Country Roads
Michael Commins
JERRY Lee Lewis combined a highly successful career in rock ‘n’ roll and country music over the decades. He was born in Ferriday, Louisiana back in 1935 and signed for the mould- breaking Sun Records in 1956. He had a string of major hits in both genres and his highly distinctive piano licks were synonymous with the Jerry Lee style.
One of his big hits from over the years was the country song, ‘What Made Milwaukee Famous (Made a Loser Out of Me)’. People often ask the question when I feature the song on late shows on Mid West Radio … what was it that really made Milwaukee famous? The answer is the city was the home of the Miller Beer Company, hence the play on the sub title of the song.
It’s a song that resonates in the heart of many a man who is more than fond of the beer. There’s also a lot of humanity in the lyrics, a story that can be found in any town or village the world over. And Jerry Lee was the man to deliver in in style and take it to the top of the charts.
What Made Milwaukee Famous
It’s late and she’s waiting
And I know I should go home
But every time I start to leave
They play another song
Then someone buys another round
And when every drink is free
What made Milwaukee famous
Has made a fool out of me.
Chorus
Baby’s begged me not to go
So many times before
She said love and happiness
Can’t live behind those swinging doors
Now she’s gone and I’m to blame
Too late, I finally see
What’s Made Milwaukee Famous
Has made a loser out of me.
McNicholl up for the races
COUNTRY dancing continues tonight (Tuesday) in the McWilliam Park in Claremorris when John McNicholl (pictured) and his band take the stage for the second of the Ballinrobe Race Night dances. It was a busy weekend at the popular venue with Robert Mizzell and the Country Kings playing their on Friday night and Mike Denver and the lads on stage last night.
John hails from near Dungiven in Co Derry and was launched on the Irish scene three years ago. He has played shows all over the country since then as well as in England and Scotland. John has also undertaken a number of trips to America and led a group of friends and supporters on a conducted tour of Nashville. He also released his debut DVD and has some albums to his credit.
Like a number of other names in the business, John has availed of the new market that has opened up in recent years for country music trips to Spain and other European destinations. He is just back from performing on a trip to Bulgaria with Paul Claffey Tours. Tonight will see John and the lads entertain the patrons in Claremorris for the two-hour show which gets under way at 11pm.
