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26 JUNE 2021

Let’s open with a question this time: Does anyone know if the Frank Sims who announced for the Johnnie Lee Wills radio broadcasts in the early ‘50s is the same Frank Sims who went on to become, in the next decade, an announcer for  TV sports programs and THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW? All my research has yielded so far is a line about how he went to work for NBC after his days in Tulsa.
        

Whether it’s the same guy or not, it’s nice to know other broadcasters make on-air gaffes — especially since I’m responsible for so many myself. And you’ll hear a good one from Mr. Sims this Saturday night on SWING ON THIS, as he butchers the title of a song he’s introducing for a syndicated show, and then tries to get out of it after the number’s over in a positively Dadaistic conversation with Johnnie Lee.
        

Plus, a solo offering by the vocalist on one — and ONLY one — of Bob Wills’ most famous tunes and Crystal Gayle with her smooth version of Doris Day’s first No. 1 hit.
        

That and much more on this Saturday’s SWING ON THIS, the show with a little something for everybody, especially those of us who love western swing, cowboy jazz, and, well, weird old music. It comes your way at 7 p.m. Tulsa time over radio station KWGS, 89.5 FM, or live-streaming at publicradiotulsa.org

 

1. “Drop Us Off At Bob’s Place,” Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys

2. “A Boy’s Best Friend Is His Mother,” Bagsby Brothers

3. “Bubbles in My Beer,” Ray Price
(for BETTYE & GARY and the GLASS LIFTERS)

4. “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” Brazos Valley Boys

5. “You Got the Right Number,” Rusty McDonald

6. “San Antonio Rose,” The Nashville Seven
(for HAMILL TIME)

7. “Sentimental Journey,” Crystal Gayle
(for JACK & CAROLE BENDER)

8. “She’s A Rounder,” Sunshine Boys

9. “Silver Dew on the Bluegrass Tonight/Smoke on the Water,” Johnnie Lee Wills and His Boys
(for CYNTHIA HACKATHORN and STEVE LEWIS)

10. “I Knew the Moment I Lost You,” the Tulsa Playboys w/Billy Parker

11. “Waltz Across Texas,” Ernest Tubb
(for BILLY PARKER and AP MCQUIDDY)

12. “Mama Don’t Like No Music,” Bill Boyd’s Cowboy Ramblers

13. “Spider Blues,” Ida Red

14. “Honky Tonk History,” Red Dirt Rangers

15. “Baby (You’re As Sweet As Honey to Me),” Dave Edwards and His Alabama Boys