This CD captures Ernest Tubb and his Texas Troubadours at their best "live".  Ernest performs all his hits and his warm, entertaining stage manner, which made him such a beloved entertainer is captured in this recording.  The sound quality of this CD, recorded in 1965 by Jan Kurtis Skugstad is unbelievable.  If you could only have one Ernest Tubb recording this would be the one.  Also features the Texas Troubadours with special performances by Jack Greene, Cal Smith and a drum solo by the producer.  

Songs included:  Drivin' Nails in My Coffin, I Love You Because, There's a Little Bit of Everything in Texas, Blue Eyed Elaine, Slipping Around, Mississippi Gal, I'll Take a Back Seat For You, Pass the Booze, Warm Red Wine, Seaman's Blues,  Hold It (Drum Solo Jan Kurtis), Last Letter (Jack Greene), Rhodesbud Boogie, I Couldn't Care Less (Cal Smith), Thanks A Lot, You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry, Do What You Do Do Well, Soldier's Last Letter, (A Memory) That's All You'll Ever Be to Me, Driftwood on the River, Try Me One More Time,  Walking the Floor Over You

75 minutes Cat.# 38127

Once again it's 1965 and the large crowd at the Spanish Castle listens, they dance, they clap, they cheer and country music is what it claims to be, Country Music. And on stage was Country Music at its very best.

Once in a lifetime you are at the right place at the right time. This was true in September 1965 when Ernest Tubb gave me his blessing to record his live show at the Spanish Castle in Seattle, Washington. Since I had been a Texas Troubadour as a drummer from 1960 to 1961 I suppose that helped in his generous decision. The thing that makes this recording so memorable is that it captures E.T. at his very best, live and in front of an adoring and enthusiastic audience. It's truly live, just the way it happened. His devotion to his fans and his music is legendary. Little did I know that hot September night that I would capture Country Music history from one of the most influential Country singers of all time, Ernest Tubb.

Returning to Seattle in 1964 I started Camelot Record Company. So when that historic September day in 1965 at the Spanish Castle came I was ready with timely recording equipment. E.T. was surrounded by perhaps one of his most star studded group of Texas Troubadours. In the band were Jack Greene, Cal Smith, Leon Rhodes, Jack Drake and Buddy Charlton. Jack Greene and Cal Smith went on to have successful Country Music careers and Leon Rhodes spent many years as guitarist for the Grand Ol' Opry stage band. Buddy Charlton retired as a top steele player and left a legacy of recordings and his work on this album. Bass player Jack Drake was with E.T. since the beginning and hired me to play drums. He was E.T's right hand man and my dear friend.

In addition to being allowed to record this historic evening I was also invited to play a drum solo. It was one I did at most shows when I was a Texas Troubadour. This was very special to me since not many Country stars used their drummers in this way at that time. E.T. was an innovator, a man with music vision and unselfishly gave many Country stars as well as his Troubadours a chance to shine. Maybe that's why he was so loved and why this recording means so much to me.

Jan Kurtis Skugstad "Cotton Top"