I'm 60, Ty, and the first time I remember hearing Kenny was with The First Edition, long before he crossed over into country/pop. Lots of artists did that in the 70s after the whole urban cowboy phase hit.
@@nancyborden5860 scooter. The Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLaughlin is about heroin and the comforting high you get that transports you away from reality.
@@nancyborden5860 Nope...it was a friend of Kenny Rogers that Kenny asked what's going on when he came into the same bar in Houston North Side. Kenny made a song about his answer.
Back in the day, this type of music was usually classified as psychedelic and was usually accompanied by black light and strobe lights as well as a heavy smell of weed!
That drummer, Mickey Jones, was also the drummer for Johnny Rivers on all his hits. Song written by Mickey Newbury. He is the only songwriter who had three different #1 songs on three different charts at the same time. The female singer, Mary Miller, was Roger Miller's wife.
The drummer was Mickey jones who played Pete Bilker (of K&B Construction) on the TV show Home Improvement. He was the drummer on around 17 Gold Albums before he went into acting.
Back then this song with the lyrics "I found my mind in a brown paper bag within", "tore my mind on a jagged sky" was associated with glue sniffing. I was a Junior in high school long, long ago.
Ty, I was thirteen when this song came out. This is the verybest live performance from that era by any band and singers? Vast majority of performances were mimed. The lady in the white boots was the late Roger Miller's wife Mary Arnold. She has a large list of music and voice training teachers and schools. Also, you may have noticed that she plays the tambourine With the drums, not just slapping it around. The recording was a little more psychedelic guitar sounding. I love this version due to every single voice and instrument is mic'd and mixed perfectly. As an audio tech guy I say the engineer for this performance deserves major props. This being live has a much more full, nasty sound as well. The song was witten about "self medication" '60s style. I enjoy seeing and hearing the things that we used to take for granted (new songs coming out at least bi-weekly and liking much of it. Major props to you for proudly providing a faith based site(s) for the world topossibly hearing about for the first time. Rock on brother. 🙏👌👍👍🙏🇺🇸
Kenny wasn’t wasn’t country here, and in fact started as a jazz musician. He switched genres more than once. OTOH, Chris is soul, r&b, blues, bluegrass, rock, and country all at once.
In the late 1950s, Rogers began his recording career with the Houston-based group the Scholars, who first released "The Poor Little Doggie". After some solo releases, including 1958's "That Crazy Feeling", Rogers then joined a group with the jazz singer Bobby Doyle. In 1966, he became a member of the folk ensemble the New Christy Minstrels, playing double bass and bass guitar as well as singing.[3] In 1967, he and several members of the New Christy Minstrels left to found the group the First Edition, with whom he scored his first major hit, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)", a psychedelic rock song which peaked at number five on the Billboard charts.
Since you asked, I first saw The First Edition perform this at a club in Columbus, Ohio called the Bistro, where The First Edition was the house band, and this was their most famous song, and I likely saw them maybe 20 times. This was before Kenny Rogers was famous and before he went country. He could always cross over to Pop or other genres and he also did Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town while he was with this group. I saw them in 1967-68. I had no idea at the time what a a privilege it was to see Kenny Rogers before he was famous.
My brother and sisters were a good bit older than me so I was exposed to "psychedelic" music at a young age. When most girls were swooning over Donny Osmond and singing "Puppy Love" with his records I was singing Iron Butterfly, Joplin, and The Doors.
I first heard this in The Big Lebowski. Trust me when I say the Cohen brothers does this song justice. You should watch it, it's a classic. I'm not young(49), but I'm young enough not remember this song growing up.
I'm 42. Definitely heard this song before 1998, but who could forget Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski? That's always the first thing I think of. Great movie, by the way.
*The Drummer in The First Edtion, MICKY JONES* *was an actor who performed in more then 300 TV Shows and movies...From Sanford and Son to Always Sunny In Philadelphia* .... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Jones
The First Edition 1972: From left to right: Terry Williams (vocals and lead guitar), Mike Settle (vocals and acoustic guitar), Mickey Jones (drums),Mary Arnold (vocals and tambourine), and Kenny Rodgers (lead vocal and bass guitar)
I was 17 and my buddy and I flew from Denver to Gunnison, CO in December 1970 to ski at Crested Butte. The plane was a Frontier Airlines Convair 580 turboprop and the trip from Denver started out with the plane aborting takeoff due to excess weight because Kenny Rogers and The First Edition had too much weight with their amplifiers, PAs and lighting equipment. They were headed to play a gig at Western State College in Gunnison. The equipment was off loaded and put on another Frontier jet flight to Grand Junction where it could be trucked to Gunnison. Once we were enroute, the weather deteriorated so we couldn't land in Gunnison. We ended up in Montrose, CO where Frontier chartered a Continental Trailways bus to take us - me, my buddy and the band - to Gunnison. It was a blizzard and we were moving at 10 mph throught snow drifts We ended up stopping until a plow came along to clear the road. Rogers and the band were so cool. They had their acoustic guitars and played Ruby and Condition while we passed a doob. True story. Damn I miss those days.
Little bit of music trivia, Karen Carpenter auditioned for First Edition when Kenny Rogers was looking for a new “girl singer" for the group (back before The Carpenters hit it big obvs).
Thelma Camacho the original female vocalist was fired in 1966 and a young Karen Carpenter was beaten out by Mary Arnold. Arnold was the wife of Country Music star Roger Miller.
Kenny started out as a Folk Singer in the 50s and 60s with the New Christy Minstrels. The First Editon was the next band. Then it got changed to Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. When he went out on his own, he crossed over between rock pop and country.
I am 71 and I have followed Kenny Rogers since the beginning, this guy was so talented it’s really nor necessary to put him into any genre, he could do it all
Being a spiritual man. I know you would love the Kenny ROGERS song, Heed The Call from his days in the First adition. You'll forget all about My Condition and many other songs as well.
I remember my parents had this album in my childhood days. (Kenny Rogers And The First Edition). When this song came out, the lines weren't as finally drawn as to the "labels" of musical genres, as they are today. When I was a child, we only had am radio stations. One could easily hear this song, then Johnny Cash, The Carpenters, Sly and The Family Stone, Loretta Lynn, followed by Stevie Wonder. So, I was very well versed in many different types of music at a young age. Some music stations may have been dedicated to country, but not the ones I was exposed to. I think Kenny Rogers got his start when he sang in the folk group, The New Christy Minstrels in 1966. (Before my time). The Late 1970's was when Kenny's solo career really took off, with The Gambler, in 1978. I love the album this song is from. Some great music on there. Other great songs from this band is Reuben James, Ruby, and Somethin's Burnin'. Kris Kristofferson contributed a lot of songs to this band. As you can tell, I still listen to this music today. Another piece of trivia..the drummer, Micky Jones, became a very well known character actor before his passing in 2018.
No it wasn't. When they first formed and recorded this song (1967) it was just "First Edition". 2 years later they rebilled themselves as "Kenny Rogers and The First Edition".
Agreed. the "Kenny Rogers and the..." came later. It was a common "thing" (back in the day) and often was the result of the lead singer becoming bigger than the group. "The First Edition" was created (for the most part) by former members of "The New Christie Minstrels" (Kenny, being one of them).
Did you notice that Kenny had an earring? He started out in Pop and Rock and then went Country, primarily. I have no memory of not hearing this song. It’s been around that long. The drummer, Mickey Jones did some acting. He often played a big, burly biker or similar roles.
I first heard it in ‘68 and I’m about that age now. We were out in the country, had a long bus ride to school, a teenaged bus driver and battery powered record player so there were some impromptu singalongs and dance parties on the way. Y’all will never know how much fun that was✌🏻
kenny rogers started definately rock, and it wasn't until a good while later that he decided to be country. this song was from my teenage yrs, many yrs ago.
Although someone may have mentioned it, I don’t see any posts about the late Mickey Jones on drums. Excellent drummer, but most people know him from his acting career. Home Improvement, Tun Cup, Son-In-Law, among many other credits to him. I remember my mom wearing this song out on 8 track in the early 70's. I loved that tape.
I remember on this TV show, the lead guitarist had a guitar duel with B.B.King. They had a great time and that always stuck with me for the past 50 years.
I'm 66 now and remember hearing this when I was young. I even have an album of Kenny Roger's and the first edition. My favorite song of their's is Reuben James. Haven't heard it in years. You should do a reaction to that song.
I've heard this song before but, I NEVER dreamed it was Kenny Rogers singing lead vocals. And....MRM....I thought your mamma raised you right. You should NEVER ask a lady her age! Shame on you.....and I'm 29 (every year). It even says it on my cake. A candle shaped like a 2 and one like a 9. No lie...my husband knows how to keep his wife happy. Remember-happy wife, happy life. 🤗
"April fool". Good time to hear this song. It is April 1st now. Crazy good lyrics! I love the Finnish verdion of this song. Jonna, "Missä lie kondiksessa" Live. I found this First edition version through the Finnish cover and was blown away finding out Kenny Rogers was in it. This is no country.
OMG, talk about bringing back memories! Loved this as a teenager! I have it on a 45 I do believe. Thank you very much enjoyed listening to the song and your reaction!
It does sound like something Quentin Tarantino would use, just in the way you said. I can visualize it. I grew up when this song was playing in the radio, which was more than a minute ago,I was a small child, now 56.
Ty, there is so much more than what you’ve been exposed to for Chris and Kenny as Country Artists. Chris beginnings in the Steeldrivers, a fabulous Bluegrass band (If it hadn’t been for love). If you’d listen to his whole CD, you will hear Country. For Kenny, he covered all genres but did struggle many dry spells until writer Don Schlitz contacted him about recording The Gambler. A song previously recorded by Johnny Cash but, it just didn’t click. Kenny’s country recordings earned him 21 #1 Country hits and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lastly, Kenny had great success as a duo artist with Country legends Dolly and Dottie West. Just some info for ya. For Chris, his debut album is full of traditional Country sounds. Unfortunately, they were lost on Reactors circulating the same popular songs.
I don't count since I am 80. I heard this when it was first released and this certainly isn't country. I vaguely remember a program about Kenny Rogers and the "editions" he went through in his career. Country music went through phases like this "pop-country" and George Strait rescued county music. - when he first became popular and against the "pop-country" fad. Eddie Arnold is another "solid country" singer and some of his hits sound like top 40 music - Make the World Go Away is one example. An example of a new singer sounding country is Mo Pitney and "Borrowed Angel."
This song takes me back to the 7th grade when I was 13 in 1970. (I just gave away my age lol). Later on I had a Kenny Rogers and The First Edition album in 1971. My favorite songs from the album was "Somethings Burning", "Tell it all Brother", "Heed the Call", "Reuben James" to name a few. Kenny Rogers went solo later and had a lot of songs and he also had duets with Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Sheena Easton to name a few. Kenny Rogers was more country when he was solo. He had a lot of good songs when he was with The First Edition and when he was solo.
So glad your playing some First Edition years of Kenny’s career. Check out Reuben James. I was probably ten years old when I was listening to this on KXOK St Louis in the late sixties. Can’t think of the drummer’s name, but he took Levon Helms’ place with Bob Dylan and The Band for a short time and went on to do a lot of TV and small movie parts over the years. These guys had a TV show for awhile.
I first heard this song probably in 1969 or 1970 . I forgot this was Kenny Rogers as he went in a very different direction musically as you know . Song reminds me a lot of ' Fresh Air' by Quicksilver Messenger Service - similar vibe . You should check it out also
You're right, Chris Stapleton is not country. He's an R&B singer who covered a country song. This song definitely is not a country song. This psychedelic rock song came out the year I was born, 1968. One of my older brothers used to play this one alot, so, you see, I've grown up with this music.
Great song (I know, and others know, that he got this from you, but glad you gave this to him). Yes, should have received credit...but we know. Hope you are doing well. Mike and Gary are still with us, but brother Kenny left us one year ago today. Sam Houston boys.
A couple more songs that show another side of his music are Ruben James and Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town. Be fun hearing those. keep up the good work.
Saw a documentary about Kenny Rogers. He moved over to Country to try to make it big but his first two songs sank.. He was going to try one more song and if that didn't work he was going to go back to Rock. The third song was his hit. Lucille
Kenny Rogers was Rock before he was Country. His time with The First Edition was mostly Rock n Roll. As for where this song might be used and in at least one case I know of was used, I can tell you this. The studio version of this song was used at the end of disc one in the PlayStation Video Game "Driver 2". I had the game and in my first play through, I heard it at the end of Disc One. I was pleasantly surprised, as that game for its time was the type of game I would expect that song to fit into. Someone sure knew what they were doing getting permission to include it in the game. The lyrics of the song seem to be nonsense, but if you read between the lines, so to speak, they actually make sense for just that type of scenario that the game 'Driver 2' is. I think Borderland should also be included as the type that could include that song. And yes, it would fit into a Quentin Tarantino movie quite nicely.
Micky Newberry wrote this.he also wrote American Trilogy.he was close friends with kris kristopherson,and kris stole the music to one of Mickey's songs and used for bobby mcgee.when asked,Micky said that happens all the time.
Writer of this song MICKEY NEWBURY and singer. Hauntingly different, painful...I suggested this this song by him way back. Love Kenny and his virson. But please check out Mickey Newbury!! Wonderful songs .... Like, Wish I was a Willow Tree. In fact there is a combined of both.
Some is rock, some is country rock, some is bluesish, and some is country. It all depends upon what song you’re listening to. Can’t remember what I was doing when I first heard this, or even where I was. That was probably when I was a WAC in the Army though.
I first heard this song as a kid from my mom’s 8-track collection. I do agree it does have that tarentino vibe. You should defiantly check out the Big Lebowski and see how they use the song.
I'm 60, Ty, and the first time I remember hearing Kenny was with The First Edition, long before he crossed over into country/pop. Lots of artists did that in the 70s after the whole urban cowboy phase hit.
The drummer was in Slingblade, Home Improvement etc, musician and actor, RIP to both
omg, I *love* this song, can't wait to see this reaction! Not everyone's old enough to remember Kenny from back then. He was *always* cool.
I was 1 yr old when this video came out, lol. Been listening to Kenny Roger's since my womb days, lol.
My favorite Kenny Rogers song. Even though it was about drugs, I still loved it .
@@nancyborden5860 scooter. The Arms of the Angels by Sarah McLaughlin is about heroin and the comforting high you get that transports you away from reality.
Sure! One of my favorites.
@@nancyborden5860 Nope...it was a friend of Kenny Rogers that Kenny asked what's going on when he came into the same bar in Houston North Side. Kenny made a song about his answer.
"I broke my mind on a jagged sky". lol. I remember it very well. I liked it.
Back in the day, this type of music was usually classified as psychedelic and was usually accompanied by black light and strobe lights as well as a heavy smell of weed!
The drummer was also an actor and had a recurring role on Home Improvement. Mickey Jones.
"That would be me"
As a drummer myself, I liked how the drummer was set up in the very front of the band as it should be!
Among hundreds if not thousands of other TV shows and movies.
Mickey also played in Bob Dylan's backup (electric) "Band" when Levon had enough of the booing.
Thank You. I thought he looked familiar.
That drummer, Mickey Jones, was also the drummer for Johnny Rivers on all his hits. Song written by Mickey Newbury. He is the only songwriter who had three different #1 songs on three different charts at the same time. The female singer, Mary Miller, was Roger Miller's wife.
The drummer was Mickey jones who played Pete Bilker (of K&B Construction) on the TV show Home Improvement. He was the drummer on around 17 Gold Albums before he went into acting.
I heard this song in late 60's and 70. I would like to request Ruby by Kenny Rogers.
and Reuben James
Don't take your love to town.
Back then this song with the lyrics "I found my mind in a brown paper bag within", "tore my mind on a jagged sky" was associated with glue sniffing. I was a Junior in high school long, long ago.
Ty, I was thirteen when this song came out. This is the verybest live performance from that era by any band and singers? Vast majority of performances were mimed. The lady in the white boots was the late Roger Miller's wife Mary Arnold. She has a large list of music and voice training teachers and schools. Also, you may have noticed that she plays the tambourine With the drums, not just slapping it around. The recording was a little more psychedelic guitar sounding. I love this version due to every single voice and instrument is mic'd and mixed perfectly. As an audio tech guy I say the engineer for this performance deserves major props. This being live has a much more full, nasty sound as well. The song was witten about "self medication" '60s style. I enjoy seeing and hearing the things that we used to take for granted (new songs coming out at least bi-weekly and liking much of it. Major props to you for proudly providing a faith based site(s) for the world topossibly hearing about for the first time. Rock on brother. 🙏👌👍👍🙏🇺🇸
Sweet story! Thx for sharing that!
Kenny wasn’t wasn’t country here, and in fact started as a jazz musician. He switched genres more than once. OTOH, Chris is soul, r&b, blues, bluegrass, rock, and country all at once.
In the late 1950s, Rogers began his recording career with the Houston-based group the Scholars, who first released "The Poor Little Doggie". After some solo releases, including 1958's "That Crazy Feeling", Rogers then joined a group with the jazz singer Bobby Doyle. In 1966, he became a member of the folk ensemble the New Christy Minstrels, playing double bass and bass guitar as well as singing.[3] In 1967, he and several members of the New Christy Minstrels left to found the group the First Edition, with whom he scored his first major hit, "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)", a psychedelic rock song which peaked at number five on the Billboard charts.
They also had a great song called Reuben James. I remember watching this when I was 8 or so..1969. Tv was fun for music lovers back then.
Since you asked, I first saw The First Edition perform this at a club in Columbus, Ohio called the Bistro, where The First Edition was the house band, and this was their most famous song, and I likely saw them maybe 20 times. This was before Kenny Rogers was famous and before he went country. He could always cross over to Pop or other genres and he also did Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town while he was with this group. I saw them in 1967-68. I had no idea at the time what a a privilege it was to see Kenny Rogers before he was famous.
That's awesome! Thanks for answering.
My brother and sisters were a good bit older than me so I was exposed to "psychedelic" music at a young age. When most girls were swooning over Donny Osmond and singing "Puppy Love" with his records I was singing Iron Butterfly, Joplin, and The Doors.
I first heard this in The Big Lebowski. Trust me when I say the Cohen brothers does this song justice. You should watch it, it's a classic. I'm not young(49), but I'm young enough not remember this song growing up.
Whoa haven't heard this song in almost 50 years now I am giving away just how old I am
Wow. Who knew? Kenny Roger's really! I think I left my mind in a brown paper bag back in the 70's. I know I left soul there. Gawd it's so soulful.
Great song! Big #1 hit here in Canada back in 1968. It reached #5 in the USA. Good Psychedelic rock song. Thanks for a great memory 😎🎼🎵🎶🇨🇦
I'm 42. Definitely heard this song before 1998, but who could forget Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski? That's always the first thing I think of. Great movie, by the way.
Oh my I am old enough to remember the First Edition. This was Kenny Roger's Spring board to fame. RIP Kenny.
he was in the new christy minstrels in the mid-60's before the first edition.
*The Drummer in The First Edtion, MICKY JONES* *was an actor who performed in more then 300 TV Shows and movies...From Sanford and Son to Always Sunny In Philadelphia* .... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Jones
I am glad to see I am not crazy. I knew that I have seen that drummer's face in so many movies and TV shows.
I remember him being on Sanford and Son which we never missed but didn't realize he was a drummer too.
He always seemed to play some variation of a bad biker dude.
He was on an episode of Dukes of Hazzard. He kidnapped Luke.
I think he was a regular on Home Improvement, maybe the guy at the hardware store?
Yes, that is a very young Kenny Rodgers.
Who would've thought back then that Kenny Rogers would've turned from a rock star to a country music star? So talented! I loved the first edition!
The First Edition 1972:
From left to right: Terry Williams (vocals and lead guitar), Mike Settle (vocals and acoustic guitar), Mickey Jones (drums),Mary Arnold (vocals and tambourine), and Kenny Rodgers (lead vocal and bass guitar)
I’ve loved this song since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Watching now.
"The First Edition" was the first I heard of Kenny Rogers. He was just so good he had to go off on his own.
he was in the new christy minstrels in the mid-60's before the first edition.
Odd out of all the songs out there I haven't heard in years- this one is in my head today
Kenny Rogers WENT country later...l had no idea he did this song!
Song composed by Mickey Newberry. The female member was Mary Arnold the wife of Country Music star Roger Miller.
The drummer Mickey Jones was a tv character actor as well..You should do Kenny Rogers and the 1st Edition---Somethings Burning
I was 17 and my buddy and I flew from Denver to Gunnison, CO in December 1970 to ski at Crested Butte. The plane was a Frontier Airlines Convair 580 turboprop and the trip from Denver started out with the plane aborting takeoff due to excess weight because Kenny Rogers and The First Edition had too much weight with their amplifiers, PAs and lighting equipment. They were headed to play a gig at Western State College in Gunnison. The equipment was off loaded and put on another Frontier jet flight to Grand Junction where it could be trucked to Gunnison. Once we were enroute, the weather deteriorated so we couldn't land in Gunnison. We ended up in Montrose, CO where Frontier chartered a Continental Trailways bus to take us - me, my buddy and the band - to Gunnison. It was a blizzard and we were moving at 10 mph throught snow drifts We ended up stopping until a plow came along to clear the road. Rogers and the band were so cool. They had their acoustic guitars and played Ruby and Condition while we passed a doob. True story. Damn I miss those days.
Listened way back then. Still listening in my 60s now. ❤️ miss you Kenny.
Let’s give it up for the Tambourine Girl and her GoGo boots !
Had a pair of Go-Go boots....thought I was so cool!
That is Mary Arnold the wife of Country Music star Roger Miller.
Little bit of music trivia, Karen Carpenter auditioned for First Edition when Kenny Rogers was looking for a new “girl singer" for the group (back before The Carpenters hit it big obvs).
Thelma Camacho the original female vocalist was fired in 1966 and a young Karen Carpenter was beaten out by Mary Arnold. Arnold was the wife of Country Music star Roger Miller.
Saw them live at Troy State University in '69 or '70. Also Little Stevie Wonder, Allman Brothers, Ike and Tina Turner. TSU booked some great bands.
Can't remember when the last time I heard this was, but I certainly didn't know Kenny Rogers sang it!
Kenny started out as a Folk Singer in the 50s and 60s with the New Christy Minstrels. The First Editon was the next band. Then it got changed to Kenny Rogers and the First Edition. When he went out on his own, he crossed over between rock pop and country.
I am 71 and I have followed Kenny Rogers since the beginning, this guy was so talented it’s really nor necessary to put him into any genre, he could do it all
Being a spiritual man. I know you would love the Kenny ROGERS song, Heed The Call from his days in the First adition. You'll forget all about My Condition and many other songs as well.
I'm 72 and Love this song. Actually Kenny Rogers started in Rock as you can see by this song. Then he went to Country.
I'm65,love this music ,love the reactions!Thanks!
Seen Kenny in concert when I was a kid. He was my mom's favorite❤
I remember my parents had this album in my childhood days. (Kenny Rogers And The First Edition). When this song came out, the lines weren't as finally drawn as to the "labels" of musical genres, as they are today. When I was a child, we only had am radio stations. One could easily hear this song, then Johnny Cash, The Carpenters, Sly and The Family Stone, Loretta Lynn, followed by Stevie Wonder. So, I was very well versed in many different types of music at a young age. Some music stations may have been dedicated to country, but not the ones I was exposed to.
I think Kenny Rogers got his start when he sang in the folk group, The New Christy Minstrels in 1966. (Before my time). The Late 1970's was when Kenny's solo career really took off, with The Gambler, in 1978. I love the album this song is from. Some great music on there. Other great songs from this band is Reuben James, Ruby, and Somethin's Burnin'. Kris Kristofferson contributed a lot of songs to this band. As you can tell, I still listen to this music today. Another piece of trivia..the drummer, Micky Jones, became a very well known character actor before his passing in 2018.
Kenny Rogers just passed away March 20, 2020
It was first called "Kenny Rodgers and The First Edition."
No it wasn't. When they first formed and recorded this song (1967) it was just "First Edition". 2 years later they rebilled themselves as "Kenny Rogers and The First Edition".
Agreed. the "Kenny Rogers and the..." came later. It was a common "thing" (back in the day) and often was the result of the lead singer becoming bigger than the group. "The First Edition" was created (for the most part) by former members of "The New Christie Minstrels" (Kenny, being one of them).
Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whisky is basically just “ I’d Rather Go Blind” wearing a Stetson. It’s pure blues..
Yep!
Did you notice that Kenny had an earring? He started out in Pop and Rock and then went Country, primarily. I have no memory of not hearing this song. It’s been around that long. The drummer, Mickey Jones did some acting. He often played a big, burly biker or similar roles.
I first heard it in ‘68 and I’m about that age now. We were out in the country, had a long bus ride to school, a teenaged bus driver and battery powered record player so there were some impromptu singalongs and dance parties on the way. Y’all will never know how much fun that was✌🏻
I'm 46. And British. But I've known this song since I was a late teenager. (and I've even sung it at Karaoke!)
kenny rogers started definately rock, and it wasn't until a good while later that he decided to be country. this song was from my teenage yrs, many yrs ago.
Although someone may have mentioned it, I don’t see any posts about the late Mickey Jones on drums. Excellent drummer, but most people know him from his acting career. Home Improvement, Tun Cup, Son-In-Law, among many other credits to him.
I remember my mom wearing this song out on 8 track in the early 70's. I loved that tape.
Glad to see you are still posting videos!
I remember on this TV show, the lead guitarist had a guitar duel with B.B.King. They had a great time and that always stuck with me for the past 50 years.
I'm 64 years old I first heard this song at a party when I was 15 years old. And at that age I was wounding what conduction my conduction was in.
You should really check out Zager and Evans "In the Year 2525"
Thats a very good idea
A lot of that song has come true
I loved that song.
I'm 66 now and remember hearing this when I was young. I even have an album of Kenny Roger's and the first edition. My favorite song of their's is Reuben James. Haven't heard it in years. You should do a reaction to that song.
This was early Kenny, then he became country.
I've heard this song before but, I NEVER dreamed it was Kenny Rogers singing lead vocals. And....MRM....I thought your mamma raised you right. You should NEVER ask a lady her age! Shame on you.....and I'm 29 (every year). It even says it on my cake. A candle shaped like a 2 and one like a 9. No lie...my husband knows how to keep his wife happy. Remember-happy wife, happy life. 🤗
Wow..Kenny Rodgers so Very Young Here! I Love this song...Its got attitude :)
Funny shit. Keep up the light side of life.
I'm 60. Listened to this when it, came out. Always heard it was about huffing glue a pass time of many back then...
"April fool". Good time to hear this song. It is April 1st now. Crazy good lyrics!
I love the Finnish verdion of this song. Jonna, "Missä lie kondiksessa" Live.
I found this First edition version through the Finnish cover and was blown away finding out Kenny Rogers was in it. This is no country.
OMG, talk about bringing back memories! Loved this as a teenager! I have it on a 45 I do believe. Thank you very much enjoyed listening to the song and your reaction!
Glad you enjoyed it
kenny was a folkie and then a rocker before he had all those hits he's known for.
You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Lucille is another great song from Kenny Rogers and the First Edition.
Kenny started as a rocker and switched over into country music and become bigger and better known.
Every time I see Micky Jones, all I can think of is him beating on that 55 gallon plastic drum on "Home Improvement"
The career of Kenny Rogers was re-invented after it struggled (post First Edition). He fell into the country music scene and never he looked back.
It does sound like something Quentin Tarantino would use, just in the way you said. I can visualize it. I grew up when this song was playing in the radio, which was more than a minute ago,I was a small child, now 56.
It's featured in the film The Big Lebowski. Also that blonde woman in the back might be a young Kim Carnes, but I can't be certain.
Ty, there is so much more than what you’ve been exposed to for Chris and Kenny as Country Artists. Chris beginnings in the Steeldrivers, a fabulous Bluegrass band (If it hadn’t been for love). If you’d listen to his whole CD, you will hear Country.
For Kenny, he covered all genres but did struggle many dry spells until writer Don Schlitz contacted him about recording The Gambler. A song previously recorded by Johnny Cash but, it just didn’t click. Kenny’s country recordings earned him 21 #1 Country hits and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lastly, Kenny had great success as a duo artist with Country legends Dolly and Dottie West. Just some info for ya.
For Chris, his debut album is full of traditional Country sounds. Unfortunately, they were lost on Reactors circulating the same popular songs.
I don't count since I am 80. I heard this when it was first released and this certainly isn't country. I vaguely remember a program about Kenny Rogers and the "editions" he went through in his career. Country music went through phases like this "pop-country" and George Strait rescued county music. - when he first became popular and against the "pop-country" fad. Eddie Arnold is another "solid country" singer and some of his hits sound like top 40 music - Make the World Go Away is one example. An example of a new singer sounding country is Mo Pitney and "Borrowed Angel."
You could add Brad Paisley to the list of those keeping 'Old School' Country alive.
This song takes me back to the 7th grade when I was 13 in 1970. (I just gave away my age lol).
Later on I had a Kenny Rogers and The First Edition album in 1971. My favorite songs from the album was "Somethings Burning", "Tell it all Brother", "Heed the Call", "Reuben James" to name a few. Kenny Rogers went solo later and had a lot of songs and he also had duets with Dolly Parton, Dottie West, Sheena Easton to name a few. Kenny Rogers was more country when he was solo. He had a lot of good songs when he was with The First Edition and when he was solo.
I was nine years old in 1970. Best wishes to you.
So glad your playing some First Edition years of Kenny’s career. Check out Reuben James. I was probably ten years old when I was listening to this on KXOK St Louis in the late sixties. Can’t think of the drummer’s name, but he took Levon Helms’ place with Bob Dylan and The Band for a short time and went on to do a lot of TV and small movie parts over the years. These guys had a TV show for awhile.
If you haven't heard their song, Heed The Call, you DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING!
Incredible song!
I first heard this song probably in 1969 or 1970 . I forgot this was Kenny Rogers as he went in a very different direction musically as you know . Song reminds me a lot of ' Fresh Air' by Quicksilver Messenger Service - similar vibe . You should check it out also
You're right, Chris Stapleton is not country. He's an R&B singer who covered a country song.
This song definitely is not a country song. This psychedelic rock song came out the year I was born, 1968.
One of my older brothers used to play this one alot, so, you see, I've grown up with this music.
His drummer was a bad ass and a great actor to
Great song (I know, and others know, that he got this from you, but glad you gave this to him). Yes, should have received credit...but we know. Hope you are doing well. Mike and Gary are still with us, but brother Kenny left us one year ago today. Sam Houston boys.
Fun fact: one of the background singers, Mary Arnold, beat out a newcomer for the job. That newcomer was named Karen Carpenter.
Then went on to marry Roger Miller
Digging deep for a reaction video! Good on you MRM!
Thanks for doing this man
I was little and sang it in church and got in trouble by my grandma and I didn't know why? Lol 😆
A couple more songs that show another side of his music are Ruben James and Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town. Be fun hearing those. keep up the good work.
I am not 35 years old and I herd this song when it was new, it was not in the country category it was considered rock.
Saw a documentary about Kenny Rogers. He moved over to Country to try to make it big but his first two songs sank.. He was going to try one more song and if that didn't work he was going to go back to Rock. The third song was his hit. Lucille
Kenny started in rock
Psychedelic. I saw them perform this. My girlfriends older brother invited us to double.
Kenny Rogers was Rock before he was Country. His time with The First Edition was mostly Rock n Roll.
As for where this song might be used and in at least one case I know of was used, I can tell you this. The studio version of this song was used at the end of disc one in the PlayStation Video Game "Driver 2". I had the game and in my first play through, I heard it at the end of Disc One. I was pleasantly surprised, as that game for its time was the type of game I would expect that song to fit into. Someone sure knew what they were doing getting permission to include it in the game.
The lyrics of the song seem to be nonsense, but if you read between the lines, so to speak, they actually make sense for just that type of scenario that the game 'Driver 2' is. I think Borderland should also be included as the type that could include that song. And yes, it would fit into a Quentin Tarantino movie quite nicely.
Micky Newberry wrote this.he also wrote American Trilogy.he was close friends with kris kristopherson,and kris stole the music to one of Mickey's songs and used for bobby mcgee.when asked,Micky said that happens all the time.
Writer of this song MICKEY NEWBURY and singer. Hauntingly different, painful...I suggested this this song by him way back. Love Kenny and his virson. But please check out Mickey Newbury!! Wonderful songs .... Like, Wish I was a Willow Tree. In fact there is a combined of both.
ruclips.net/video/C9C1h71eWHI/видео.html
This dude rocks. No matter what he says. Thanks
Kenny Rogers started with rock but crossed over to country/rock Ty.
What a throw back! I had the 45 record in high school😊
Used in movie "The Big Lebowski" Age 62 thank you!
Some is rock, some is country rock, some is bluesish, and some is country. It all depends upon what song you’re listening to. Can’t remember what I was doing when I first heard this, or even where I was. That was probably when I was a WAC in the Army though.
Love this song! Can't wait to see your reaction to it.
I am 77,and I heard that back in I think the 70s,of course my memory is fading
Have always loved this song.
Some of the best lyrics of all time!
I first heard this song as a kid from my mom’s 8-track collection. I do agree it does have that tarentino vibe. You should defiantly check out the Big Lebowski and see how they use the song.