Tessera

Little Blue Suitcase

@littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social

Mother-son (Patricia & Greg) music duo from Alaska. My mom toted her music in the little blue suitcase for years, inspiring our name & title track. I also really enjoy doing the research & posting images of my treasured record collection & chart stats.

462 Posts1053 Follower 1781 Folgt

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 31m ago

42 years ago today, October 6, 1984, Barbara Mandrell debuted at #73 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Crossword Puzzle”. It went on to peak at #11 and spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #countrymusic #vocalist #musician #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Crossword Puzzle”, by Barbara Mandrell on MCA Records from the album, “Clean Cut” released in 1984.

About the time this song was released and being played on the radio was around the time Barbara and her children were in a terrible car accident. She was still recovering from the injuries when my grandma and I saw her in-concert here in Anchorage in 1986.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “If It’s Not One Thing It’s Another”, the B-side to the hit Country single "Crossword Puzzle”, by Barbara Mandrell on MCA Records from the album, “Clean Cut” released in 1984.

An image of the front album cover, “Clean Cut”, by Barbara Mandrell, released on MCA Records in 1984. The album peaked at #8 on Billboard's Hot Country LPs chart and spent a total of 43 weeks in its Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, “Clean Cut”, by Barbara Mandrell, released on MCA Records in 1984.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 57m ago

42 years ago today, October 6, 1984, with their very first single, Sawyer Brown debuted at #83 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with "Leona”. It went on to peak at #16 for two weeks and spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #countrymusic #vocalgroup #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Leona”, by Sawyer Brown, it was their debut single, from their self-titled debut album released in 1985 on Capitol Records.

It’s been a fun hobby to collect 45 RPM singles over the years. I went to hang out with a friend who was on the air at 1080 AM KTNX back in 1984, and he played this song by Sawyer Brown. To this day, it’s one of a few songs he played that evening that stirs up memories of me wanting to be on the radio announcing songs too. Nearly 3 years later that dream came true for me when after interning for a few months I became a radio broadcaster at 650 AM KYAK.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Staying Afloat", the B-side to the Country single “Leona”, by Sawyer Brown, from their self-titled debut album released in 1985 on Capitol Records.

An image of the front album cover, by Sawyer Brown on Capitol Records of their self-titled debut album released in 1985. It peaked at #2 for three weeks on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and spent a total of 35 weeks in its Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, by Sawyer Brown on Capitol Records of their self-titled debut album released in 1985.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · yesterday

41 years ago today, October 5, 1985, Reba McEntire debuted at #69 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Only in My Mind”. It went on to peak at #5 for three weeks and spent a total of 24 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #music #legendary #countrymusic #vocalist #songwriter #musicislife

(Same song on both sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, “Only in My Mind”, written and sung by Reba McEntire on MCA Records from her album, “Have I Got a Deal for You” released in 1985.

This was her first single release that she wrote. From the first time hearing it on the album, it became an instant favorite. I was so glad it was released as a single.

According to my book of reference, which only goes up to 2005 this song was the only single release that she wrote, which makes it extra special in my book.

Fascinatingly, the song peaked at #5 for three weeks. One of those weeks were when the chart was frozen during the Christmas holidays.

An image of the front album cover, “Have I Got a Deal for You”, by Reba McEntire, released on MCA Records in 1985. The album peaked at #27 for three weeks on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and spent a total of 34 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, “Have I Got a Deal for You”, by Reba McEntire, released on MCA Records in 1985.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3d ago

45 years ago today, October 3, 1981, Johnny Lee debuted at #55 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Bet Your Heart on Me”. It went on to peak at #1 and spent a total of 15 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #music #singer #legendary #vocalist #countrymusic #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Bet Your Heart on Me", by Johnny Lee, the title track of his album released on Elektra/Asylum (Full Moon) Records in 1981.

I enjoyed listening to this song on AM 650 KYAK here in Anchorage 45 years ago. Such a CLASSIC!!!

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Highways Run on Forever, the B-side to the hit Country single, "Bet Your Heart on Me", by Johnny Lee, the title track of his album released on Elektra/Asylum (Full Moon) Records in 1981.

An image of the front album cover, “Bet Your Heart on Me”, by Johnny Lee, released on Asylum/Elektra (Full Moon) Records in 1981.

The album peaked at #9 on Billboard’s Hot Country LPs chart and stayed a total of 48 weeks in the Top 75. This was his last LP to go into the Top 10 according to my book of reference.

An image of the back album cover, “Bet Your Heart on Me”, by Johnny Lee, released on Asylum/Elektra (Full Moon) Records in 1981.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3d ago

45 years ago today, October 3, 1981, Gene Watson debuted at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Fourteen Carat Mind”. It went on to peak at #1 and spent a total of 19 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #music #legendary #vocalist #countrymusic #memories #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Fourteen Carat Mind", by Gene Watson, from the album, "Old Loves Never Die" released on MCA Records in 1981.

I enjoyed listening to this song on AM 650 KYAK 45 years ago and gladly added it to my music collection, bought at my favorite record store that sold new and used records way back when.

Fascinatingly, this was his one and only #1 single, among numerous Top 10s from 1975-1988.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Lonely Me”, the B-side to the #1 smash Country hit "Fourteen Carat Mind", by Gene Watson, from the album, "Old Loves Never Die" released on MCA Records in 1981.

An image of the front album cover, “Old Loves Never Die”, by Gene Watson, released on MCA Records in 1981. The album peaked at #57 on Billboard’s Hot Country LPs chart and stayed a total of 24 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, “Old Loves Never Die”, by Gene Watson, released on MCA Records in 1981.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 4d ago

44 years ago today, October 2, 1982, Marty Robbins debuted at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Tie Your Dream to Mine”. It went on to peak at #24 & spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #remembering #legendary #countrymusic #musician #vinylcollection #musicislife

(Same song on both sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, “Tie Your Dream to Mine”, by Marty Robbins on Columbia Records from his album, “Come Back to Me” released in 1982.

I liked listening to this record on the radio, such an uplifting song from an incredible, legendary music artist. It was his current single on the charts when he passed away on December 8th, 1982.

An image of the front album cover, “Come Back to Me”, by Marty Robbins, released on Columbia Records in 1982. The album peaked at #25 on Billboard’s Top Country LPs chart and stayed 38 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, “Come Back to Me”, by Marty Robbins, released on Columbia Records in 1982.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 5d ago

38 years ago today, October 1, 1988, Baillie and the Boys debuted at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Long Shot”. It went on to peak at #5 and spent a total of 27 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #music #legendary #vocalgroup #countrymusic #song #musicislife #vinylcollection

(Same song on both sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, "Long Shot", by Baillie and the Boys on RCA Records from the album, "Turn the Tide" released in 1989.

It’s been my hobby to collect 45 RPM singles. This song was in heavy rotation for several weeks at 650 AM KYAK where I worked as a broadcaster from 1987-1991.

An image of the front CD/album cover, “Turn the Tide”, by Baillie and the Boys, released on RCA Records in 1989. The album peaked at #30 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed in the Top 75 for a total of 59 weeks.

An image of the back CD/album cover, “Turn the Tide”, by Baillie and the Boys, released on RCA Records in 1989.

This is a great album! I've been listening to it lately. It has the type of production and beautiful harmonies that my ears especially appreciate listening to.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 5d ago

43 years ago today, October 1, 1983, Vern Gosdin debuted at #69 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “I Wonder Where We’d Be Tonight”. It went on to peak at #10 and spent a total of 21 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #song #legendary #vocalist #countrymusic #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "I Wonder Where We’d Be Tonight", by Vern Gosdin, from the album, "If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do it Right)" released on Compleat Records in 1983.

It’s been a fun and exciting hobby to collect 45 RPM singles in my lifetime. I enjoyed listening to this song on AM 650 KYAK many, many moons ago. My mom liked his voice and songs, too.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “I Feel Love Closin’ In”, the B-side to the Top 10 Country hit "I Wonder Where We’d Be Tonight", by Vern Gosdin, from the album, "If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do it Right)" released on Compleat Records in 1983.

An image of the front album cover, “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do it Right)”, by Vern Gosdin, released on Compleat Records in 1983. The album peaked at #17 for three weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country LPs chart and stayed a total of 45 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, “If You’re Gonna Do Me Wrong (Do it Right)”, by Vern Gosdin, released on Compleat Records in 1983.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 6d ago

48 years ago today, September 30, 1978, Helen Cornelius debuted at #78 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “What’ Cha Doin’ After Midnight, Baby”. It went on to peak at #30 and spent a total of 8 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #remembering #countrymusic #vocalist #song #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, “What’ Cha Doin’ After Midnight, Baby”, by Helen Cornelius released on RCA Records in 1978.

I was doing research on which songs made their debut on this day and came across this song. I don’t think I’d ever heard it before, but it sounds like something I might have heard on ACC with Bob Kingsley.

I like it a lot! I listened to it about ten times in a row while I was gathering information, photos and such.

A black and white image of Helen Cornelius’ RCA Records publicity photo from 1978.

A black and white image of Helen Cornelius’ RCA Records publicity photo.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · last wk.

A strange thing 'happened'. This song was in my feed on YouTube. I've been listening & loving Sylvia's original version since 1982, but it was fun to hear a male's perspective. I think he did a good job, that's saying a lot as Sylvia is my most favorite! #musicislife www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_fa...

Like Nothing Ever Happened

YouTube video by Clive Bruce - Topic

youtube.com

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · last wk.

42 years ago today, September 29, 1984, Mark Gray debuted at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with "Diamond in the Dust”. It went on to peak at #9 and spent a total of 21 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #music #vocalist #pianist #countrymusic #recording #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM record front sleeve of "Diamond in the Dust" by Mark Gray from the album “This Ol’ Piano” released on Columbia Records in 1984.

It’s been a fun and exciting hobby to collect 45 RPM singles over the years. I went to hang out with a friend, Glen who was on the air at 1080 AM KTNX, and he played this Mark Gray song.

To this day, it brings up those memories of me wanting to be on the radio announcing songs too. Nearly 3 years later that dream came true for me at 650 AM KYAK here in Anchorage.

An image of the 45 RPM record back sleeve of "Diamond in the Dust" by Mark Gray from the album “This Ol’ Piano” released on Columbia Records in 1984.

The album peaked at #33 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed a total of 26 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Diamond in the Dust”, by Mark Gray on Columbia Records, from the album “This Ol’ Piano" released in 1984.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “I Guess You Must Have Touched Me Just Right”, the B-side to the Top 10 Country hit “Diamond in the Dust”, by Mark Gray on Columbia Records, from the album “This Ol’ Piano" released in 1984.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · last wk.

Charley Pride will always be a big part of my life. From as far back as I can remember, my grandma played his music. In fact, I think his voice was the 1st singing I ever remember hearing. Memories of he & Lynn Anderson go together for me. I wish they would have recorded a duet. #musicislife #video

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · last wk.

Lynn Anderson filled my life with her beautiful music from as far back as I can remember. I love & appreciate her singing & albums. I've created a few videos on Clipchamp, this is my newest. 🎵 #vinyl #treasured #music #legendary #countryartist #lynnanderson #video #wonderfulmemories #musicislife

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · last wk.

To celebrate Ancestor Appreciation Day; I found this old photo in my mom's things of my great grandparents. I never met them, but my grandma would often talk about them. & I've included the cover of my grandma's book, which include she & her siblings. #ancestorappreciationday #oldphotography #alaska

In celebration of Ancestor Appreciation Day; A really old image of my great grandparents, Annie and Lee. They both passed away several years before I was born. But my grandma often spoke about them.

An image of my grandma's book, "Chickaloon Spirit". It includes several old photos. A photo of my grandma in the middle and photos of her siblings surrounding her. My younger brother and graphic artist, Dimi helped design this cover too.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · last wk.

45 years ago today, September 26, 1981, Steve Wariner debuted at #69 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with "All Roads Lead to You”. It went on to peak at #1 and spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #countrymusic #guitarist #vocalist #recording #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, "All Roads Lead to You", by Steve Wariner from his self-titled debut album on RCA Records released in 1982.

After several attempts to make it all the way to #1, Steve Wariner finally did it with this incredible Fleming/Morgan song.

An image of the front album cover, by Steve Wariner, his self-titled debut LP released on RCA Records in 1982. It peaked at #35 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed a total of 15 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, by Steve Wariner, his self-titled debut LP released on RCA Records in 1982.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

50 years ago today, September 25, 1976, Firefall entered the Top 40 of Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart at #37 in its 6th week with “You Are the Woman”. It went on to peak at #9 for two weeks and spent a total of 15 weeks in the Top 40. #vinylcommunity #musicsky #recording #vocalgroup #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “You Are the Woman”, by Firefall released on Atlantic Records from their self-titled debut album in 1976.

As soon as this song comes on the radio, I turn the volume up! I’ve always really liked this catchy tune from the very first time I heard it 5 decades ago at my uncle’s house.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Sad Ol’ Love Song”, the B-side to the Top 10 hit “You Are the Woman”, by Firefall released on Atlantic Records from their self-titled debut album in 1976.

An image of the front album cover, by Firefall, their self-titled debut on Atlantic Records in 1976.

An image of the back album cover, by Firefall, their self-titled debut on Atlantic Records in 1976.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

38 years ago today, September 24, 1988, Paul Overstreet debuted at #80 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Love Helps Those”. It went on to peak at #3 for three weeks and spent a total of 21 weeks on the chart. #songwriter #vinylcommunity #countrymusic #song #musicislife #vinylcollection

(Same song on both sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, "Love Helps Those" on MTM Records, by Paul Overstreet, from the album, "Sowin' Love" released on RCA Records in 1989.

It’s been my hobby to collect 45 RPM singles. This was Paul Overstreet's first solo hit single. He went onto chalk up seven more Top 10 hits on RCA Records, including one #1 and a few more Top 5s.

Interestingly, MTM Records was founded in 1984 and was a subsidiary of the production company of the same name owned by legendary actress Mary Tyler Moore. The label was purchased by RCA Records Nashville in 1988, according to my research.

An image of the front CD/album cover, “Sowin' Love”, by Paul Overstreet, released on RCA Records in 1989. The album peaked at #13 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed in the Top 75 for a total of 62 weeks.

An image of the back CD/album cover, “Sowin' Love”, by Paul Overstreet, released on RCA Records in 1989.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

38 years ago today, September 24, 1988, Restless Heart debuted at #59 *Hot Shot Debut* on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart w/ “A Tender Lie”. It went on to peak at #1 and spent a total of 23 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #vocalband #countrymusic #vinylcollection #musicislife

(Same song on both sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, "A Tender Lie" by Restless Heart, from the album, "Big Dreams in a Small Town" released on RCA Records in 1988.

It’s been my fun hobby to collect 45 RPM singles. Restless Heart went on to chalk up a few more Country hits, but this was their last #1 Country single.

I attained this record from working at the radio station AM 650 KYAK (1987-1991). They'd usually receive duplicate 45 RPM vinyl singles. We'd dub them onto cartridges, and that's what we'd repeatedly play on the radio. This nice ballad was in our heavy rotation for several weeks.

***Extra Note: "A Tender Lie" was Restless Heart's last #1 Country single. However, they went to #1 for two weeks with "Tell Me What You Dream" on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart in 1993.

An image of the front album cover, “Big Dreams in a Small Town”, by Restless Heart, released on RCA Records in 1988. The album peaked at #4 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed in the Top 75 for a total of 74 weeks.

An image of the back album cover, “Big Dreams in a Small Town”, by Restless Heart, released on RCA Records in 1988.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

42 years ago today, September 22, 1984, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band debuted at #65 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “I Love Only You”. It went on to peak at #3 for two weeks and spent a total of 24 weeks on the chart. #legendary #vocalband #countrymusic #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “I Love Only You”, by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Warner Brothers Records, from the album "Plain Dirt Fashion" released in 1984.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Face on the Cutting Room Floor", the B-side to the hit Country single, “I Love Only You”, by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on Warner Brothers Records, from the album "Plain Dirt Fashion" released in 1984.

An image of the front album cover, “Plain Dirt Fashion”, by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, released on Warner Brothers Records in 1984. The album peaked at #8 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed in the Top 75 for a total of 50 weeks.

An image of the back album cover, “Plain Dirt Fashion”, by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, released on Warner Brothers Records in 1984.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

42 years ago today, September 22, 1984, Steve Wariner debuted at #79 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with "Don't You Give Up on Love”. It went on to peak at #49 and spent a total of 10 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #countrymusic #musician #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Don't You Give Up on Love”, by Steve Wariner on RCA Records, from the album "Midnight Fire" released in 1983.

This was Steve Wariner's last single released on RCA Records before moving over to MCA Records and achieving such incredible success with them into the early 1990s.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "When is it All Gonna End", the B-side to the single “Don't You Give Up on Love”, by Steve Wariner on RCA Records, from the album "Midnight Fire" released in 1983.

An image of the front album cover, “Midnight Fire”, by Steve Wariner, released on RCA Records in 1983. It peaked at #39 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed a total of 27 weeks in the Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, “Midnight Fire”, by Steve Wariner, released on RCA Records in 1983.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

41 years ago today, September 21, 1985, Nicolette Larson debuted at #87 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Building Bridges”. It went on to peak at #72 for two weeks and spent a total of 8 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #music #singer #vinyl #recordings #countrymusic #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Building Bridges”, by Nicolette Larson released on MCA Records from her "Say When" album in 1985.

Extra note: Nicolette Larson achieved a Top 10 Pop hit with "Lotta Love" on Warner Brothers Records in 1978-1979 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. It peaked at #8 for 2 weeks and remained in the Top 40 for 14 weeks.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "You Were the One", the B-side to the Country single “Building Bridges”, by Nicolette Larson from her "Say When" album released on MCA Records in 1985.

An image of the front album cover, "Say When", by Nicolette Larson, released on MCA Records in 1985. The album peaked at #48 for two weeks on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed a total of 20 weeks in its Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, "Say When", by Nicolette Larson, released on MCA Records in 1985.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 2w ago

39 years ago today, September 19, 1987, Lynn Anderson debuted at #72 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Read Between the Lines”. It went on to peak at #38 for two weeks and spent a total of 12 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #vocalist #countrymusic #vinylsky #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Read Between the Lines”, by Lynn Anderson, released on Mercury Records in 1987.

Although way too brief of a stay, I enjoyed listening to this song on "American Country Countdown" with Bob Kingsley and his unique style of announcing songs, along with his great facts and stories about the artists. So, that inspired me to go out and buy this record at my favorite record store many moons ago.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "If This Ain't Love", the B-side to the Top 40 Country single “Read Between the Lines”, by Lynn Anderson, released on Mercury Records in 1987.

A black and white image of a Lynn Anderson publicity photo for Mercury PolyGram Records.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3w ago

My grandma introduced me to music at such a young age, I don't know a time without music. I've loved playing records from as far back as I can remember. Today, this is what I play my records on. 🎵😀🎹🎸 #music #turntable #grandpa #musicsky #alaska #grandma #wonderfulmemories #vintagestyle #musicislife

An image of the amplifier I inherited from my grandpa's electronic collection. With my turntable on top.

Over to the right side is a small glimpse of the sound system mom and I used for our music gigs and below it is a very small glimpse of the cassette tape recorder that we used to record us and our practice sessions.

A fuller shot of the cassette tape recorder that we used to record us and our practice sessions.

An image of the top of my turntable, the lid open, and a favorite 45 RPM vinyl ready to be played and happily listened to. I believe I bought this turntable about 26 years ago.

My grandma introduced me to music at such a young age, I don't know a time without music. She let me play records and she bought me my own record player. I was too young to really appreciate it.

Now, I look back at that time and very much appreciate what she did. I wish I could say I was really careful even at a very young age. But I was told I wasn't while operating record players; I may have gone through one or two as a youngster. <cringe>

Below my turntable, at an angle is the amplifier I inherited from my grandpa. I'm so grateful to have it in my treasured collection and it holds many special memories from childhood.

An image of a Pioneer Reverb amp that I inherited from my grandpa. I'm so grateful to have it in my treasured collection and it holds many special memories from childhood.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3w ago

Several years ago, my mom got this gadget for me. She thought we might be able to add something a little extra to our music. But I wasn't able to figure out how to incorporate it with our songs. Anyone ever seen or worked with a gadget like this? #musicsky #alaska #fingerbeatz #gadget #musicislife

An image of a little "FingerBeatz" music gadget that my mom surprised me with at one of our practice sessions years ago.

An image closer-up of a little "FingerBeatz" music gadget that my mom surprised me with at one of our practice sessions years ago.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3w ago

42 years ago today, September 15, 1984, David Frizzell & Shelly West debuted at #78 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “It's a Be Together Night”. It went on to peak at #13 and spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #countrymusic #duet #vinylcollection #song #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “It's a Be Together Night”, by (Frizzell & West) David Frizzell & Shelly West on Viva Records from their album "Golden Duets (The Best of Frizzell & West)" released in 1984.

I enjoyed listening to this song on AM 650 KYAK and went to buy it at my favorite record store, "Robber Joe's" here in Anchorage 4+ decades ago.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Straight from the Heart", from the 1983 album "In Session" and the B-side to the Country single “It's a Be Together Night”, by (Frizzell & West) David Frizzell & Shelly West on Viva Records released in 1984.

An image of the front album cover, "Golden Duets (The Best of Frizzell & West)", by David Frizzell & Shelly West, released on Viva Records in 1984. It peaked at #45 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and stayed in the Top 75 for a total of 22 weeks.

An image of the back album cover, by David Frizzell & Shelly West, of their album, “Golden Duets (The Best of Frizzell & West)" released on Viva Records in 1984.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3w ago

47 years ago today, September 15, 1979, Charly McClain debuted at #74 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “You're a Part of Me”. It went on to peak at #20 and spent a total of 12 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #vocalist #recording #memories #vinylcollection #musicislife

(Same song on both sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, "You're a Part of Me", by Charly McClain, from her album, "Alone Too Long" released on Epic Records in 1979.

It’s been a fun and exciting hobby to collect 45 RPM singles in my lifetime. I enjoyed listening to this song on AM 650 KYAK many, many moons ago.

An image of the front album cover, “Alone Too Long”, by Charly McClain, released on Epic Records in 1979.

An image of the back album cover, “Alone Too Long”, by Charly McClain, released on Epic Records in 1979.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 3w ago

41 years ago today, September 14, 1985, Earl Thomas Conley debuted at #68 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Nobody Falls Like a Fool”. It went on to peak at #1 and spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #songwriter #vocalist #musiclegend #vinylcollection #musicislife

(Same Song on Both Sides) An image of the 45 RPM vinyl promo record, “Nobody Falls Like a Fool”, by Earl Thomas Conley on RCA Records from his “Greatest Hits” album released in 1985.

It’s been my hobby to collect 45 RPM singles. I enjoyed listening to this song on the radio.

ETC was cranking out hit after hit. This was his tenth #1 single. He went on to chalk up eight more #1 hits in his quite phenomenal career.

Fascinatingly, this song was co-written by Peter McCann who had a Pop hit with "Do You Wanna to Make Love" that peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart in 1977.

An image of the front album cover, “Greatest Hits”, by Earl Thomas Conley, released on RCA Records in 1985. The album peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and stayed in the Top 75 for a total of 86 weeks.

An image of the back album cover, “Greatest Hits”, by Earl Thomas Conley, released on RCA Records in 1985.

Special Note: The front album cover does not display the words, "Greatest Hits". However, this album contains Ten of his biggest hits, including, at that time, the previously unreleased single, "Nobody Falls Like a Fool" and the follow-up #1 single, "Once in a Blue Moon".

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 4w ago

50 years ago today, September 11, 1976, Dickey Lee debuted at #76 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “9, 999, 999 Tears". It went on to peak at #3 for two weeks and spent 18 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #musicsky #legendary #vocalist #recording #vinylcollection #song #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record of “9, 999, 999 Tears”, by Dickey Lee released on RCA Records from his "Angels, Roses and Rain" album in 1976.

It’s been a fun and exciting hobby to collect 45 RPM singles in my lifetime. This is one of the classics I was able to buy at my favorite record store, "Robber Joe's" that sold new and used records way back then in the 1980s.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record of the #1 Country hit single "Rocky", from 1975 and the B-side of the Country hit single “9, 999, 999 Tears”, by Dickey Lee released on RCA Records in 1976.

An image of the front album cover, "Angels, Roses and Rain", by Dickey Lee, released on RCA Records in 1976. The album peaked at #27 on Billboard's Hot Country LPs chart and spent a total of 13 weeks in its Top 50.

An image of the back album cover, "Angels, Roses and Rain", by Dickey Lee, released on RCA Records in 1976.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 4w ago

43 years ago today, September 10, 1983, The Bellamy Brothers debuted at #71 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart with “Strong Weakness”. It went on to peak at #15 and spent a total of 15 weeks on the chart. #vinylcommunity #legendary #brothers #duo #countrymusic #vinylcollection #musicislife

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, “Strong Weakness”, by The Bellamy Brothers released on Warner Brothers/Curb Records and the title track from their album released in 1982. Fascinatingly, this was their 20th chart single release.

It’s been a fun and exciting hobby to collect 45 RPM singles in my lifetime. I enjoyed listening to this song on AM 650 KYAK and went to buy it at my favorite record store, "Robber Joe's" 4+ decades ago.

Years later after the name was changed to "Metro Music & Books", my friend and manager of that store admitted to me that she never liked their original name and was glad it was finally changed.

An image of the 45 RPM vinyl record, "Doin' it the Hard Way", the B-side to the Country single, “Strong Weakness”, by The Bellamy Brothers released on Warner Brothers/Curb Records and the title track from their album released in 1982.

An image of the front album cover, "Strong Weakness" by The Bellamy Brothers, released on Warner Brothers/Curb Records in 1982. It peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Country LPs chart and spent a total of 52 weeks in its Top 75.

An image of the back album cover, "Strong Weakness" by The Bellamy Brothers, released on Warner Brothers/Curb Records in 1982.

Little Blue Suitcase @littlebluesuitcase.bsky.social · 4w ago

Some more of those knickknacks my mom surprisingly saved. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I made that sawdust and glue face. But it must have meant something to mom for her to keep it since my kindergarten days and it puts a smile on my face knowing that. 😁 ❤️ Also, a couple more fun photos. 🎵

An image of the few school projects, little knickknacks that my mom saved throughout so many years and are now in my collection of things.

An image of a sawdust and glue school project of what was supposed to be a face. By far, not my best work. But I was only in kindergarten, so I guess I'll blame it on that.

I think my mom thought it was funny, so she saved it throughout so many years and it's now in my collection of things and makes me laugh whenever I see it, especially knowing how much it made my mom laugh.

When I was ten years old, I moved in with my grandma. Things were rough with my mom's husband. I'm so grateful that grandma agreed to let me live with her.

I was obsessed with hubcaps as a child. Back then they were chrome and so cool looking. It fascinated me to no end thinking how fast those things were spinning on the rims of the tires as we were going places.

So, therefore my toy cars and trucks were always displaying hubcaps that I created out of anything I could find. What fun hubcap memories!

An image of my dog George on the three-wheeler. He would bark his head off if I ever even attempted to go for a ride without him. There would be an achy sadness in that bark too. He was always ready to go for a ride. What fun times!

I was obsessed with hubcaps as a child. Back then they were chrome and super cool looking. It fascinated me to no end thinking how fast those things were spinning on the rims of the tires as we were going places.

So, therefore my toy cars and trucks were always displaying hubcaps that I created out of anything I could find. I even used coffee can covers for my hubcaps on my three-wheeler. I thought they matched quite well. Thank goodness for photos and wonderful memories!