Sunday, March 9, 2014

Hal Willis (by Dick Grant)



HAL WILLIS
SESSION DISCOGRAPHY
By
DICK GRANT & ADAM KOMOROWSKI

HAL WILLIS and His Hillbilly Ramblers         Radio Station CFCF   Montreal, Quebec, Canada:                            1951
(vcl/gtr); Bobby Hachey (ld gtr); Curly Hachey (rhy gtr); Terry Hachey (stl gtr); Peter Van Der Hagan (fdl); Dorothy “Ginger” Gauthier                                                                                                                           (pno);
                   Fernand Thibeault (stg bs).                                                                                                                     Producer: George Taylor

                   R-103A                          THE ONLY PLEASURE I’LL GET TONIGHT                                                  Rodeo R-103, Cattle LP-8020
                                                         (Hal Willis & G. Patrick)
                   R-103B                          THE RIDE IS OVER                                                                                                      R-103,           LP-8020
                                                         (Hal Willis & G. Patrick)
                  
                   NB: RODEO R-103 released 1951.

HAL WILLIS and His Hillbilly Ramblers        
                                                          RCA Victor Studio, 1050 Lacasse Street                                                                 Montreal, Quebec, Canada:                                                                                               1951
(vcl/gtr); Bobby Hachey (ld gtr); Curly Hachey (rhy gtr); George Essery (stl gtr); Paul Menard (fdl); Dorothy Gauthier (pno); Fernand Thibeault (stg bs).                                                                                                                                                                  Producer: George Taylor

                   RO-5                             CROOKED HEART                                                                                           Rodeo R-104, Cattle LP-8020
                                                         ()
                   RO-6                             WILD LIVING                                                                                                                                              R- 104,           LP-8020
                                                         ()
                   RO-7                             LAZY BOOGIE BLUES                                                                                                                 Rodeo (Uniss)
                                                         ()
                   RO-8                             Unknown Title                                                                                                                                Rodeo (Uniss)
                                                         ()

                   NB(1): RODEO R-104 released 1951.
NB(2): CATTLE LP-8020 “CANADIAN COUNTRY CLASSICS, Vol.2.” released Germany

HAL WILLIS                                                                         Globe Recording Studio                                                   Nashville, Tn:                                                                                   Monday 26th March 1956
                   (vcl/gtr); Joe South (ld gtr); Hargus “Pig” Robbins (pno); Dorothy Willis (stg bs); Willie Ackermann (dms).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Producer: Hal Willis

                                                         BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY                                                                                    Demo/Uniss
                                                         ()
                                                         TOO LATE                                                                                                                                     Demo/Uniss
                                                         ()
                                                         LONELIER THAN I                                                                                            Demo/Uniss
                                                         ()

HAL WILLIS                                                                         Murray Nash Studio                                                           Nashville, Tn:                                                                                                               May 1956
(vcl/gtr); Hank “Sugarfoot” Garland (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Owen Bradley (pno-1); Bob Moore (stg bs); Murrey “Buddy” Harman                                                                                                                    (dms).                                                                                                                                                                  Producer: Hal Willis

                                                         BOP-A-DEE-BOP-A-DOO                                  -1                                            Demo/Uniss
                                                         (Willis-Willis) (Progressive., BMI)
                                                         MY PINK CADILLAC                                                                                          Demo/Uniss
                                                         (Willis-Willis) (By-Nash BMI)

HAL WILLIS                Bradley Film & Recording Studio, 804 16th Avenue So.                          Nashville, Tn:     Friday 8th June 1956
                   (vcl/gtr); Hank Garland (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (stg bs); Owen Bradley (pno-1); Buddy Harman (dms).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Producer: Herb Abramson

A-2024/102                   BOP-A-DEE-BOP-A-DOO                                  -1                                            Atlantic 1114, Collector CLS-2303, WEA K-58344
                                       (Willis-Willis) (Progressive., BMI)                      Club LP-009, Collector CLCD-4432, Bop BOP-006
                                                                                                                                                                                              Proper PROPERBOX-122, Vladimir Twist VTR-6910
                   A-2025/103                   MY PINK CADILLAC                                                                                          Atlantic 1114, WEA K-58344, Boppin’ Cadillac BC-1958
                                                         (Willis-Willis) (By-Nash BMI)                                                                             Bear Family BCD-16289, Bop BOP-006, Chief CCD-1156513
                                                                                                                                                                                             Lucky CDLR-812, Buffalo Bop Bb CD-55093, Fed CD-009
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Folkline CD 274-424, Presto CD-2, Mustang MUST-1
                                                                                                                                                                                              Rhino R2-73346, Proper PROPERBOX-122
                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                   NB(1): This was a split recording session with GLENN REEVES who recorded two songs released on Atco 6080.
                   NB(2): ATLANTIC 1114 released Tuesday 13th November 1956.
                   NB(3): ATLANTIC 1114 reviewed Billboard ‘Pop’ Saturday 10th November 1956.
                   NB(4): COLLECTOR CLS-2303 “SUPER ROCK AND ROLL, PART C” released Holland 1975.
NB(5): WEA K-58344 “RED HOT ROCKABILLIES” released United Kingdom 1981.
NB(6): BOPPIN’ CADILLAC LP-1958 “BOPPIN’ CADILLAC” released Germany 1981.
NB(7): CLUB LP-009 “GRAD THIS AND DANCE, Vol.9.” released United Kingdom 1993.
NB(8): COLLECTOR CLCD-4432 “EARLY CANADIAN ROCKERS, Vol.3.” released Holland 1996.
NB(9): CHIEF CCD-1156513 “ULTRA RARE ROCKABILLYS, Vol.13.” released Holland 1997.
NB(10): LUCKY CDLR-812 “ROCKABILLY GOLD, Vol.12.” released United Kingdom 1997.
NB(11): VLADIMIR TWIST VTR-6910 “LIKE NOTHING YOUR EARS HAVE EVER HEARD, Vol.10.” released 1997.
NB(12): BEAR FAMILY BCD-16289 “SHAKIN’ UP NORTH: CANADIAN ROCKABILLY, Vol.1.” released Germany 1999.
NB(13): BUFFALO BOP Bb CD-55093 “ROCKIN’ CADILLAC” released Germany 2000.
NB(14): BOP BOP-006 “SATURDAY NIGHT ON BOP STREET, Vol.6.” released
NB(15): FOLKLINE CD 274-424 “HOT-ROD ROCKABILLY” released United Kingdom
NB(16): MUSTANG MUST-1 “SCRATCHIN’ ON MY SCREEN” released
NB(17): FED CD-009 “THE FED STORY, Vol.9.” released Norway
NB(18): PRESTO CD-2 “BIG BAD ROCKABILLY BOPPERS, Vol..2.” released 2003.
NB(19): RHINO R2-73346 “ROCKIN’ BONES: ‘50s PUNK & ROCKABILLY” released 2006.
NB(20): PROPER PROPERBOX-122 “CLASSIC ROCKABILLY” released United Kingdom 2007.
NB(21): BEAR FAMILY BCD-16721 “THAT’LL FLAT GIT IT!, Vol.21. ROCKABILLY & ROCK’N’ROLL FROM ATLANTIC RECORDS” released Germany 2008.

HAL WILLIS                 Bradley Film & Recording Studio, 804 16th Avenue So.                          Nashville, Tn:     Monday 30th July 1957                                                                                                              
(vcl/gtr); Hank Garland (el gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Floyd Cramer (pno); Dutch McMillan (alto sax); Buddy Harman (dms); The Jordanaires-Ray Walker/Neal Matthews/Hoyt Hawkins/Gordon Stoker (chrs-1).                                       Producer: Hal Willis

                   YW-16063                     RAIN                                                                                                                                               Athens (Uniss), Pearl International PRCD-
                                                         ()
                   U-4525/                         WALKING DREAM                                             -1                                            Athens 704,                                     PRCD-
                   YW-16064                     ()
                   YW-16065                     OLD MAN SUN                                                                                                  Athens (Uniss),                                PRCD-No.#
                                                         ()
                   U-4526/                         CRAZY LITTLE MAMA                                                                                                                  Athens 704,                                      PRCD-
                   YW-16066                     ()

                   NB(1): ATHENS 704 released Tuesday 13th August 1957.
                   NB(2): ATHENS 704 reviewed Billboard  C&W Monday 17th February 1958.
                   NB(3): Matrix No. U-4526/YW-16066 shown in the MERCURY files as CRAZY LITTLE HEART.
                   NB(4): All of the above masters were returned to MURRAY NASH on Tuesday 19th November 1957.

                   HAL WILLIS And The Woodchuckers-1                        
                   HAL WILLIS-2                                RCA Victor Studio  B, 1610 Hawkins Street                               Nashville, Tn:     August 1957
(vcl/gtr); Chester “Chet” Atkins (ld gtr); Grady Martin (el gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Marvin Hughes (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/William G. Wright Jr./Louis  D. Nunley/Dorothy A. Ballard (chrs-3).
                                                                                                                                                                                             Producer: Chet Atkins

                                      HONKY TONK SONG                                        -1-3                                         Country And Western CW-5Bx45
                                      ()
                                      MY ARMS ARE A HOUSE                                 -1-3                                                                             CW-5Bx45
                                      ()
                                      DON’T MAKE ME GO                                        -2                                                                                CW-5Bx45
                                      ()
NB: COUNTRY And WESTERN CW-5Bx45 released September 1957.

HAL WILLIS And The Woodchuckers-1
The Woodchuckers-2                  RCA Victor Studio B, 1610 Hawkins Street                                Nashville, Tn:     December 1957
(vcl/gtr); Chet Atkins (ld el gtr); Grady Martin (various gtrs); Bob Moore (bs); Marvin Hughes (pno-3); Buddy Harman (dms/bngos-4); The Jordanaires-Ray Walker/Neal Matthews/Hoyt Hawkins/Gordon Stoker (chrs-5). Producer: Chet Atkins

                                      PEGGY SUE                                                                                                     -4                          Top Hit Tunes TH-16-1AAx45
                                      ()
                                      GREAT BALLS OF FIRE                                   -3                                            Top Hit Tunes TH-16-1BBx45
                                      ()
                                      WAKE UPLITTLE SUZIE                                   -2                                            Top Hit Tunes TH-15-1AX45
                                      ()
                                      AT THE HOP                                                                                                     -1                          Top Hit Tunes TH-15-1BBBX45
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Top Hit Tunes TH-16-2-B, Top Hit Tunes TH-17-2BX45
                                                                                                                                                                                             Collector CLCD-4511

NB(1): On WAKE UP LITTLE SUZIE the label credits THE WOODCHUCKERS only, but it is in fact HAL WILLIS double tracking the vocal.
NB(2): TOP HIT TUNES TH-15-1Ax45/TH-15-1BBx45 released March 1958.
NB(3): TOP HIT TUNES TH-16-1AAx45/TH-16-1BBx45 released March 1958.
NB(4): TOP HIT TUNES TH-16-2-B released March 1958.
NB(5): TOP HIT TUNES TH-17-2Bx45 released March 1958.
NB(6): COLLECTOR CLCD-4511 “ROCK & ROLL COVERS-HOT STEAMY LOVERS, Vol.3.” released Holland

HAL WILLIS                                   RCA Victor Studio B, 1610  Hawkins Street                               Nashville, Tn:     ca: April 1958
(vcl/gtr); Chet Atkins (ld gtr); Grady Martin (el gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Marvin Hughes (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Jordanaires-Ray Walker/Neal Matthews/Hoyt Hawkins/Gordon Stoker (chrs).                                                                      Producer: Chet Atkins

                                      STAIRWAY OF LOVE                                                                                      Top Hit Tunes TH-19-2-B
                                      ()                

NB: TOP HIT TUNES TH-19-2-B released May 1958.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
HAL WIILIS                                     RCA Victor Studio B, 1610 Hawkins Street                                Nashville, Tn:     1958
(vcl/gtr).
                                                                                                                                                                                             Producer: Hal Willis

                                      A FRIENDLY HAND                                                                                           Demo/Uniss
                                      ()
                                      SHIRLEY ANN                                                                                                                                Demo/Uniss
                                      ()

HAL WILLIS                Bradley Film & Recording Studio, 804 16th Avenue So.                          Nashville, Tn:     Friday 23rd September 1958                                                                                                    
(vcl/gtr); Hank Garland (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Floyd Cramer (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard/Mildred “Millie” Kirkham-high soprano  (chrs).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Producer: Owen Bradley

105738                          I’M GONNA HITCH MY HOT ROD TO A STAR                                                                           Decca 30768, Decca 9-30768
                                      (Ginger & Ginger Willis) (Tree Publishing Co., BMI)
105739                          ONLY THE TENDER YOUNG HEARTS                                                                     30768,            9-30768
                                      (Lennie Sibert) (BMI Canada)

NB: DECCA 30768/9-30768 released Tuesday 11th November 1958.                                             

HAL WILLIS                Bradley Film & Recording Studio, 804 16th Avenue So.                          Nashville, Tn:     Tuesday 30th June 1959
(vcl/gtr); Hank Garland (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Floyd Cramer (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard (chrs).                                      Producer: Owen Bradley

107706                          POOR LITTLE JIMMIE                                                                                                                  Decca 30949, Decca 9-30949
                                      (Don Wayne) (Be-Are Publ. Co. BMI)
107707                          THAT’S THE WAY IT GOES                                                                           Decca 30949, Decca  9-30949, Classics CD-738
                                      (Lennie Sibert) (Louis Innis Pub. Co. BMI)

NB(1): DECCA 30949/9-30949 released Tuesday 21st July 1959.
NB(2): DECCA 30949/9-30949 reviewed Billboard ‘Pop’ Monday 27th July 1959.
NB(3): CLASSICS CD-738 “CRUISIN’ COUNTRY, Vol.3.” released Sweden 2012.

HAL WILLIS                                                                        Globe Recording Studio                                                   Nashville, Tn: Wednesday 5th October 1960                                     
(vcl/gtr); Joe South (ld gtr);Hargus “Pig” Robbins (pno); Dorothy Willis (bs); Willie Ackerman (dms).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Producer: Hal Willis

                                                         STOLEN KISSES                                                                                              Demo/Uniss
                                                         ()
                                                         YOUR LIPS TELL ME YOU LOVE ME                                                             Demo/Uniss
                                                         ()
                                                         THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN                                                     Demo/Uniss
                                                         ()

HAL WILLIS                Bradley Film & Recording Studio, 804 16th Avenue So.                          Nashville, Tn:     Wednesday 8th November 1961
(vcl/gtr); Jerry Kennedy (ld gtr); Kelso Herston (rhy gtr); Benny Martin (mand); Bob Moore (bs); Ray Stevens (pno); Willie Ackerman (dms); B/grd Singers-Margie Singleton/Dolores Denning/Joe Babcock/Louis D. Nunley. Producer: Shelby S.Singleton

YW-23012                     I LOVE YOU (AROUND THE WORLD)                                                             Mercury 71933, Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                      ()
YW-23013                     BAYOU PIERRE                                                                                                               71933,                              PRCD-No.#
                                      (Hal & Ginger Willis) (Lowery Music Co., Inc. BMI)

NB(1): MERCURY 71933 reviewed Billboard New Singles Saturday 3rd March 1962.
NB(2): MERCURY 71933 released Tuesday 6th March 1962.

HAL WILLIS                Bradley Film & Recording Studio, 804 16th Avenue So.                          Nashville, Tn:     Friday 13th February 1962
(vcl/gtr); Jerry Kenndey (ld gtr); Kelso Herston (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Ray Stevens (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); B/Grd Singers-Margie Singleton/Dolores Denning/Joe Babcock/Louis D. Nunley.                                                                 Producers: Shelby S.Singleton & Jerry Kennedy

YW-24013                     OUR CHILDREN                                                                                                Mercury MG-20707, Mercury MGS-60707
                                      ()

NB(1): The above song was taken from the Broadway Show (All American).
NB(2): MERCURY MG-20707/MGS-60707 “MUSIC FROM THE BROADWAY SHOW-ALL AMERICAN”-GOES COUNTRY STYLE” released 1962.                                                                                                   

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue South                           Nashville, Tn:     Sunday 6th September 1964                                                                                                    
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Hank Garland (No.2 rhy ac gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Floyd Cramer (pno); Buddy Harman (dms/bngo-1); The Nashville Symphony Orchestra-Byron Bach (cello); Lillian Hunt (violin); Brenton Banks (violin);  Cecil Brower (viola)-2; The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard (chrs-3).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Producer: Hal Willis Arranger: Cliff Parman

ZTSB-99071/                DIG ME A HOLE                                                 -1-2-3                                      Sims 207A, Quality 16666X, Arc A-716, Arc A-851
207A                             (Hal and Ginger Willis) (Lowery Music, Inc. BMI)                                                                          Pearl International PRCD-
ZTSB-99072/                THE LUMBERJACK                                                                                          Sims 207B, Quality 1666X, Arc A-716,         A-851
207B                             (Hal and Ginger Willis) (English Music. Inc. BMI)                                                                         President PT-197, Pearl International PRCD-
ZTSB-95606                 WHAT’S LEFT OFME                                       -1-2-3                                      Sims  224A, Rural Rhythm RRNS-150
                                      (Hal & Ginger Willis) (Lowry Music BMI)                                                           Pearl International PRCD-
ZTSB-95607                 CELLE QUE J’AIME (SELLAKEJEM) (THE ONE I LOVE)-1-2-3 Sims 224B
                                      (Hal & Ginger Willis) (English Music, Inc. BMI)

NB(1): The above recordings  were leased to SIMS Records by HAL WILLIS.
NB(2): SIMS 207 reviewed Billboard C&W Saturday 19th September 1964.
NB(3): SIMS 207 released Tuesday 22nd September 1964.
NB(4): “THE LUMBERJACK” entered Billboard C&W chart on the Saturday 31st October 1964 - #5 - 17 weeks.
NB(5): SIMS Records Advert Billboard Saturday 7th November 1964-SIMS 207.
NB(6): “THE LUMBERJACK” entered Billboard Hot 100 chart Bubbling Under #120-Saturday 28th November 1964-2 weeks.
NB(7): “THE LUMBERJACK” re-titled “LUMBERJACK MAN” on ARC A-716 & ARC A-851. 
NB(8): QUALITY 1666X released Canada October 1964.                  
NB(9): “THE LUMBERJACK” charted at #1 in the CANADIAN Country Charts-1964.
NB(10): SIMS 224 reviewed  Billboard C&W Single Spotlights Saturday 6th February 1965.
NB(11): SIMS 224 released Tuesday 9th February 1965.
NB(12): RURAL RHYTHM RRNS-150 “THE NASHVILLE SOUND OF COUNTRY MUSIC” released 1966.
NB(13): PRESIDENT PT-197 released United Kingdom 1968.

NOTE: Billboard Saturday 6th February 1965-Nashville Scene-Sims artist Hal Willis and Columbias’ Claude King have just completed a seven day of Canada set by their manager Joe Wright. 

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue South                           Nashville, Tn:     Tuesday 18th November 1964
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Charlie McCoy (hca); Pig Robbins (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Nashville Symphony Orchestra-Byron Bach (cello); Lillian Hunt (violin); Brenton Banks (violin); Cecil Brower (viola); The Jordanaires-Ray Walker/Neal Matthews/Hoyt Hawkins/Gordon Stoker (chrs).                                                                                                                                                                                Producer: Russell Sims Arranger: Cliff Parman

ZTSB-95690/                KLONDIKE MIKE                                                                                               Sims 235, Quality 1719X, Arc A-716, Arc A-851
8698/100436                 (Willis) (English, BMI) (H. & G.Willis) (English Music, Inc. BMI)                     Pesident PT-197, Pearl International PRCD-No.#                                                                                                    
ZTSB-95691/                SO RIGHT BUT SO WRONG                                                                           Sims 235, Quality 1719X, Arc A-716, Arc A-851
8699100437                  (Willis) (English, BMI)(H. & G.Willis) English Music, Inc. BMI)                       Pearl International PRCD-No.#

NB(1): The above masters were leased to ATLANTIC Records on Saturday 13th March 1965 and assigned Master Nos. 8698/8699 respectively.                                                                                            
NB(2): There are TWO different DJ releases 1) PRESSED by ATLANTIC (235 A/B) 2) PRESSED by COLUMBIA CUSTOM PRESSING.
NB(3): SIMS 235 (Columbia Custom pressing) Matrix Nos. 100436/100437 (Blue Label) distributed by ATLANTIC Records.
NB(4): SIMS Records Advert Billboard Saturday 13th March 1965.
NB(5): SIMS 235 released Tuesday 16th March 1965.
NB(6): SIMS 235 reviewed Billboard C&W Saturday 20th March 1965.
NB(7): QUALITY 1719X released Canada March 1965.
NB(8): “KLONDIKE MIKE” charted at #1 in the CANADIAN Country Charts-1965.

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue Sout                              Nashville, Tn:     ca: April 1965
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Charlie McCoy (hca); Pig Robbins (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Nashville Symphony Orchestra-Byron Bach (cello); Lillian Hunt (violin); Brenton Banks (violin); Cecil Brower (viola); The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard/Mildred “Millie” Kirkham (high soprano) (chrs).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Producer: Russell Sims Arranger: Cliff Parman

ZTSB-100996/              NOPPER THE TOPPER                                                                                   Sims 243A, Quality 1756X, Arc A-716, Arc A-851
8924/243A                    (Hal and Ginger Willis) (English Music BMI)                                                    Pearl International PRCD-No.#
ZTSB-100997/              THUMBS AND SHOES                                                                                     Sims 243B, Quality 1756X, Arc A-716,        A-851
8923/243B                    (Joe Poovey) (English Music BMI)

NB(1): The above masters were leased to ATLANTIC Records  on Monday 5th May 1965 and assigned Master Nos. 8923/8924 respectively.
NB(2): SIMS 243 reviewed Billboard Saturday 12th June 1965.
NB(3): SIMS 243 released Tuesday 15th June 1965.
NB(4): QUALITY 1756X released Canada June 1965.
NB(5): “NOPPER THE TOPPER” charted at #7 in the CANADIAN Country Charts-1965.
NB(6): The correct title of Master No. 243A is “KNOPPER THE TOPPER”. The mistake was committed at the Pressing Plant.
NB(7): “THUMS AND SHOES” shown on ARC A-851 as “MY THUMBS AND SHOES”.







HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue Sout                              Nashville, Tn:     ca. May 1965
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Charlie McCoy (hca); Pig Robbins (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Nashville Symphony Orchestra-Byron Bach (cello); Lillian Hunt (violin); Brenton Banks (violin); Cecil Brower (viola); The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard/Mildred “Millie” Kikham (high soprano)(chrs).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Producer: Russell Sims Arranger: Cliff Parman

ZTSB-101584               WHEN IT’S SPRINGTIME IN ALASKA                                                            Sims 250-A, Arc A-716, Arc A-851
                                      (T.Franks) (Cajun Pub. Co. BMI)
ZTSB-101585  CREOLE ROSE                                                                       250B,         A-716,         A-851
                                      (H. & G. Willis) (Lowery Music Inc. BMI)                                                           Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                     
NB: SIMS 250 released August 1965.

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue South                           Nashville, Tn:     Wednesday 1st September 1965                                                                                              
(vcl/gtr); Dorothy Willis (hmny vcl-1); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Pig Robbins (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Nashville Symphony Orchestra-Byron Bach (cello); Lillian Hunt (violin); Brenton Banks (violin); Cecil Brower (viola); The Jordanaires-Ray Walker/Neal Matthews/Hoyt Hawkins/Gordon Stoker (chrs).                                                  Producer: Russell Sims Arranger: Cliff Parman

                                      NORTH TO ALASKA                                                                                        Sims (Uniss), Arc A-716, Arc A-851
                                      (Johnny Horton)
                                      JACK THE LUMBERJACK                                                                                Sims (Uniss),        A-716,       A-851
                                      ()
                                      WINDING WANA BAGO                                    -1                                            Sims (Uniss),        A-716,       A-851
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Pearl International PRCD-No.# 
                                     
NB(1): It is interesting to note, that Dorothy Willis sang the CHORUS on “WINDING WANA BAGO” on ARC A-716 and Hal’s single version of the same song is unissued.
NB(2): ARC A-716 “MR. LUMBERJACK” released 1966.
NB(3): ARC A-851 “MR. LUMBERJACK” released

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue South                           Nashville, Tn:     Wednesday 6th May 1966
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr/dobro-1); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr/bjo-2); Bob Moore (bs); Pig Robbins (pno); D.J.Fontana (dms); The Jordanaires-Ray Walker/Neal Matthews/Hoyt Hawkins/Gordon Stoker (chrs). Producer: Hal Willis Arranger: Cliff Parman

ZTSB-120018/              DOGGIN’ IN THE US MAIL                                                                               Sims 288A, Quality 1830X, Pearl International PRCD-
288A                             (Ginger & Hal Willis) (English Music Inc. BMI)
ZTSB-120019/              THE BATTLE OF VIET NAM                            -1-2                                                  288B,            1830X
288B                             (Ginger & Hal Willis) (English Music. BMI                                                        Design DLP-640, Design SDLP-640
ZTSB-120569/              PRIVATE DICK                                                                                                  Sims 307A, Pearl International PRCD-No.#
307A                             (Ginger Willis-Hal Willis) (English Music Inc. BMI)
ZTSB-120570/              THE PARSON FROM PAINT ROCK                 -1                                                     307B, Arc A-716, Arc A-851, Design SLP-647
307B                             (Carolyn Hughey-William H. Smith) (English Music Inc. BMI)

NB(1): SIMS 288 reviewed Billboard Spotlight Singles Saturday 18th June 1966.
NB(2): SIMS 288 released Tuesday 21st June 1966.
NB(3): “DOGGIN’ IN THE US MAIL” charted Billboard C&W Saturday 23rd July 1966 #45, 5 weeks.
NB(4): QUALITY 1830X released Canada June 1966.
NB(5): SIMS 307 released September 1966.
NB(6): DESIGN DLP-640/SDLP-640 “THE WORLD OF COUNTRY MUSIC” released 1967.

HAL WILLIS                                                                         Arc Recording Studio                                                        Toronto, Ont, Canada:                                                            Monday 18th December 1967
(vcl/gtr) with Unk musicians.
                                                                                                                                                                                             Producer:

A-709-A                         LOOSE TALK                                                                                                                                Arc A-709
                                      ()
                                      TIGER WOMAN                                                                                                      A-709
                                      ()
                                      THANKS A LOT                                                                                                      A-709
                                      ()
                                      HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL                                                                          Arc A-709
                                      ()
                                      A LITTLE PIECE OF PAPER                                                                                 A-709
                                      ()
                                      I LAUGH SO AS NOT TO CRY                                                                              A-709
                                      ()
A-709-B                         DON’T DROP IT                                                                                                     A-709
                                      ()
                                      BLUE BLUE DAY                                                                                                     A-709
                                      ()
                                      I’LL BE THERE                                                                                                                                    A-709
                                      ()
                                      I’M HAPPY                                                                                                                                           A-709
                                      ()
                                      LOST LOVE                                                                                                                                         A-709
                                      ()
                                      HOLD EVERYTHING                                                                                              A-709
                                      ()

NB: ARC A-709 “MR. LUMBERJACK, Vol.2.” released 1968.

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue South                           Nashville, Tn:     Thursday 14th August 1969
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Charlie McCoy (hca); Joe “Red” Hayes (fdl); Vassar Clements (fdl); Buddy Emmons (stl gtr); Bob Moore (bs); Pig Robbins (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Anita Kerr Singers-Anita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard (chrs-1).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Producer: Little Richie Johnson

SJW-11078/                  EVERYBODY’S GOT TROUBLES                   -1                                            Wayside WS-1027-A, Wayside WS-45-002
WS-1027A                    (Hal & Ginger Willis) (Back Bay Music BMI)                                                    Pearl International PRCD-
SJW-11078/                  RIGHT WHERE YOU WANT ME    -1                Wayside WS-1027-B,                WS-45-002
WS-1027B                    (Hal & Ginger Willis) (Lowery Misic - BMI)
                                      TAKE ME AWAY                                                -1                                            Wayside
                                      ()
                                      AN OLD CUSTOM                                              -1                                            Wayside, Pearl International PRCD-
                                      ()

NB(1): The Label states a product of  SMASH Records, a Division of Mercury Record Productions., Inc. &  was distributed by SMASH Records.
NB(2): WAYSIDE WS-1027 released September 1969.
NB(3): WAYSIDE WS-1027 pressed by SJW WAKEFIELD Pressings, Phoenix, Az.
NB(4): WAYSIDE WS-45-002 released September 1969.

HAL WILLIS                                   Columbia Studio B, 804 16th Avenue South                           Nashville, Tn:     Friday 15th August 1969  
(vcl/gtr); Grady Martin (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Charlie McCoy (hca-1); Red Hayes (fdle); Vassar Clements (fdle); Bob Moore (bs); Pig Robbins (pno); Buddy Harman (dms); The Anita Kerr SingersAnita Kerr/Louis D. Nunley/William G. Wright Jr./Dorothy A. Ballard (chrs).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Producer: Little Richie Johnson

1-44942                         BAYOU PIERRE                                                 -1                                            Wayside WS-45-004
                                      (Hal & Ginger Willis) (Lowery Music Co., Inc. BMI)
1-44943                         LATE TO EARLY                                               -1-2                                                        WS-45-004, Pearl International PRCD-
                                      (Hal & Ginger Willis) (Back Bay Music BMI)
                                      CANDY                                                                -2                                            Wayside                                                   PRCD-No.#
                                      ()
                                      BACK ON MY FEET                                          -2                                            Wayside
                                      ()

NB(1): The label states a product of SMASH Records, a Division of Mercury Record Productions., Inc. & was distributed by SMASH Records.
NB(2): WAYSIDE WS-45-004 released September 1969.


HAL WILLIS                                                                         Gene Breeden Studio                                                        Nashville, Tn: Wednesday 21st June 1972                                     
(vcl/gtr); Jim Miller (ld gtr); Jim Baker (stl gtr/synthesizer-1); Ray Gibson (bs); Benny Kennerson (pno); Leo Taylor (dms); B/grd vcls-Hal Willis/Dorothy Willis/Daniel Gauthier/Norman Gauthier.                                                                      Producer: Hal Willis

                                      LE LUMBERJACK                                                                                             Bonanza B-29593
                                      ()
                                      LE CHAUFFEUR DE TAXI                                                                                                B-29593
                                      ()
                                      SI JE POUVAIS SAVIOR                                                                                                  B-29593  
                                      ()
                                      CHERIE                                                                                                                              B-29593
                                      ()
                                      MARIE                                                                                                                                                           B-29593
                                      ()
                                      MAMAN                                                                                                                             B-29593
                                      ()
                                      LA JOLIE BRUNE                                                                                                             B-29593
                                      ()
                                      AU VINGTIEME SIECLE                                                                                                 B-29593
                                      ()
                                      MON PREMIER BAISER                                                                                                  B-29593
                                      ()
                                      SOUVENIR DE MARSEILLES                                                                                         B-29593
                                      ()

NB(1): This album was dedicated to the memory of Hal Willis’ Late and Most Beloved Mother who had requested that her son Hal someday record this album of her favourite French songs. She was able to hear these songs by Hal before she died.
NB(2): BONANZA B-29593 “HAL WILLIS” released Canada 1972.

HAL WILLIS                                                      Reflections Recording Studio                                 Nashville, Tn:     Monday 14th August 1995                                                                                                        
(vcl/gtr); Pete Wade (ld gtr); Tommy Allsup (rhy gtr); Jack Ross (bs); Buddy Spicher (fdl/viola-3/cello-4); Aubrey Naynie (fdl); Ben Rodgers (Cajun accdn); Thomas Keels (pno); Norman Ray (sax-1); Murray “Buddy” Harman (dms-1); Willie Ackerman (dms-2).
                                                                                                                                                                                              Producer: Hal Willis Arranger: Tommy Allsup

                                      LOUISIANA BELLE                                            -1                                            Sims Records SRCD-205, Pearl International PRCD-101
                                      (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (Pamper Music BMI)
                                      THE LUMBERJACK                                           -1                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101
                                      (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (Regent Music Corp. BMI)                                        Sims Records No.#
                                      GAMBLER’S GUITAR                                        -2                                            Sims Records SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101                                                                                         
                                      (Jim Lowe) (Fredrick Music Co. BMI)
                                      CHATTANOOGA SHOE SHINE BOY               -2                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101
                                      (Harry STONE/Jack Stapp) (Acuff-Rose Music BMI)
                                      T-TEXAS TILLIE                                                -1                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101
                                      (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (USACAN/English Music BMI)                                 Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                     
                   HAL WILLIS                                                      Reflections Recording Studio                                                             Nashville, Tn: Tuesday 15th August 1995                  
(vcl/gtr); Pete Wade (ld gtr); Tommy Allsup (rhy gtr); Jack Ross (bs); Buddy Spicher (fdl/viola-3/cello-4); Aubrey Naynie (fdl); Ben Rodgers (Cajun accdn); Thomas Keels (pno); Norman Ray (sax-1); Murray “Buddy” Harman (dms-1); Willie Ackerman (dms-2).
                                                                                                                                                                                             Producer: Hal Willis Arranger: Tommy Allsup

                                      BIG BILL BUNYAN                                             -1                                            Sims Records SRCD-205, Pearl International PRCD-101
                                      (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (USACAN/English Music BMI)
                                      LOUISIANA ANNA                                              -1                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101                                                                                         
                                      (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (USACAN/English Music BMI)
                                      DOGGIN’ IN THE U.S. MAIL                              -2                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101
                                      (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (Regent Music Corp. BMI)
                                      THE HANDYMAN                                               -2                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101
                         (Hal Willis/Ginger Willis) (Tree Publishing BMI)
                                      SHOTGUN BOOGIE                                          -2                                                                    SRCD-205,                               PRCD-101
                                      (Tennessee Ernie Ford) (Central Songs BMI)
NB(1): SIMS Records SRCD-205 “COAST TO COAST” released 1995.
NB(2): PEARL INTERNATIONAL PRCD-101 “COAST TO COAST” released 1998.

HAL WILLIS                Bradley’s Barn, 722 Benders Ferry Road                                                    Mt. Juliet, Tn:     Sunday 19th August 1996
                                      Bradley’s Barn, 722 Benders Ferry Road                                                    Mt. Juliet, Tn:     Tuesday 21st August 1996                                                                                                        
(vcl/gtr); Pete Wade (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (leader/ld gtr-3/rhy gtr); Stephen Hill (bs); John Minick (pno-1/synthesizer-2); Buddy Harman (dms); B/grd vcls-Ray “Chip” Davis/Karen Morley/Kim Morrison/Margie Cates.                                      Producer: Harold Bradley

                                      SANTA’S CLONES                                                                                           Pearl International PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      LET’S GO FOR A SLEIGH RIDE                                                    PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS                                                     PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      THE CHRISTMAS POLKA                                                                                                              PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      MRS. SANTA CLAUS                                                                                                                      PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      SANTA SUPERSTAR                                                                                                                     PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      555 HO! HO!                                                                                                                                                                 PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      SANTA’S REINDEER CLONES                                                       PRCD-102
                                      ()
                                      KRIS KRINGLE KRICK                                                                                      -3                                                        PRCD-102
                                      ()                                   
                                      SANTA AND THE LUMBERJACK                                                   PRCD-102
                                      ()

NB(1): Sunday 19th August 1996 - Afternoon Session 1400-1700 hrs.
NB(2): Tuesday 21st August 1996 - Evening Session 1800-2100 hrs.
NB(3): PEARL INTERNATIONAL PRCD-102 “SANTA’S CLONES” released 2000.

HAL WILLIS                Bradley’s Barn, 722 Benders Ferry Road                                                    Mt. Juliet, Tn:     Monday 22nd October 2001
                                      Bradley’s Barn, 722 Benders Ferry Road                                                    Mt. Juliet, Tn:     Tuesday 23rd October 2001
(vcl/gtr); Pete Wade (ld gtr); Harold Bradley (rhy gtr); Buddy Spicher (fdl); Edgar “Kirk” Story (fdl); Stuart “Stu” Basore (stl gtr); David Smith (bs); John Minick (pno-1/synthesizer-2); Buddy Harman (dms).                                                          Producer: Harold Bradley

                                      THEY’LL NEVER GET THE TRUTH FROM ME                                                                          Pearl International PRCD-103
                                      ()
                                      I’LL HATE MYSELF TOMORROW                                                                                                PRCD-103
                                      ()
                                      BRING ON THE GIRLS                                                                                                                   PRCD-103
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Pearl International PRCD-
                                      LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL                                                                        Pearl International PRCD-103
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Pearl International PRCD-
                                      NINA                                                                                                                                               Pearl International PRCD-103
                                      ()
                                      I CAN’T LEAVE HER ALONE                                                                                                         PRCD-103
                                      ()
                                      PERDITA MIA                                                                                                                                                              PRCD-103
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                      THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT TEXAS                                                        Pearl International PRCD-103
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                      ME, MY LOVE, AND A MEMORY                      Pearl International PRCD-103
                                      ()                                                                                                                                                      Pearl International PRCD-
                                      EVERYBODY’S GOT TROUBLES                                                                  Pearl International PRCD-103
                                      ()

NB(1): Monday 22nd October 2001 - Evening Session 1800-2100 hrs.
NB(2): Tuesday 23rd October 2001 - Evening Session 1800-2130 hrs.
NB(3): PEARL INTERNATIONAL PRCD-103 “BETTER THAN EVER” released 2001.
NB(4): PEARL INTERNATIONAL PRCD-No.# “BETTER ‘N EVER” released

RECCORDINGS FROM UNKNOWN SESSIONS

HAL WILLIS                                                                                                                                                                        Nashville, Tn:                                                                                                   Unknown Dates
(vcl/gtr) with

                                                                                                                                                                                             Producer:

                                      MY RELIGION IS ROCK                                                                                   Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                      ()
                                      I WANA SING ABOUT JESUS                                                                         Pearl International PRCD-No.#
                                      ()
                                      MARY SELINA                                                                                                                               Pearl International PRCD-
                                      ()
                                      NOSTALGIA 101                                                                                                                              PRCD-                                                                                                                                                                                                   (Les Swazzo-Dixon DeVore)                                                          

With thanks to HAL & GINGER WILLIS for their help in compiling this discography and acknowledgents to AL TURNER & CHRISTIAN “BLACKEY” SCHWARZ,. Also thanks to Big Al & Ian Saddler and for assistance with Rodeo and Atlantic label shots, and Phil Tricker for turning up the Top Hit Tunes EP. All other label shots from the collections of the authors. All photos and press cuttings courtesy of Hal & the late Ginger Willis.

© 1997-2014 - Dick Grant & Adam Komorowski.


                                                                           

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