Find Me A Golden Street - question

[Tone]

Hi everyone

This track must be one of the most popular on the Shads' first album and, I suspect like many of us, I've been playing it for years but I've only just recently started wondering about its origins.

The composer is credited as "Petty" and I guess that would be Norman Petty, Buddy Holly's manager and producer. But was the track written for the Shads or was it a cover version by them? If it was the latter I can't find reference to the original version (but perhaps I haven't looked hard enough)!

I'm sure someone (Jim?) will know the answer and history.

Cheers.

Tony

[MeBHank]

I believe it was originally a Crickets tune (whether instrumental or vocal I don't know). To think the Shads were slated in later years for covering tunes. Their version of Find Me a Golden Street is a classic, and it's a cover!

J

[JimN]

Find Me A Golden Street was written by Norman Petty for The Fireballs, who were his Next Big Thing after he lost Buddy Holly to New York.

The Fireballs' track is recognisable, but with some big differences from what is now the well-known version by The Shadows.

If you have Spotify, you can hear it at:

[url]spotify:track:37msODpLcjJmUZummGaSJn[/url]

Have you got Spotify loaded?

If not, you ought to sign up straightaway:

http://www.spotify.com

It's free.

JN

[Tone]

Thanks Jim and Justin. I've listened to the Fireballs version and, although I'm obviously biased, I think the Shads version is far superior in terms of sound, playing and the arrangement. In fact I take my hat off to whoever it was who heard the original (probably Norrie Paramor) and had the vision to transform it into the version we know and love.

Cheers.

Tony

[Arpeggio]

I actually managed to have a chat with George Tomsco (what a really lovely guy) the night before he played the Pipeline Convention. "Find Me A Golden Street" was one of the topics of conversation. Norman Petty's wife, Vi, played piano and keyboards. As well as helping out in the studio - she was also part of the Norman Petty Trio. Norman Petty was also a devout Christian and church goer. George recalled that Norman had originally written "F M A G Street" as a sort of hymn to be performed at their local church. George had never heard the version with words - but Norman recalled the piece and decided that the melody was too good to waste. Vi Petty played it through on the harmonium. Obviously the Fireballs (guided by Norman Petty) - re - worked it as a guitar instrumental. Mighty fine it is too - but all credit to Norrie Paramor and the Shadows for developing it still further. It's possible that the Shadows came across the Fireballs' original when they toured the States with Cliff early in 1960.

Bests.....Rob

[Tone]

Thanks, rob. That's very interesting.

Cheers.

Tony

[Tim]

I also have a piano/organ recording of it by the Norman Petty Trio on their Orginals Vol 2 CD. No vocal on it though,
Tim

[Squier Ken]

Yes, many thanks Rob. After nearly 50 years the title "Find Me A Golden Street" finally makes sense! Norman was obviously looking forward to when he would walk THE golden street: "And the main street was pure gold, clear as glass" - Revelation 21v21

Ken

[Arpeggio]

Ken...absolutely spot on! Many thanks. George mentioned that there had been some kind of Biblical reference but he couldn't remember precisely what it was. Tim...that sounds absolutely fascinating. I will have to look that one out. I don't think that "F M A G Street" ever made it into any official USA hymnal. George Tomsco recalled that Norman (or Vi & Norman) had written some words to the melody so that it could be sung at their local church where I assume that he & Vi were heavily involved with providing the music for services.

Best wishes,


Rob

[noelford]

Ken and myself were talking about this very tune on Saturday, as we played a MENCAP charity gig in Aberystwyth town centre. Not only did we play it but we actually got what the tune asks for; after a thoroughly wet week we enjoyed a dry day and the sun did indeed shine a little on Great Darkgate Street near where we were playing!