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distribution This has been a problem for me -1 can produce a product but market ing it is another matter.His first recordings. DiscoFc\ or with local rhythm and blues singer Rill Becoat, and I Seed You and Dance with Jimmy Green of Brooklyn, 111., enjoyed a short period of air time on local stations, according to Neal' Jt’sa very competitive business It shard to get the air play you need to sell your records.”As the friendship between the Neal and the James families developed, they discovered they shared more than musical ideas They shared similar ideas of family closeness.* * 1 think that was one of the things that pulied us together. said Neal The family upbringing is very similar in both our families.”FREDDIE LEE JAMES, father of I he James group, like Lavern Neal, is not a musician In the early days when there was never enough money for costumes, music, travel and all the other needs of a road group he provided the fundsHe made good money as a carpenter. said Willie Mae James, mother of the group I spent his money as I needed it and he sort of stayed in the backgroundHe never squawked He just went along with it Now the children foot their own bills He is the backbone of us all — we're all dependent on Mr. James. she said of her husband.The James Family performed once, several years ago, as the opening act for another former local singer, Luther Ingram Mrs. James couldn't remember the date, but fheconcertwasatHatheway Hall“We will eventually try to bring the James Family to Alton to do a show again, so Alton people can see what the James Family is all about, said Howard Neal. “Hopefully, Shoestring Records can have some involvement in that project ”
Newspaper Details
Alton Telegraph
Alton, Illinois, US
Sat, Feb 05, 1983
Page 120
Full Page
Clipped by
Hayner P.
IL, USA 19 Jul 2022
Other Publications Near Alton, Illinois
Alton Evening Telegraph
Alton Observer
Labor World
Alton Weekly Telegraph
Alton Telegraph and Democratic review
