Album Notes

Ned Beatty was born in Louisville, Kentucky July 6th,1937. His mother Margaret Fortney Beatty and Father, Charles William Beatty had survived the flood that Spring, which was and is the worst flood ever in Louisville. The family moved to higher ground when Ned was nearly 4. His mother told him years later that they had finally moved from the rented house they fixed up after the flood to the first home of their own , when their rent was raised 50 cents a month to nearly $30! So Ned was raised and went to school in St. Matthew's, Jefferson County KY. He was educated in the county school system. They did their best.
Singing was probably his favorite subject in school . He also sang at church, Weddings , in a quartet, ("we often sang for our supper"), the Louisville a cappella choir, and he received a scholarship to go to Transylvania University and sing in their excellent a cappella choir under the direction of Harvey Davis, a gifted musician and composer of modern Liturgical music. Ned loved to sing in that choir, but wasn't particularly interested in attending classes in other subjects. So, Transylvania did not extend his scholarship. By the way , if you find yourself thinking about Vampires, try thinking - First College west of the Appalachians (woods), instead.
While still studying to play Count Dracula, Ned Auditioned for and got a job singing in the chorus of an outdoor summer pageant in Berea, Kentucky. The Show, Wilderness Road, included acting singing and dancing. There were more small parts than there were small actors, so Ned got a couple of lines to say because he could speak loudly. Sometimes his quick answer to how he got into acting has been, ' I talk loud'.
Now to make a long story longer, We use a film technique. Cut to card saying, "50 years later". Ned and his wife , Sandy are spending a lovely evening with Their friends Larry and Myrna Bastian. Myrna is one of the best hostesses and cooks ever and Larry is one of the best song writers of our time, short list ("Rodeo" and "Unanswered Prayers") O.K.? After dinner we got to singing. This included quite a few Hymns. Again cut/ to seagulls flying by/ and Larry tells Ned that Ned is going to make a Gospel Album.
After 200 or so Films and TV shows Ned finds himself back where he began his career as a performer in 1955.
If you were to ask him how he feels about this turn of events, his answer would most likely be:......
What a Blessing. What a ride. Thank you , Larry