Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I have just posted a new article about Tony Jackson on Needles and Pins. There are still some bugs in it but I will work them out over time. As always, your comments are welcomed.

Enjoyed the article. I would have never expected to see Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya” on their demo tape. I wouldn’t mind having a little more history as to why that song was included with their demo.

I say that because Hank Williams was more probably played more in my home than anything else when I was growing up (an to some extent, still is). Guess I’m going to have to find myself “Live At The Iron Door”.

Richard: In Phil Thompson's book "The Best of Cellars: The Story of the World Famous Cavern Club" a comment is made that The Searchers were a "C & W" group that moved on to rock and roll. I initally dismissed this comment, however, after your observation it seems that I may need to reconsider. Thanks.

More likey, given the other songs on the demo, it could be that that had some of Hank Williams' music influenced those who in turn influenced The Seachers.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website states: "According to the Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, he [Hank Williams] was "perhaps the most important country & western performer of his time, and the most influential country artist in the development of rock & roll." As a writer of such songs as “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” Williams bared his emotions in a far more personal way than other country stars of the time. As a singer, he mastered a variety of styles, from gospel to pre-rockabilly."

Good article Peter, I am sure Tony Jackson is remembered fondly by those of us who have followed the band since the issue of the first single. I accept there may well be those, certainly in Liverpool, who have followed the band from the days prior to their launch nationally.

Tony without doubt played an important role in the initial success that The Searchers encountered and it was surprising to me that his solo career never really took off. In the cold light of day (Gene Pitney 1964) however, The Searchers own chart career was only 15 months longer. Although the longevitiy of the group is without question.

Roy Clough wrote Quote:I accept there may well be those, certainly in Liverpool, who have followed the band from the days prior to their launch nationally.I am sure there must be some and I wish I could locate a few to conduct an interview.

Richard: Nice quote. It is certainly a tribute to Hank William's song-writing when compositions like these are covered by other artists and cross over to other musical styles.

Please identify the venue shown in this photo of The Searchers.