Kay Bank Custom Pressings

Sunday, 22 December 2013

KB-992 - KAY BANK LP 992

ELLEN REPP AND EDWARD MATTOS - "Song Recital at Oberlin"

KB-992A - (Side One)

KB-992B - (Side Two)

Unknown Label LP 992

Friday, 20 December 2013

KB-990 - PLAY 1006

JOHNNY JAY

Nov 58 (DOL = 25 Nov 58)

KB-990A - That’s What I Like About Love (Clane Music)

KB-990B - Let Me Keep You Company (Clane Music)

PLAY 1006

Cleveland, OH

Source: Rockabilly Hall Of Fame / John J Huhta

Johnny Jay, (aka John J. Huhta), was born in Duluth, MN on October 9th, 1934. Johnny played saxaphone in Jr. High and later took up banjo and guitar. At age 17 he had his first radio show on WEBC in Duluth with his band "The Sunnysiders".

When he was 18 he joined the army and served in Korea as a combat engineer. After the war ended he did a short stint with an entertainment troupe there. When he came back to the states, he landed in Montana where he had one of the songs recorded by "Smoky Mac and The Yellowstone Valley Boys".

When he got back home in 1956, he formed "The Shuffle Kings" with his younger twin brothers, Max and Mike and started playing night clubs in the midwest area. In '57, they made their way to Nashville, TN. Soon, they were on tour with Hawkshaw Hawkins and Jean Sheppard.

They met Ernest Tubb and he invited them to sing on his "Midnight Jamboree" on WSM. With Ernest's help, they met some music producers and publishers. Johnny signed with an independent producer who liked his songs and a record session was scheduled at RCA's studio "B". On board were the Jordanaires, Hank Garland, Hargus Robbins and other Nashville studio musicians.

Mercury Records acquired the masters and released "Tears" and "Sugar Doll" in the fall of 1957. In their November 18th, 1957 issue, Billboard Magazine picked these songs as potential hits in all three catagories, country, pop and rhythm and blues.

After Mercury, John recorded for other labels including, Play Records, Dek Records and he had the initial release for Pete Drakes Stop Records, "Buck $2.80", another self penned tune. Johnny collaborated with Dave Dudley to write Dave's 1972 hit, "It Takes Time".

Over the years, Johnny has shared the stage with Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynnette, Buddy Knox, Jim Reeves, Dave Dudley, Claude King, Wynn Stewert, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Jean Sheppard, Marvin Rainwater and many more.