MEMBER NEWS

By Diana Black

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS

Since the last issue of the Letter, the co-op has grown to include five new members. They have received member numbers 322-326, respectively.

Larry Rollins is a singer, songwriter and impersonator from Brownstown, Indiana. Every Friday and Saturday night for the past eight seasons, Rollins has "carefully placed his trusty old guitar in the back seat of his car, and headed for the Little Nashville Opry, Indiana's most popular country/western opry house."

He is the featured entertainer on Friday night with a seven-piece band and a trio of backup singers. Saturdays he does two thirty minute warm-up shows.

Rollins' rich baritone voice has afforded him several recordings both in this country and Sweden. His impersonation credits include Johnny Cash, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Sr., and Elvis to mention a few. He has opened for Highway 101, The Charlie Daniels Band, Conway Twitty, The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Travis and the list goes on. He recently recorded co-op members Charlie Walls and Sammy Reid's tune, "The Proof's Here In My Hand."

Welcome aboard, Larry!

Having heard new member Alan Hoskins recently at a songwriter meeting, I can vouch he plays some nice guitar.

Currently living in Louisville, Alan made part of his living singing in clubs and ski areas in Vermont from 1973-1982. He has also sung in various churches from 1964 to the present.

Hope Publishing company published a Christmas anthem he co-authored in 1986. Hoskins also has his own publishing company called Delectable Mountain Music and a record company with the same name.

As I mentioned, Alan plays guitar, but he also plays a little mandolin and bass. He is currently writing Gospel/Christian and folk music.

Alan noted that he could do some record keeping on his computer for the co-op; look for a call from me!

Byron Johnson has played guitar for sixteen years and harmonica for four. "Very dedicated to music," Byron is currently recording originals at Allen-Martin.

He has performed solo, accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica in various parts of the country and Japan. His past experiences have included being a promoter for The Coasters, The Drifters, The Four Tops, and The Serendipity Singers.

When asked what style of music he is writing, Byron replied, "Dylanesque, can't really put a finger on my style."

Well, I sure look forward to hearing some of your tunes real soon, Byron.

Jackie Johnson, no relation to Byron as far as I know, performs at various Louisville clubs with his wife Lori. He also had a northern Kentucky pop band from 1967 to 1978.

Jason Dee Publishing company in Nashville has signed some of Jackie's tunes and he has also done business with Charta Records, also in Nashville.

"Currently writing country for marketability," Jackie still composes all types of music on guitar.

Having done design work for flyers, brochures, etc., he would be willing to help the co-op with that and possibly performing.

With the seminar around the corner, we'll be calling!

Lori Johnson (popular name huh?) IS related to Jackie. As I mentioned above, Lori is Jackie's wife and they play in various clubs in the Louisville area.

She is affiliated with Jason Dee Publishing in Nashville and a BMI writer. Musically, Lori plays drums and is a lyricist.

Thanks for your offer to help the co-op with advertising and performing, Lori.

As new members, you may have questions concerning the organization or the music industry. Please feel free to call me at 502-893-0693 and I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Anyone interested in joining the LASC or wanting more information about the organization is welcome to call me at the above number. I will be glad to answer your questions and/or forward a membership application.

PLEASE NOTE: Again, I would like to encourage new members to include with their completed application an attached page with bio information. Our welcome column is the perfect place to "let yourself be known."