Ace returns to the Starday/Dixie catalogue for a further look at the work of Howard "Pappy" Daily & Don Pierce (See Starday-Dixie Rockabilly Vol 1 on Ace CDCHD 704). These two enterprising veterans of the music business put their stamp on the music of the 50s, and their entry into the "custom pressing" side of the industry opened up a wealth of opportunities to aspiring artists the majors couldn't or wouldn't sign and develop. The musicially minded Daily along with the bottom line Pierce dealt with singers like John Worthan in Jefferson, Georgia or Eddie Seacrist in Charleston, West Virginia who were willing to invest in their musical dreams. These youngsters were usually given the Starday/ Dixie address by their local DJ, an ambitious manager or from the Billboard source book. For a few hundred dollars, several hundred records could be pressed up, original songs published and a label created if needed. (Many would use the Starday or Dixie logo) The letters, cheques and tapes poured in from all over the United States and Canada - the dream factory was in full production.
Corky Jones masks the illustrious name of Buck Owens, who was doing session work when he cut these two rockabilly gems in 1957. The late Joe Poovey and Lucky Wray return from the successful first volume with four and two cuts respectively as does Tommy Nelson. Country chartmaker Lattie Moore also makes an appearance and we are treated to five unreleased cuts by Alton Guyon, Canadian Orella Myers, The Hi-Liters and Lloyd Price discovery Eddie Seacrist. These custom pressings were usually confined to a certain region of the country and the lack of re-pressings ensured their rarity. This CD is the only economical way to own these expensive 45s
by Wayne Russell
