Various Artists "ON STAGE AT THE EDISON" (Arc Records, 1966) (LP)
Donna Darlene and Shot Jackson seem to have made Canada their base of operations for a while, as seen in this and several other Canadian-label releases. This compilation spotlights the couple on three song, with additional tracks by northern neighbors including Billy Adams, Loretta Drew, Jerry Lee Legacy, Bob Lucier, Mickey McGivern, and Warren Robb. Someday I'll track down the details of their residency at The Edison club, but for now, let's enjoy the mystery...
Donna Darlene & Shot Jackson "Hurtin' Side Of Country" (Arc Records, 1967) (LP)
Donna Darlene & Shot Jackson "Rural Rhythm Presents Beautiful Waltz Melodies" (Rural Rhythm Records, 1968) (LP)
Donna Darlene "Precious Moments" (Marathon Music, 1974) (LP)
(Produced by Doug Taylor, Shot Jackson & Bill Seddon)
This is a great record, even with the occasional bum note or odd phrasing by Ms. Darlene. Basically, it's a fun set of spunky "gal" country in the spirit as early Loretta and Tammy, with sassy lyrics and novelty lyrics galore. Highlights include the anti-macho "Just Because You Wear Big Shoes," in which Darlene tells some big, tough guy to quit hitting on her, and that she's perfectly happy with her short, sexy steady... The songwriters are all fairly obscure, with offerings by Jack Hosier, Dick Overby, a couple by Francis Ryals, one by Billy Ray Reynolds and one co-written by Donna Darlene ("I Believe In Him") The most recognizable of the lot are Gary Buck and Ira Louvin, but otherwise these are pretty unknown writers -- the noteworthy thing linking them is their already-retro twangitude, which was very much at odds with the slick, bland sounds of the Top Forty charts. And of course, the picking is great, with some really fancy, though pleasantly subtle pedal steel from Shot Jackson. Recommended!
Donna Darlene "Welcome To The Other Side Of Me" (Cheyenne Records, 1977) (LP)
Donna Darlene "Girl On The Cover" (Top Spin Records, 1979) (LP)
(Produced by Shot Jackson & Larry Lee Broderick)
Donna Darlene "Jealous Heart" (Rosedale Records, 1985) (LP)
Donna Darlene "Welcome To The Other Side Of Me" (Rosedale Records, 19--?) (LP)
Donna Darlene "By Request" (Stardust Records, 2000) (LP)
Donna Darlene "My Kind Of Music" (Heritage Music, 2011) (LP)
Donna Darlene & Shotsie Jackson "Mom And Dad's Favorite Hymns" (Steelradio Records, 2012) (LP)
Singer Donna Darlene was married to legendary steel-and-dobro player Shot Jackson, and started recording with him in the late 1960s, after Jackson had recovered from an automobile accident that happened while on tour with Roy Acuff. after his recovery, Jackson continued to be a prolific session player, but also recorded several albums with his wife over the years... Their daughter, Shotsie Jackson, also sang with Darlene, after Shot Jackson passed away in 1991. Here's a quick look at Donna Darlene's work...
