RED FOLEY
Red Foley (1910–1968) was one of country music's first national stars. Before becoming a celebrated radio and television personality, he established himself as an accomplished singer and guitarist through a series of recordings for Melotone, Bluebird, and Decca. Although remembered primarily for his warm baritone voice, his early solo recordings feature a confident, unobtrusive guitar style rooted in the traditional alternating-bass accompaniment of the 1930s.
THE LONE COWBOY
Recorded April 11, 1933 — Chicago, Illinois
Matrix: C-535-1 - Melotone M-12957
"The Lone Cowboy" is a reflective western ballad that highlights Red Foley's tasteful guitar accompaniment. Built on a steady alternating bass with clean chord transitions and subtle bass movement, the performance demonstrates how an uncomplicated guitar part can provide both rhythmic drive and emotional support while allowing the song itself to remain the focus.
HEADIN' BACK TO TEXAS
Recorded December 9, 1935 — Chicago, Illinois
Matrix: C-1180-1 - Decca 5222
“Headin’ Back To Texas” is an early Red Foley performance built around the familiar country theme of returning home. Foley’s youthful vocal is accompanied by a simple, uncluttered guitar part, giving the recording an intimate quality quite different from the fuller arrangements that would characterize much of his later career.
Pay close attention to the song’s subtle swing feel!
