Rusty Draper

Rusty Draper was quite popular for a few years, but he isn’t exactly a household name anymore, not even in this household.

The truth is that he had 11 top 100 singles between 1955 and 1963, 5 of them on the top 40, 6 of which I have here, which is a collection on Everest / Europa’s Timeless Treasures series. I picked it up at the Country Music Centre, though Draper isn’t exactly country, although he isn’t exactly not country. It was a cassette, and it still is.

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Rusty Draper:

• The Shifting Whispering Sand – A two part hit by Billy Vaughn, Draper managed to fit it all on one side of a 45. From the autumn of 1955.
• Freight Train – A hit in the UK for Chris McDevit. A hit for Draper in the summer of ’57.
• Are You Satisified? – With the other guy's love, that’s the question. Satisified in what respect? I think there is no question. This is from the winter of ’56.
• In The Middle Of The House – The railroad comes through the middle of the house, sings Rusty. Oh my, I lived in houses like that. This seems to be a song about corporate abuse. From the autumn of ’56.
• Gambler’s Guitar – This is more country. A man let’s his guitar tell his life story.
• No Help Wanted – Rusty proclaims that he needs no help courting his loved one. “She calls me her little Piggy Wiggy.” Indeed.
• Please Help Me, I’m Falling – The story of forbidden romance. It was Hank Locklin whose version was the bigger hit. This is from the summer of 1960. When I’m with you, sings Rusty, it’s hard to be true.
• Let’s Go Calypso - A tribute to Harry Belafonte, The Tarriers etc. From the winter of 1957.