Rating:
Genre:
Vocal Music
Release Date: 06/10/2003
Following the lead of frequent duet partner
Bing Crosby and the enormous success of
Patti Page's
"The Tennessee Waltz," Rosemary Clooney recorded many
country crossovers during the early '50s, a few of which became hits. Though her normal singing style rarely betrayed her roots,
Clooney was in fact a native Kentuckian who'd spent much time in front of the radio while growing up -- her home lay in easy broadcast range of Nashville's
Grand Ole Opry and Chicago's
WLS Barn Dance. Except for three songs, every title on
Country Rose was recorded after
Page's enormous success in 1950 with
"The Tennessee Waltz." Columbia A&R head
Mitch Miller was never averse to capitalizing on
pop trends (to say the least), and he quickly rushed
Clooney into the studio with a self-directed orchestra to record her on a similarly multi-tracked item called
"Beautiful Brown Eyes." Ernest Tubb it wasn't, but the song did become her first big hit as a solo act.
Clooney succeeded on several occasions in conveying an intriguing blend of
country and
pop, most often without an orchestra in tow. Four of the best here are duets with
George Morgan (Mr.
"Candy Kisses"), including an unreleased nugget of fiddle-led
swing called
"Grapevine Swing." Clooney also shines on
Jimmie Davis'
"Nobody's Darling But Mine" and
Hank Williams'
"Half as Much," but turns in a curiously subdued version of
"You Are My Sunshine" with an unlikely bunch of collaborators:
Gene Autry,
Carl Smith,
Don Cherry, and
the Collins Kids.
~John Bush, All Music Guide
;)
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