Letters to the Editor

Esco Hankins passed away . . .

Again let me congratulate you on some fine writing in regards to the Alan Rhody endeavor. Very interesting to say the least, and plenty "food for thought." I really enjoy your various writings, Jean, and each issue of Louisville Music News is something to look forward to.

It finally happened on Sunday morning, November 18, that the great Esco Hankins passed away. He had lingered for months, and his wife, Jackie, and the family certainly had their crosses to carry through the entire ordeal. Hopefully, Jean, you might be able to do a story on his career.

Eseo recorded for King, Mercury and Columbia – three of the major labels – and he is heard on smaller labels as well. Two of his biggest hits were "Mother Left Me Her Bible" and "Johnny Overload." One drawback he always had following him is that he sounded so much like Roy Acuff. There'll be a tribute LP issued on Esco in January of the new year via Cattle Records out of West Germany.

Anyone wanting to send sympathy cards or get other information can do so by writing Esco's wife Jackie:

Mrs. Esxo Hankins

2864 Winter Park Drive

Lexington, KY 40517

(606) 266-1541

Kindest regards,

Howard Vokes

New Kensington, PA 15068

(Thanks for your continuing words of encouragement, and for keeping us posted on Esco Hankins. There are so many interesting people to write about that we hardly know where to begin. We'll just keep working away at it, and, who knows, mavbe one dav – Editor.)

Postcard from Walter Craft

Just an admiring note on all the stuff you got going down your way. Am playing a mixed bag of house concerts, ecology meets, nursing homes, Very Special Olympics, etc., and learning a lot about community. Look for my album soon.

Pax.

Walter Craft

Milwaukee, WI 53215

(Walter Craft is a former Cincinnati folk artist, who has appeared on Louisville Homefront Performances. – Editor.)

Debbie Hupp 'deluged with tapes' following article.

I know that I have thanked you personally for the great article (September 1990 issue). I'd like to go on record with that appreciation with this letter to the Editor. Apparently, your circulation is vast. I have been deluged with tapes!

In the twenty or so years I have been writing songs, I have always made an effort to help newcomers. Some of those recipients are now writing hit songs for major companies. The time has come, though, for me to put more value on my time. So this is a good news / bad news story. The good news is, I will listen to every tape I receive and give it the best critique I know how. The bad news is, a $25 check must accompany each song.

Should I happen to receive a song I want to publish, a full refund will accompany the songwriter's agreement. Paying a fee does not guarantee a satisfactory response, but it does guarantee my honest opinion and suggestions. An SASE must be enclosed as well.

Please print this! I can't handle all the mail!

Keep up the good work. See you at the LASC shindig.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Hupp

Huptown Music

Nashville, TN 37215