| Author | Message | ||
  Nikki (45rpmgal) 3-Pundit Username: 45rpmgal Post Number: 59 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.206.46.218 |
From the Associated Press this evening: NASHVILLE, Tenn. Johnny Bragg, a singer-songwriter who co-wrote the song "Just Walkin' in the Rain" as a state prison inmate, has died in Nashville. He was 79 when he died of cancer around 12:30 a.m. on September 1 at the Imperial Manor Convalescent Center in Madison, Tennessee. Johnny's daughter, Misti, said he was 79. Bragg was the lead singer for the Prisonaires, a vocal group he formed while in the Tennessee State Penitentiary in the 1950s. Written by Bragg and another inmate, Robert Riley, "Just Walkin' in the Rain" was a pop hit for Johnnie Ray in 1956. Bragg was pardoned in 1959, but he landed back in prison a couple more times before leaving for good in 1977. Bragg served time on various charges including rape and shoplifting. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but will be handled by Smith Brothers (615-726-1476). I was thrilled to see, hear, and meet Mr. Bragg in person at the UGHA Hall of Fame in 2001. If you've ever heard him sing, you'll know that another awesome lead tenor has joined heaven's choir. RIP Johnny Bragg  Nikki | ||
Robb_K (robb_k) 6-Zenith Username: robb_k Post Number: 504 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.149.5 |
One of the great voices! The Prisonaires never really got their due. | ||
Tony.C. (tonyc) 3-Pundit Username: tonyc Post Number: 58 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.10 |
REMEMBERED IN THE U.K. FOR HIS nORTHERN sOUL BIGGIE ON ELBEJAY RRCORDS ,VERY POPULAR AROUND 1977/78--THEYRE TALKING ABOUT ME--WHAT SAY YOU MEL-O-JOHNNY BRAGG ,A SAD LOSS (AGAIN)R.I.P. JOHNNY. LOVE AND STUFF TO ALL TONY.C. | ||
Nikki (45rpmgal) 3-Pundit Username: 45rpmgal Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.206.46.218 |
Johnny had quite a history both personally and musically. His recordings with the Marigolds were also nearly flawless (as were his recordings with the Prisonaires). One of his solo 45s which I have, "True Love Will Never Die" on Decca, also shows his true talent. For an in-depth look on Johnny's life, which had more than it's share of woes, go here: http://www.findarticles.com/p/ articles/mi_m2298/is_4_17/ai_6 3583958 Nikki | ||
Juicefree20 (juicefree20) 6-Zenith Username: juicefree20 Post Number: 2185 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 24.46.184.162 |
I never really heard The Prisonaires music. However, I have heard Just Walking In The Rain. May Mr. Bragg rest in peace & Nikki, thank you for keeping these pioneers in the forefront of everyones' minds. It good to know that someone remembers & cares. Nikki, you do well, it's a good thing that you do! | ||
mel(andthensome) (mel) 6-Zenith Username: mel Post Number: 523 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.240.120 |
Great 45 T.C. Memorie jerker mel | ||
Fred (fred) 3-Pundit Username: fred Post Number: 53 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Highly recommended: "Just Walkin' In The Rain" by Jay Warner. A great recounting of the Prisonaires story and an excellent examination of the social and political context of the times. The local (Nashville) obituary: http://tennessean.com/obits/ar chives/04/08/56747168.shtml?El ement_ID=56747168 | ||
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman Post Number: 1510 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138 |
Fred, If you are in touch with jay Warner, please forward my e mail address to him as I am certain that he would like to re connect with me. phillysoulman@verizon.net thanx!! | ||
Fred (fred) 3-Pundit Username: fred Post Number: 54 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.12.116.138 |
Bobby, I haven't had any contact with Jay Warner in about five years, but if I find a good address I will let him know you want to connect. |
