"Sophisticated Hula / My Little Grass Shack In Kealakekua, Hawaii"
The Happy Valley Boys
Jerry Byrd (as Gerry Byrd) - Steel Guitar
Ernie Cornelison - Guitar
Recorded 10/09/1940
Atlanta Georgia
Bluebird B-8776
Today I’m thrilled to be able to share steel guitarist Jerry Byrd’s fist ever recorded solos. The Happy Valley Boys was a county duo comprised of Jerry Byrd (then Gerry) and guitarist / singer Ernie Cornelison. They recorded and released 4 78RPM singles for the Bluebird label in late 1940. These sides were also issued on the Montgomery Ward label in the following months. Six of the eight recordings were originals and county music covers featuring vocals by Ernie. But this very special disk has Jerry shining on two classic instrumental Hawaiian Steel Guitar solos!
Although I was able to track down one of the country disks relatively quickly after hearing of their existence it took a full six years to find Jerry’s Hawaiian steel guitar solo disk from this session! I am not currently aware of any CD to LP reissues of these tracks. I may be mistaken but I believe most of you will be hearing these lovely sides for the first time here. Enjoy the sounds of a very young Jerry Byrd!