Forgotten Class Act

It was a small venue with some former great names in Country music.  Though neither of the headliners had current hits on the charts, my husband and I were excited about the evening.  We had recently had the privilege of seeing the Porter Wagoneer show featuring a bright new talent--Dolly Parton--and hope this show would be as good.  We were not disappointed.

After the comedy act warned the crowd up, George Morgan (Lori Morgan's father) came on.  He regaled with wonderful stories about his career and friends in the business while singing his great hits along with other classics.  His rich voice was wonderful and we enjoyed every moment of his part of the show.

Then the one and only Miss Jean Shepherd came on stage.  What an entertainer!  I can still see clearly her with her light blue Minnie Pearl style ruffled dress with loads of petticoats belting out song after song.  As an avid fan stepped up to take a picture she winked at the audience then flipped up her dress revealing ruffled pantaloons.  The audience roared with laughter, but she never missed a note of her song.  She sang her hits and some other well known songs.  Finally she did Silver Threads & Golden Needles.  When she finished she received a standing ovation.  Her response was "Wow, I've never recorded that one.  Maybe I should"  The crowd immediately let her know that they would love it if she did.  To my knowledge she never did, but I can still hear her singing it in my mind.

PS.  In researching Miss Shepherd for this memory, I was saddened to discover that the Internet and most musical sites have no idea who this great lady is or was.  To me that makes this memory all the more precious.  There is a brief biography of her as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.