Remember “Tulsa Trot” by Tex Williams and his top-notch western swing ensemble? Zero to 180 just discovered that ol’ Tex had a #30 country hit in 1965 with a truck driving tune “Big Tennessee” that was penned by Kenny (‘Round Mound of Sound’) Price and released on Kentucky indie label, Boone:
“Big Tennessee”
Tex Williams (1965)
In appreciation for the commercial success of its previous release “Too Many Tigers” (#26), Boone Records would place an announcement in the September 4, 1965 edition of Billboard that heralded the arrival of its next hot single – “Big Tennessee” – while still riding the adrenaline of a Top 40 country hit:
Boone Booms! We would like to thank you for one Hit and introduce you to another – ‘Big Tennessee’ c/w ‘My Last Two Tens’ – picked in all three trades:
Billboard Spotlight: ‘A definite top-of-the-chart contender is this hot rhythm follow-up to his recent hit, “Too Many Tigers.” Rich plaintive Williams vocal can’t miss.’
Single Reviews: ‘Tale of a powerful trucker and his heroic last deed. Will thrill country listeners. A good ‘un.’
The Cashbox Bullseye: ‘Following up his recent “Too Many Tigers” success, Tex Williams should have a real biggie with this twin-market powerhouse called “Big Tennessee.” The tune is a barrelin’, stormin’ single-talkie saga about a big truck-drivin’ man who gave up his life in a heroic gesture.’
Featuring the inimitable styling of Tex Williams. This record is pop! This record is country! This record is a hit!
Great sales action. There’s a Boone Record distributor in your area. Contact them today. Boone Record Co. U.S. Route 42, Union, Ky.
“Big Tennessee” was also included on 1966 LP Two Sides of Tex Williams.
Promotional ad
Billboard
March 12, 1966
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1965:
Truck Driving County’s Crowning Year?
1968 was a particularly powerful year for diesel-driving music, as previously discussed, but 1965 – Zero to 180 researchers are discovering – shows the first flowering of the genre resulting from the runaway (trucker term, get it?) success of Dave Dudley‘s Top 40 hit, “Six Days on the Road“:
– “A Tombstone Every Mile” Dick Curless [Allagash/Tower]
– “Girl on the Billboard” Del Reeves [United Artists]
– “I’m the Girl on the Billboard” Joyce Paul [United Artists]
– “White Lightnin’ Express” Roy Drusky [Mercury]
– “Speed Traps, Weigh Stations & Detour Signs” Dave Dudley [Mercury]
– “Truck Drivin’ Son of a Gun” Dave Dudley [Mercury]
– “Giddyup Go” Red Sovine [Starday]
– “Ridin’ Down ol’ 99” Joe & Rose Lee Maphis [Starday]
– “Give Me Forty Acres” The Willis Brothers [Starday]
– “When I Come Driving Through” The Willis Brothers [Starday]
– “That’s Truck Drivin’” Slim Jacobs [Starday]
– “Long White Line” Charlie Moore & Bill Napier [King]
– “Rollin’ on Rubber Wheels” The Stanley Brothers [King]
– “Truck Driving Buddy” Hank England [Process]
