions spot at KKBQ FM was held down by LEON
for several years.
JEFF MCCLAIN (Cleveland, TX) legalvideocom@houston.rr.com Subject: Reunion. If Leon puts the reunion together I wouldn't miss it for the world. Sounds like fun. I don't know
how you would find everyone though. Everybody I used to know is scattered to the wind, or I don't know where they are. You
are right. Sure ain't much in the way of personality radio left. As a matter of fact, I really don't listen to radio much
anymore. All the stations sound alike, juke boxes with disc jockeys who read liner cards. Keep me posted! Jeff
Sounds great! Can't wait for that reunion. Been at all
of 'em. In the 1970s, KIKK FM, KIKK-650 and KNUZ-1230. In the 1980s, KENR-1070, KILT FM and KILT-610 with both Rock and Country
formats. In the 1990s, back to KILT FM and KILT-610. Really look forward to the Houston Country radio DJ reunion. That would
be just great. Bring my camera and snap some shots of radio's best for posterity.
JEFF MCCLAIN (Cleveland, TX) legalvideocom@houston.rr.com Jim, Subject: Country Reunion! If the reunion happens, maybe we'll get a chance to say hello. Really enjoy your
web page. Keep up the good work. Jeff
Too bad KENR hit the trail. That was a great radio station.
Been out of touch with almost everyone for two decades. JEFF's going to have to fill me in on what's been happening
with our radio chums. CHUCK JOSEPH's email bounced yesterday. Wonder if he has a new email address? JOSEPH hasn't called since
about November or December of last year.
JEFF MCCLAIN (Cleveland, TX) legalvideocom@houston.rr.com Jim, Don't know anything about George. Last I heard he was selling cars in Liberty years ago. I think he worked
for the Liberty FM for awhile before that. Leon Beck lives in Houston, but I don't know what he's doing at present. Chuck
Tiller is in contact with Chuck Joseph. I think he's retired and in not so good of health somewhere in the Golden Triangle.
Sorry Jim, I really haven't kept up too well the last twenty years either. I've been out of radio so long I don't know anyone
in it anymore. Yes, you are right about one thing. KENR was a great radio station back in the 70's and early 80's. We stayed
in there with KIKK FM as long as we could. I always felt they gave up the country format way too early. They had KRBE FM but
was afraid to turn it country. KILT AM/FM saw the light and took the jump and it was all over for KENR. The rest is history.
I went to WNOE New Orleans, Bailey ran for political office and McClain was killed in a plane crash in Kerrville, TX all within
a couple of months in 81. Have a good one. Jeff
Yes, I knew that BILL ran for the Constable position
in Pasadena years ago. BAILEY has great name recognition because of his many years as on AM Drive DJ on KIKK-650 when the
studios were still in Pasadena, plus KENR here in the Bayou City. Think that's what it takes in politics. Looks like good
ole BILL must be keeping his flock happy. BAILEY has been re-elected every term.
JEFF MCCLAIN (Cleveland, TX) legalvideocom@houston.rr.com Jim, It took me 25 years to get enough of the business. The story never changes. DJ's were always expendable and
no matter how hard your worked to better the radio station, in the end, your replacement was younger, worked cheaper and just
as expendable as you. Management never had any respect for programming. Just listen to the **** on the air today. Outside
a few morning shows, there is no personality on the air at all. Cue cards and a juke box. Satelite will kill FM just like
FM killed AM, only quicker. The broadcasters will get just what they deserve. The value of properties will drop and a lot
of owners will be hard pressed to keep up the loan servicing. I'm just glad to be in another business and not worrying about
some P-D getting excited about how well I read that last cue card. Jeff
JOHN H. ROOK jr@johnrook.com Subject: Patsy Cline. Jim, Dunno if you were asking the question or not...but as to Patsy Cline, I interviewed her
in 1959 and off the air she told me her last name was her first husbands name, not her given name at birth. I'll never forget
what she said about her husband at the time. "I'm now married to a prick...named Dick". The lady had quite a mouth
on her. John Rook www.JohnRook.com
When VIRGINIA PATTERSON HENSLEY began to shine as a
singer in the early 1950s, she needed a more simple name. Since the age of 13, BILL PEER, performed as a musician with the
LOG CABIN BOYS on WFMD in Frederick, Maryland. In 1941, PEER formed his own group, the MELODY BOYS, who were regular area
entertainers during the 1940s and 1950s. In the summer of 1952, PATSY came to the studios of WEPM in Martinsburg, West Virginia
and introduced herself to BILL. She asked, Can I sing with your band? PEER was very impressed with her voice, hired
her as the lead singer for his group and became her mentor and advisor. BILL said, OK, young lady, if you want to get
to Nashville, I'll help you. BILL then said, VIRGINIA just isn't right for a singer. Got any ideas? You're middle
name's PATRICIA. She said, No, PATTERSON. PEER said, How about PATSY HENSLEY? She said, OK.
Next, GERALD CLINE came along and they were married.
That's where the name PATSY CLINE was spawned. CHARLIE DICK was the final mate to enter the picture. This match was eternal.
DICK and PATSY had their times of anguish, but all in all, I believe they were madly in love. Never quite be another simger
who puts so much into a song as PATSY CLINE. Her version of Faded Love is just awesome. At the end of the final verse,
PATSY has an authentic tear in her voice where she actually breaks up. This was not edited out. It remained. CLINE put so
much into every tune she recorded. WILLIE's masterpiece, Crazy, sounds brand new each time I hear it, but the tune
She's Got You mesmirizes and melts this sentimental fool.
