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" C L A R E N C E W H I T E C H R O N I C L E S "
The Online Newsletter of A Guitar Virtuoso
July 15, 1998 (Number.13)
Special Memorial Issue
for
the 25 anniversary of Clarence White's death
Edited by Etsuo Eito
Copyright by Bluegrass Workshop "North Field" 1998
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Back issues of "CLARENCE WHITE CHRONICLES" can be downloaded
at the following web site.
http://www.urban.ne.jp/home/koa7/byrds.htm
No part of this newsletter can be reprinted in any format
without editor's permission.
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,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'`'+,.,+'
[From the Editor]
We wanted to publish this issue much more earlier, however, things have
been so very busy with us during last several months that we couldn't find
any spare time to sit at the PC desk to edit the issue. But, the lastest
e-mail from John Delgatto encouraged us very much to publish this issue
within today in time for the 25th anniversary of Clarence White's death.
We must apologize for not containing the last part of Clarence White's
biography in this issue again, as we didn't have enough time to arrange
the data. We really appreciate those who sent us e-mail messages, that
made this issue possible.
The long-awaited Clarence White box set will surely be a wonderful surprise
when it finally does appear, but we cannot yet know when that will be. We
learned in a recent email from Sierra Records that the company is moving
and going through a difficult period of reorganization, so the hoped-for
1998 release is not likely. As soon as there is definite confirmation on
this important retrospective project, it will be published in this
periodical. Support for Sierra's recent CD releases featuring Clarence,
"Nashville West" and "Livin' in the Past," has not been as strong as it was
hoped. Please encourage new Clarence enthusiasts to check out these great
recordings and ask for them at their record stores.
Editor
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From: rhunter@XXXX.XXX
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 13:56:29 -0500 (EST)
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: 1/18/98
Etsuo,
thank you for including me in your subscriber list. I'm very touched by
what I've read of the Chronicles so far. I remember opening for the Colonels
(maybe they were still the Country Boys?) at the Ash Grove in the mid 60's.
Jerry Garcia, Dave Nelson, Ken Frankle and I had a band called "The Badwater
Valley Boys" - I played a washtub bass with f-holes cut in it by blowtorch.
It was a bit scary for a bunch of amateurs like us to open for such giants as
the Colonels. It hardly need be said how important Clarence's style was in
the early development of Garcia and Nelson's own styles.
Robert Hunter
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Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 12:34:00 -0800
To: Etsuo Eito
From: Sandy Rothman
Subject: Re: E-mail from Robert Hunter!
Etsuo-san,
I'm glad you sent the CWC to Hunter and he replied to you. He is an
extremely prolific writer, so if you requested more from him, he might do
it if and when he has time. I sent him your inquiry, so maybe he'll write
you directly. One important thing -- his email address must be kept
private! Thanks. Correction: Ken's last name is spelled "Frankel."
I never knew about the f-holes cut with a blowtorch in the washtub bass
that Hunter described! Wonder who used the blowtorch and did it?! The
average person doesn't have a blowtorch! Maybe an artist or metalworker?
Also, since I don't have a Grateful Dead Family Tree (I'm sure Murata-san
does), was this the same personnel as the Wildwood Boys (at times)? I
wonder if their Ash Grove opening was before or after the KC/CB's Berkeley
engagement in March '64, and how the opening came to occur. Probably,
Hunter and Garcia and all the Palo Alto pickers knew about Clarence &
Roland before we in Berkeley did, likely due to their knowing Brooks Otis.
I'm sure I met Brooks through them.
Sandy Rothman
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From: sierra1@jps.net
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 1998 11:48:23 -0700
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: Hello for 1998
Dear Etsuo:
I hope all is well. Please note our new email address and web site which
is behind in being complete.
Nothing really new to report. We are struggling to stay alive. Acoustic
Guitar Magazine is doing a cover story on Clarence in June.
Visit Our web site at www.sierra-records.com
Sierra Records, Books and Home Video
P.O. Box 5853
Pasadena, CA 91117
FAX: 626-355-4065
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Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 10:13:34 -0600 (CST)
From: "Robert C. Mainfort"
To: Etsuo Eito
Subject: Valleri
Etsuo:
The topic of who played lead guitar on the Monkee's recording 'Valleri"
has raised considerable debate for many years, most recently among some
recipients of the the CWC Newsletter. As some perceptive listerners have
already noted, on stylistic grounds, the guitarist clearly is not Clarence
White. For many years, I assumed that it was Jimmy Bryant. Others have
suggested Tommy Tedesco and other well-known California sessions players.
Robert Mainfort
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From: thomas.anna@magnet.at (Thomas Aubrunner)
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: Gosdin Bros. single
Date: 14 Feb 1998 10:56:22 GMT
Dear Etsuo!
I have following question from a friend in U.K. (Mike Masterson):
Issuie 18 of Full Circle had a Clarence White discography. After Mike
Masterson had read this discographie he wrote to Chrissie Oakes and
told her about a Gosdin Bros. single that was not in the discographie
which Clarence may have played on. Chrissie told this to you and she
said that you don't know nothing about it and you were going "crazy"
wanting to know more about it.
Here is my question from Mike Masterson:
Can you confirm or did you find out anything more about this single and
whether Clarence was involved.
The single was: You just don't love me enough/ ???? (Metromedia 0105)
Thanks
Thomas Aubrunner
Vienna/Austria
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Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998 12:00:21 -0600
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
From: Peter Zeldow PhD
Subject: Re: Monkees' "Valerie"
Etsuo -
In issue 12, John McGann suggested that super session player Tommy Tedesco
may have played the guitar break on Valerie by the Monkees. According to
Guitar Player magazine (January 1992, page 36), it was Louie Shelton.
On another matter, thank you for all your work on the newsletter. I always
look forward to the next issue with great anticipation. From his work with
the Colonels to his work with the Byrds, Clarence was simply the best.
Peter Zeldow PhD
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. USA
pbz080@nwu.edu
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Date: Tue, 07 Apr 1998 16:39:55 -0700
From: Chip Lovitt
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: Your clarence white page
What a cool page and a fitting tribute to a super picker. I saw Clarence
live with the Byrds alot around 69-70. In fact the Byrds played at my
high school (Baldwin NY winter of 70 I think) and I spoke to Clarence
and told him how much I admired his playing. He was polite, if somewhat
quiet. I had no idea how he did those sounds then but I was blown away,
not only by his country style playing but his rock and roll. When he put
some distortion on his Tele, it smoked. And he could sustain a solo for
as long as he wanted and never get boring. Little did I realize that I
wonearly 30 years later, I'd be trying to cop his lick or at least his
"feel" on my own Tele 1952 reissue with B and G Bender from Parsons
White. Even as I try to play licks with his style, I'm blown away by his
taste, sense of swing, and the crisp tone and flow he managed to get.
What a loss for the guitar world that a drunk driver killed him. Like so
many late guitar wizards, I can only imagine what Clarence would sound
like today.
By the way, one of my favorite Clarence cuts of all time (non-Byrds or
Kentucky Colonels, is "I'm On My Way Home Again" by the Everly Brothers.
Clarence adds a wonderful backup and solo while Gene Parsons plays a
banjo that'll make you want to hop a train for home!!!
Keep up the good work!
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From: "KRISTIAN HAHN"
To:
Subject: String Bender & Clarence White
Date: Sat, 9 May 1998 22:39:06 -0500
Sir:
I really enjoy your website on Mr. White, the true "Telemaster" Deluxe. I
saw Clarence back in 1969 in New Orleans Louisiana at the old "Warehouse"
music club. He was with The Byrds at the time, and his electric work just
blew me away. (Changed my musical life for good so to speak.)
Clarence's impact on me was so profound, that I purchased one of the first
String Bender devices, and did the first demonstration record for the
Parsons/White String Bender Co. (A song called Bender Rag.)
Well, take care and as Clarence once told me back in 1969: "Keep Pickin!!"
Sincerely,
Michael John Rouillier
New Orleans, La.
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From: "KH"
To: Etsuo Eito
Subject: Clarence White in New Orleans at the Warehouse
Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 13:52:52 -0500
From: Michael J. Rouillier (Certified String Bender)
Location: New Orleans, La.
Dear Mr. Eito:
I would be very happy to tell what I know about Clarence and my association
with the Parsons/White String Bender Company. The first time I saw Clarence
was circa 1969/1970 at the old Warehouse music club in the "skid row"
section of New Orleans. The Warehouse was a giant brick warehouse converted
into a music club.
(Some of the acts that played there called the place "The Black Hole of
Calcutta.") The Warehouse had no air conditioning, no seats, and the ticket
booth employees all carried guns!! (You could see handguns all over the
counter in the ticket booth.)
I was very familiar with The Byrds and was a big fan of the early group, but
had no idea who Clarence White was. A friend of mine FORCED me to attend
one of the concerts, and I owe him a debt of thanks even to this day. (I
hated to go to this club because of the danger and lack of air conditioning
etc.) When The Byrds came out on stage, the crowd rushed forward and pushed
me against the retaining wall of the stage. (I was right at Clarence's
feet!) The opening song was "Lover of The Bayou" and the String Bender licks
Clarence played just blew me away! I could not for the life of me figure out
how he got a steel guitar sound out of a Fender Telecaster? Clarence seemed
very serious on stage except when he glanced over to Roger M. then he would
smile. People in the crowd kept tossing balloons up on the stage and
Clarence did not seem amused. After the first set, the band took a break
and I went back stage and met Clarence. He was very helpful and had no
trace of "star ego mentality" that I could detect. (He kept asking the
stage hand: "more beer- bring me more beer!!!") His parting remarks were:
"take care, and KEEP PICKIN!!!!"
That concert at "The Black Hole of Calcutta" really changed my musical life
for good. I became a Clarence White fan and remain one to this day. His
influence was profound! I play a lot in the New Orleans area (Jazz and
Heritage Festival etc.) and at least two/three people come up and say: "it
is great to hear Clarence White influenced licks again!!" The spirit of
Clarence lives on in my music and in the music of thousands of others all
over the world.
Sincerely,
Michael John Rouillier
(See Swingin Haymakers Website via Dashriprock Homepage)
(Most recent album: "For Rent" Circle Records Group: The Swingin Haymakers
(New Orleans, La.)
P.S.: My mailing address is: Michael John Rouillier (529 Hyman Drive
Jefferson, La. 70121)
Feel free to use any of the above comments. (Feel free to
correct/edit any of the above as well.) I also did one of the very first
demonstration records for the Parsons/White String Bender Company: a
selection called "BENDER RAG." If you would like to order one of my
records I would be very happy to forward one. Thanks for all the good work
you are doing and take care.
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Date: Mon, 18 May 1998 22:37:08 -0700
From: "Colin D. Baird"
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: Clarence White
Growing up as a child in Leona Valley, CA. I had the benefit of living
right next door to Clarence White and his lovely family. I remember the
days seeing his young children who are now the same age I am. His wife
remained in our small community of Lancaster, CA. for many years
following Clarence's demise.
I never knew at the time how famous Clarence was, or how important the
Byrd's were to music until many years later in my life. My brother and I
used to go next door and listen to the Byrd's practice their newest
music.
Do you have any idea how or where the children of Clarence White are
these days? I have some old pictures of the two children, and would like
to contact them.
Thanking you in advance,
Colin D. Baird
bairdc@hughes.net
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From: "Colin D. Baird"
To: "'Etsuo Eito'"
Subject: RE: About Clarence White's daughter Michelle
Date: Tue, 19 May 1998 11:40:54 -0700
Dear Etsuo:
Thank you very much for the information. Unfortunately, I was not aware of
the tragedy that occurred after Susie and the kids moved back to Ky. My
mother apparently was aware of the accident, but I never heard about it
until this morning. I must say that I was very saddened to learn about it.
I would like to e-mail Michelle and see if she remembers her days growing up
in Leona Valley, CA. I am working on digging up old photographs of Michelle,
and Bradley to e-mail back to her. I will be trying to contact her to speak
with her and catch up.
I will try and recollect some pleasant old memories, and perhaps I can even
take photos of the home where the BYRDS practiced. I only live 8 miles from
the small town.
Hope all is well. Thanks for keeping me in touch, please keep me up to date.
Sincerely,
Colin D. Baird
bairdc@hughes.net
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From: bledz64@earthlink.net
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 06:56:47 -0700
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: Late reply....
Dear Etsuo,
I apologize for the long delay in getting back to you. There has been
alot going on (good) and I have been pre-occupied. The computer was down
for almost a week, then I have just not been on it like I usually am.
But, I am back in the swing of things.
Anyway, I talked to my uncle, Roland the other day. He is working on a
couple of songs for someone in Japan, but I didn't ask who.
Not much is going on now. I am going to finally, reply to Collin. I do
remember him! It took a few minutes. I think I was in 1st Grade.
I hope everything is going good for you and yours. Are you still doing
the newsletters? I'd love to see them if you are.
Well, I guess this is it for now. I will keep in touch, better next
time.
Sincerely,
Michelle White Bledsoe
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Date: Mon, 15 Jun 1998 05:21:41 -0700
From: Guthrie Thomas
To: colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp
Subject: Guthrie Thomas
My friend Etsuo
I just wanted to thank you on behalf of Clarence White..I am sure
he would be quite happy at all that you do...I was lucky enough to
learn a few things from Clarence back in the late sixties, and I
still use some of those lessons I recieved from him today..
All my best to you...
Guthrie Thomas
http://www.vegasnet.net/~gthomas
gthomas@vegasnet.net
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From: sierra1@jps.net
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 21:38:03 -0700
To: Etsuo Eito
Subject: A sad few hours
Dear Etsuo:
Within a few hours it will have been 25 years that Clarence left us. I
will be taking some flowers to his grave tomorrow in Lancaster not only for
myself but for Michelle and all of you who remember him these past 25
years. I miss him a lot, I wish I had more time to know him better but
thankful for the time I did have.
Your friend,
John Delgatto
___________________________________________________________________________
Sierra Records, Books & Home Video
P.O. Box 5853
Pasadena, CA 91117
Fax 626-355-4065
OUR WEB PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING RECONSTRUCTED AND MOVING TO A NEW SECURED
SERVER. IT WILL STILL BE AT www.sierra-records.com
___________________________________________________________________________
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| The desk of CLARENCE WHITE CHRONICLES |
| Bluegrass Workshop "North Field" |
| C/O Etsuo Eito |
| 2-13-7,Kitahirano, |
| Himeji,Hyogo, 670-0893 JAPAN |
| |
| PHONE/FAX: +81-792-82-0821 |
| E-MAIL : colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp |
|_____ _______________________ _____|
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| | | |
________________| |______________________| |_________________________
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Your Always Kentucky Colonelly,
Etsuo Eito
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* Snail-Mail Address: 2-13-7,Kitahirano, *
* Himeji,Hyogo, 670-0893 *
* JAPAN *
* E-Mail Address : colonels@ac.mbn.or.jp *
* PHONE / FAX : +81-792-82-0821 *
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Clarence White Chronicles 14
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