Farewell Party

Darrell Owens · Post by **Darrell Owens** » 23 Jan 2010 11:49 pm

Does anyone know who wrote Farewell Party? I have found it on You Tube and iTunes by several artists, but the writer is not listed. I know the first one to record it was Jimmy Dickens.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 24 Jan 2010 12:38 am

Lawton Williams

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 24 Jan 2010 1:54 am

Mr. Williams also wrote Fraulein,And songs recorded by Hank Locklin,George Jones,Bobby Bare and Jim Reeves. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

Mitch Drumm · Post by **Mitch Drumm** » 24 Jan 2010 2:06 am

Actually, Lawton Williams not only wrote it, he was the first to record it. Haven't played it in a long time, but as I recall, Lawton did it as a shuffle.

The flip side was another of his songs: Mama Doll.

Issued on LeBill 304 out of Fort Worth. One of Major Bill Smith's many labels.

Darrell Owens · Post by **Darrell Owens** » 24 Jan 2010 5:09 pm

Thanks for the replies.

I have always liked the song, but I got interested again after seeing the new "Country Reunion" video. Gene Watson performed Farewell Party LIVE and did a fantastic job. There is quite a lot of discussion on the video about the song and various artists who have recorded it, but no one mentioned the writer.

On the video, Jimmy Dickens says he was the first to record it, but that may or may not be true. He said Ray Price brought the song to him and he recorded it. He also said Buddy Emmons was the steel guitar player on that record. I have been unable to locate that recording. I would really like to hear what Buddy did for the song back then.

If anyone has the Jimmy Dickens' recording with Buddy Emmons doing the steel work, please post it for us to hear.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 24 Jan 2010 6:09 pm

I saw the same show. Tater said they did it 4/4 shuffle so it wouldn't be much of a comparison. There was another reunion show one where Gene sang it and Weldon was the steel player. Weldon really kept it country.

Did you notice how everyone on these shows always shows so much respect for Tater and especially his ballads. Seems like the subject comes up everytime. I agree with them. I don't care if I ever hear another one of his novelty songs, but those ballads..........wow.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 24 Jan 2010 6:53 pm

You are right Mr. Rick,Mr. Jimmy was a MASTER on ballards. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.