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The Stanley Brothers - A Collection Of Original Gospel And Sacred Songs

(King KLP-963) cJun 1966

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This gospel album was the last recording The Stanley Brothers made for King on 8th and 20th Sept 1965. Unusually, it was recorded as a trio, with George Shuffler playing both bass and lead guitar parts, as well as singing bass and baritone vocals.

Originally it was released as "The Greatest Country & Western Show On Earth", but after a complaint by Ralph, the LP title and cover were changed to the more appropriate "A Collection Of Original Gospel And Sacred Songs". Curiously, the new cover photo had already been used on a 1959 Maddox Bros. & Rose - "A Collection Of Standard Sacred Songs" (King 669) LP... King also seems to have just replaced the LP jackets, as some copies with the new sleeve design still show the original LP title on the record labels.

Prior to the album's release one single was issued: End Of The Road / Pray For The Boys (King 6023) Feb 1966. Prayer Of A Truck Driver's Son was also coupled with Never Again from the Country Folk Music Spotlight album (King 6046) circa July 1966; and wo further singles were also issued: Soldier's Grave / Take Me Home (King 6053) Aug 1966; and God's Highway / I Feel Like Going Home (King 6059) Oct 1966

Nowadays the material is probably best found on The King Years, 1961-1965 4xCD box set.

For detailed information on these songs / sessions, check Gary B. Reid's The Music Of The Stanley Brothers book, pages 191-194 and 218-219.