Luann is a has been a local favorite in the traditional country music scene in Missouri for over 20 years. Ever since she was a little girl, Luann has been in love with that old country sound, cutting her teeth on the music of Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and Connie Smith, among others. She taught herself to play guitar and bass, and did a whole lot of “singin’ in the kitchen” (because the accoustics were great!) In a few years, she began her music career playing in a family band at local dances, fairs, and country music shows. After a few years on the circuit, Luann caught a huge break when she was given the last minute opportunity to play bass and sing for lead guitar legend Speedy Haworth (of early KWTO radio in Springfield, MO and also of the famed Ozark Jubilee, the first nationally televised country music show broadcasted across the United States between 1955-60, hosted by country music hall of fame member Red Foley). Speedy was guitarist & singer not only for Foley but also for TV cowboy Rex Allen, Porter Wagoner, LeRoy Van Dyke, Patsy Cline, The Tall Timber Trio, and The Goodwill Family, to name a few). After that stint, Speedy was so impressed that he hired Luann to play bass & sing lead and 3-part harmony with his current group, The Tall Timber Band. She has toured with him for over 13 years now, including a reunion show of The Ozark Jubilee cast at the historic Vandivort Theater in Springfield several years ago. She has also worked with Ron Hoot Productions doing stage shows at the Oasis Theater and The Juanita K. Hammons Hall for Performing Arts, both located in Springfield, MO, and other venues in the midwestern United States. She also worked regularly as bass player / feature & harmony singer at the Truman Lake Opry in Tightwad, MO. She has opened shows for “Farewell Party” singer Gene Watson, heartthrob Ronnie McDowell, “The Auctioneer” LeRoy Van Dyke, “Stand Up” Mel McDaniel, and “Rose Colored Glasses” crooner John Conlee. Even more so than her lead singing abilities, Luann has been touted as the best female back-up vocalist in the area. With her uncanny ability to hear all harmonies and an ear for balance, she provides a crystal clear, hauntingly beautiful, and positively chilling musical backdrop behind any musician she sings with on the stage or in the studio. Although her harmony talents were not put to use on her debut cd because of time limitations, you can plan on hearing it on future records.
Each of the songs on this cd were written or co-written by veteran songwriter Gary Atkinson from Conway, Arkansas, a much-beloved country singer in his own right. Atkinson, a hardcore Ray Price fan, wrote each of the songs on this cd in that tradition, with that famous tic-tac, 4/4 shuffle that Price made so popular. This cd was produced by Keith Hilton of Hilton Electronics, inventor and maker of the famous Hilton Digital Sustain Pedal for the pedal steel guitar.
For the real honky tonk, traditional country, and Texas shuffle fans, this cd is a must-have for your collection!
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