"THE JIMMY WALKER SHOWCASE PAGE"

"THE JIMMY WALKER COLLECTION"

Jimmy’s Bio 2007

I grew up in age where personnel computers VCR’s, microwaves, ipods and cell phones were not commonplace or didn’t exist. Compact Disk didn’t exist. I grew up listening to my music on radio and vinyl! Then it was cassettes tapes. I remember seeing 8-track tapes.

When I was about 5 I received my first turntable. The Lp’s included Tanya Tucker and Elvis. Thanks to my parents, my love of music was born.

My first recollection about Patsy Cline was age 13 when she was listed in the top 50 or so of all time great country songs on a radio special. I can remember hearing “Walkin’ After Midnight.” At that time I was listening more to Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Conway Twitty, etc. Since I was a big Loretta fan I read her bio when it came out and then saw the movie. This Patsy Cline fascinated me. She sounded interesting and I wanted to learn more about her.

I went to the library to get some books that included info on Patsy. They all had the same basic bio info. I bought some cassettes at the Kmart. I wonder why she looked so different and different music styles. Finally, some answers in the Patsy bio by Ellis Nassour. Then when I was 17 the movie “Sweet Dreams” was released I had to go see it. I went with a friend who was interested in her. It still bothers me to watch the plane crash scene.

Well I was working and learning about Patsy and music collecting. I went to a record show at a local hotel and ran across a 45 rpm of Patsy’s that had 6 songs on it, a couple of them I didn’t have as they were not available at the time on LP or cassettes. As I was learning about records I found out I had purchased an E.P. (That’s How a Heartache Begins) without the cover from the 1960’s. The collecting had started! I have records from around the world. I enjoy showing them off when I can with other fans or at Patsy related shows.

Sometime in the 90’s I wrote Charlie Dick a letter about something and he called me back, at work! I would later meet him when the U.S. Post Office honored Patsy with her imagine on a postage stamp. It was at the Grand Ole Opry. I still remember seeing those oversized stamps being lowered from the rafters. Hal Ketchum sang “I Fall to Pieces”, Patsy was the only artist remembered in song that night. I went out to the lobby and meet Charlie. I was a little nervous and he had me hold his coffee, which I spilled on my shoes while he signed my Opry program.

In 1994 I made my first Winchester trip. I already had meet the Culver’s and they were kind enough to take me under their wing and introduce me to people and show me around Winchester. I remember meeting the Armstrong’s and Mildred Keith along with so many great people, to many to mention. I feel so blessed to have met them all and call the part of the family.

In 1997 I got my first computer and went online to see what was out in cyberspace on Patsy and found Per’s page. I got involved and have meet many people through the years via the Internet. Later I would do my little page on Patsy that featured some rare pictures from collection as well a list of her television appearance known to exist.

As I said earlier I feel blessed to have meet so many people and also to be involved in keeping Patsy memory and music known to many. I also feel blessed in the great things I have seen in regards to her. I was in Hollywood when she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There have been parties at the Hall of Fame that featured Patsy. Radio and TV interviews.

Patsy’s family has been very kind to me over the years, Charlie and Mel especially.

I only hope I can continue to be involved in Patsy for the next 20+ years as I have been the past 20 years. Maybe I can get my niece and nephew interested in her, I am working on it.

Thanks to all who help keeping Patsy legacy on going whether it be a fan, dj, author or family. Thanks to everyone for the kindness you have shown me over the years, it’s greatly appreciated. And thanks Sean for this honor on your site.

Musically,

Jimmy