STARS

 

This photograph was taken in December, 2001, at the Newcastle Opera House with a man I have admired for many years – John Prine. I flew all the way from Spain, suffering with a real bad cold at the time, just to see him in concert. It was worth every peseta. John was on stage for 140 minutes and spoke to all the people who stayed back to meet him. He chatted freely, posed for photographs and signed autographs. He even said he had read about my pending visit on his web site! Photograph by Gary Smurthwaite.

Moe Bandy discusses his song "It's A Cheatin' Situation."

Joe Stampley is very happy with his award.

Larry Gatlin said he had not spoken to many English radio people. Moe Bandy, Joe Stampley and Larry Gatlin were photographed backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, October 1980. This was the year that Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley were voted "Vocal Duo of the Year" by the Country Music Association.

With the guitar chief, Chet Atkins, in Middlesbrough, England. Photograph by Tommy Loftus.

Good memories of my visit to Nashville, Tennessee in 1974 - with Ed Bruce, Patsy Bruce and agent Gus Barba at the Biltmore Hotel on Franklin Road. Photograph by Shay Brogan.

Celebrations for the late Carmol Taylor at a birthday bash at his Music Row office in Nashville, Tennessee in September, 1982. Photograph by Jay Diamond.

Carmol, Sonny Wright and me in a party mood after a few drinks - well, certainly Carmol and and I were! Photograph by Jay Diamond.

This photograph was taken at the Acklam Hotel, Newport Road, in Middlesbrough. It shows Tony Jackson of the Shotgun Duo, Eric White, Stan Laundon, the other band member of the Shotgun Duo - but we don't know his name - Sye Maddison, Steve Young and Art Marshall. Bob Allison is at the very top of the photograph and Peter John Bergg, ex-Radio Tees country disc jockey, is at the bottom.

With Carl Perkins when we were both a bit younger. This was taken in London, 1966, when Carl toured with Johnny Cash and June Carter.