Andy Parker and the Plainsmen

Andy Parker (b. 1913-d. 1977) and the Plainsmen had one of the smoothest sounds, and were some of the most talented musicians, in the history of Western music. Collectors and aficionados search high and low for their scarce recordings, simply for their beauty and the expertise they showcase.

For some 10 years in the 1940s and 50s, Andy Parker and the Plainsmen enjoyed tremendous popularity. While they were best known in Southern California, due to their numerous public appearances in the area, they were known throughout the country for their recordings on the Coast and Capitol labels, appearances in films shot at Columbia Studios with Ken Curtis and at PRC Studios with Eddie Dean, and on the weekly CBS network radio show, Hollywood Barn Dance.

In the early years (1945-48) the group was called simply, The Plainsmen. Even then, it was clear that Andy Parker was the driving (and uniting) force behind the group. Early in 1947, as the group gained popularity under his leadership, and as some of his compositions, like "Trail Dust," "A Calico Apron and a Gingham Gown" and "Throw a Saddle on a Star," showed promise of becoming western classics, Andy Parker was elected leader of the group.

The Plainsmen trio, consisting of Charlie Morgan, Hank Caldwell and Parker was formed in 1945. That year they experienced success on screen with Deuce Spriggins, Carolina Cotton, Ken Curtis and others. This opened the door for a recording contract with Coast Records, resulting in some fine recordings, including "Throw a Saddle on a Star" featuring a lead vocal by singing cowboy Ozie Waters. By this time (1946), the Plainsmen had expanded to include legendary steel guitarist Joaquin Murphy, outstanding fiddler Harry Simms and accordionist George Bamby. All three had come from Spade Cooley's organization. Bamby' bass voice often added a fourth part to the trio's harmony.

That year's activities gained the group more national exposure with their weekly network appearances on the Hollywood Barn Dance, working with stars like Jimmy Wakely, Merle Travis, Cliffie Stone, Johnny Bond, Dusty King and others. At this point, Caldwell left the group and was replaced by bassist Paul "Clem" Smith.

In 1947 PRC Pictures singed the boys do make eight western features with Eddie Dean, and a five-year association with Capitol Records was begun. They recorded over 200 transcriptions for Capitol and backed several Capitol recording stars including Tex Ritter. Just before the contract took effect, Joaquin Murphy returned to Spade Cooley's band, resulting in a change in sound. There was more reliance on Harry Simms' fiddle and arrangements, and on the group's skills in harmonizing. The resulting unique western sound is largely why these "lost" transcriptions are so sought out. In 1950, Bamby was replaced by Leroy Kruble, but the transition was a smooth one.

Appearing on television shows hosted by Dude Martin, Eddie Dean, Tex Ritter, Leo Carilllo, etc. and more films, like The Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend and the soundtrack from River of No Return kept the boys busy well into the 50s. But the Golden Era was almost over and the group disbanded in late 1956.