NANCY O'NEAL
Champagne Lady

By Nancy Watson O'Neal

       I was born, Nancy Ann Watson, into a Capricorn/Aquarius moon at almost midnight 1932 in Marinette, Arizona. Born into a musical family, my mother, played violin/fiddle and piano/organ. My uncle Les Darby sang/played guitar and uncle Jesse Darby sang/played fiddle/guitar and called for square dances all around Glendale & Phoenix area. When my uncles performed at the Community Center in Glendale on Saturday nights, my father and I would dance to the song "Put Your Little Foot", at first I was so young, I had to stand on one of his shoes.
       I started school at Glendale Grammar School with my older brother Don, and Martin Robinson (Marty Robbins), who was a little older. We rode the bus together since we lived by the Crystal Ice Plant. Martin and I, both had our singing debuts at the Glendale Baptist Church. When I sang my first solo at age five, "Away In the Manger", and heard the applause, I was hooked, and decided to live my life singing. After Marty became famous, I saw him on TV and knew exactly what he was talking about when he said, "All the families would gather at the Crystal Ice Parties". After Church on Sundays, families would bring potluck; fry chicken, crank ice cream, drink ice tea, sing and play instruments. You can guess where the ice came from!

 

       In June 1939, we moved to San Diego and I listened to the radio, singing with the stars. Nancy Jennings was my best friend. We called ourselves the " Nancy Twins". We put on musical shows on my front porch every Saturday. I wrote script, choose songs, choreographed dances and Nancy J. would come over every afternoon to practice, and help made costumes. We charged one penny and the seats were always full. The pennies bought goodies for practicing! During WWII, we lived below the dam at Camp Pendleton. In January 1942, the dam broke and I woke up when my father grabbed me and carried me to higher ground, with water above his waist. Most of the trailers were destroyed but I never heard of any deaths. We stayed with friends, and built a home in Lakeside. In February 1942, Don and I started Lakeside Grammar School, where I got down to business on the violin with Leo Sherer as my teacher. I also performed in school plays, and was lead, as a mermaid. I learned one-three new songs a week, singing them to our cow "Lucky", she loved them: "Bell Bottom Trousers" , "Detour" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You". Mr. Sherer started the San Diego Junior Symphony, with Don on trumpet and I was on the violin. Mr. Sherer taught us a lot!
       June 1946, we moved to Prospect, Oregon. I was now playing violin at weddings, funerals, church, school and social gatherings. As a freshman in '47, I sang in the church/school choir. I started a singing group with 2 friends, Prospect Gold Trio. We rehearsed country, pop and religious songs, many times, walking down the street of Prospect for all to hear, and got jobs that way. After my sophomore year, I married Lee Acrey, a heavy equipment operator, 3 yrs older than I. After I graduated Prospect High School in 1951, we had the first of four children, with little time to practice. Later, I worked part time jobs as waitress, cashier, manager, fry & dinner cook, etc. In 1956, Lee's brothers Don & Lynn Acrey played in the band, Blue Denim Boys, over Portland television. This spurred me on to practice more on my music. In 1960, after all the children were in school, I started singing with the Gene Bennett Band in Eugene. Gene's wife Pat Bennett and I, did duo"s together, polishing up harmony skills. In 1966, we bought a guitar for our son Stan (age 15), a drum set used by the Royal Guardsmen for our son Steve (age 12), an organ for our daughters Jeanie (age 13) and Shirley (age 11). Then I learned drums along with Steve. A year later I began learning rhythm on my Kay guitar, a couple of lead songs, and some bass from Lynn. I jammed with many musicians in Oregon.



       By 1968, Lee's job took us to the Porterville/Bakersfield, California area. My children and I, played music after school every afternoon, and all the children around the neighborhood came to listen, some were learning to sing & play instruments. Soon, Tommy Duckett, whose mother was killed in a car accident, came to live with us with the approval of his grandfather. In 1969, I began playing with Chet Brumley & the Sierra Playboys with Chet Brumley, rhythm, Babe Lewis, lead guitar, Mike Bivins, bass and me, Nancy Acrey, drums, all vocals. Many fans began calling us Nancy & the Playboys and that name stuck. The band played on a Fresno KAFY-Radio, by remote every Sunday at the Sierra Flea Mart. We recorded Chet's song, "Your Not Winning As Fast As I'm Losing", which played on KAFY-Radio for over a year in 1970-71. Our band was offered a contract at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, but we had too many local commitments. One Saturday, I was guest singer for my son's, Yellow Fever Band (country, rock/roll), with Tommy Duckett, lead, Stan Acrey, rhythm, and Steve Acrey, drums, all vocals, for the Sadie Hawkins Day Festival at the town center. The band was great and the girls crowded around them for autographs.
       In 1971, I graduated as a Psychiatric Nurse, and worked at the Porterville State Hospital. I coordinated monthly shows for the patients at the hospital. Yellow Fever and Desolation Road bands backed everyone. My daughter, Jeanie and I performed skits, singing with Annette O'Toole (actress from the Porterville Playhouse). My friend Bonnie and I started Country Soul Searchers, with Allen Orton, lead, Bonnie Phillips, bass, Nancy Acrey, rhythm, and Roby, drums, all vocals. Later, Roby left and I went back on drums. We were the house band at the Mirror Room (owner: David Frizzell), in Strathmore. This was when I became known as the "Champagne Lady". We had good times at that club, and gave David a big birthday bash. I talked to David again in 1990, at Louie Louie's in La Mesa.

 

       My Agent, Pat Dodger, said I was to sing with the Jimmy Thomason Band (KERO-TV) at Hart Park in Bakersfield. Fred Maddox was performing and I was standing behind the band waiting to go on next, when suddenly the Virginian, TV Cast arrived and came on stage, James Druery, Doug McClure, Robert Fuller and Chuck Courtney, they put on quite a show, with me still on stage. Then Jimmy's band had to leave, and Lee & I ate lunch with Fred Maddox and his wife. I did sing with the Jimmy Thomason Band, a month later. Wynn Stewart came into town for several nights of concerts (was sold out), at the Trails Inn in Porterville. Lee and I were invited every night as Wynn's guests to sit with him between shows. It was an honor, and we became good friends. Curly Wallis, fiddler, ask me to drum for his concerts while he was in town, which I did and was on some of his recordings. We had fun, even when Curly would go fast, and faster with the audience cheering us on. I always kept up with him no matter how fast he would go.
       I feel very fortunate to have performed with Bill Woods & Band. Bill's drummer, and my friend Tommy Ash, let me sit in for a set, vocals/drums, when they were doing the concert at the Trails Inn. Bill told me that as soon as I wrote enough songs for an album, he would record me at Capital Records. But I wasn't able to get my songs perfected in time, before deaths in my family took us back to Oregon. I talked to Bill Woods again in 1998 at Trout's Club jam session in Bakersfield. I had jammed with many, many musicians in the area but, too numerous to list.

 

       Two deaths in the family (Brother & Mother), took us to Waldport, Oregon. While there, I bought the only set of Pearl, champagne pink drums in the state of Oregon. Then, I joined the band Quazars, (country & rock/roll), with 19 yr old Patty Carr on lead guitar (a fantastic entertainer), Kenny Germain, bass and Nancy Acrey, drums, all vocal. Everyone told me I was the only female drummer in Oregon and they were fascinated. We played clubs along the coast, and began switching to different instruments. Patty played bass, Kenny played drums and I played lead guitar, then Patty played drums, Kenny played lead guitar and I played bass, then back to our own instruments. The audience raved over us when we switched, and we had fun doing it. The Quazars played for the Iron Kettle Restaurant/Niteclub in Waldport, and always had a packed house. Kenny left, and we got Lynn Acrey on vocal/bass. We rode the Iron Kettle's 18 wheeler float in the commercial division in the Beachcomber Days Parade, and won 1st place. It was a lot of fun; I only fell off my drum stool three times. Patty left, and I called a friend in Bakersfield. The band became Surfside III, with Allen Orton, lead, Lynn Acrey, bass, Nancy Acrey, drums, all vocals. The band was going strong, with a packed house every night. But, trouble was brewing at home, ending my marriage. Lee moved back to Eugene, and I moved to San Diego.
       In San Diego, I got a Psych Nurse job, and started hitting jam Sessions and meeting musicians, including Johnny & DaWanda Hammer and Roy Hogsed of " Cocaine Blues". I joined Preach & the Deacons, with Preach Guerin, vocals/lead, Bob Allison, vocals/bass, Dennis Guerin, vocals/drums, Nancy Acrey, vocals. Then I joined The Forresters with Forrest, lead, Jim Force, bass, Nancy O' Neal, drums, all vocals. Later, I joined Curley Lyons & the Showdowners, with Curley Lyons, guitar, Glenn Broadway, lead, Jim Force, bass, Nancy Acrey, drums, all vocals. Bonnie came to visit from Bakersfield, and California Country band was born, with Bonnie Phillips bass, Jim Force lead/mandolin, Nancy Acrey drums, all vocals. We held Sunday jam Sessions that were the biggest in the county, and met many great musicians. Curley Dee came to jam, and we began featuring him Saturday nights. Curley's band had won the Best Band in the 1929 World's Fair and he was a great showman. During this time, I married Darrell O'Neal and Bonnie married Jim Force. Then, we changed the band name to Bonnie Belle Four, with Jim Force, Bonnie Force, Nancy O'Neal, now on fiddle, and added Roger Stuck, vocals/drums, featuring Curley Dee every Saturday night. The band and Curley Dee went into the Recording Studio and cut a few cover songs. Then Jim & Bonnie moved to Alaska.
       The Tee Pee Room in Ramona needed a band, so I hit jam sessions, found musicians and formed a band called Moonshine Special, with George Brunson, lead guitar, Sandy Dawson, bass, Nancy O'Neal, drums, all vocals. We added Tom Bryant vocals/rhythm guitar. Tom left, and Rich Barrett vocals/rhythm from Las Vegas joined us. We did a casual at Borrego Springs Mall, Desert Festival with guest Les Blackwood. Then, house band at Spring Valley Inn, and changed our band name to Ramblin' Country. We went in early for a week, so 11 year old Tiffany could practice learning to sing with a band. By the next year she was singing on KSON-Radio, and soon after that, she was a Rock Star!

 

       Ramblin' Country became house band at Wild Bill's in Santee. Owner Van Winkle, had the band use his Caddy convertible to go to all the jam sessions to advertise us, and his club. A great guy! We were backup band for Red Simpson at his concert at Bronco Billy's in Santee. Van Winkle encouraged us to perform at the KSON-Radio Band competition and Ramblin' Country won the 1977 KSON-Radio "Country Star" Band of the Year. A good year but, very short lived. Not long after, part of Wild Bill's club burned down. All of the band's equipment was damaged/destroyed. George & Rich's Fender amps were gone, Sandy's Mosrite bass amp was gone. And all of the mic stands and cords were gone. My beautiful Pearl, champagne pink drums in the corner of the stage, were now a burnt orange and all the metal and skins had to be replaced, and my Peavy PA system melted, but still worked, so I recovered them with black burlap. Ramblin' Country started playing at Wild Bill's in San Diego, while we designed the new stage at Wild Bill's in Santee. After the work was done, Van changed the name to Van Winkle's Restaurant & Niteclub. We played the new stage for one month, then George retired from his job and moved back to Arizona, Rich moved back to Las Vegas, Sandy went with the Grand Central Station band, and I went with The Nightrider's band.
       During May 1977, Casey Tibbs held a big birthday party for Steven Ford, President Ford's son, for his 21st birthday, at the Ranch House in Ramona. Casey had hired the Sounds of Country band and I was invited to sing with them. I had just started singing "Satin Sheets", when all the CBS & NBC media lights came on, and they televised the band and I, for National television. It was an honor to sing for Steven's birthday.
       I was with The Nightriders band with Jim Shirley, guitar, Glenn Broadway, lead, Lester Hays, bass, Nancy O'Neal, drums, all vocals. When Glenn got sick we got Tex English, lead, to fill in. Then, Jim Shirley had to leave and the band broke up. From April-July 1978, I was night shift Charge Nurse, so I went in often, as an early guest singer with Crosswinds band, Gene Karoliszyn, lead, Sandy Dawson, bass, Dave, drums, all vocals, before heading for work.
       I had spur of the moment bands, when clubs would call and no bands available, so I would find musicians that were not booked to form a band. I named it, Calico Connection with Mike Miller, lead, Bonnie Force-King, rhythm, Lori Tolaine, bass, Nancy O"Neal, drums, all vocals. For the wedding, I called it, Calico Connection with James "Jim" Woods, lead/fiddle, Bonnie Force-King, rhythm, Jim Crawford, bass, Nancy O'Neal, drums, all vocals. (Note: James " Jim" Woods, is an actor and was making "Salvador" at the time, and received an Oscar Nomination for it. James is now (2006-07), starring in a TV Show called "Shark".) Another band was Beauty & The Beasts with Paul Mann, lead, Joe Varner, bass and Nancy O'Neal, drums, all vocals, for the MDA at Potrero Lake, (Paul & Joe named this band).
       May 1981, I joined the Quicksilver band with Don Hogsed, lead/harmonica/fiddle, Ronnie Lee, bass, Nancy O'Neal, drums, all vocals, at the Palamino in San Diego to play the night as an audition. I guess they liked me because I played with them off and on for seven years. When Don was sick, Terry O'Neal filled in vocals/lead, and when I was sick, Kurt Kundert filled in vocals/drums. We found out Quicksilver name was taken, and changed to the Trademarks, and added a new member Jimmy Peretti, vocal/keyboard/accordion and performed with the bands, Cottonwood, Stagecoach, and Tall Cotton at Pio Pico Park in Jamul, for a huge Country Western CB Break.

 
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       In 1982, I joined the San Diego Country Music Association (SDCMA), with Beverly Jacobson Exe.Director, and went to meetings/events I could found out about. The SDCMA gave a benefit for Don Hogsed, since he had almost cut his arm off with a chain saw, in a yard accident. But, Don worked on the guitar the same day he was injured and recovered quickly. In 1983, I realized the SDCMA had bad communication problems, so I became involved. Boy, did I get involved! At this time Judi Davis (Actress) was on the board. I started attending all meetings, including the CCMA State Board meetings with Beverly Jacobson in El Monte, where Ralph T. Hicks, Exe. Director, Jack Flemmings, and Gary Murray, were trying to get all the County CMA's to combine into one state organization. In time, there would be thirteen chapters. Bonnie and I started the Purple Ridge band, with Willie DuBois, lead, Ernie DuBois, rhythm, Bonnie Force keyboard/rhythm/bass/ukulele, Mitch bass, Nancy O 'Neal drums, all vocals, we played casuals. Bonnie & Mitch left and we got Bob Culp, vocals/bass, Willie left and we got Carl Phillips on vocals/lead. Ernie left and we got Jeff Bryon, vocal/rhythm. Bonnie Force rejoined and we played casuals.
       In 1984, The (SDCMA) Board members signed papers to become a CCMA-San Diego Chapter, and I became one of the SD State Representatives, attending Quarterly State Board Meetings. I organized or helped to organize San Diego Chapter Jam sessions, fundraisers, and award winner floats for parades, adult competitions and award shows, and other events until 2001. I became the editor of the CCMA-SD Newsletter. Dallas Pierce, furnished equipment at some jam Sessions.
       I had a speaking part in the movie "Two Soldiers", starring Huckleberry Fox, filmed in Julian and San Diego, and met many movie stars. Later on, my daughter Jeanie Dees and I were in the movies, "The Tiger Woods Story", filmed in Mission Valley in San Diego and "The Socratic Method", filmed at the Vista College in Vista, by Hole in the Wall Productions. In 2000, I was in the first takes of the movie "Bring It On", starring Kirsten Dunst, a Stu Segal Production with the working title Cheer Fever.
       In 1984, I was back with Trademark, and we were playing the Holiday Ranch/casuals, and the back-up band for CCMA vocal contestants and at the Palamino in Chula Vista. In '85, we won the CCMA Pioneer Band of the Year Award (25 yrs in music), Jimmy Peretti won Keyboard and Pioneer Entertainer, Ronnie Lee won Pioneer Musician, and I received an award for my volunteer work for the CCMA. I was so active in the comps/awards, that I would not accept my name for any vocalist/drummer awards, to the dismay of some. I arranged for Country Casanova, Band of the Year, to perform on the first CCMA float called "Pickin' & Grinnin'" in the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon, and it won a Princess Award.
       In 1984, Paul Mann became President of our chapter. In 1986, I was attending the CCMA State meetings in El Monte when Gary Murray was voted in as Executive Director. I started helping to organize CCMA-State comp/awards/events from 1986-2001. I met "Mary Lou" (Inez Johnson), at a State Board Meeting in El Monte, became close friends and worked on events together. Mary Lou had been a singer, underwater model and Radio talk show hostess and held singing contests, her first winner was Brenda Lee. My daughter, Jeanie Dees and I talked to stars, presenters and performers at the CCMA Awards from 1985-2001, too numerous to list.
       I arranged for a bus from SD to the State comps/awards to the Bandstand in Anaheim. Gerry Baze played guitar and everyone sang all the way up and back. Melba Gibson & I, presented an award to Rusty Richards of "Sons of the Pioneers ". I arranged other buses going to awards at the Crazy Horse in Santa Ana, and at the Silver Bullet in Long Beach. I attended several concerts that Elaine Garton and Brian Lonbeck were performing at Camp Pendleton. Have you ever seen two musicians, on two double necks working in harmony? They were great!

 

       We formed Sidesaddle (all girl band), with Elaine Garton, double neck lead, Bonnie Force, vocals/bass, and Nancy O'Neal, vocals/drums, and played clubs/casuals. Later, Sidesaddle became Country Notes, and we added Paul Mann, vocals/lead, Don Wilson, vocals/bass and Frank Harris vocal/steel. We backed Red Simpson and Billy Ray Rose for a cancer benefit Concert at Mr. D's club in San Diego, with special dedications for Joe Maphis (who died in June), and Del Smart (who died in May). Country Notes band won 1986 Pioneer Band of the Year at Circle D Corral in El Cajon. Two members left and the band broke up, and I joined Trademarks, they were ready to play again, and we became house band at the Palamino Club in Chula Vista.
       In November, My daughter Jeanie Dees and I had lunch with Misty Rowe (Hee-Haw), and her husband James DePaiva (General Hospital), at the Pancho Villa Restaurant in El Cajon. My Moonshine Special band played the CCMA-San Diego float, with Emmett Brown, lead, Dave Kraft, bass, Bonnie King, rhythm, Nancy O' Neal, drums, all vocals. We took over for the band of the year, Rainbow Bridge. The float "Wagons West", won a Directors Award. Misty was suppose to ride on our float, but rode a different float, because I wouldn't let her stand up.
       NYE 1986-87, A spur of the moment band, Moonshine Special with Mark Neal, vocals/lead, Elaine Garton, double neck lead, Nancy O'Neal, vocals, Dave, bass, and Craig, drums. I was playing with Trademarks & Sidesaddle for casuals. Sidesaddle band with Paul Mann backed entertainers at the CCMA Golden Oldies Showcase, with Buck Wayne, Rod Rodriquez, and Tommy Turmin. We held the CCMA SD Officers installation with a Susan Raye Concert, with top musicians backing her, at the Wrangler"s Roost. Brandy King and I, had the privilege of singing Susan Raye's back-up harmonies. I was installed as SD President at that time. I then organized all the entertainers, youth/adults for the CCMA-San Diego Showcase at the Del Mar Fair every year from 1987-1996. Trademarks played more casuals, Ronnie got sick and Joe Avance filled in. The band went into the studio, recording cover songs. I hurt my neck from a fall, and could not drum, so we got Joe Spinali on drums. The pain got worse so I took time off, with therapy, to let it heal properly. I loved playing with the guys, so talented, fun to work with.
       In 1987, I organized the CCMA-SD Award Show at Leo's Little Bit O'Country in San Marcos, and Jimmy Grimaldi organized the remote simulcast over Escondido KOWN-Radio, and it was huge, people were driving in off the streets to attend. I could sing better now and would do some casuals with Trademarks, and Elaine wanted to start a band so came Ramblin' West, with Elaine Garton, double neck lead; Russ Kahn, vocals/rhythm, Nancy O'Neal, MC/vocals; Ken Conney, vocals/bass and Chuck Wright, vocals/drums. When Russ left we got Mike Shevlin, vocals/rhythm. In 1988, Mike, Ken and Chuck left at different times and we got Wally Young, vocals/rhythm, Bob Allison, vocals/bass, and Joe Spinali, drums.
       In 1988, Elaine Garton and I drove up to see Wesley Tuttle at Helen Graham's home in Pauma Valley. We ate breakfast and lunch with them, then we jammed together all afternoon. Wesley sang/played guitar, Elaine played guitar, Helen harmonized and I sang/played drums on the table, chairs, etc. I was a bridesmaid when Elaine Garton married James "Jim" Frizzell in May 1988, at the New Bakersfield Museum. Rose Lee Maphis was Maid of Honor and Semi Mosley was Best Man. Jeanie Dees, Brian Lonbeck, Darrell O'Neal and others attended.
       May 1988, Ralph T. Hicks held the first Country Music Associations of America (CMAA) three day comp/awards at the Nashville Now club in El Monte. I made sure all state winners were there. I helped organize CMAA comp/awards from 1988 to 1995. October 1992, Darrell & I, attended the CMAA comp/awards show held at the Hacienda Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In 1993, I became Vice-President (Judges Calculations), and the Director of the 10 State Western Division. In October 1993-1994-1995, From Wed-Sat, I was Judge Score Monitor and Darrell O'Neal, was the timekeeper for the competition, with the awards being held the fifth day in the Matador Room at the Hacienda. 1994, LeAnn Rimes, performed "Blue" in our competition. October 1995, at the CMAA Awards Show, the Celebrity Interviews had me talking about the CCMA Chapters/State and CMAA nationals for the "Entertainment Network" to be aired on Las Vegas television. JE Productions (San Diego) taped the whole awards show for later airing on TV, and Darrell H. Johnson was Producer and I was Associate Producer.
       In 1989, I organized a CCMA-SD Fun Day which included a concert by Charley McClaine, Wayne Massey and Jim Glazer in San Marcos. In July, I organized the CCMA-SD Chapter Fan-Fair and had Patsy Montana and her daughter Judi sing for the crowd at the Market Place Mall in La Mesa. I helped organize the first CCMA-SD Toys for Tots at Camp Elliott, Miramar, along with Capt. Mark Krasovich. We held the Toys for Tots every year from 1989 to 1996. Ramblin"West, still playing casuals, Wally Young left and we got Brandy King, vocals/rhythm /keyboard/ukulele, Bob Allison left and Ken Conney came back on bass, and Joe Spinali left and my neck was better so I went on drums. We added a new member Gene Hunkus, vocals/ lead. Later, the band broke up when Gene and Brandy went on tour. I started filling in with other bands and I planned to retire drums and vocals at the end of 1990, due to my health. Brandy King and I, sang for special events with the Western Playboys band with Sam Necochea, lead/fiddle, Dan Necochea, guitar, Charley Hart, fiddle, Jimmy Peretti, keyboard/ accordion, Norm Raleigh, bass, Gary Hood, steel, all vocals. I was a Judge at Leo"s eight (8) week Talent Contest (Singles & Duo" s only), a Judge for the Santee Parade School Bands, a judge for Beauty Pageants for several years, a Judge for several Band competitions in Vista and Escondido for KOWN Radio, and in San Diego for KSON Radio.

 

       June 1990, my daughters, Jeanie Dees and Shirley Stratton and I made a trip to Nashville, along with 14 other CCMA-San Diego members. Elaine G. Frizzell met Jeanie, Shirley and I at the airport, took us to the motel, and drove us around music city. Elaine introduced us to Tommy Cash and we visited him twice, and two years later at Molly Bees in Oceanside. Elaine set it up for me to open for Bill Monroe at the Longhollow Jamboree where Elaine was playing. I sat and talked to Bill at his table after he performed. Elaine took us to the studio where Linda Rae was making an album, and we talked to Jimmy Capps. At Fan Fair we talked to so many stars, I can't list them all. We had dinner with Rose Lee Maphis and Elaine G. Frizzell, and we headed backstage of the Grand Ole Opry. We saw Alan Jackson, as he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and when he performed, we were so excited for him. We talked to all the legendary stars and guests, but too many to list. After the show Grant Turner gave me the Grand Ole Opry Schedule, which I cherish. The next day, we headed home with the San Diego group.
       Jeanie and I, joined the Pazazz (USO) band, with Pamela Pillsbury, vocals, Susie, vocals, Jeannette Karoliszyn, vocals/lead, Melonie Tenneson, vocals/bass, Jeanie Dees, vocals/ keyboard, Nancy O"Neal, vocal/drums, and the only man George Piburn, vocals/steel at USO show in San Diego. I helped organize the CCMA Award Winners float "Choo Choo Cha Boogie" for the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon, with the 1990 Band of the Year, Grand Central Station performing. Then, I helped organize the CCMA & U.S. Marine Reserves Toys for Tots Concert at the huge Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park, along with Brandy King, Jeanie Dees, Jimmy Grimaldi and Capt. Mark Krasovich of the Marines, where toys were donated to fill two semis. I was the Stage Mama! It was taped by Curly Loyns to be aired on San Diego television, and stills by Larry King. KOWN-FM did a Radio Remote, and KFMB TV Ch 8 News and KUSI TV Ch 51/9 News covered the event.
       I received a call two days before New Years Eve 1990-1991, with people desperate for a small band. So I got on the phone and found musicians, and New Years Eve found me performing my last night as a professional entertainer with the Moonshine Special Trio with Gene Hunkus, vocals/lead guitar, Mike Carr, vocals/bass and Nancy O'Neal, vocals/drums. We performed for a smaller but real happy group, at a Restaurant in Julian. The customers enjoyed our music so much, they gave us a nice tip, which made my last night a glorious one. I had filled in with different bands through the years: Ramble-Airs; Minority Red; Miss Kitty & Dodge City; Crosswinds; Gene Hunkus Band; BJ & Jenny Band; Alton Simpson & the Country Lads; Country Dreamers; Gold Dust; Midnight Blue; The Rebels; South Forty; Single Brand with Ruth Varner, Joe Varner, Jeffrey Bryan. And, there were more!
       In 1991, I started the "National Country Showcase" Magazine, promoting entertainers. It went over pretty big for a while but some of the energy wained in about a year, so I had to close it out. Roy Clark had his concert at Leo' s in San Marcos, a great show. After the show was over I talked to Roy and he took me out, and into his bus and introduced me to Sam Luvella of Opryland & Grand Ole Opry and we talked awhile, a down to earth man. I went up to see Rose Maddox at Leo's, I had known Rose since 1987 and it was good to see her in good health, with her grandson in the Foggy Notion band. On October 16, Brandy King and I made a trip to the Cocky Bull in Victorville to meet with my friend Tex Whitson, who was Scott McQuaig"s manager. I met Robert Totton and Larry Bastain, and was very impressed. We sat together for both of Scott's concerts and he joined us between the two. Great entertainer, and great people!





       In May 1993, I held an audition and founded the first CCMA-SD Chapter Youth comp/awards. Tom Black of Video-Technics, was Producer and I was Associate Producer of the "Young Entertainers" TV show, taped that day and later aired on San Diego TV Ch 23. Co-Hosts were Brandy King and Curley Lyons. Doug Schultz of DSP Productions and I, set it up with Johnny Lee, for the winner Kimberly Cotton, to sing at his concert in Ramona, where I sat in his dressing room trailer, before the concert. I had been invited on the half-hour television show "What"s Up San Diego". I told them about Kimberly and Johnny Lee, and they wanted her on the show with me, on San Diego KUSI Ch 69/9.
       In November 29, 1993, I attended the memorial service of Smokey Rogers, b.March 17, 1917, and d.November 23, 1993, the Buck Wayne Band performed at the El Cajon Mortuary. I had attended the graveside service of Andrew "Cactus" Soldi, b.January 11, 1916 and d.December 9, 1990, in El Cajon and talked to his son Jim Soldi. In January 1998, I attended the services of Jimmy "Gumba" Peretti, b.September 19,1928 and d.January 27, 1998, at the Catholic Church in Lemon Grove. We, the CCMA-SD had given Don Hogsed a benefit on April 10, 1988, when he and his wife Phyllis, were both in the hospital, and Phyllis passed away during the benefit. Don Hogsed passed 20 days later and had a private service, b.July 2, 1924 and d.April 30, 1988.
       In 1994, I was interviewed about the CCMA & CMAA on the half-hour "City Talks" show at San Diego Time Warner's studio, which aired on San Diego Ch. 15 North County. While there I saw my friend, Wendy Lynn doing a show with Cary Prescott (with a man-sized dummy). Later in 1995, Jeanie "CJ" Dees and I were Co-Producers & Co-Executive Producers with Wendy & Cary in the talent show, sitcom series called "Your Country Cousins". The Director was James "Jim" Meyers and Line Producer was Darrell H. Johnson and it was taped at JE Productions, for later airing on Walt Disney's Ch. 5 in San Diego. Also in 1994, I had it set up again for the youth winner to sing at Johnny Lee's concert in El Cajon, which turned out to be Kimberly Cotton again, and they also sang a duo of "Yellow Rose of Texas".
       The May, Fan Fest '94 & Fan Fest '95 and the Star Fest '96, put on by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) & International Fan Club Organization (IFCO), was held at the Los Angeles County Fair & Exposition Complex in Pomona. We had CCMA people volunteering all three years. In '94, I worked the CCMA booth, ' 95, I worked the Lost & Found, '96, I was the Phone Supervisor in the ACM office and talked to Bob Alexander (ACM President) often. The last day my son, Stan Acrey was working backstage security and CJ Dees and I had VIP passes, and we sat at the side of the stage when the stars performed: Tammy Wynette, Toby Keith, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and many others. In 1994, Frankie Laine called and ask, if CJ Dees and I, would like to attend his rehearsal and concert, as his guests at the Marriott in San Diego. We spent the afternoon at the rehearsal and then had dinner with Frankie, and later watched his great concert. A sweet man, we'll really miss him!
       In 1995, I was interviewed in my home by Hal Clements, about Country Music, the CCMA and the CMAA, for a special appearance on "How the West Was Won". This was a prelude to the movie of "Lonesome Dove", for San Diego TV Ch 7. DSP Enterprises organized the People's Choice Awards, at the Viejas Casino Theatre in Alpine. My husband Darrell, CJ Dees and friend Wendy Lynn (Hee Haw) and I, were invited to the Awards, where I presented an award with Mel McDaniel and Wendy presented an award with Razy Bailey. I talked to many of the stars, and spent part of the intermission with Lacy J. Dalton & Sharon Farrell, what characters!
       In 1997, I was voted in as CCMA-SD Chapter President again, and was voted in as State Vice-President. CJ Dees & I were members of the Southern California Motion Picture Council (SCMPC), and in 1997 & 1998, we helped pick winners for awards at the Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, such as Beverly Garland, Billy Barty, Erik Estrada and other winners.
       The CCMA-State gave a seminar for entertainers at the Country Star Restaurant at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Cliffie Stone told of "Music Business and Pitfalls", and I told of "How to promote yourself and your band". Later, I organized the CCMA-State youth comp/awards at the Country Star Restaurant. One month earlier, I had Judged the Julian Bluegrass Talent Contest and had invited three youth winners to perform at the Youth Awards. They were a big hit with all the youth entertainers. In 1998, I was voted in as the CCMA State Executive Director of eight chapters. I attended meetings and published state newsletters. I helped Inland Empire Chapter, Los Angeles Chapter and Bakersfield Chapter with their comp/awards. I had help organizing the State "Country Music Celebration", at the Western Connection in San Dimas. I organized the State youth comp/awards at In-Cahoots in Anaheim. I had help organizing the adult comp/award at the Cowboy Boogie in Anaheim and arranged for it to be taped for TV. Tom Black of Video-Technics Produced, and I was Associate Producer, and aired the show on San Diego TV ch.23.

 

       August 15, 1998, Pat Davis (CCMA Bakersfield Chapter President), CJ Dees (CCMA State Secretary), and I (CCMA State Director), were invited to the Golden Boot Awards at the Century Plaza Hotel & Tower in Los Angeles. We walked up the Red Carpet, went to the Celebrities Patio/Lounge, and enjoyed the dinner and awards show in the Ballroom. We talked to: Robert Fuller (he remembered me from 1971), Buffalo Soldiers, Patrick Wayne, Herb Jeffries, Roy Rogers Jr., Wilford Brimley, and friends Jan Michael Vincent & Frankie Laine. Jan Michael Vincent presented awards at our 1998 Award show at the Cowboy Boogie. In 1998 & 1999, I organized all the CCMA state winners making the trip to Gatlinberg, TN, for the North American Country Music Associations International (NACMAI), for the national comp/awards. The Award Show was at the Louise Mandrell Theater. In 1999, I became CCMA State Historian. In 2000, I got judges for the SD Chapter comp, at Viejas Casino in Alpine and I ask Joan Carol Stone (Cliffie"s widow), if she would speak at our award show at Viejas Casino Theater, she did and gave a wonderful speech.

 
       During 2001, Darrell and I, relocated/retired to Glendale, Arizona, for health reasons. Later, the CCMA disbanded the chapters, and became a state organization. In 2002, I became a volunteer employee for the Glendale Police Department as a Victim's Assistant with domestic violence cases, worked in the DA's office and the homicide unit. I am a member of the Sun Cities Areas Historical Society, where I give occasional speeches on my birthplace, Marinette (before Sun City). I am a member of the Friends of Marty Robbins with Juanita Buckley as Director. I was Secretary, but had to resign as Secretary, and the Glendale Police in April 2006, due to my health. When I realized that I had so much info on Southern California musicians, bio's, clubs, etc, I am now, God Willing, going to write a book about all of it, and enjoy the company of my very loving and patient husband, Darrell.


Posted March, 2007