(Estill Stewart &) The Flat Mountain Boys - Choo Choo Coming / I Could Love You (All The Time)

(Arrow 2530) c1954

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This single is notable, as it features the original version of Choo Choo Coming which the Stanley's recorded in 1959. It also is the first recording to include CMB bassist Jack Cooke and top bluegrass fiddler/Blue Grass Boy Kenny Baker.

Originally released on a 78 on the Arrow label circa 1954, Starday reissued it in 1957 on 45 (Starday 45-307) with the sides reversed.

I Could Love You (All The Time) was later reissued on 'The Early Days Of Bluegrass Vol. 2' (Rounder 1014) 1976, and both sides were included on 4xCD set 'The Best Of King And Starday Bluegrass' (King/Gusto KG-0952-4-2) 2004. In addition both sides of the Starday 45 can also be heard on youtube:- https://youtu.be/C_5RCxuMpUA and https://youtu.be/thIKUJYjZC8 respectively.

According to the Gary B. Reid's liner notes to 'The Best Of King And Starday Bluegrass' box set, The Flat Mountain Boys started around 1950 and were popular in eastern Kentucky. They enjoyed success working in drive-in theaters in the area and also worked at a local Jamboree. The group made their sole recording for the Arrow label which was subsequently picked up by Starday. Both songs were written by Corbet 'Cuddles' Newsome. He later recalled: "I knew Carter Stanley from back in the '40s and he knew of me. I sang it (Choo Choo Coming) one day up in Bluefield, West Virginia on a television station there." After the show Carter told him that he wanted the song, which was based on a true incident, Cuddles: "In 1953 I had a train wreck. I ran into a train, it beat me to the crossing. The choo choo beat me."

The only image I've been able to find of the Arrow 78 is from a B&W picture on the rear of the 'The Early Days Of Bluegrass Vol. 2' LP sleeve. If anyone has better colour pictures of the labels, please get in touch via the Contact page!

Thanks to Todd Gracyk for reminding me about this one...

Other artwork / related images: