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Just Walkin' in the Rain: The True Story of the Prisonaires: the Convict Pioneers of R & B and Rock & Roll
Just Walkin' in the Rain The True Story of the Prisonaires the Convict Pioneers of R B and Rock Roll Author:Jay Warner The history of rock'n'roll and rhythm and blues is filled with inspiring characters.But no story in popular music is more poignant and more triumphant than that of Johnny Bragg and his all-convict singing group, the Prisonaires.As a teenager in the mid-1940s, Bragg was sentenced to six life terms in the Tennessee State Prison.His only pleasure, ... more »the only expressive outlet for his spirit, was singing. Then came a miracle.In 1953, a young, progressive governor of Tennessee, Frank Clement, heard Bragg's vocal quintet.He was deeply impressed with their talent, but even more, he recognized that these were good men who might be saved.And so for years he showcased Bragg and the Prisonaires at state events at the governor's mansion.There they met President Truman, Senator Lyndon Johnson, and countless celebrity entertainers. Eventually, the Prisonaires were signed by a young, white, maverick record producer.Sam Phillips of Sun Records would ultimately be responsible for the careers of such major stars as Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and others.He will remain best know, however, for his discovery of Elvis Presley.It is a significant footnote to music history that Bragg and Elvis became friends through Phillips and remained so ever after. Bragg's claim to glory, however, lies not in the twenty-two tracks he cut with his group, but in his authorship of the hit "Just Walkin' in the Rain," recorded by the '50s pop legend Johnnie Ray."Just Walkin'" was one of the bestselling singles of the decade. At the center of a remarkable cast of characters is Bragg, whose faith and persistence testify eloquently to the power of the human spirit.Bragg is alive and well today in his mid-'70s.He still possesses the sweet tenor voice that made him an extraordinary artist fifty years ago. In telling this story, music historian Jay Warner gives us a unique insight into the politics and society of the pre-Civil Rights era South, introduces us to a host of extraordinary human beings, and celebrates a great American singing group.« less