In A Honky Tonk Mood

Includes liner notes by Paul Pelletier. When Hank Williams died in 1953, Ray Price--then a burgeoning country-music star--was considered by many to be Williams's true successor. After all, Price sang a lot like Williams and hired many ofthe Drifting Cowboys (Williams's own band) to back him up. However, Price's straight-up honky-tonk period was short lived. As the 1960s dawned, Price gradually made the transition from gritty barroom music to pop-oriented, or "countrypolitan, " ballad singing. Nonetheless, IN AHONKY TONK MOOD captures Price's early period well. The album presents Price crooning about love's loss, lonely nights, and hard-tested faith. The latter is best epitomized by "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley" and "The Old Rugged Cross, " both of which feature the Jordanaires, apopular vocal group of the era, best known for their work with Elvis Presley. Other songs such as the upbeat "Steel Guitar Jubilee" and "Back Up and Push" feature the instrumental talents of the now-legendary Cherokee Cowboys.

Track Listing

• 1 i'll be there (if you ever want me)
• 2 much too young to die
• 3 if you don't, somebody else will
• 4 don't let the stars get in your eyes
• 5 city lights
• 6 invitation to the blues
• 7 you done me wrong
• 8 release me
• 9 run boy
• 10 take these chains from my heart
• 11 curtain in the window
• 12 i'll sail my ship alone
• 13 steel guitar jubilee
• 14 back up and push
• 15 san antonio rose
• 16 i'll keep on loving you
• 17 peace in the valley
• 18 somebody is taking my place
• 19 home in san antone
• 20 the old rugged cross
• 21 sign off