George Croft’s American Music Show

GCAMS Episode 39: Germane Smith

This week we got the chance to sit down with Germane Smith. Germane is a booking agent in the Sacramento area with more than 20 years of experience in the music industry. Please enjoy our wide ranging conversation about what new artists might not know before getting into the music business.

GCAMS Episode 38: Jim Reeves

Jim Reeves, born James Travis Reeves on August 20, 1923, in Galloway, Texas, was a country and pop singer known as "Gentleman Jim" for his smooth baritone and polished style. One of nine children, he grew up on a farm during the Great Depression and excelled in baseball, pitching in the minor leagues until a leg injury ended his sports career. He worked as a radio announcer and DJ while briefly attending the University of Texas.
His music career began in the early 1950s. After signing with Abbott Records, his first hit, "Mexican Joe," topped the country charts in 1953. Joining RCA Victor in 1955 under producer Chet Atkins, Reeves helped pioneer the "Nashville Sound," blending country with lush pop orchestrations. Major hits included "Four Walls" (1957), "He'll Have to Go" (1959), and "Welcome to My World" (1962). He achieved crossover success on pop charts and built a global following, especially in South Africa, Europe, and India.
Reeves married Mary Elizabeth White in 1950; they had no children. An avid pilot, he owned a Beechcraft Debonair plane. On July 31, 1964, at age 40, he died when the plane crashed in a thunderstorm near Nashville. His body and that of his co-pilot were found two days later.
His career continued posthumously through unreleased recordings; RCA issued over 80 albums after his death. Hits like "Distant Drums" (1966) topped international charts. Reeves sold over 100 million records worldwide, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1967, and remains a lasting influence in country music.

GCAMS Episode 37: Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot (1938–2023) was a Canadian singer-songwriter and folk-pop icon.
Born in Orillia, Ontario, he rose to fame in the 1960s Toronto folk scene. His songs were recorded by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and many others before he became a star himself. Major hits include “If You Could Read My Mind” (1970), “Sundown” (#1 U.S., 1974), and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” (1976).
He released 20 studio albums, sold over 10 million records, and toured relentlessly for six decades. Known for his warm baritone and storytelling, he’s widely regarded as Canada’s greatest songwriter.
In 2002 he survived a near-fatal abdominal aneurysm and coma. He continued performing until age 83.
Lightfoot died of natural causes on May 1, 2023, at age 84 in Toronto. He was a Companion of the Order of Canada and is celebrated as a national treasure.

GCAMS Episode 36: Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan, born Stephen Ray Vaughan on October 3, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, grew up in a turbulent household marked by his father's alcoholism and frequent relocations. The younger brother of guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, he was a shy child who discovered his passion for music early. At age seven, he received a toy guitar as a birthday gift and began learning by ear, heavily influenced by his brother's records. By his teens, Vaughan was immersed in the blues, drawing from legends like Albert King, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, and Guitar Slim, as well as rock icons Jimi Hendrix and Lonnie Mack, and jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell. He acquired his first electric guitar—a hand-me-down Gibson ES-125T from Jimmie—in 1963 and started performing publicly at age 11. Alcoholism crept into his life young, starting at age six, which would later impact his career.
Early Career and Formation of Double Trouble (1965–1981)
Vaughan's professional journey began in 1965 with local Dallas bands like the Chantones and the Brooklyn Underground, where he played in bars despite his youth. He dropped out of high school in 1972 and relocated to Austin, Texas, the heart of the burgeoning blues scene, joining acts such as the Southern Distributor, Liberation, Blackbird, Krackerjack, and the Nightcrawlers. In 1975, he gigged with Paul Ray and the Cobras at iconic venues like Antone's and Soap Creek Saloon, jamming with idols like Buddy Guy and Albert King. His first single, "Other Days"/"Texas Clover," came in 1976.
By 1977, Vaughan formed the Triple Threat Revue with singer Lou Ann Barton, bassist W.C. Clark, and drummer Chris "Dr. Z" Layton, recording early tracks like "I'm Cryin'." Lineup shifts in 1978 led to the band's rename as Double Trouble (after an Otis Rush song), with Jackie Newhouse on bass. They secured a residency at Austin's Rome Inn and, in 1980, added bassist Tommy Shannon after a pivotal jam session. This core trio—Vaughan, Shannon, and Layton—would define his signature sound: fiery Texas blues-rock infused with soul and Hendrix-esque flair. Early struggles included a 1979 cocaine possession charge, resulting in probation and mandated rehab, though Vaughan's substance use persisted.
Breakthrough and Major Albums (1982–1989)
Double Trouble's explosive rise ignited at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival, where their raw, high-volume set of covers ("Hide Away," "Texas Flood") and originals ("Pride and Joy," "Love Struck Baby") initially drew boos but captivated David Bowie and Jackson Browne. Browne invited them to record demos, while Bowie recruited Vaughan for guitar duties on his 1983 blockbuster Let's Dance (including the title track and "China Girl"). This exposure led to a deal with Epic Records under legendary A&R exec John Hammond.
Their debut, Texas Flood (June 1983), blended covers and originals like the title track (Larry Davis), "Lenny" (an instrumental tribute to Vaughan's wife, Lenora "Lenny" Bailey, married 1979–1988), and peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard 200, eventually going double platinum with over 2 million U.S. sales. Follow-ups solidified his stardom: Couldn't Stand the Weather (1984) hit No. 31 and platinum status, featuring Hendrix's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" and "The Things (That) I Used to Do" (Guitar Slim); Soul to Soul (1985, No. 34, gold) introduced keyboardist Reese Wynans and tracks like "Change It"; and the live Live Alive (1986) captured Austin energy, though criticized for studio overdubs.
Vaughan's addictions peaked in the mid-1980s—a quart of whiskey and quarter-ounce of cocaine daily—leading to a life-saving rehab stint in 1986. Sober and revitalized, In Step (1989) became his commercial pinnacle, reaching No. 33, earning gold certification, and snagging a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. It yielded his lone No. 1 hit "Crossfire" and standouts like "The House Is Rockin'" and a Howlin' Wolf cover, "Love Me Darlin'." Vaughan's gear—primarily Fender Stratocasters like his sunburst "Number One" (with 1959 pickups) and "Lenny" (1965 model), paired with heavy strings, Fender Super Reverb amps, and an Ibanez Tube Screamer overdrive—became as iconic as his blistering, thumb-picking style.
Notable Performances, Collaborations, and Achievements
Vaughan's stage presence was electric, blending virtuosic solos with sweat-soaked showmanship. He opened for The Moody Blues (1983), sold out the Beacon Theatre (1983, attended by Mick Jagger and others), and headlined Carnegie Hall (1984) with guests like Jimmie, Dr. John, and the Roomful of Blues horn section—the show later released as Live at Carnegie Hall (1997, gold-certified). Other highlights: a slide-guitar national anthem at the 1985 Astrodome All-Star Game, Sydney Opera House (1984), Farm Aid inaugural (1985), Robert Plant tour opener (1988), Madison Square Garden headline (1989), and Beale Street Music Festival (1990). He jammed with Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Albert King on the 1987 In Session album and performed a rare acoustic set for MTV Unplugged in 1990.
Awards poured in: five W.C. Handy Awards, honorary Texas Navy admiral (1985), and six Blues Music Awards, including Contemporary Male Artist of the Year (1984). In Step's Grammy capped his lifetime accolades. Rolling Stone later ranked him No. 7 (2003) and No. 3 (2023) among greatest guitarists; Guitar World dubbed him the top blues axeman. His U.S. album sales surpassed 15 million.
Death and Posthumous Legacy
Tragically, Vaughan's life ended on August 27, 1990, at age 35, in a helicopter crash in East Troy, Wisconsin, en route from a concert at Alpine Valley Music Theatre (where he'd jammed with Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Robert Cray). Foggy conditions and pilot error caused the Bell 206B JetRanger to collide with a ski hill, killing Vaughan, pilot Jeff Brown, agent Bobby Brooks, bodyguard Nigel Browne, and tour manager Colin Smythe. Toxicology confirmed he was clean. His Dallas funeral drew 3,000, including Stevie Wonder and Jackson Browne.
Posthumously, Family Style (1990, with Jimmie) won a 1991 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Compilations like The Sky Is Crying (1991) and In the Beginning (1992) kept his fire alive, with over 5.5 million U.S. albums sold in the year after his death. Texas declared October 3 "Stevie Ray Vaughan Commemoration Day" (1991); a statue rose in Austin (1993); and the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award aids musicians in recovery (1999). Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (2000) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2015, with Double Trouble), plus a Hollywood Walk of Fame star (2019), Vaughan's influence endures in artists like John Mayer, Gary Clark Jr., and Kenny Wayne Shepherd—reviving blues for generations with his raw, soulful Stratocaster howl.

GCAMS Episode 35: Johnny Paycheck

Johnny Paycheck: The Outlaw Country Legend Johnny Paycheck (born Donald Eugene Lytle) was an iconic American country music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a quintessential figure in the outlaw country movement of the 1970s. Known for his raw, honky-tonk vocals, working-class anthems, and a hard-living lifestyle that mirrored his lyrics, Paycheck recorded over 70 albums and notched about 30 hit singles during his career. He was often compared to George Jones for his vocal prowess and became a hero to blue-collar fans with songs that captured the struggles of everyday life. His influence extended to later artists like Merle Haggard and Hank Williams III, who praised him as a "real rebel." Early Life and Career Beginnings Born on May 31, 1938, in Greenfield, Ohio, Paycheck grew up in humble surroundings and showed an early flair for music. By age 9, he was competing in talent contests, and as a teenager, he left home to drift across the country, performing in bars and clubs under the moniker "The Ohio Kid." He briefly served in the U.S. Navy but ended up in the brig for two years due to disciplinary issues. After his discharge, he arrived in Nashville in the early 1960s, where he honed his skills as a bassist and harmony vocalist in backing bands for country stars like Porter Wagoner, Faron Young, Ray Price, and notably George Jones. From 1962 to 1966, he fronted Jones's band, the Jones Boys, and contributed uncredited vocals to hits like "The Race Is On" and "Love Bug." He even co-wrote Jones's "Once You've Had the Best." In 1964, he legally changed his name to Johnny Paycheck, inspired by Chicago boxer Johnny Paychek (who once challenged Joe Louis)—not, as myth suggests, as a playful twist on Johnny Cash. His early recordings under the name Donny Young didn't gain much traction, but as Paycheck, he signed with Hilltop Records and scored minor hits like "A-11" and "Heartbreak Tennessee." Rise to Fame and Hit-Making Years Paycheck's breakthrough came in the mid-1960s when he joined Little Darlin' Records, working with producer Aubrey Mayhew. There, he released a string of honky-tonk classics featuring sharp steel guitar (often by Lloyd Green) and his resonant, world-weary baritone. Albums from this era, like I'm the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised), became cult favorites for their humor and grit. His commercial peak arrived in the 1970s after signing with Epic Records and producer Billy Sherrill. He blended traditional country with a rebellious edge, producing a series of Top 10 hits. The crown jewel was 1977's "Take This Job and Shove It," a defiant blue-collar rant written by David Allan Coe that topped the country charts for three weeks and crossed over to No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring real-life protests and even a 1981 film adaptation starring Art Carney. Paycheck's music often championed the "little guy" against the system, resonating deeply with working-class audiences. Personal Struggles and the Outlaw Image Paycheck's life was as turbulent as his songs. A volatile mix of alcohol, drugs, and volatility defined his outlaw persona—he once quipped, "To me, an outlaw is a man that did things his own way, whether you liked it or not." His partnership with George Jones was notoriously chaotic, fueled by their shared excesses. Legal troubles mounted in the 1980s, including multiple arrests for disorderly conduct and assault. The nadir came in 1985 when, in a bar fight in Hillsboro, Ohio, Paycheck shot a man in the chest (claiming self-defense). Convicted of aggravated assault, he fought the eight-year sentence for years before serving 22 months in prison starting in 1989. He was pardoned in 1991 by Ohio Governor Richard Celeste. During his incarceration, fan letters poured in from around the world, sustaining him: "I looked forward to mail call every day." Later Years, Legacy, and Death Post-prison, Paycheck attempted comebacks, including a 1997 signing with Sony's Lucky Dog imprint, but emphysema (from decades of smoking) sidelined him. He made his final recording—a recitation for Daryle Singletary's "Old Violin"—from his hospital bed. He died peacefully in his sleep on February 19, 2003, in Nashville at age 64, after years of health battles. Paycheck was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1975, though his rebel image made it a reluctant honor. His funeral drew a motley crowd, including George Jones, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Hell's Angels bikers—described as "the roughest-looking funeral crowd" ever seen in Nashville. A 2004 tribute album, Touch My Heart, featured covers by Neko Case, Hank Williams III, and others. Today, he's remembered not just for the hits but for embodying country's wild spirit, influencing generations with his unapologetic authenticity.

GCAMS Episode 34: Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline: The Queen of Country Music Patsy Cline (1932–1963) was an American country music singer whose powerful voice, emotional delivery, and crossover appeal made her one of the most influential figures in country music history. Often called the "Queen of Country," she broke barriers for women in the genre, blending heartfelt ballads with pop sensibilities. Her career was tragically short, but her legacy endures through timeless hits and her role in elevating country music's prestige. Early Life Born: Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 30, 1932, in Winchester, Virginia. Background: Raised in a poor family during the Great Depression, she grew up in rural Virginia. Her father abandoned the family when she was young, leaving her mother to support Patsy and her siblings through factory work. Patsy dropped out of high school at 16 to help financially, working as a soda shop clerk and secretary. Early Influences: Inspired by stars like Judy Garland, Perry Como, and country singers such as Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. She taught herself piano and began performing locally as a teenager. Rise to Fame First Break: In 1954, at age 21, she won Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts TV show with "Walkin' After Midnight," which became her first hit in 1957, reaching No. 12 on the country charts and No. 2 on the pop charts. Key Milestones: Marriage and Family: Married Gerald Cline in 1953 (divorced 1957); then Charlie Dick in 1957. They had two children: Julia (1958) and Randy (1961). Personality: Known for her bold, no-nonsense attitude, generosity (she mentored Loretta Lynn), and love of luxury—furs, jewelry, and Cadillacs. She survived a near-fatal 1961 car accident, which left facial scars she covered with makeup. Challenges: Faced sexism in the male-dominated industry, throat surgery in 1959, and depression after personal losses. Tragic Death On March 5, 1963, at age 30, Cline died in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. She was returning from a charity benefit with fellow stars Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas. The small Piper Comanche hit trees in bad weather, killing all aboard. Her death shocked the music world and cemented her iconic status—fans left flowers at her grave for years.

GCAMS Episode 33: Conway Twitty

Conway Twitty (September 1, 1933 – June 5, 1993) was an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in Friars Point, Mississippi. He had a prolific career, recording 55 No. 1 singles, more than any other artist in any genre at the time, earning him a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Career Shift
Twitty grew up in Helena, Arkansas, and started performing as a teenager, initially pursuing a career in rockabilly under the name Conway Twitty, inspired by Conway, Arkansas, and Twitty, Texas. His early hit, "It's Only Make Believe" (1958), reached No. 1 on the pop charts, showcasing his smooth, emotive voice. After a stint in rock and roll, he switched to country music in the mid-1960s, finding his true calling.
Country Music Success
Twitty’s country career took off with hits like "Hello Darlin'" (1970), a signature song that topped the country charts. His style blended traditional country with a soulful, romantic edge, often focusing on themes of love, heartbreak, and longing. Notable hits include:
"You've Never Been This Far Before" (1973)
"Linda on My Mind" (1975)
"Don't Take It Away" (1979)
"Tight Fittin' Jeans" (1981)
He was known for his duets, particularly with Loretta Lynn, with whom he recorded classics like "After the Fire Is Gone" and "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man." The duo won multiple CMA Awards for Vocal Duo of the Year.
Style and Legacy
Twitty’s deep, resonant voice and ability to convey raw emotion made him a standout. He wrote many of his own songs and was a savvy businessman, investing in music publishing and even a theme park, Twitty City, in Tennessee. His influence persists in country music, with artists like George Strait and Alan Jackson citing him as an inspiration.
Personal Life and Death
Twitty married three times and had four children. He was known for his charisma and dedication to fans. Tragically, he collapsed on tour in 1993 and died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm at age 59.

GCAMS Episode 31: Woody Guthrie

Woody Guthrie (1912–1967) was an American folk singer-songwriter, born in Okemah, Oklahoma. He’s best known for his song "This Land Is Your Land," a folk anthem that captures the spirit of the American working class. Guthrie’s music, rooted in the struggles of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era, gave voice to the disenfranchised—farmers, laborers, and migrants. His songs blended protest, storytelling, and social commentary, often with a sharp wit and unpolished honesty.
He traveled widely, hitching rides and riding freight trains, which shaped his perspective and lyrics. His output includes hundreds of songs, like "Pastures of Plenty" and "Deportee," addressing inequality, labor rights, and human dignity. Guthrie was a key influence on the folk revival of the 1940s–60s, inspiring artists like Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger. He performed with the Almanac Singers, a group that promoted union causes and anti-fascist messages during WWII.
Politically, Guthrie leaned left, sympathizing with socialist and communist ideals, though he wasn’t formally tied to any party. His guitar famously bore the slogan “This Machine Kills Fascists.” He wrote columns for leftist newspapers and even penned a semi-autobiographical novel, Bound for Glory.
Later in life, Guthrie suffered from Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder that progressively impaired his health, leading to his death in 1967. His legacy endures through his music, archived at places like the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, and his influence on folk, country, and protest music. His son, Arlo Guthrie, also became a notable musician.

GCAMS Episode 30: Vern Gosdin

Vern Gosdin (August 5, 1934 – April 28, 2009) was an American country music singer and songwriter, known as "The Voice" for his emotive delivery. Born in Woodland, Alabama, he grew up in a musical family, singing gospel with his siblings as the Gosdin Family. In the 1960s, he moved to California, forming the Gosdin Brothers with brother Rex, blending country with folk and recording minor hits like "Hangin' On." After a brief retirement, Gosdin launched a solo career in the late 1970s, achieving success with albums like Never My Love and hits such as "I Can Tell by the Way You Dance" and "Set 'Em Up Joe." His 1988 album Chiseled in Stone was a career peak, earning CMA Song of the Year for the title track. Known for his traditional country style, Gosdin recorded 19 studio albums, charting 19 Top 10 hits. He faced health issues, including strokes, and passed away in 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving a legacy as a soulful country artist. #VernGosdin #CountryMusic #ClassicCountry #TheVoiceOfCountry #ChiseledInStone #CountryMusicLegend #TraditionalCountry #CountryMusicHistory #GosdinBrothers #NashvilleSound #GCAMS

GCAMS Episode 29: Guy Clark

Guy Clark (1941–2016) was a renowned American singer-songwriter, often hailed as one of the architects of the Americana and outlaw country genres. Born in Monahans, Texas, on November 6, 1941, he grew up in a musical environment influenced by the folk revival scene in Houston during the 1960s, where he honed his craft writing poetic, narrative-driven songs about life's hardships, wanderers, and the American Southwest. Clark released over 20 albums, starting with his debut Old No. 1 in 1975, and penned classics like "Desperados Waiting for a Train," "L.A. Freeway," and "To Live Is to Fly," many of which became hits for other artists such as Johnny Cash, The Highwaymen, and Willie Nelson. He won a Grammy in 2014 for Best Folk Album with My Favorite Picture of You, named after a photograph of his wife Susanna. Clark's home in Nashville became a creative epicenter for the 1970s singer-songwriter community, as captured in the documentary Heartworn Highways. He passed away on May 17, 2016, in Nashville after a long battle with lymphoma.
Relationship with Susanna Clark
Susanna Talley Clark (1939–2012) was Guy's wife, muse, and creative partner, as well as a painter and songwriter in her own right, contributing to the same Texas country and folk circles. Born in Atlanta, Texas, she met Guy in the late 1960s amid Houston's bohemian music scene, and they married in 1972—with Townes Van Zandt serving as best man. Their union was unconventional and deeply intertwined with their art; Susanna's paintings often inspired Guy's songs, and she co-wrote tracks like "I'll Be Here in the Morning" (originally for Townes). The couple's Nashville home in the 1970s was an open-door haven for musicians, fostering collaborations amid a backdrop of love, addiction struggles, and artistic intensity. They separated briefly in 1989 due to personal and professional pressures but reconciled in 1995, remaining together until Susanna's death from cancer on June 27, 2012. Their relationship is the subject of the 2021 documentary Without Getting Killed or Caught, which portrays it as a passionate, complicated bond that fueled much of Guy's most enduring work. Susanna's influence extended to the broader scene, as she was known for her warmth and role in nurturing talents like Townes.
Friendship with Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt (1944–1997), another Texas troubadour and one of folk music's most revered songwriters, shared one of the closest and most legendary friendships with Guy Clark. They met in the mid-1960s Houston folk clubs and quickly bonded over their shared love of storytelling through music, with Guy often citing Townes as a profound influence on his concise, evocative style. The two were inseparable in the 1970s Nashville and Austin scenes, frequently collaborating—such as on the 2001 live album Together at the Bluebird Cafe (recorded in 1995 with Steve Earle)—and appearing together in Heartworn Highways. A iconic 1972 photograph by Al Clayton captures the trio of Guy, Susanna, and Townes on their porch, symbolizing their tight-knit dynamic. Townes and Susanna also shared a deep emotional connection, co-writing "Heavenly Houseboat Blues" and forming what some describe as a spiritual soul-mate bond within the marriage; Susanna was reportedly in love with both men, adding layers of complexity but ultimately strengthening their creative circle. Guy included Townes' songs like "If I Needed You" on many of his albums, and their friendship endured until Townes' death from health complications in 1997. Both were interviewed for Townes' 2008 biography A Deeper Blue, highlighting their mutual respect.