I know that the country music singer Sylvia who sang "Nobody" has officially retired from performing, but I sure wish she'd make a comeback. I really miss her. She had such stage presence. I felt like I was in music heaven when I watched her. I sure miss you Sylvia.

I liked her also, is she now divorced? I know her full name was Sylvia Kirby-Allen at the height of her career.

I don't exactly know. Sylvia seems to be keeping her life a secret now. I know she still writes songs but for who, I have no idea.

I know exactly what you mean. I've been wishing and hoping she'd come back too. Our dreams are actually coming true! Sylvia has attended some country music functions lately, including a Luncheon with many other Country Legends, and on that same day Billboard magazine did an interview with her, although brief, it was really good. She's also recently appeared on a few television shows. Larry's Country Diner, The Joey Canyon Show, and the yet to air, Ray Stevens Nashville show.

In case you're not aware... Sylvia is in the process of recording a NEW album, which is scheduled for a spring 2016 release. It'll be her first new project in about 14 years. I can't wait!!! I've heard her sing half a dozen new awesome songs from it, many of which she co-wrote. I sure hope it sells good so that will allow her to make more future new albums and not have to wait so long between releases.

I plan to update this as soon as I know for sure when the new CD is released and available.

Thank you for reading my post.

That's great news, I always really liked her too. I didn't know her middle name was Jane though, LOL. I've always wondered why she chose not to use her last name professionally, I just don't get people doing that. I have a cd of her biggest hits. With the exception of The Matador, which if I remember was Sylvia's first hit song (Or was it Drifter?). I've looked for it as a digital download but for whatever reason it doesn't seem to be available anywhere.

Ed.

I have a cd of her biggest hits. With the exception of The Matador, which if I remember was Sylvia's first hit song (Or was it Drifter?). I've looked for it as a digital download but for whatever reason it doesn't seem to be available anywhere.

Ed.

"Drifter" was her first hit (1981) "The Matador" was the first concept country music video to air on CMT.

Link (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_(singer))


gdquhPeKLjs

Sylvia's first Top 10 was "Tumbleweed", which is the first one I remember hearing on the radio one winter morning in 1980 as my grandma was driving me to school. There was just something about Sylvia's voice and singing style that was meant for my ears on the first listen and all these years later her voice is better than ever!

In a recent interview on The Joey Canyon Show, Sylvia said, something along the lines that if "Tumbleweed" hadn't become a hit, it would have been "three strikes you're out", since her first two singles just barely got into the Top 40. "You Don't Miss a Thing" reaching #36 and "It Don't Hurt to Dream" only one notch higher at #35. So the success of "Tumbleweed" allowed her to record her first album "Drifter", which became her first #1 single, and the rest as they say, is history.

Edward, to answer your question regarding why she didn't use her last name. In a recent interview in Diane Diekman's Country Newsletter Sylvia talked about that very subject. Here's from the interview...

When she signed a record deal with RCA Records, she was asked what name she planned to use. Her married name of Sylvia Allen was too similar to labelmate Deborah Allen, so she suggested her maiden name, Sylvia Kirby. No, that sounds like a vacuum cleaner, she was told. They’re going to make up a name for me, she realized. She couldn’t abide that, and she asked, “How about just Sylvia?” They said okay.

1. "Drifter" 1981 (RCA)

2. "Just Sylvia" 1982 (RCA)

3. "Snapshot" 1983 (RCA)

4. "Surprise" 1984 (RCA)

5. "One Step Closer" 1985 (RCA)

6. "Knockin' Around" 1986 (unreleased) (RCA)

7. "Greatest Hits" 1987 (RCA)

8. "The Real Story" 1996 (Red Pony)

9. "Anthology" 1997 (Renaissance)

10. "Where in the World" 2002 (Red Pony)

11. "RCA Country Legends" 2002 (RCA/BMG Heritage)

12. "A Cradle in Bethlehem" 2002 (Red Pony)

13. "All American Country" 2007 (Sony/BMG)

14. "Ten Best" 2016 (Enterprise Music)

15. "It's All in the Family" 2016 (Red Pony)


Some interesting stats...

"Drifter" peaked at #10 and was on the Top Country Albums Chart for 34 weeks. Peaked at #139 on the Pop chart.

"Just Sylvia" peaked at #2 for five weeks and was on the chart for 66 weeks. Peaked at #56 on the Pop chart. (Would have been way higher had Soundscan been in charge of the charts back then in my opinion)

"Snapshot" peaked at #7 and was on the chart for 22 weeks. Peaked at #77
on the Pop chart.

"Surprise" peaked at #40 and was on the chart for 13 weeks. Peaked
at #178 on the Pop chart.

"One Step Closer" peaked at #19 and was on the chart for 27 weeks. I'd
say a nice come-back from the low showing of "Surprise".

"Greatest Hits" peaked at #59 and was on the chart for 8 weeks.

Sylvia's first Top 10 was "Tumbleweed", which is the first one I remember hearing on the radio one winter morning in 1980 as my grandma was driving me to school. There was just something about Sylvia's voice and singing style that was meant for my ears on the first listen and all these years later her voice is better than ever!

In a recent interview on The Joey Canyon Show, Sylvia said, something along the lines that if "Tumbleweed" hadn't become a hit, it would have been "three strikes you're out", since her first two singles just barely got into the Top 40. "You Don't Miss a Thing" reaching #36 and "It Don't Hurt to Dream" only one notch higher at #35. So the success of "Tumbleweed" allowed her to record her first album "Drifter", which became her first #1 single, and the rest as they say, is history.

Edward, to answer your question regarding why she didn't use her last name. In a recent interview in Diane Diekman's Country Newsletter Sylvia talked about that very subject. Here's from the interview...

When she signed a record deal with RCA Records, she was asked what name she planned to use. Her married name of Sylvia Allen was too similar to labelmate Deborah Allen, so she suggested her maiden name, Sylvia Kirby. No, that sounds like a vacuum cleaner, she was told. They’re going to make up a name for me, she realized. She couldn’t abide that, and she asked, “How about just Sylvia?” They said okay.


I had forgotten all about "Tumbleweed" and my Top Country Singles book by Joel Whitburn confirms it was her first top 10 hit. That excerpt from the interview was interesting. If you have a link to the entire thing then please post it. Interestingly, she wasn't the first Sylvia, there was also the R&B singer of the same name who sang the hit "Pillow Talk."

While "Tumbleweed" may have been her first top 10 single, it wasn't her first hit. That was "You Don't Miss a Thing" which peaked at #36 in 1979.

y6M8OOsVviI

1. "Tumbleweed" #10 (1980)

2. "Drifter" #1 (1981)

3. "The Matador" #7 (1981)

4. "Heart On The Mend" #8 (1981)

5. "Nobody" #1 (#15 Pop) (1982)

6. "Like Nothing Ever Happened" #2 (2 weeks) (1982-83)

7. "Snapshot" #5 (1983)

8. "I Never Quite Got Back (From Loving You)" #3 (1983-84)

9. "Fallin' In Love" #2 (2 weeks) (1985)

10. "Cry Just A Little Bit" #9 (2 weeks) (1985)

11. "I Love You By Heart" (Duet w/ Michael Johnson) #9 (1985-86)

10. "Cry Just A Little Bit" #9 (2 weeks) (1985)

She did a great cover of that song, here's the original by Shakin' Stevens then Sylvia's.

XAKSjXninkc

uIOcibVEGHQ

Diane’s Country Music Newsletter — 26 August 2015


FEATURED ARTIST – SYLVIA HUTTON
Sylvia had eleven top-ten Billboard hits from 1980-1985, including “Snapshot” and the number one “Nobody.” I hadn’t heard anything about her in years, until Diane Jordan mentioned on Facebook they’d recently had lunch together. I asked Diane to put me in touch with Sylvia, and that led to an enjoyable phone conversation. Sylvia Hutton has built an additional career as a personal & professional development coach.


“From the time I was three, I thought of myself as a singer and knew I was going to have a life in music, somehow, some way,” she says. She moved to Nashville right out of high school, almost forty years ago. When she signed a record deal with RCA Records, she was asked what name she planned to use. Her married name of Sylvia Allen was too similar to labelmate Deborah Allen, so she suggested her maiden name, Sylvia Kirby. No, that sounds like a vacuum cleaner, she was told. They’re going to make up a name for me, she realized. She couldn’t abide that, and she asked, “How about just Sylvia?” They said okay.


After the hits dried up, Sylvia tried songwriting for awhile. She started her own record label, Red Pony Records, and made an independent record. When she took it around to record labels in 1996, “there was absolutely no interest,” she says. “I realized that was not the road life wanted to take me down now. I didn’t know what was next. I was kind of at an impasse. It felt like I hit a dead end.”


She took a battery of tests to measure her interests. Not surprisingly, she was told she should be in the creative arts. However, it did surprise her to learn she had an almost equal interest in service to others. The interviewer asked if she had any idea what she wanted to be, if not in music. Sylvia remembered when she was learning about the music business, thinking how great it would be if she could have the knowledge of those who went before her. She and everyone else was struggling along, figuring out things for themselves and reinventing the wheel. She carried with her the seed of being a mentor, but didn’t know what to do with the idea. Now, when asked, she told the interviewer, “It would be great if I could use all this life experience I have in music to be of service to up-and-coming singers.”


That’s when she learned about coaching. She trained at The Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara, California, in 2002 and became certified as a Personal & Professional Development Coach. “What’s beautiful about coaching is that I create the space in which they change themselves,” she says. “We often talk about what’s wrong. We put all this attention on what we need to fix.” We should be asking ourselves, “What are my gifts? What do I find consistent joy in doing?” Answering such questions can change a person’s entire outlook.


“During the ’80s,” Sylvia says, “my gifts were being expressed through having a record label deal and having records on the radio. I’m still using my voice–just expanding it.”


She is also still recording and performing. She has released several CDs on her Red Pony label and has played dates here and there over the past years, but she didn’t have a booking agent. That is about to change.


Sylvia’s new manager is Brian Horner, and her booking agent is Brent Taylor of the Joe Taylor Artist Agency. She’s started recording a new album, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. She plans to go on tour to promote it. “We’re really gearing up for next year,” she says. She’s hoping some of the people who came to see her at those county fairs, back when she did 60 fairs in 90 days for several years in a row, will come to see her again.


“I’m very happy, I love my life, I love my coaching work,” Sylvia Hutton says. “I love that I’m still able to sing and that people are still interested in hearing me sing. I’m excited about the prospect of doing more concerts in the future.”

Wow talk about a blast from the past. I remember her from the early 80's.

Sylvia's NEW album, "All in the Family" is scheduled to be released in June! This past November I heard her sing the excellent title track, in addition to others from the album and I can hardly wait to hear the studio versions!

I wanted to share this nice, brand new write-up with everyone...
http://smswf.com/sylvia/

For Sylvia, being an artist is not only about singing. It’s also about listening deeply to herself, to others, and to the stories that want to be told. That’s what first led her to discover her love of music as a child and, subsequently, to enjoy more than two decades of a successful and multifaceted career as a singer and songwriter. But listening is also what brought Sylvia to a crossroads more than 14 years ago, when she heard a new call.

While profoundly grateful for the chance she had in her young adulthood to see the world from the jump seat of a tour bus, she began to crave other experiences and, in particular, opportunities to help others. She answered this call by becoming a certified life and career coach through the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara, CA in 2002. Since then, she has coached business executives, artists of all genres, small business owners, individuals, and non-profit organizations to make the same type of productive self-discovery that provides positive momentum as they develop both personally and professionally. For nine years, she also served on the board of a non-profit organization that serves and supports the chronically mentally ill. She never stopped singing during this time – keeping a weekly appointment with her voice teacher and continuing to participate in benefit concerts – but she made a conscious choice to pivot away from music and pursue new and different contexts in which to cultivate her long-held personal values of compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment.

Sylvia has described music as a living, breathing thing that needs time and space to grow. Now – having given it that time and space – she is hearing its call once again and telling the stories that want to be told. June 2016 will see the release of All in the Family, her first album in 14 years and also the first on which she co-wrote the majority of the songs. On this album, Sylvia touches on the choices, challenges, and turns in the road that have brought her to where she stands today and delivers her most personal material to date, combining her skill as a vocalist with her heart as a storyteller.

Also on this album, Sylvia speaks directly to listeners who might themselves be considering a new start. Rejecting conventional binaries about youth, age, and their bearings on one’s creativity and relevance, Sylvia celebrates her experience and unapologetically owns her voice as a seasoned artist. In doing so, she welcomes listeners to live fully in the present moment – embracing all the possibilities it holds – without discarding the past, seamlessly weaving her current music in with the sounds and songs of her early career. As a performer, she still enjoys singing hits like “Nobody,” “Tumbleweed,” and “Drifter,” but she brings to them a presence and perspective that infuses them with new life, reminding fans why they first fell in love with her music while also allowing them to experience it anew.

Although at one time Sylvia might have classified her years away from music as a detour, today she has the confidence, clarity, and courage to see them as vital steps on her journey – steps that have allowed her to reemerge as a more complete, more conscious artist than ever before. This viewpoint directly informs All in the Family, and she is eager to share it with new listeners as well as her long-time fans who have grown along with her.

Hi everybody,

I apologize for the short notice. But I wanted to let you all know that Sylvia will be singing on Sunday, June 12th at 2:30 p.m. - 2:55 p.m. (CST) in Nashville for CMA Fest (Formerly Fan Fair). It's been a long time since she's been a part of this festival. I'm so glad she's back!

It will be streamed live on WSM-AM http://wsmonline.com/

I'd like to share this link with you all of Sylvia's long-awaited NEW album, including a few sneak peek snippets.

The release date has been pushed back until the end of July or early August. So I'm thankful we at least have these few track snippets until then. I love them all, but my favorite of them is, "I Didn't Know What I Was Missing". What's yours?

http://sylviamusic.com/release/its-all-in-the-family/

If you would like to hear Sylvia LIVE in Concert. She will be hosting the WSM Midnight Jamboree in Nashville, this Saturday, June 18th at 12 a.m. (CST)

She will be singing at the Texas Troubadour Theater at 10 p.m. (CST) If you're not able to attend, you can tune in to AM 650 - WSM (link below) to hear the delayed broadcast of the show at Midnight.

I'm most certainly planning on tuning in. I hope you will too... Thanks!
http://wsmonline.com/listen-live/

Man Flew 2300 Miles to Hear Concert

Robert Bernardo flew 2,300 miles and drove 100 coming from San Francisco to Clare, MI to see country music singer Sylvia in concert, Bernardo told Steve Coston, owner of WGDN 103 Country radio in nearby Gladwin,: “$24,000.00 for seats at the Golden State Warriors courtside – seats in front row at Sylvia concert – PRICELESS!”

Sylvia’s signature hit “Nobody” reached #1 on the Billboard country charts and was the BMI Song of the Year. It was from her “Just Sylvia” album, coincidentally the first record album Bernardo ever bought.

The crowd of 500 country music lover’s at Clare High School gave Sylvia a standing ovation.

http://www.clarecountyreview.com/news/man-flew-2300-miles-to-hear-concert/

Six new members will be added to the Howard County Hall of Legends on Aug. 26th, including Sylvia - Grammy-nominated country music singer and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year in 1983.

Sylvia was Billboard magazine’s #1 Female Country Artist for 1982, and recorded three top-ten albums, eleven top-ten singles, and two #1 singles. She'll be on hand for the induction ceremony at Bel Air Events.


https://www.facebook.com/HCHistory

I was very excited to discover this new interview and wanted to share it here.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59zha1JJPXk

Hi everybody,

Here's another exciting interview that I want to share. It brings back great memories of when my family, friends and I would get to see Sylvia singing in Jackpot, Nevada. She would sometimes tell the story about the train that would pass by her trailer when she was a little girl. It's so awesome to see her telling the story on video and knowing the song, "Every Time a Train Goes By" is on her long-awaited NEW album!!! It's very interesting to hear her talk about the song, "Do Not Cry For Me" and also more about her grandpa's song, "Grandpa Kirby Runnin' the Hounds", and how important it is to her to have his music on this album.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OrIEWb7-Aw&feature=youtu.be

Sylvia ~ It's All in the Family


1. Every Time a Train Goes By

2. Somebody's Daughter

3. Leave the Past in the Past

4. A Right Turn

5. All in the Family

6. Grandpa Kirby Runnin' the Hounds

7. Immigrant Shoes

8. Cumberland Rose

9. Hope's Too Hard

10. I Didn't Know What I Was Missing

11. Here Lately

12. Do Not Cry For Me

How exciting to see this and all the rare pictures of Sylvia when she was little. What a nice treat to hear and see right before her new album gets released this Friday October 7th.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZAHxCLnjp0&feature=youtu.be

In my box of music today I found an 80's Country cd and it features Sylvia's song Nobody and I listened to it and it's a cute song and the other fact I learned about it is that Sylvia sang the song Nobody in 1982. It's amazing that Sylvia is still active in country music today
Bestie

Hi LaBestia,

That's really neat you found and listened to Sylvia's song on that 80's country CD. Thank you for posting about it.

I've been really enjoying her NEW album, "It's All in the Family" since I received it last week. It's spectacular!!!

Country Music's Sylvia Returns With New Music And A New Outlook On Life
By Dustin Fitzharris

Whether it’s in a coffee shop, a park or in her South Nashville home, Life Coach Sylvia Hutton spends her days advising people on their personal and professional lives. Some of her clients are considering a career change, going through a divorce, experiencing loss or a host of other kinds of issues. Hutton says she provides a safe space for people to be heard without judgment.

But Sylvia has a secret. These days few people know Sylvia was once a Grammy-nominated artist for her smash hit song “Nobody.” She was also the Academy of Country Music’s 1982 Female Vocalist of the Year. There was a time Sylvia was everywhere, touring as one of the most successful country music acts of that time. She even made a guest appearance on American Bandstand.

Now, after a 14-year absence, Sylvia has released*It’s All in the Family, a collection of storytelling songs that pays homage to her family’s musical roots and delves into the twists and turns of her life. Sylvia says the CD is her most personal yet. Not only did Sylvia co-produce it, she co-wrote nine of the 12 songs.

In the 1980’s Sylvia’s style and girlish charm resembled Sheena Easton far more than Tammy Wynette. A series of hit records like “Tumbleweed,” “The Matador” and her first number one, “Drifter,” made Sylvia one of the most celebrated artists in country music. But nothing could prepare her for the frenzy she created when she said to her man,*“Your Nobody called today; she hung up when I asked her name; well, I wonder, does she think she’s being clever?”*The song “Nobody” not only shot straight to the top of the country charts, it crossed over onto the pop charts and went on to sell two million copies.

To read the complete article, please click on the link below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dustin-fitzharris/country-music-sylvia_b_12388802.html

Hi LaBestia,

That's really neat you found and listened to Sylvia's song on that 80's country CD. Thank you for posting about it.

I've been really enjoying her NEW album, "It's All in the Family" since I received it last week. It's spectacular!!!
Thank you very much for your reply Tumbleweed1980. I didn't even know I had Sylvia's song Nobody in my 80's country music cd until I read the track listing and saw Sylvia was featured in it and I remembered you liked Sylvia
If you wish to find the cd I mentioned the name of the cd is 80's Country Crossovers and besides Sylvia the cd also features artists such as Ronnie Milsap Juice Newton Kenny Rogers Dolly Parton and many other singers and was a Target exclusive cd
Bestie

Thank you very much for your reply Tumbleweed1980. I didn't even know I had Sylvia's song Nobody in my 80's country music cd until I read the track listing and saw Sylvia was featured in it and I remembered you liked Sylvia
If you wish to find the cd I mentioned the name of the cd is 80's Country Crossovers and besides Sylvia the cd also features artists such as Ronnie Milsap Juice Newton Kenny Rogers Dolly Parton and many other singers and was a Target exclusive cd
Bestie
Thank you, Bestie!

That's so nice to know you thought of me upon hearing Sylvia singing "Nobody" on your CD. I really appreciate you providing that information.

I have a couple of questions. Was that CD released this year? Does it contain any photos of Sylvia?

AFTER 14 YEARS, SYLVIA HUTTON BLENDS AUTHENTICITY AND FAMILY TIES INTO NEW ALBUM
October 10, 2016

by TYLER KES

Life can take you on a very strange and very difficult-to-predict journey. While that is true for just about everyone, it seems to be a little bit more true for those in the music industry.

Take Sylvia Hutton for example. In 1983, she was winning the Academy of Country Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, on the strength of her hit, “Nobody.”

After the release of her 2002 album "A Cradle in Bethlehem", Hutton said that she was feeling a little burnt out with the whole thing, and decided to take a break to focus on writing and getting closer to the music, the result of which is her new, upcoming album: "It’s All in the Family".

The album itself is a bit of a throwback, featuring more down-to-earth, homespun and authentic sounding country music than what you’re likely to find playing on the radio these days.

Now, on the eve of the release of her first album in 14 years, Sylvia spoke with The Contributor about the album, and why it’s her most personal album to date.

Please click on the link below for the complete article.

http://thecontributor.org/2016/10/after-14-years-sylvia-hutton-blends-authenticity-and-family-ties-into-new-album/

It's fun to share new things about Sylvia with you all. I really appreciate this website and being able to post exciting things that I find.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fLa2iV7b74

Thank you, Bestie!

That's so nice to know you thought of me upon hearing Sylvia singing "Nobody" on your CD. I really appreciate you providing that information.

I have a couple of questions. Was that CD released this year? Does it contain any photos of Sylvia?
The 80's Country Crossovers cd that I have was released in 2009 and was part of Target's Mix Your Style series "Also known as the Pure Gold Series" and to answer your question the cover of the 80's Country Crossovers does not have photos of Sylvia but the singers that the cd whose photos are featured on the cover are Ronnie Milsap The Judds and Kenny Rogers
Thanks for replying to me Tumbleweed1980
Bestie

The 80's Country Crossovers cd that I have was released in 2009 and was part of Target's Mix Your Style series "Also known as the Pure Gold Series" and to answer your question the cover of the 80's Country Crossovers does not have photos of Sylvia but the singers that the cd whose photos are featured on the cover are Ronnie Milsap The Judds and Kenny Rogers
Thanks for replying to me Tumbleweed1980
Bestie
Hi Bestie,

Thank you so much for filling me in with the details. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you have that CD.

I'm about to post a recent video of Sylvia at a party celebrating the release of her beautiful new, "It's All in the Family" CD, and she sings "Nobody", too!!

https://digitalrodeo.com/news/video-sneak-peak-sylvia-hutton-shares-its-all-family

Sylvia is scheduled to be Eddie Stubbs' guest TONIGHT (Monday, Oct. 24th) LIVE on WSM-AM 650 at 8:00 p.m. (CST). I apologize for the short notice. They will be talking about her new album and playing songs from it. So I hope you can tune in!!! I definitely will be!!

www.WSMonline.com

Wow! That was probably one of the best interviews I've ever heard. Sylvia shared so much about her life and how her new amazing album project came to be.

That's the first time I've ever heard her say she felt like the music business left her. That was her response to Eddie asking about and referring to her leaving the music business. I always felt that way too, regarding the music business leaving her. So it was interesting to hear that, with some sadness mixed in.

They closed out the interview with a beautiful and powerful song, which I wrote about in my recent review, that I posted a few weeks ago on CDBaby. I thought I'd share a portion of it here...


"Do Not Cry For Me" is very close to my heart. It reminds me of how my mom wanted things as she was leaving this earth. I miss her more than ever. She used to sometimes call me "darlin'", so that just adds to it and makes the connection I have to this song even stronger.

My precious mom passed away peacefully at my little brother's place in Seattle. She didn't want a funeral where people would publicly cry for her. So just a few of us had a gathering where we brought our favorite pictures and shared our memories of mom.

She wrote her own obituary and sent it to one of her friends a few months before she passed away. I didn't know she had done that until the night of her passing when I read it for the first time.

Mom's love and sense of humor came through as if she was right here talking to me. It was extremely sad, but at the same time I was comforted by what she wrote. The same way I'm comforted by Sylvia's sweet words and singing. It's amazing Sylvia always seems to know what I need to hear for the healing process. I love this beautiful song so very much!!!

I'd like to send Happy Birthday wishes to Sylvia!!

Also, I'd like to include a few of my favorite songs from her amazing Christmas album, "A Cradle in Bethlehem", that was released in 2002.

In the summer of 2001, Sylvia surprised a bunch of us long-distance travelers in Jackpot, Nevada when she set up a 'listening party' of her “A Cradle in Bethlehem” CD. She told us she didn't know if it would ever be released, but she wanted to share it with us. My mom also really loved Sylvia's singing and especially this Christmas album, and particularly, “Ave` Maria”.

Sylvia recorded this album in 1999 around Christmastime and unfortunately, it was held up for a couple years due to new ownership at the record label and Sylvia's album got caught in the middle of that.

She was finally able to buy the master tape from the record company and released it on her own label, Red Pony Records in 2002. My mom and I were so grateful to have this wonderful music in our collection - A Christmas miracle for sure!

Happy Holidays Everybody!


"Angels We Have Heard on High"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrTVCHI9mRA

"My Grown-up Christmas List"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeSyQMos3dE&list=PLWXJ9fglKzl0XQWty6hRzsDzWmesfUu48&index=6

"When Heaven's Calling You"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwXmogAijN8&list=PLWXJ9fglKzl203GvC42vb210zk3IIfQkl&index=8

"Ave` Maria"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3Phq7dgX2A&index=10&list=PLWXJ9fglKzl203GvC42vb210zk3IIfQkl

I like this new article written by Chuck Dauphin from "Sounds Like Nashville". I hope you will enjoy it too...


March 9, 1983 is a date that will stay etched into Sylvia’s mind forever. It was on that night that she was named the Top Female Vocalist in Country Music by the Academy of Country Music (ACM). Even though she was in the midst of a run at the top of the charts with songs such as “Drifter,” “Heart On The Mend,” and the million-selling “Nobody,” she admits that hearing Ricky Skaggs and actress Catherine Bach announce her name from the stage was a surprise.

“That was hard to believe. The year before, I had been nominated for Top New Female Vocalist, and had a nomination on the American Music Awards. I’d had a few nominations, but I had never won anything. That was a big award. I was very surprised and didn’t expect to win. When I got up there, I truly was stunned. I think I said something like ‘I’m not used to winning’ or something silly like that. I didn’t know what to say. I thanked some people like the record label, and the fans. It didn’t feel real. It was like I was living in a dream. She tells Sounds Like Nashville that was definitely a moment that she cherishes to this day. “There’s something about being recognized by your peers that is really important to us human beings. From an ego standpoint, it felt as if I’d been ‘let into the music family.’ I had always dreamed of being a part of that family, so it was a great feeling.”

Music was always the driving factor in her life. Growing up in Kokomo, Indiana, she knew what she wanted to do from an early age. “From the time I was three – literally, being a singer became a conscious thing. Singing was as natural as breathing, eating, and sleeping. I didn’t even know I was doing it. It was second nature. When I realized that people liked to hear me sing, it was an epiphany, and it became what I did. I never had any desire to do anything else. It was always music.”

Please click on the link below to read the complete article...

http://www.soundslikenashville.com/news/sylvia-looking-back-and-looking-forward/

Nancy Brooks did an excellent job putting this Soundbite together of Sylvia's recent performance on the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium.

I hope you will want to click on the link and enjoy it, too!!

Thanks everybody!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rfydrmfdax5et7o/SYLVIA%20OPRY%20011317.mp4?dl=0

Hi everybody!

If you would like to hear Sylvia LIVE in Concert. She will be hosting the WSM Midnight Jamboree in Nashville on Saturday, February 18th, at 12 a.m. (CST, February 19th)

She will be singing at the Texas Troubadour Theater at 10 p.m. (CST) If you're not able to attend, you can tune in to AM 650 - WSM (link below) to hear the delayed broadcast of the show at Midnight.

I sure am looking forward to tuning in. I hope you will as well... Thanks!

http://wsmonline.com/listen-live/

I think it was one of Sylvia's best performances ever! She's always such a great entertainer! What made it extra special, is she sang some of her hits I hadn't heard her sing in 30 years, along with a surprise or two. It was AWESOME!!!

The Songs Sylvia Sang in the Show...

1. (Medley) "Cry Just a Little Bit", "Like Nothing Ever Happened", "Drifter"
2. "All in the Family"
3. "Leave the Past in the Past"
4. "Walking After Midnight"
5. "Somebody's Daughter"
6. "Bird on a Wire"
7. "Immigrant Shoes"
8. "Do Not Cry For Me"
9. "Every Time a Train Goes By"
10. "Nobody"

Hi Everybody!

I'm happy to say, Sylvia recently received an Award! I really like this short video and hope you will, too!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzQ1uyyOQ1Q&feature=youtu.be

Hi everyone,

Here's an awesome new music video of the title track of Sylvia's latest album. It contains old 8mm film footage from her childhood!!

I think this is such an excellent idea for a song! When I listen to it, it brings to mind my cousin Jan and my grandma going through old pictures together with grandma pointing out who everyone is in each faded and old picture - Along with fascinating stories that only grandma could tell, having been there and lived in those times so long, long ago. I can also still picture in my mind grandma hanging clothes out on the clothes line in the yard when I was little.

A few years before my grandma passed away, my cousin Jan and she went through boxes and boxes of old pictures and Jan wrote down who the people were in every picture. My grandma was usually the only one who could point out and tell us who everyone was. I remember as a kid what I thrill it was to go through old pictures with grandma.

I know she and mom would absolutely love the song, "All in the Family". I think about them and all the wonderful memories as I listen to the words with Sylvia's pure, sweet voice singing so beautifully, and it's an extra special treat getting to enjoy this video in addition to all of that! I hope you will enjoy it as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6Dpniv_WUA&feature=youtu.be

I just watched this and wanted to post it here for others to see. My goodness! What a nice surprise to see Sylvia talking about one of her biggest musical influences and sharing the story of meeting Patsy's sister back in the 80's.

I've always loved Patsy's singing as well. She recorded so many great songs, it's difficult to choose a favorite. Although, "Back in Baby's Arms" comes to mind as one I really like.

The video contains photos that I had never seen before, which makes it even more special to me. I hope you will enjoy it, too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJDf-nq0Nz8

I wonder if anybody ever confused her with the other Sylvia of "Pillow Talk" fame.

I wonder if anybody ever confused her with the other Sylvia of "Pillow Talk" fame.


Hi Kurt,

I'd guess there are people who have, even though they are completely different artists in music genre and appearance.

I actually saw Sylvia on a talk show hosted by Tom Wopat on TNN back in the 90's and they talked about this. It's good to see a new video of her talking about the experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VWVgiOgWgE

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there! I'm missing my mom even more today.

This nice video put a smile on my face and warmed my heart. I hope it will for you too.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eVeF6aOsi4&feature=youtu.be

Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there! I'm missing my mom even more today.

This nice video put a smile on my face and warmed my heart. I hope it will for you too.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eVeF6aOsi4&feature=youtu.be

Seconded!

May God Bless All Of You!

Seconded!

May God Bless All Of You!


Regulus, thank you for your nice post.

I enjoyed watching this short video and thought you would, too! It contains a few great new pictures of Sylvia. That was an extra treat to see.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QILSHEO4XU&feature=youtu.be

I think this new video perfectly captures the past and present. It contains never before seen photos, which of course makes it all the more special.

Icing on the cake is it contains some live footage from Sylvia's recent performance at CMA Fest 2017 - That was on June 9th. So exciting!!!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzPHupuoTCY&feature=youtu.be

Hello everyone!

This great interview was taped during CMA Music Fest from last month. I'm so glad they interviewed Sylvia! I wanted to share it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVc1bQog0VA

Greetings everybody!

I've been meaning to post this link to an excellent radio interview from a few months ago. I enjoyed listening to it very much!

I think Sylvia so clearly explains the inspiration that lead to the songwriting and recording of her latest album, "It's All in the Family". I hope you enjoy it, too!

https://soundcloud.com/user-971423658/root-650-with-sylvia

My goodness! These just keep getting better and better. Sylvia has shared so much of her history in this amazing series.

On this one, Sylvia talks about meeting Dolly Parton for the first time when Sylvia was age 16.

Icing on an already very sweet cake, is this video includes some very rare pictures of the sleeves to a couple 45 rpm records a 16 year old Sylvia recorded of songs her mother wrote.

Also, some excellent video footage from 1995 of Sylvia singing Dolly's iconic song, "I Will Always Love You". I love Dolly, too. It's definitely on my bucket list to meet her.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8rhoU75nMM

It was so good to see Sylvia chosen as the “Spotlight On” artist on the Thanks For The Music website. Here's a little bit...

Sylvia continued to record for RCA until the end of 1987, charting 11 Top Ten and No.1 songs, and sold more than four million records.

The release of her fourth album, "Surprise", spurred her second foray into the Adult Contemporary charts, but neither its sound, nor her newly shorn locks courtesy Francesco Scavullo, were well received in country music. "Surprise" was the last of Sylvia's first four albums to be produced by Tom Collins, who also produced Mandrell, Charley Pride, and Ronnie Milsap. They have been described by critics as too slick for country music.

Her following album, "One Step Closer", produced by The Judds' producer Brent Maher, had a more guitar-driven feel to it as opposed to her previously more orchestrated affairs. It was followed up by Sylvia's last top 40 country hit, "Nothin' Ventured, Nothin' Gained", from the unreleased album "Knockin Around". The shelving of this album marked the end of Sylvia's tenure with RCA Records. The label did release a "Greatest Hits" compilation and a single from it titled "Straight from my Heart" (written with Jimmy Fortune of The Statler Brothers). The record received little promotion from RCA and the single charted in the low 60s. In the late 1980s, RCA began streamlining its roster of country-pop artists and the casualties included Sylvia, Dolly Parton, Louise Mandrell, Deborah Allen, Juice Newton, John Denver and Kenny Rogers.

That was just a small portion. Please click on the link below for much more.

Thank you everybody!

http://www.thanksforthemusic.com/spotlight---september-2017.html

This is Sylvia's performance from this past June at CMA Music Fest. I especially liked hearing her sing “Like Nothing Ever Happened” , “Cry Just a Little Bit” and of course the song that has a special place in my heart, “Tumbleweed”. It was also nice to hear her sing some of her new songs for a great mixture of old and new.


https://soundcloud.com/user-971423658/june-9-2017-cma-fest-sylvia

This is "The View From Here" video of Sylvia talking about her recent visit and performance on the Grand Ole Opry for the "Opry Country Classics" show. Rhonda Vincent was also a performer that evening and appears here with Sylvia.

Sylvia sang "Like Nothing Ever Happened" and "Nobody" with the great Opry band's accompaniment. This video also includes footage of Sylvia singing "Drifter" when she performed on the "Opry Country Classics" show a few months back.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygFqhCNU8aU&feature=youtu.be

Happy Birthday wishes going out to Sylvia, and everybody who's celebrating their Birthday today, December 9th.

I think a good way to help celebrate, would be to include the link to Sylvia singing her very first Top 10 hit, "Tumbleweed" from her beautiful performance this past June (2017) at the CMA Fan Festival.

Seeing her sing this beautiful song always reminds me of the many times my mom and I got to see Sylvia sing "Tumbleweed" and many other excellent songs at Cactus Pete's in Jackpot, Nevada. Those are priceless memories that will be with me forever.

I'm grateful this person recorded and posted it for everyone to enjoy. I hope you check it out and enjoy it as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFx1clYfcD4

This is a really sweet and new Christmas video from Sylvia. I think the sound quality of the performances are magnificent.

I listened to it with my headphones on and it sounds like she's right here singing in my living room. It's always so wonderful to hear her sing. Simply amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRvRQgKutGo

Hello everybody!

Sylvia is scheduled to sing on the Grand Ole Opry this coming Thursday, March 15th on the "Opry Country Classics" show! I'll definitely be tuning in and I hope you can, too!

She performed on there this past October and sang "Like Nothing Ever Happened" and "Nobody". She was as awesome as ever! I wish I could be there in the audience. But I'm grateful to be able to tune in and hear her on 650 AM WSM.

Please check out the link for more information...

https://www.opry.com/calendar/opry-country-classics-thu-15-mar

I wanted to share this exciting news! I listened to the snippets of the songs and most definitely love what I hear! I can't wait to receive my copy, so I can hear them all and in their entirety.

Please check out the link below to hear Sylvia talk about her upcoming new album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atzCGIr_Q2Q

Country hitmaker Sylvia has a new album coming out on June 8. Titled Second Bloom, the release is full of songs that she knows very well. The 1982 ACM Female Vocalist of the Year winner re-recorded many of her classic hits for RCA Records, and today Billboard is premiering a new version of her 1980 hit "Tumbleweed."

What was it like for the singer to go back and re-create some of her biggest moments? "It felt great," she told Billboard. "It was a really joyful experience. The first impulse to do this project came over a year ago. It felt like being with an old friend. Of course, I have sung these songs for years. But when you're about to commit them to a recording that will hopefully stand some test of time, you look at them in a deeper way. I think John Mock -- who I co-produced the album with -- and I wanted to honor the original recordings, and what made them unique. There are certain licks on the songs that have become signature, and you want to preserve that."

To read the full article and hear the "Second Bloom" recording of her first Top 10 hit song "Tumbleweed". Please click on the link below...

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8458117/sylvia-tumbleweed-premiere

My Song-By-Song Review of Sylvia's “Second Bloom- The Hits Re-Imagined”


1) “Drifter” - This song has just gotten better over the years. We saw Sylvia sing this one in every show we attended at Cactus Petes Casino in Jackpot, Nevada from 1995 to 2002 and she sang it with so much more power and beauty. This new recording is a nice mixture of both some of the nuances of the original recording, along with the style she's sung it, in more recent years. The way she sings and holds out the word “wind” is so powerful and I could just listen to that part all day.

2) “Nobody” – The first single released from this new album. This is a spectacular rerecording of her most iconic song. I really like the extra instrumentation that adds so much to it. Although, as much as I love this new rendition, the original recording will always, always have a special place in my heart.

3) “Tumbleweed” - Same situation as with “Drifter” (and “Nobody”) Sylvia sang this song in every show we attended in Jackpot. It sounded amazing every time she sang it and we always looked forward to hearing it in every show. My mom would say Sylvia sings it more beautifully and better than ever with her sweet and clear, powerful voice. This new rendition is exactly that. It's so wonderful to have a new recording of it. I sure wish my mom was around to hear this absolute incredible new “Bloom”. I know she would love this album.

4) “Fallin' In Love” - It took a little bit of getting used to this new version, but after listening to it over and over again, I've really come to love the new style. It's good to hear Sylvia sing this one again. I especially love the drums and the great beat. But the same as with “Nobody”, the original recording of this up-tempo, up-lifting song has a very special place in my heart, mixed in with lots of good memories of back then in 1985.

5) “Cry Just a Little Bit” - I was hooked on this new recording right from the start. Sylvia didn't have this one on her set-list (same with “Fallin' in Love”) in Jackpot all those many times we went to see her. So it's very good to hear her sing them again after all the years gone by. I'm so glad they both are on this new album. I saw Sylvia in concert here at our Alaska State Fair in 1985 when this song had just entered the top 10 on the Country Charts. There are certain things in this new recording that I recognize from her performances back then, particularly the way she sings the end part. It's great!! I like this new rendition more than the original recording.

6) “Sweet Yesterday” - I think this beautiful ballad was meant for Sylvia's voice as all her songs are. But this one has that extra style that her voice just excels on. It's so emotionally sweet and lovely. I love this new version and I'm so glad she rerecorded it for this album.

7) “Like Nothing Ever Happened” - I remember listening to one of my favorite Country Countdown shows back when this song was on the charts. “The Weekly Top 30 with Chris Charles”. His chart source was Radio and Records. “Nobody” had gone #1 for 2 weeks and she followed with this song, “Like Nothing Ever Happened” and it also went #1 for 2 weeks on his countdown. It was a thrill to listen and hear Sylvia at #1 where she belongs. I absolutely love this new rendition of the song and can imagine it being #1 again now in 2018.

8) “Snapshot” - I think this new version outshines the original. I love and enjoy this song like never before. We saw Sylvia perform it on stage many times and it was one that was extra fun to watch her sing. Like with “Cry Just a Little Bit”, the excellent ending is more so how she's performed it in concert since it was new and on the charts. I'm not sure what that instrument is that's on the intro and throughout this song, but I do know I wouldn't mind it being on a lot more Sylvia songs in the future. I love that sound and it makes this song all the more fun and exciting to listen to again and again.

9) “I Love You By Heart” - Sylvia originally recorded this as a duet with the late and great Michael Johnson. It was her last (RCA) single release to hit the Top 10 on the Country Charts. I read in a recent article that she didn't want to sing it with someone else and would rather sing it as a solo. I think she was right on the money with that decision. Her voice is extra awesome on this song. Like the original, this new rendition has such a great beat with extra instrumentation that makes we want to listen to it over and over again, which I most definitely have and can't wait until the next time!! This new recording is in memory of Michael Johnson. It's nice to see that included on the back cover.

10) “You Can't Go Back Home” - It's as beautiful as can be and so full of emotion. The only song on this collection that was not previously released as a single. But I'm so grateful Sylvia rerecorded it for this album. It takes me back to when I first heard this song on the “Just Sylvia” album and how much I loved it then. Here in 2018 it has so much more meaning as I'd imagine anyone that's had it in their collection all these years would feel. I haven't been back home to where I was raised in almost ten years. I've been told the old house I had lived in since I was a baby has been torn down and so many other changes have happened. By far, the hardest of those changes is my mom and grandma passing away. It's so true – I can never “go back home” as it will never be the same without them to go back home to.

I absolutely love this album! Sylvia's amazing vocals are better than ever, the excellent production, harmonies and the bright and colorful cover and layout is all so well put together. I'm very happy and thankful to have added this CD to my collection. I highly recommend you do the same. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my thoughts about it.

If you'd like to take a listen to the snippets from this brand new album. Here's the link to Sylvia's Official Website...

http://sylviamusic.com/

Sylvia hasn't released a single to radio since “Straight From My Heart” from back in 1987. Which was her last single to be released on RCA Records. So, it's very exciting that today she is releasing her first single from her own label, Red Pony Records of the new, re-imagined version of “Nobody”!

For more information, please click on the link below...

http://www.somuchmoore.com/press_releases/syl0709.htm

As mentioned in earlier posts, Sylvia recently re-recorded "Cry Just a Little Bit", along with some of her other hits from the 1980's for her excellent latest album, “Second Bloom – The Hits Re-Imagined”.

Sylvia collected her tenth Top 10 hit on the Billboard Country Chart in 1985 with “Cry Just a Little Bit”.

I enjoy both renditions, but I like the brand new recording even more than the original. I've listened to it many, many times in the past few months.

I hope you'd like to take a listen...

Then (1985)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU0RjPySwkU

Now (2018)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tycwLKGWpA

I've heard people say there are so many Christmas songs, but aren't any Thanksgiving songs.

Well, I'm happy to say Sylvia and Verlon Thompson wrote “Thank God I'm Coming Home” in the late 80's, specially for her show “Holiday Gourmet”, which she hosted a couple seasons on TNN back then.

Several years later, Sylvia recorded the song for her “The Real Story” album in 1996. It was her first new music released in about 11 years.

If you'd like to hear it, I've included a link below.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJipSJMDleM

Hi everybody!

Sylvia will be hosting the WSM Midnite Jamboree LIVE in Nashville this Saturday, February 2nd, at 12 a.m. (CST, February 3rd)

She will be singing at the Texas Troubadour Theater at 10 p.m. (CST) If you're not able to attend, you can tune in to AM 650 - WSM (link below) to hear the delayed broadcast of the show at Midnight (CST).

I sure am looking forward to tuning in and I hope you will as well... Thanks!

http://wsmonline.com/listen-live/

Hi all,

In case you weren't able to tune in when it aired back in February, or if you're like me and want to hear it again! I thought I'd post the link to Sylvia's great show...

http://216.71.118.238/mp3/MJ190202%20Sylvia.mp3

35 years ago today, April 7, 1984, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with “Victims of Goodbye”. It peaked at #24 on June 2, 1984 and spent a total of 14 weeks on the chart. Here's its full chart life...

81*, 64*, 57*, 47*, 40*, 34*, 28*, 25*, 24, 31, 49, 68, 79, 90 …


The asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFSVf4x1Fi0

Hi everyone!

Sylvia is scheduled to sing on the Grand Ole Opry Thursday, May 9th on the Opry Country Classics show! I definitely plan on tuning in and I hope you can, too!

I've also always liked Steve Wariner's voice and he is scheduled to be on as well. Sylvia sang harmony on some of his earlier RCA recordings, including “Daybreak”, one of my favorites.

I wish I could be there in the audience, but I'm grateful to be able to tune in and hear the show on 650 AM WSM.

If you'd like more information, here's the link...

https://www.opry.com/calendar/opry-country-classics-thu-9-may-2019

About 25 years ago I went to the local library here in town and looked through the old Billboard magazines and took a bunch of notes. I've always loved charts and countdowns even though I don't always agree with how high my favorite songs peak on the charts.

I posted this sort of information years ago on the "Country Weekly" message boards. All these years later, I thought I'd put all of that research to good use and begin posting the information here on this great message board, the first of which was "Victims of Goodbye" from a few months ago. I hope there are others out there that enjoys this kind of chart information as I do.


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


35 years ago today, July 7, 1984, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with the beautiful ballad “Love Over Old Times”, the second and final single to be released from the “Surprise” album. Sadly, it peaked at a low #36 on August 18, 1984 and spent a total of 13 weeks on the chart.

Here's the full chart life of “Love Over Old Times”...

72*, 65*, 55*, 48*, 44*, 38*, 36, 44, 69, 88, 91, 93, 100 …


The asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3We1TMy0hyw

Hi everyone!

Sylvia is scheduled to sing on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The show starts at 7 p.m. (CST).

I sure wish I could be there in the audience. But I'm grateful to be able to tune in and hear her singing on AM 650 WSM. I'll definitely be tuning in and hopefully you're able to as well.

If you'd like more information, please check out the link...

https://www.opry.com/calendar/grand-ole-opry-sat-7-sep-2019

40 years ago today, on October 13, 1979, Sylvia debuted with her very first chart record on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with, ”You Don't Miss A Thing”. It peaked at #36 on December 1, 1979 and spent a total of 10 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life... 78*, 66*, 64, 51*, 45*, 39*, 38*, 36, 64, 100 …


An asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' -Upward movement!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrIKRJ4siuo

Hi everybody!

Sylvia is scheduled to sing on the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, November 19, 2019. The show starts at 7 p.m. (CST). Sylvia is scheduled to be in the 8 p.m. (CST) portion of the show.

Those of us that are not able to be there in the audience, can tune in and hear her singing on AM 650 WSM. I'm very much looking forward to it!

If you'd like more information, please check out the link...

(The photo is of Sylvia's Opry appearance from 1998)


https://www.opry.com/show/opry-at-the-ryman-2019-11-19-7pm/

35 years ago today, February 16, 1985, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with ”Fallin' In Love”. It stayed a second week at #2 where it peaked on June 1, 1985, and spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life...

65* , 52* , 46* , 38* , 35* , 29* , 26* , 21* , 17* , 14* , 10* , 8* , 5* , 3* , 2* , 2, 16, 26, 52, 59, 83, 87 …

Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!

This up-beat song always brings back such great memories of hearing it on the radio and anticipating the release of the "One Step Closer" album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPzAihvRp38

40 years ago today on April 26, 1980, Sylvia debuted with her second single on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with ”It Don't Hurt To Dream”. It stayed a second week at #35 where it peaked on June 21, 1980 and spent a total of 11 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life...


75*, 62*, 59*, 51*, 45*, 40*, 39*, 35*, 35, 43, 50 …


Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBwFMjtdN3A

35 years ago today, June 29, 1985, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with ”Cry Just A Little Bit”, chalking up her tenth top ten hit. It stayed a second week at #9 where it peaked on September 14, 1985, and spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life...


73*, 52*, 47*, 39*, 31*, 27*, 22*, 21, 16*, 13*, 9*, 9, 19, 29, 45, 54, 78, 84 …

Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement

I remember being concerned when it lost its bullet at #21, but thankfully it regained it and became a top ten hit. Many songs would lose their bullets and go on to become top ten hits back then.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9wPYSKk_30

I though Sylvia did a great cover of it.

A6yt2FlIa1k

My Song-By-Song Review of Sylvia's “Second Bloom- The Hits Re-Imagined”


1) “Drifter” - This song has just gotten better over the years. We saw Sylvia sing this one in every show we attended at Cactus Petes Casino in Jackpot, Nevada from 1995 to 2002 and she sang it with so much more power and beauty. This new recording is a nice mixture of both some of the nuances of the original recording, along with the style she's sung it, in more recent years. The way she sings and holds out the word “wind” is so powerful and I could just listen to that part all day.

2) “Nobody” – The first single released from this new album. This is a spectacular rerecording of her most iconic song. I really like the extra instrumentation that adds so much to it. Although, as much as I love this new rendition, the original recording will always, always have a special place in my heart.

3) “Tumbleweed” - Same situation as with “Drifter” (and “Nobody”) Sylvia sang this song in every show we attended in Jackpot. It sounded amazing every time she sang it and we always looked forward to hearing it in every show. My mom would say Sylvia sings it more beautifully and better than ever with her sweet and clear, powerful voice. This new rendition is exactly that. It's so wonderful to have a new recording of it. I sure wish my mom was around to hear this absolute incredible new “Bloom”. I know she would love this album.

4) “Fallin' In Love” - It took a little bit of getting used to this new version, but after listening to it over and over again, I've really come to love the new style. It's good to hear Sylvia sing this one again. I especially love the drums and the great beat. But the same as with “Nobody”, the original recording of this up-tempo, up-lifting song has a very special place in my heart, mixed in with lots of good memories of back then in 1985.

5) “Cry Just a Little Bit” - I was hooked on this new recording right from the start. Sylvia didn't have this one on her set-list (same with “Fallin' in Love”) in Jackpot all those many times we went to see her. So it's very good to hear her sing them again after all the years gone by. I'm so glad they both are on this new album. I saw Sylvia in concert here at our Alaska State Fair in 1985 when this song had just entered the top 10 on the Country Charts. There are certain things in this new recording that I recognize from her performances back then, particularly the way she sings the end part. It's great!! I like this new rendition more than the original recording.

6) “Sweet Yesterday” - I think this beautiful ballad was meant for Sylvia's voice as all her songs are. But this one has that extra style that her voice just excels on. It's so emotionally sweet and lovely. I love this new version and I'm so glad she rerecorded it for this album.

7) “Like Nothing Ever Happened” - I remember listening to one of my favorite Country Countdown shows back when this song was on the charts. “The Weekly Top 30 with Chris Charles”. His chart source was Radio and Records. “Nobody” had gone #1 for 2 weeks and she followed with this song, “Like Nothing Ever Happened” and it also went #1 for 2 weeks on his countdown. It was a thrill to listen and hear Sylvia at #1 where she belongs. I absolutely love this new rendition of the song and can imagine it being #1 again now in 2018.

8) “Snapshot” - I think this new version outshines the original. I love and enjoy this song like never before. We saw Sylvia perform it on stage many times and it was one that was extra fun to watch her sing. Like with “Cry Just a Little Bit”, the excellent ending is more so how she's performed it in concert since it was new and on the charts. I'm not sure what that instrument is that's on the intro and throughout this song, but I do know I wouldn't mind it being on a lot more Sylvia songs in the future. I love that sound and it makes this song all the more fun and exciting to listen to again and again.

9) “I Love You By Heart” - Sylvia originally recorded this as a duet with the late and great Michael Johnson. It was her last (RCA) single release to hit the Top 10 on the Country Charts. I read in a recent article that she didn't want to sing it with someone else and would rather sing it as a solo. I think she was right on the money with that decision. Her voice is extra awesome on this song. Like the original, this new rendition has such a great beat with extra instrumentation that makes we want to listen to it over and over again, which I most definitely have and can't wait until the next time!! This new recording is in memory of Michael Johnson. It's nice to see that included on the back cover.

10) “You Can't Go Back Home” - It's as beautiful as can be and so full of emotion. The only song on this collection that was not previously released as a single. But I'm so grateful Sylvia rerecorded it for this album. It takes me back to when I first heard this song on the “Just Sylvia” album and how much I loved it then. Here in 2018 it has so much more meaning as I'd imagine anyone that's had it in their collection all these years would feel. I haven't been back home to where I was raised in almost ten years. I've been told the old house I had lived in since I was a baby has been torn down and so many other changes have happened. By far, the hardest of those changes is my mom and grandma passing away. It's so true – I can never “go back home” as it will never be the same without them to go back home to.

I absolutely love this album! Sylvia's amazing vocals are better than ever, the excellent production, harmonies and the bright and colorful cover and layout is all so well put together. I'm very happy and thankful to have added this CD to my collection. I highly recommend you do the same. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my thoughts about it.

If you'd like to take a listen to the snippets from this brand new album. Here's the link to Sylvia's Official Website...

http://sylviamusic.com/

I'll give these re-recordings a try, but if they're anything like previous ones I've heard from other artists I'll probably be disappointed. What makes it even worse for me is that many country singers have re-recorded their new versions of their original hits in order to appeal to a younger audience. Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare, & Charlie Daniels are just a few examples. Radio stations in my area have ditched the originals on several songs and are only playing the new versions. If the younger audience likes it then fine, but I don't care for it at all. About 3 years ago I bought a sealed Bobby Bare best of cd at Goodwill for a dollar. I put it in the player as soon as I got in the car and the whole thing was darn re-recordings that sounded nothing like the originals. The worst part was that nowhere on the cd did it state that they were re-recordings.

Hi Zoneboy,

I'm glad to know you plan to give "Second Bloom" a try. Sylvia's voice is better than ever! In case you hadn't seen 'em, I'm including a couple links of Sylvia talking about the album from about two years ago.

That certainly is a bummer to think you're buying original recordings, to find out they were re-recordings and then be disappointed. I did that recently with a few Margo Smith tracks I bought that were not the original recordings that I remembered hearing on the radio. Most artists I only want the original recordings of. However, Sylvia is probably the only exception to that rule for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYl3jAg-Afs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bln2o8a0wLU

40 years ago today, September 6, 1980, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with what would become her very first Top 10 Hit, ”Tumbleweed”. It peaked at #10 on November 29, 1980 and spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life...

79* , 58* , 51* , 43* , 39* , 31* , 23* , 20* , 18* , 15* , 12* , 11, 10, 49, 69, 92 …

Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!

In the winter of 1980, my grandma was driving me to school. (which she did everyday as I attended a private school). On our drive we'd always listen to 650 KYAK, our favorite country music radio station. One morning's drive changed my life forever when I heard a song that drew me in like none other I'd ever heard before. It was Sylvia singing “Tumbleweed”. Her pure, sweet voice and how it soared so high and beautifully was mesmerizing to my teenage mind. She, by far became my most favorite vocalist. I felt then and will always feel that her voice is meant for my ears!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8WO5TmRThw

35 years ago today, November 16, 1985, Sylvia and Michael Johnson debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with the third and final single from the album, “One Step Closer” with, ”I Love You By Heart”. It peaked at #9 on February 15, 1986, and spent a total of 25 weeks on the chart.

Here's the full chart life of “I Love You By Heart”...

77*, 61*, 54*, 47*, 41*, 35*, 27*, 27*, 24*, 22*, 17*, 14*, 10*, 9, 24, 31, 41, 46, 62, 70, 81, 83, 90, 91, 92 …

An asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63ijfg1N49s


Aside from his duet with Sylvia, what are your Top 5 Favorite songs by Michael Johnson?

My Top 5 are...

1) "Gotta Learn to Love Without You" #12 (BB Country Chart in 1986)
2) "I Will Whisper Your Name" #7 (BB Country Chart in 1988)
3) "Bluer Than Blue" #12 (BB Pop Chart in 1978) (#1 AC)
4) "Ponies" #26 (BB Country Chart in 1987)
5) "This Night Won't Last Forever" #19 (BB Pop Chart in 1979)

BB = Billboard Magazine

40 years ago today, January 17, 1981, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with what would become her first #1 single, ”Drifter”. It reached the top on April 4, 1981 and spent a total of 14 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life...

77* , 47* , 33* , 27* , 21* , 16* , 14* , 9* , 7* , 5* , 2* , 1* , 8 , 41 …

Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ-XUt1Cj7k

40 years ago today, April 25, 1981, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with ”The Matador”. It spent it's second week at #7 where it peaked on July 11, 1981 and spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life . . .

74* , 58* , 43* , 34* , 26* , 21* , 17* , 14* , 12* , 8* , 7* , 7, 42, 61, 81, 100 . . .

An asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYg45fyH-K4

40 years ago today, September 12, 1981, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with ”Heart On The Mend”. It peaked at #8 on November 21, 1981 and spent a total of 15 weeks on the chart.

It was the fifth single that was released from her very first album, "Drifter", and the fourth straight Top 10 single from it as well.

Here's the full chart life of "Heart on the Mend"...

67* , 54* , 44* , 37* , 29* , 20* , 17* , 15* , 11* , 9* , 8, 54, 64, 86, 97 …


Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqUtyPPs18Y

Sylvia will be releasing a new album soon! It includes songs that she co-wrote back in the early 90's and some she wrote in recent months. Here's a little bit of the article from "The Country Note"...


<><><> Sylvia’s New Album Invites Listeners Young and Old to Join Her in a World of Enchantment.

NASHVILLE, TN – Grammy-nominated country star and singer/songwriter Sylvia, known for her string of ’80s hits that includes “Nobody,” “Tumbleweed,” and “Drifter,” is set to release Nature Child – A Dreamer’s Journey on “Twos-day,” 2/22/22.

A concept album for children, families, and the dreamer in all of us, Nature Child is a soundtrack to a journey that will inspire young and old alike to pursue their dreams. <><><>


If you'd like to read more about it, please click on the link below...

https://www.thecountrynote.com/in-the-news/sylvias-new-album-invites-listeners-young-and-old-to-join-her-in-a-world-of-enchantment/

A great new Sylvia interview! I really like the idea of songs that she co-wrote back in 1988 through 1990 mixed in with more recently written songs on the new album, "Nature Child ~ A Dreamer's Journey". A few of these she's been singing in her shows for many years. She performed some of them on "Nashville Now" on TNN back in the day and I was hoping for an album including them way back then. I'll be so very excited to finally have them on an album all these years later!

2/22/22 can't get here fast enough!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDMCRJ0wfOo

40 years ago today, January 16, 1982, Sylvia debuted with "Sweet Yesterday", a beautiful ballad that really showcases her pure, sweet voice. It was the first single to be released from her “Just Sylvia” album. That album went on to achieve "Gold" status for selling over 500,000 copies.

“Sweet Yesterday” peaked at #12 on March 27, 1982 and spent a total of 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Here's its chart life...

70* , 55* , 44* , 36* , 31* , 25* , 18* , 16* , 15* , 13* , 12, 40, 60,
82, 96...

Asterisk Denotes a 'Bullet' – Upward movement!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StbKlYuZMEY

I'm so excited to have a brand-new Sylvia song, "Avalon" to listen to along with the beautiful video. I can't wait to hear the whole album, "Nature Child ~ A Dreamer's Journey" when it's released on 2/22/2022.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mVf44k79Uo&t=313s

A few years ago, I wrote about some of these songs on my “Second Bloom” review, and how much I wish they'd be on an album someday.

Well, lo and behold, Sylvia recorded them for the follow-up, "Nature Child ~ A Dreamer's Journey". I received it from Sylvia a few days ago and have listened to it countless times and always can't wait for the next time I get to listen to it. I couldn't be more thrilled!

Back in the early 90's, Sylvia would often fill in for Lorianne Crook of the “Crook & Chase” talk show on The Nashville Network (TNN). I'd watch every day to make sure I never missed her appearances. I kept hoping her co-host, Charlie would ask her about her music career, but time after time they never talked about it.

Until one day he brought it up and she mentioned she was working on a Children's album with songs that she wrote with Verlon Thompson. She named a few of the titles, “Imagination”, “My Best Friend”, “Don't Be Afraid to Dream” and “I Love You for Who You Are”. I was sitting there feeling stunned and beyond excited that she finally talked about a new project as it had been about 5 years since she'd released a new studio album.

About a year later, Sylvia was a guest on “Crook & Chase” and performed the song “Don't Be Afraid to Dream”. Oh, what a beautiful song it was! I could just imagine a great music video to go along with it. After she sang the song, she was interviewed by Lorrianne and Charlie. Sylvia mentioned she was in the process of signing a record deal and had plans to go out to New York and work on a video of the songs.

Well, days, weeks, months went by, and I hadn't heard anything about it. I was afraid the project was shelved just like her 1986 studio album “Knockin' Around” had been.

Every day I'd check to make sure I didn't miss her being on TNN's “Nashville Now”. Finally, one day in 1992, I saw that she was going to be on there. She hadn't been on in a year or so. Much to my surprise, she sang “My Best Friend” and “(I Love You) More Than It Has Ever Rained”, (a song which a few years later was released on Sylvia's “The Real Story” album). I had not heard either one of those songs before. I taped the show and listened to them over and over again. I was on “Cloud 9” to finally have some new music from Sylvia to listen to. The host Ralph Emery interviewed her, and they didn't talk about any new projects. No mention of that children's album or anything. But as time went by and she made more and more appearances singing newer music, she referred to it as “Family Music”, great music for the whole family.

Sylvia came up here to Alaska in the fall of 1993 for some shows and she was interviewed on our local country radio station. Much to my delight, she mentioned that she was recording a new album back in Nashville. My friend Eddie, who was the interviewer, asked her if that was the “Family Music” album. She told him she had put that project on the back burner and was focused on country music and getting her career up and going again. She said she had co-written several songs, along with songs written by other people that she felt really good about. She also said the new album would include “Don't Be Afraid to Dream”.

Unfortunately, that project, along with “Knockin' Around” and the children's album were all shelved. My goodness!! To say I was disappointed doesn't even come close to how I was feeling. I just couldn't understand why my favorite artist was having project after project never getting to see the light of day!! I knew it must have been so upsetting for Sylvia and that made me feel even more sadness.

On the bright side of things, I had my amplifier hooked up to an audio cassette tape recorder, so I could record music LIVE right from the television. I made my own cassette tapes of Sylvia singing new songs that I'd listen to a lot. It was the closest thing I had to a new Sylvia album, they weren't the best sound quality, but I was grateful to at least have those recordings of her beautiful songs to enjoy.

Fast forward about 30 years and we finally have many of those amazing songs and more on a new studio album by Sylvia! I feel it's nothing short of miraculous to be able to add this album to my wonderful Sylvia collection. Even though I would have preferred this album to have been released 27 or 28 years ago, I feel its timing is right. Not only does it contain many songs she co-wrote all those years ago, but it contains newly written songs she wrote as well.

I think they all are sequenced perfectly on the album. "Avalon" is a title I only heard about within the past year or so. I was guessing it had been written in more recent months, but I was mistaken. It was one that she wrote with Verlon Thompson back in the late 80's. I love it, and the storybook video that accompanies it is a sweet bonus!

"Imagination" and "Don't Be Afraid to Dream", two more Sylvia and Verlon wrote together and are a couple of my favorites that I had recorded on my cassette tape from her LIVE performances on TNN back in the day. She also sometimes sang them in Jackpot, NV. These recordings are so beautiful. I'm beyond grateful to finally have them on a Sylvia album!

I was a little taken a back when "Don't Be Afraid to Dream" began, because the words were a little different making it about "she" and not Sylvia's story like how I remember her singing it. I absolutely love this new recording, but it'll take a little getting used to. I loved it when she used to sing, "I would sing along, and every single song was MY voice on the radio". I've always just wanted her voice on the radio, so I thought those words fit perfectly. Speaking of every single song, I absolutely love every single song on this incredible NEW album!!!

"If I Only Had Wings" - I've had this beautifully written song in my collection since 1995 when I ordered a various-artists CD, "Alive Hospice - Friends for Life" that included one Sylvia recording. I've listened to her song a lot over all these years. It was one of my grandma's favorites. Sylvia also sang it in Jackpot when my grandma and I drove down there from Alaska in her motorhome. I'm so happy it was included on this album, it's a wonderful new rendition and takes me back to those incredible memories. I know my grandma, and my mom too would most definitely love this new recording of the song.

"Nature Child", "(Hey, Hey, Hey) It's a New Day", "Dancing Over an Emerald Isle", and "Home Is" are all brand new and have become huge favorites of mine! It's always so amazing to hear brand new songs from Sylvia! "(Hey, Hey, Hey) It's a New Day" is a huge highlight for me, it's so very uplifting and fun to sing-along on. The title track especially makes me think of my mom. I know how much she'd LOVE that song. Of course, she'd love the whole entire album. But that particular song touches my heart and finds a tender spot that makes me feel a little weepy thinking about how much mom would love it and how much I miss her and want to share it with her.

"Good Night, Sleep Tight My Little One", is a title I first heard of only in the past couple of weeks when I saw it included in an article for the album. Just from the title alone, I knew it would become another favorite of mine and was I ever right about that!! It's exciting to know it was one of those that was written back in the late 80's and has finally landed on a Sylvia album.

"My Best Friend", another one I've had in my collection from a LIVE television performance from 1992. This song has an extra special place in my heart as Sylvia performed it in Jackpot and surprised me by dedicating it to little ole me one evening at her show. I was happy beyond words. What made it even more special is the smile my mom had on her face as she was so happy for me. Those memories are more than priceless. This new recording is a dream-come true to finally have a studio version of it in my collection! I had been wanting it on an album for what seems like forever! Wow, my dream came true, I can hardly believe it's finally on an album!!

"I Love You for Who You Are", I had only heard Sylvia mention the title many years ago, but it stuck with me all of these years and it feels so amazing to finally hear the beautiful words and of course Sylvia's wonderful voice. I'm so grateful she included it on this album!

As I listen to this album over and over again, I think about my mom and grandma and how much I know they would absolutely love this collection of songs and the beautiful album cover and layout.

I highly recommend that you get this album! It's beyond spectacular! John and Sylvia produced a true masterpiece here!! I feel like I'm floating on a cloud listening to Sylvia's most beautiful, sweet voice!!! I love the uplifting words on the songs with such amazing genius songwriting, beautiful backing vocals, instrumentation and practically everything you could imagine and more!!!

Please check it out on Sylvia's Website...

https://sylviamusic.com/

40 years ago today, June 5th, 1982, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with "Nobody"! It reached the #1 position on August 21, 1982. It went on to sell nearly two-million 45 RPM singles and stayed on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for a total of 24 weeks.

Here is its chart life...

75*, 50*, 39*, 34*, 27*, 23*, 15*, 10*, 9*, 6*, 2*, 1*, 2, 8, 25, 35, 44, 50, 53, 60, 66, 70, 91, 99.

An asterisk denotes upward movement!

Note: "Nobody" peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles 'Pop' chart and #5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwQCyUKDF34&list=OLAK5uy_kDEdJn8tt-NLBMaVJ8zs--fTjW_D4atlc&index=2

40 years ago today, September 25, 1982, Sylvia entered the Top 30 of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart with "Nobody". It stayed three weeks at #5 where it peaked on November 13, 1982 and spent a total of 12 weeks within the Top 30.

Here's its chart life within the Billboard A.C. Top 30...


25*, 18*, 12*, 7*, 6*, 5*, 5*, 5, 14, 20, 22, 27...


Asterisk = Upward Movement!

40 years ago today, October 9, 1982, Sylvia entered the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 (Pop) charts with “Nobody”. It stayed at #15 for three weeks where it peaked on December 4, 1982 and spent a total of nine weeks in the Top 40.

Here's its chart life within the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 (Pop Charts)...


34* , 25* , 25* , 24* , 22* , 19* , 15* , 15* , 15...

Asterisk denotes Upward Movement!

Sylvia's great website has had a little bit of a makeover in the past few months. If you haven't checked it recently, I think you'd like to see the nice changes. You can listen to snippets of songs from her more recent albums, also browse her merchandise store and much more.

https://sylviamusic.com

And while I'm at it, I thought I'd post a link to Sylvia's latest Storybook Video of, "If I Only Had Wings" from her most recent and excellent, "Nature Child ~ A Dreamer's Journey" album.

I've had a recording of this song since 1995. Sylvia recorded it for a various artists compilation album back then. It became a big favorite of my mom and grandma, and of course, a favorite of mine too. We listened to it a lot in our many travels.

In fact, I have such amazing memories of my grandma and I driving her motorhome from Moose Creek, Alaska to Jackpot, Nevada in November of 1996 to see Sylvia and her full band sing there.

They performed a bunch of awesome songs old and new, including "If I Only Had Wings". Sylvia recently said that this song is her mom's favorite from her latest album.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaoaPLu53WA

40 years ago today, October 30, 1982, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with, "Like Nothing Ever Happened". It stayed two weeks at #2 where it peaked on January 29, 1983 and remained on the charts for a total of 20 weeks.


Here's its chart life...

74*, 55*, 41*, 36*, 30*, 24*, 19*, 16*, 12*, 12*, 7*, 3*, 2*, 2, 17, 25, 41, 52, 57, 91...


Asterisk = Upward Movement!


*Note* "Like Nothing Ever Happened" peaked at #1 for two weeks on the Radio & Records publication in 1983.

I remember so clearly my mom driving us from Palmer to Anchorage and we were listening to The Weekly Country Countdown w/ Chris Charles. We were excited to hear Sylvia's "Like Nothing Ever Happened" was at #1 for the second week on that countdown!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw4Q6n6SFZo

40 years ago today, May 7, 1983, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with ”Snapshot”. It peaked at #5 on July 16, 1983 and spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart.


Here's its full chart life...


59* , 46* , 37* , 31* , 23* , 19* , 14* , 12* , 10* , 7* , 5, 12, 25, 34, 52, 73, 90, 98 …


Asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' ~ Upward movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE6PE4uXTFI

40 years ago today, August 27, 1983, Sylvia debuted with "The Boy Gets Around" on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It spent two weeks at #18 where it peaked on November 5, 1983, and stayed a total of 17 weeks on the chart.

Here's its chart life...

78* , 69* , 52* , 43* , 38* , 34* , 27* , 22* , 20* , 18* , 18 , 37 , 50 , 65 , 86 , 96 , 97...


Asterisk Denotes a 'Bullet' ~ Upward movement!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDGOfu8jIbc

Tumbleweed was actually my dad's favorite Sylvia song and he would hear it all the time on the radio and the lyrics were so nice. My mother likes Nobody because it has a great beat and she thought the lyrics were funny. In fact I now have a Sylvia station on Pandora so I can hear more of Sylvia's songs. Because Sylvia has such talent and she really shows it well and you don't see many country singers like Sylvia today

Tumbleweed was actually my dad's favorite Sylvia song and he would hear it all the time on the radio and the lyrics were so nice. My mother likes Nobody because it has a great beat and she thought the lyrics were funny. In fact I now have a Sylvia station on Pandora so I can hear more of Sylvia's songs. Because Sylvia has such talent and she really shows it well and you don't see many country singers like Sylvia today


Hi Hawkee,

Thank you for sharing about your mom and dad and their favorite Sylvia songs. I always love to hear how she and her music have touched lives. "Tumbleweed" is the first song of Sylvia's that I remember hearing on the radio in the winter of 1980 as my grandma was driving me to school. I was mesmerized at how Sylvia's sweet voice soared like a bird on that beautiful song. She instantly became my favorite recording artist.

I'm curious about your Sylvia station on Pandora; Do you play just her hits from the RCA days? Or does that include album cuts from her 5 released RCA albums? Do you include any from her more recent Red Pony Records music? I think it's so cool that you have a station that features Sylvia's wonderful singing and songs!

Thanks again!

40 years ago today, December 3, 1983, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart with “I Never Quite Got Back (From Loving You)”, the last single to be released from her ”Snapshot” album. It spent its second week at #3 where it peaked on March 3, 1984 and spent a total of 19 weeks on the chart.

Here's its full chart life...

76* , 58* , 51* , 44* , 44* , 37* , 30* , 23* , 17* , 13* , 8* , 6* , 3* , 3* , 16 , 32 , 45 , 61 , 85 …


An asterisk denotes a 'Bullet' – 'Bullets' Are Awarded to Those Products Demonstrating the Greatest Airplay and Sales Gains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myBSFMiRp_E

It's December 9th, Sylvia's Birthday! I'd like to send Happy Birthday wishes to her and a big thanks for gifting us with her beautiful singing and music throughout the years.

Lately, I've been listening to, A Cradle in Bethlehem, which was one of my mom's most favorite albums, also my grandma's favorite and of course mine too!

I'm including a link to a track from the album in celebration of her Birthday.


Happy Holidays, Everybody!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUdi0Fz14Og

In celebration of the 2-Year Anniversary of "Nature Child ~ A Dreamer's Journey" being released on 2/22/22 and excitingly hitting the Billboard Charts.

Here is a performance video of Sylvia singing the first track on the album, "Avalon" and I've included a few video captures from the video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLKZmOsI0rA

Hi everyone,

I just heard yesterday that Sylvia was going to make a huge announcement today.

Well, I just finished listening to the interview and I'm in disbelief that Sony Music is finally going to be releasing every one of her RCA albums for streaming and that surprisingly includes the album she recorded in 1986 that was never released. YIPPEE!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCv6_qujgpo

Sylvia's debut album, "Drifter" originally released in 1981 is up for streaming and digital download for the first time ever today, May 10th!

I've been listening to it and enjoying the crystal-clear sound quality of the ten tracks. I've always especially wanted a great sound quality recording of "Whippoorwill". I love that song so much!

As someone recently said that made me laugh, they wanted an upgrade and posted a photo of their 8-Track tape.

Four more of her albums are to follow as the month goes on and into June 2024.

Those of us who have been waiting so many years for this to happen are over the moon excited!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRMB75X7Yrw

When I heard Sylvia announce that every one of her RCA albums were going to be available on streaming platforms this month and into June, I felt like it was an out of body experience! As I've been waiting and wishing for something like this for what feels like forever and a day from Sony Music Entertainment! The extra bonus is that her unreleased "Knockin' Around" album that she recorded in 1986 will finally be seeing the light of day!!!

The excitement I've been feeling the past week or so inspired me to create a video to help get the word out about this unbelievable occurrence that I was thinking may not ever happen before my time on this earth was through. I'm so grateful it's happening in my lifetime!

Anyhow, I hope you all like the video. Thanks for checking out my posts here all these years. I really appreciate it!!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnG79cJvEnU

40 years ago today, May 19, 1984, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Hot Country LPs chart at #65 with "Surprise".

All these years later we will finally be able to stream this album (the original version) as Sony Music Entertainment is releasing it to streaming platforms later this week on May 24th. The two albums that were recently put up on streaming platforms, "Drifter" and "Snapshot" sure are beautifully remastered. So, I'm excited to hear a remastered, "Surprise".


I thought I'd share about an Unexpected SURPRISE!

I had found a Canadian version cassette tape of "Surprise" at a pawn shop back in the early 90's. I didn't know what I was in for. I had just assumed it would be exactly like my original vinyl album that I bought back when it was released in 1984.

However, I was listening and much to my 'surprise' (very fitting title for what I was about to hear for the first time). At the beginning of the original recording of "Victims of Goodbye" right before Sylvia begins to sing the words, she does some really cool things with her voice. But on this version, there wasn't any of that and then a man started to sing, (which I quickly realized was the legendary B.J. Thomas). It was a duet they had recorded. There wasn't any mention of that in the track listing on the album. What a pleasant surprise to hear that for the first time.

I've done some research since then and from what I understand, B.J. Thomas who was signed with Columbia Records at the time, the executives at the label would not allow him to be a part of an RCA Records project and that duet version was shelved. (Strange to imagine that years later Columbia Records and RCA Records would merge).

Anyhow, evidently, somebody that was in charge of the Canadian version of the album perhaps by mistake used that duet version of the recording instead and pressed copies of it. Also, there's a different version of "One Foot on the Street" that they may have accidentally grabbed instead of the USA version.

All in all, it was an unexpected SURPRISE to hear the different versions for the very first time.

This is one of my all-time favorite albums. Back then, the tracks that stood out as my favorites were... "One Foot on the Street", "It's Still There", "Victims of Goodbye", "Unguarded Moments", "Isn't It Always Love", "Give 'Em Rhythm" and "I Just Don't Have the Heart".

All these years later, I still love and appreciate those. But the track that I just can't get enough of, is... "On The Other Side of Midnight". I feel it would have made a great single and video. It has that kind of style, I think would be great for country radio, with huge crossover potential. Especially on the Adult Contemporary charts.

Commercially, this album, the last Sylvia music to be produced by Tom Collins, peaked at a sad #40 and was on the chart for only 13 weeks. That's following three Top 10 Sylvia albums in row on the Billboard Country Album chart. This album unfortunately didn't produce any Top 10 hits. In fact, there were plans for 3 singles to be released. But after the second single, "Love Over Old Times" peaked at a disappointing #36 on Billboard, those plans were scrapped. I've actually been told this album sold the least number of copies out of all of Sylvia's RCA studio albums. I guess that was the way it was meant to be. But sometimes I can't help but think of other possible outcomes.

For instance, had RCA chosen either "Give 'Em Rhythm", or "On the Other Side of Midnight" as the first single and music video, things may have turned out completely different sales-wise. Unfortunately, we'll never know.

Here's the chart life of Sylvia's album, "Surprise" on the Billboard Hot Country LPs...

65*, 54*, 52, 41*, 40, 48, 46, 48, 50, 58, 64, 75, 75...


An Asterisk Denotes Upward Movement!

I was fortunate enough to be able to ask Sylvia a question on this program back in 1992. It was exciting when Dan Miller said my name and I nervously got to talk to Sylvia.

This video, although fun, it was more of challenge than the others I've created. Once I had the clips that I needed I was able to place them into Clipchamp and piece everything together like a puzzle. I hope you like it!

The anticipation and excitement of this album finally being released is difficult to put into words. I want to help get the word out that it soon will be available on streaming platforms and digital downloads for the first time in 38 years of being locked up in the archives! Release day is Friday June 7th!!

Thank you everybody,
Greg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk4T423m0F0

It's so amazing and unbelievable that this collection of music is finally released!! Sylvia was due to release a new album entitled "Knockin' Around" in the fall of 1986, the follow-up to her successful "One Step Closer" album. I could hardly wait to go buy it! The album cover was even featured on The Nashville Network's "New Country" program that she was performing a few of the songs from, which of course made the excitement for it all that much more!! Unfortunately, the first single, "Nothin' Ventured, Nothin' Gained" didn't make the Top 10 and I'm guessing, even though I don't agree, might be part of the reason RCA decided to hold it back and then eventually shelve the album. However, I think they should have at least tried releasing another single before totally giving up on it.

When "Nothin' Ventured, Nothin' Gained" began to fall down the charts, I called RCA and talked to a representative there. I asked what the next single would be and he said it was "Never My Love". However, someone must have overheard him saying that, and he asked me if I could hold on a second. He then came back and said he was informed that "Never My Love" was being held back at the moment and he didn't know what the plans were at that time. Well, in recent days I've been informed that it was released as a promo single to radio only. Which from what I understand is different from an official single release.

I knew a "Greatest Hits" album was coming out because I saw Sylvia on "Nashville Now" a few weeks before it was released, and she was promoting it there. At that point, I didn't know that the release of "Knockin' Around" was completely scrapped. I thought maybe RCA decided to put the "Greatest Hits" album out first and allow that to pave the way for the "Knockin' Around" album. The "Greatest Hits" album was released in the summer of 1987 using that same cover art of Sylvia laying on a zebra blanket. What was RCA thinking!!!?? I wished they'd used totally different cover art. Even after all this time, I still feel sad and disappointed about that whole fiasco! What made matters even worse was the compilation album had only 9 tracks.

I was working as an intern for a country station then. I kept asking the guy I interned for, which happened to be the music director at that time, if he received Sylvia's new single, ("Straight from My Heart", same song on both sides and not on "Knockin' Around"). Somehow it got misplaced and was finally found a few days later. I immediately took it in one of the production studios and placed it on the turntable and listened to it for the first time. Ah, I thought her voice was more beautiful than ever. It was so good to hear something new from her as it always is and was. My mom loved the song!! Then a few days later I went over to a record store that my friend owned in Wasilla, and he played it in the store. I remember him playing the B-side, "Makes You Wanna Slow Down" and him saying he thought that should have been the single instead, and I agreed. Of course, it's easy to feel that way after "Straight from My Heart" did so poorly on the charts and turns out was the last Sylvia single released on a major label. Then a few weeks later my friend received the "Greatest Hits" album and played it right there in the store. Those are my memories of first hearing the recording of "Never My Love" back in 1987.

It wasn't until I talked to my supervisor at the radio station that I was working at in Anchorage, who at that time was the program director there. It was the fall of 1987 and I asked if he had talked to RCA about Sylvia. He broke the sad news to me that she had been dropped from the label. I was beyond depressed!!!!!! The main reason I wanted to be a DJ was so I can play new Sylvia releases. I landed my first radio broadcasting shift about the time "Straight from My Heart" had peaked and was falling down. So, I never got to announce a new Sylvia single, and I regret that to no end!!! Then in the early 90's when I knew the labels were turning down her projects left and right, it made me so angry. I didn't at all feel like playing and promoting any of their artists. I left the radio business for good at the end of 1995. I'm still in broadcasting but it's television not radio.

I was trying to look on the bright side... At least we got to enjoy one song from the unreleased "Knockin' Around" album back then. Which is her wonderful rendition of the aforementioned "Never My Love". With Sylvia's clear, sweet, mesmerizing voice and such a creative arrangement and instrumentation that song alone deserves 5 (million) stars. I especially love the keyboards and drums!!!

It's so wonderful and quite unbelievable that "Never My Love" along with ten other tracks, some of which have been locked up in the RCA/Sony Music archives for about 38 years have at last seen the light of day! I was afraid that might never happen in my lifetime. I'm beyond grateful it's happening here in 2024! Now everyone can listen and enjoy all ten songs, along with a track that took me totally by surprise, (track 10) "He Talks to Me''. Lorrie Morgan had a big hit with it in 1990 that peaked at #4 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. I liked her version of it and played it a lot on the radio when I was in the radio broadcasting business back then. I recently saw Sylvia posting on social media about that song. Apparently, she recorded it for the album but heard that Lorrie Morgan had recorded it too and it was rumored that it would be a single for her. So, Sylvia and producers decided to record "Pirate" and put that on the album instead. I'm so glad Sylvia and Sony Music included her version of "He Talks to Me" on this long, long- awaited collection as it's definitely the biggest highlight for me.

In 2002, two of my very favorite songs from this album, "Come to Me", co-written by Sylvia, and the aforementioned "Makes You Wanna Slow Down" (which were the B-sides to the single's respectively, "Nothin' Ventured, Nothin' Gained" and "Straight from My Heart") were a part of Sylvia's RCA Country Legends CD. That was a nice treat at that time! And a few years before that, in 1997, three previously unreleased tracks from the album appeared on Sylvia's "Anthology" CD, the title track, "Blame it On Love" and "Can't Turn My Heart Away". By the way, they have been remastered and sound amazingly awesome here!!!

In addition to those aforementioned songs. I equally love these other "new" tracks, "You Can't Say (You Don't Love Me Anymore)", "Good Life" and "Pirate". The song "Good Life" is the up-tempo style that I crave most from Sylvia. I wished there were a couple more like that on this album! Sylvia performed "You Can't Say..." on that "New Country" program so I've had a cassette (live version) of it from that program since 1986. It's so amazing to finally have a beautiful studio recording of it now!!

This remastered music collection of these eleven tracks sounds mesmerizingly amazing!!! I'm so stoked to be able to FINALLY add it to my treasured Sylvia collection!! Out of all of Sylvia's RCA studio albums, for the first time, this one contains a song (co)-written by Sylvia, the aforementioned, "Come to Me", which makes this album all that more special. Also, Sylvia herself recently said it's her favorite of the RCA albums and I remember her saying "this music is close to my heart", during the program, "New Country" way back in 1986.

Sony Music Entertainment, THANK YOU so much for deciding to release this album!!! You all made this guy very happy!! It's such an adrenaline rush and I'm over the moon excited and feel like a young man again, the age I was when this album should have originally been released!!!

It brings to mind seeing Sylvia singing with her whole band at the Bluebird Cafe in 1994 and being totally blown away hearing song after song that I'd never heard her sing before and loving every single one of them!!! It had been years since I was fortunate enough to hear her singing with that full-band sound that I'd been craving from her so much! Sadly, when she took that music around to different labels she was turned down and that awesome project was shelved like so many of her projects have been over the years. It still haunts me every day that I was never able to buy that music. Especially the songs, "Sometimes You Just Know", "Long Cold Winter", "I Know This Town", and that's to name just a few!!!

I'm thinking about what feels like a music miracle that's occurred with the release of an album that's been hidden for 38 years. Maybe there is still hope that those 90's Sylvia recordings can someday see the light of day. I hope this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to never before heard Sylvia songs from the archives getting put out into the world. I know she would record more than ten songs per ten-track album back in the RCA days. A good example of that is, on her "Just Sylvia" album it was pretty much finished. When the songwriters came in with a song, they had just finished writing, "Nobody". I often wonder which song was dropped to make room for what became Sylvia's signature song. So, I can just imagine there are some more gems in the RCA/Sony Music archives that hopefully someday would be released on a Sylvia compilation even just for streaming and digital downloads! I would absolutely love to see that happen in my lifetime!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny2daTtFRj4

My mom LOVES the Sylvia station on Pandora and we were listening to it when we were cleaning my room when suddenly Nobody came on and Mom said "Ain't that Sylvia Hawkee? I just love the song Nobody" and I said yes and then we found another Sylvia song which was Cry Just A Little and Mom loved that song too

Did you ever hear a Sylvia song called Snapshot? I found it on the Sylvia Station on Pandora and I had never ever heard it before. I keep waiting for Pandora to play Tumbleweed but all Pandora plays is Nobody and not Tumbleweed

Hello Hawkee,

I love hearing about that! I'm glad to know a Sylvia station exists. It makes me happy to know your Mom loves those Sylvia songs! If I may, I would recommend you both listen to songs from her finally released album after 38 years in the RCA vaults, "Knockin' Around ~ The Lost Album". In particular, Sylvia's cover of "Never My Love", "He Talks to Me" and "Good Life", to name just a few titles. I'm curious to know if that music is included on the Sylvia station on Pandora and what all Sylvia songs are played on there.

Thank you so much for posting about that, it made my day as I've been feeling really down lately as the 10-year mark of my Mom's passing from cancer was on July 31st. Then what would have been her 79th birthday on August 17th. She loved Sylvia's music and singing a lot too. She and I were so fortunate to see Sylvia sing in Jackpot, Nevada at Cactus Petes Casino several times and visit with her. I've felt such sadness since 2014 not being able to share with my Mom and listen to the music Sylvia's released these past ten years. I loved to see the smile on Mom's face and the expressions she'd make when hearing something so beautiful that gave her the chills. Her favorite Sylvia song was "Ave` Maria". I sure miss Mom but am so very grateful for all of the wonderful memories. It does my heart good to know that you and your Mom enjoy Sylvia's music together.

Here's a link to "Never My Love" by Sylvia...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x5APfqt1MM

Did you ever hear a Sylvia song called Snapshot? I found it on the Sylvia Station on Pandora and I had never ever heard it before. I keep waiting for Pandora to play Tumbleweed but all Pandora plays is Nobody and not Tumbleweed
Oh yes, "Snapshot" was one of Sylvia's bigger hits. In fact, I've been told it sold the second most singles behind the two-million selling smash cross-over hit "Nobody". Also, she did a music video for it when music videos were still pretty much in their infancy. The single reached #5 on the Billboard Country Charts in 1983.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE6PE4uXTFI

I thought I'd share the latest Sylvia interview which was recorded a few days after her "Knockin' Around" album was finally released after 38 years of being hidden and gathering dust in the RCA vault...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJBGoka2vD4&t=1013s

Hi all,

I thought I'd share my friend Mark's excellent review of "Knockin' Around (The Lost Album)". He first saw Sylvia in concert in 1982 when he was only four years old, then again in 1983. She became his favorite singer. He was so surprised when he came across the album that had been shelved some 38 years ago. Which, by the way reached #10 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart.

Here are his thoughts about the album...


Critical as I am generally of the various "algorithms" that Big Tech uses to serve us a boutique selection of news and entertainment choices that align with our preexisting searches, I must admit that it served me well in June. I logged on to YouTube and discovered in my "recommended viewing" column a video from Sylvia with cover art I was unfamiliar with. I had not yet heard the big news that, after a 38-year delay, her lost album from the end of her RCA recording career had finally been released.

My plans for the rest of that Friday afternoon quickly changed as I needed to hear these "new" Sylvia songs held over from her radio heyday. Unsurprisingly, the polished big studio production coupled with Sylvia's pure, silky voice took me to my mid-80s happy place. I felt like I was eight years old again, with the unique vibes of that era's country pop coursing through my veins.

I had already heard 5 of the 11 tracks from previous compilations she released and wasn't surprised that two of the tracks I'd already heard remained my favorites. Her cover of "Never My Love" was sensational, sung and synthesized to perfection and fully embodying the best instincts of Sylvia and her producer to sell a song. I'd heard before that this was intended to be the second single from this album back in the late 80s before, she lost her recording contract. It's a shame that it didn't happen. For that matter, it's a shame that it wasn't the first single.

I also loved the title cut, which I'd heard before from a compilation released more than two decades ago. "Knockin' Around" exudes a contagious sunny optimism through its cosmopolitan lyrics touching upon "giants of commerce in the big city" that are a clear departure from the country genre, particularly paired with the thumping synthesizers that drive the melody. The track seems oddly fitting for the tail end of the "Urban Cowboy" era when Sylvia flourished and really works for me in the boundaries it pushed, while serving as a strong reminder how lacking in melody much of modern pop and country music are.

The other three tracks I'd heard before are "Nothin' Ventured, Nothin' Gained", "Come to Me", and "Makes You Wanna Slow Down", the latter two being available on her RCA Country Legends record. "Nothin' Ventured" was a strange choice for the record company to release as a single back in 1986. It's a pleasant enough listen but I'm not surprised radio didn't embrace a song centered around a man who can fly. I've always liked the very polished ballad "Come to Me", which also seems like it could have been a single, and "Makes You Wanna..." is also a pleasant listen.

As for the other six songs that I'd never heard before, the ballads stuck out to me most. The two new up-tempo tracks ("Blame It on Love" and "Good Life") were both modestly enjoyable with some solid guitar work (especially "Good Life") but didn't stand out as favorites compared to her past up-tempo work. Of the new ballads, I recognized the title "He Talks to Me" right away on the set list and figured it was the same song that Lorrie Morgan had a hit with a few years later. Sylvia does a great job with her version and the lyrics seemed like a good fit for Sylvia generally and for this album specifically.

Speaking of a good fit for Sylvia, "You Can't Say (You Don't Love Me Anymore)" was an excellent sad ballad. With a lot of help from a fantastic arrangement, she maneuvers her way through the emotional content just as effectively as she did on "I Never Quite Got Back (From Loving You)" a few albums earlier. It's my second favorite of the new songs, but "Can't Turn My Heart Away" is just about as good. She nails the song's emotional high points in her vocal performance, and the 80s power ballad-style arrangement is once again a fitting match for the performance.

But my favorite of the new songs is "Pirate". The theatrical nature of the production and the lyrics were a bit of a creative gamble, but it works for me for precisely that reason. I admire when artists swim outside their comfort zone and record a track that really stands out. When the gamble pays off as it does here, it's that much more gratifying.

Thirty-eight years is a very long time to wait for recorded material to resurface but well worth it for us Sylvia fans to take a trip down memory lane to the halcyon days of her career. The sad part of listening to this album and reliving the end of Sylvia's commercially successful years is it reminds us how much more she had to offer before her star dimmed at country radio. Nothing lasts forever and she had a good run, but this album was an excellent reminder that she was still ready, willing, and able to serve us with great music even as the industry evolved in the late 1980s.

With that in mind, it's nice to see she's still out there having a bit of a career renaissance and putting out a steady diet of new albums in recent years. Hopefully, the momentum from the long-awaited release of "Knockin' Around" will lead to even more recorded material from her on the horizon.

-Mark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH0YmkQtLmo

Hi everyone,

I heard a recording of this song about 15 years ago. But so much time had passed that I guessed it was another one of those forgotten Sylvia songs. (Which gives me a little bit of hope that maybe some Sylvia songs I've been hoping will see the light of day will happen at some point. Here's hoping, hoping, hoping).

So, I was quite surprised to see a new recording of this "prayer song" had been released a few hours before Thanksgiving. I quickly bought it and added it to my treasured collection.

Sylvia's voice is so sweet and beautiful, and my ears love what they hear. I especially love the way she sings "soul" in my favorite line toward the end of the song, "harmonize my soul with beauty, sing me into you". Ah, that is the best example of what her voice has meant to me throughout all the years and how it's uplifted me in my deepest times of sorrow so many times in my life.

Also, I love the cover art! It's wonderfully fantastic and perfectly represents this song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfpC72zTkSY&list=OLAK5uy_n7xk03tGCk-KIhJgBuIOJHzGZdTG9T71E

I began working on this project back in June and put it aside for a few months and was hoping to have it ready for her birthday, which is today, December 9th.

Happy Birthday, Sylvia and to everyone who is celebrating a birthday today!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flDTV0LlkEs

Charley Pride filled my life with his incredible music from as far back as I can remember. I'm thinking about him today on his Birthday (born March 18, 1934) and how much I love and appreciate his singing and am so grateful for my big collection of Charley Pride vinyl albums, 8-Track, cassette tapes and compact discs.

He was so nice and helpful to Sylvia when she was first starting out in the business. They did several shows together. She opened for him in the first year of her career.

I have such wonderful memories of when my grandma and I went to Charley Pride's concert in Anchorage at The Sullivan Arena back in 1983. It was a dream come true for us both. His hit single on the radio at the time was his awesome cover of "More and More".

Unfortunately, we didn't take any pictures that night, but we did get to briefly meet him and get his autograph. What an amazing person he was!

His music always brings back great memories as a little boy getting to listen to his "The Best Of" 8-Track tape, while grandma drove me around in her 1966 Chevy II Nova. I remember so clearly seeing her shift gears as it was a 3-speed, with the gear shift on the column.

I'm including some favorite pictures and a link to one of my most favorite songs of Charley's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E28dptt7Edk

40 years ago today, March 23, 1985, Sylvia debuted on the Billboard Country Albums Chart with “One Step Closer”. It spent its second week at #19 where it peaked on June 1st and stayed on the chart for a total of 27 weeks.

Here’s the chart life of the excellent “One Step Closer” album...

*62, 42*, 40, 39, 38, 38, 33*, 28*, 22*, 19*, 19, 22, 24, 27, 28, 34, 42, 47, 46, 56, 56, 57, 58, 61, 63, 71, 72...

*Denotes a ‘bullet’, upward movement!

The album spawned three Hit Singles...

"Fallin' In Love" #2 (for two weeks) on Billboard. (#1 on both R&R and Cashbox).
"Cry Just a Little Bit" #9 (for two weeks)
"I Love You by Heart" (Duet with Michael Johnson) #9

In celebration of Sylvia’s 1982 Country Cross-over smash-hit “Nobody” just recently hitting 10 million views on YouTube; I created a few collages featuring her incredible music career.

Those of you that are fans of “A Cradle in Bethlehem”, as I am; I have a few ideas that I’m currently working on for when it gets a little closer to Christmas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC_2274dNag

It's December 9th, Sylvia's Birthday! I'd like to send Happy Birthday wishes to Sylvia and a sincere thanks for helping to brighten up our lives with her beautiful voice and music for decades.

If you're celebrating a birthday, today; Happy Birthday to you as well.

Lately, I've been listening to, "A Cradle in Bethlehem", which was one of my mom's most favorite albums, also my grandma's favorite and of course mine too!

In celebration of Sylvia's Birthday, I'm including a link to a track that is a fan favorite.

Happy Holidays, Everybody!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeSyQMos3dE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0ZM_Ui1Myw