June 19, 2003

A little bit country, a whole lotta kissin' going on

I was listening to my favorite radio station this morning and the DJ was talking about Willie Nelson. He said in the early sixties, Willie was living in Nashville writing songs for $50.00 a week. He came up with one called "Hello Walls" and ran into Faron Young in an establishment that catered to entertainers across from the Ryman Auditorium, which used to host The Grand Ole Opry, and in an attempt to boost his income, offered to sell the rights to the song to Faron for $500.00. Faron refused, but said he would loan Willie $500.00 and would record the song, and was pretty sure Willie would be able to pay him back out of the Royalties. Well, Faron Young's rendition of Willie's "Hello Walls" shot up to No. 1 on the country charts on June 19, 1961 and remained there for 7 weeks. Willie's first royalty check was $3,000.00 and he immediately went into that establishment across from the Ryman Auditorium and found Faron Young. Upon doing so, without any warning, he kissed Faron right on the lips. Faron said it was the most passionate kiss he ever received.*

*I was unable to substantiate the truth of this story nor to locate the page which my search engine indicated made some mention that Willie might not have ever paid back the $500 to Faron.

Posted by Tiger at June 19, 2003 08:59 PM
Comments

It is really great to see you so versed on the subjects so dear to my hear as the Ryman auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, WSM radio, the National Life and Accident insurance company the owned all of the above. That is my connection.
In fact, I was an agent for this company when they built the largest building in Nashville Tennessee, The National Life Center. It has changed names since then but my name is still on the dedication plaque of that building.
TOOT! TOOT!

Posted by: Frank at June 19, 2003 09:47 PM

Oh, Terry, I almost forgot.
In the era you are talking about, there was an infamous alley behind the Ryman Auditorium, that had several late night clubs where the Musicians and Tourist went.
That Alley was called:
Printers Alley. I do not know if it still exists, since the Ryman was completely remodelled a few years ago and downtown Nashville was revamped.

Posted by: Frank at June 19, 2003 09:55 PM

I forgot what place the DJ said Willie kissed Faron in.

Posted by: Tiger at June 19, 2003 09:59 PM

Now, that's funny. Hopefully, Willie gave him his 500 bucks back.

Posted by: Tony at June 19, 2003 11:27 PM