I really appreciate those of you who have responded to last week's News Page, expressing your regret that I'm discontinuing it for the time being.  I'm sorry for the disappointment you have expressed.

Remember, if any of you have anything you like me to post here, in the coming weeks, please let me  know.  For instance, I received the following email which I thought some of you might find interesting:

Robert, from Florida, writes: I have been a fan of yours since "The Man In The Mirror" came out, and anxiously awaited that album's release on CD.  I was glad to finally discover, I believe through an ad in Country Music magazine, about its availability on CD, and placed my order in May of '98.  I've been enjoying it ever since.  I'm also writing to let you know that, contrary to what I've read on your News page, that "Past The Point Of No Return" WAS released, for a short time, on CD in Europe; it was released as part of the Masterpiece Music label's Country Store Collection series.  The short story is that I obtained a copy in October of '98 through http://www.cdeurope.com/ (they no longer list it as available), and I have scanned pictures of it and posted them at this web address: http://home.cfl.rr.com/razz/JimGlaser/.  Feel free to grab those pictures and post them on your site, if you want to.  I could also e-mail you copies of them as attachments, if you'd like.  And feel free to post any part of this message that you think your fans may be interested in reading on your web site; they may still be able to find copies of this CD, especially in Europe.

The LONG version of how I came to acquire this CD may be good to read if you're ever confronted with a bout of insomnia, or it may actually provide some mild amusement.  There are quite a few albums that I've been looking for on CD over the years, and I found one of them (Bertie Higgins' "Just Another Day In Paradise" from 1982) in an ad in Goldmine magazine in 1991.  It was a Japanese import, and since it wasn't available on CD in the U.S., I placed my order (it was finally released on CD domestically in 1996).  It took a while for the disc to arrive, but when it finally did, I began receiving catalogs from the company I ordered it from (the name escapes me now).  Once in 1992, as I looked through their latest catalog, I saw the Jim Glaser "Country Store Collection" CD listed as a German import, and immediately placed an order.  Unfortunately, I soon got my check back, with a reply stating that the CD was no longer available.  However, the CD showed up again later that year in another catalog, in which it was listed as being from England.  Once again, I placed my order, only to find out (again) that the CD was not available.  At that point, I began to wonder if it was ever actually produced at all!

When I began using the Web in 1994, I found several suppliers of imported CDs, and I would occasionally search those sites for artists whose CDs I was unable to find domestically.  One of them is http://www.cdeurope.com/, which (not surprisingly) specializes in imports from Europe.  Fast-forward to October 1998, after I had already purchased my CD copy of "The Man In The Mirror."  I casually did a search on cdeurope.com, expecting to find nothing as usual, and lo and behold, up pops "The Country Store Collection," this time listed as an import from France!  I placed my order for this disc a third time, and this time it was actually delivered.  In the meantime, I wondered what might be on it.  I had ordered a Johnny Russell CD from the Country Store Collection series a while back, and it was kind of a "greatest hits" collection, with his most popular songs.  I figured that the entire series consisted of compilations of the artists' hits, and I wondered which songs would be on this disc.  Would it be the most popular songs from your MCA albums, a compilation of your solo releases from the 70s, or a combination of both?  When it arrived, I was surprised (and delighted) to find out that it was actually a repackaged version of "Past The Point Of No Return."  The liner notes for the CD even mention that fact.

I know your nephew Lee was working on transferring all of your work, as well as all of the Glaser Brothers material, to CD.  If he would like a clean copy of "Past The Point Of No Return," I would be happy to burn a copy of this disc for him, and if you would like, I would gladly send one to you as well.

Finally, I am looking forward to the new CD you're working on, and hope to hear more from you.  I'm also hoping that Collector's Choice Music will release a "Volume 2" of Glaser Brothers material, since there were so many great songs that didn't make it onto the first disc!"

Thanks for your very newsy and thorough email.  I knew that, "Past the Point of No Return," had been released on CD in England and exported to other European countries, but I didn't realize that anyone could order it online.   

February 9, 2002 

This will be the last week I’ll be choosing emails from those of you who've corresponded with me and posting them—or parts of them—on this page.

The main reason is that I’m going to devote all of my spare time to finishing the CD I’ve started.  I’ve gotten some new software to facilitate this process and it’s going to take me a month or so just to get really efficient at using it.  This software allows me to lay out the basic arrangements for the tracks, chord changes, etc., and also practice singing along with these tracks before I go into a professional studio.  The result is that the whole process will be sped up and will be a better product.  I’ll keep you posted and perhaps even include a few seconds of some of the songs I’m working on which you can play, if you wish, by pushing a button.

Bob, from Tennessee, writes in part: “I just this day ran across your e-mail address, and I was quite pleased. I hope you remember me, I worked in your studio in the early 70's. In fact I helped Claude Hill install the Flickinger console. That is one of the reasons I wanted to contact you. I was introduced to a man the other day and in the course of a short conversation, it was revealed that our backgrounds had some similarities, as at one point he worked for Dan Flickinger, and in fact helped build most of the consoles that came from his company, including the one that I helped Claude install at Glaser Studios. Needless to say we were both stunned. I had already built a small studio at my house to record demos and since that time, we have been able to locate all the consoles that Flickinger built, except the one that you guys had. We have searched the Internet and talked to countless people but nobody seems to know where it went. I found the board that was in Muscle Shoals Sound, Marty Feldman at Paragon in Chicago still has the one that he bought from Dan, Motown's board was parted out and the one that went to a studio in Paris, France, is still there. So if you could help us locate the board from your studio we both would appreciate it. Between your studio, Muscle Shoals, Paragon, & Motown, two thirds of all kinds of hit music was recorded on a Flickinger. In the near future we plan to replicate one of the consoles for my own personal use.

When I worked for you guys, I made copies of several songs that I really liked, one of which was, "You must have taken my heart with you". It's just you and Jimmy Payne with two guitars and two vocals. Did anyone ever record that song? I hope so. Another song that you did a demo of, and this was before you had the studio, was a song called, "Roll your own Cowboys". Did you write that song, and has anyone ever recorded it.”

It's really great hearing from you after all these years, Bob.  As to the Flickinger board, I have no knowledge of its whereabouts.  I do know that for several years it was stored in some facility here in Nashville, but I have no idea where that was.  I’ll try to get you some more information and email it to you. 

"You Must Have Taken My Heart With You," which Jimmy Payne and I wrote, was never recorded, but thanks for remembering it.  "Roll Your Own Cowboys," was written by a man named Judd Phillips.  I've always loved the song and did sing the demo and pitched the song many times, with no success.

David, writes:  “Will you be offering to help songwriters better their craft by computer? Are you making a new album at this time?  I knew Bill Johnson the steel player for Marty in the Army. Is Bill still playing these days? He wrote, “A wound Time Can’t Erase.”

I used to have workshops for my writers back in the 70s, when I had an office in the Record Row area.  I also taught a summer class at the University of Maine in Ft. Kent.  I've never given much thought to trying it on the web, I'm not sure if, for my particular style, it would even be possible.  Good luck to you with your writing.

I do remember Bill Johnson, who played steel for Marty for many years (that was after the Glaser's no longer traveled with Robbins), but I haven't seen him in years.  I have no idea if he's still active or not.

John, from New Zealand, writes: “I’ve been a great fan of you and the Glaser brothers for many years.  I would like to get hold of a copy of the CD "Man in the mirror" but there is only a phone number on the web site.  Is there any way to order on the internet using a Visa card and if so what is the cost of the CD including shipping to here in New Zealand. Thanks.

Thanks for writing, John.  I'll forward your email to the record label, I'm sure there's something they can do, as they do accept major credit cards.  Let me know if you hear from them.  Perhaps they have an email address you can use to order the CD.

I did a television show in Christchurch, with the Brothers back in the early 80s.  I really fell in love with your country, and someday I hope to come back.

That's it for this week.  Take care.  --Jim Glaser

January 27, 2002

Glen, writes: “Jim, I like your song man in the mirror and would like to learn it on my guitar. How could I get a copy of the cords for this song?” 

Thanks for your email. I’ll email you the chords to Man In The Mirror. If there's something you can't make out, let me know.

Jim, from Michigan, writes: “A name for Bev’s dog might be “Fellow.”

I have felt for along time that the older artist were the back bone of the industry, that maybe it is time for the older ones to make some music that will let the younger ones know that they couldn't have made it with out them.”

The thing about still trying to get things going again as an artist at my age is that it's impossible right now (and has been for some time) to get a record label (at least one of the majors) to return a phone call. There comes a time when we have to consider letting go. However, having said that, I will do this CD and send it around. You never know what will happen.

Jack & Margie, from North Carolina, write: “We just wanted to Say ‘Hello,’ and wish you a wonderful day, and also thank you for the friendly way you handle your Newsletter.  Again let me say that you and the Glaser Brothers were--and in my opinion still--are The BEST.”

 It's nice to hear from you again. I appreciate your comments about the Glaser Brothers.

Bob & Tammy, from Canada, write: “My wife and I were married in Hobbs, NM in 1985. At the time I had your cassette "Man in the mirror" and my wife took it away from me. It has always been her favorite music to listen to. Last year I started looking for the album on CD (on the net), but had trouble finding it. I finally found it at "The Ernest Tubb Record Shop" in Fort Worth TX last Christmas. We were elated. Today, I stumbled across your web page and could not believe it. We live in Canada now, but go back to Texas fairly often. We would love to see you perform live sometime. Is there a chance to be put on your email listing for any upcoming shows? Do you have any other recordings? We hope you are doing well and wish you the best."

Thanks for  writing.  I’m glad you finally found the album you’ve been looking for. I don’t really have a email list of fans to notify of upcoming shows at this time.  Most people who are interested just check the “Show Dates” page on my website.

 However, for any of you out there who would like to be on a “notification,” email list, let me know and I’ll start one.  And, Bob and Tammy, I’ll hold onto your email address just in case I get enough responses to warrant it.

Until next time, take care.  –Jim Glaser

January 20, 2002

Dave and Beth, from Missouri, write: " I think you are one of the greatest singers ever----and the Brothers stood above all others. Wondered what Tompall and Chuck are doing now?

David, Texas, writes: I just found your web page when searching for anything about Jim Glaser or "The Lights of Albuquerque."  Quite awhile ago in 1986, I believe, (the years do get away quickly, don't they?!) I saw a show of yours with a pal of mine in Albuquerque at a place then called the Caravan East.  Since I had not been very familiar with your work, it turned out to somewhat surprisingly be one of the best shows I have enjoyed before or since. And at 42, I have certainly seen several of different genre!  I was living in Albuquerque, at the time, flying for a commuter airline, and the pal I mentioned and I are both now pilots for Continental Airlines.  We still talk of you from time to time, and wonder where you have been.

A few years ago, I finally found a 45 of "The Lights" at a Dallas area record store.  I recorded it onto a tape with other country tunes, anticipating a cross country drive with my then 6-year old son, Dillon.  We were approaching Las Cruces at night with the tape in, and your song came on.  I told Dillon the story and the lyrics, and also about how I had since flown over or past ABQ several times late at night as a pilot.  Without fail, I would find your sentimental tune and words ("...like a diamond in the desert...") floating through my mind as I reflected upon people I had known and good times spent there, your show included.  Perhaps because of how much I talked about it, "rewind" became his favorite button, and we heard your recording many times that night.

Anyway, I thought you might enjoy hearing about how you touched some other lives that you weren't at all familiar with.  I recall at that Albuquerque show you had recordings available.  Having scrapped together the money for the show on a limited budget, I didn't make a purchase.  Following this note, I will call the 800 number and order "The Man in the Mirror" and catch up on your news! I hope you are having fun and enjoying life.  I'll keep my eyes open for one of your future shows that my family and I may be able to take in.

Thanks for writing, David, and for the wonderful story about the memories you have regarding, "The Lights of Albuquerque.  It really means a lot to me, and reminds me of the reason I got into this business in the first place, which was to try to touch people with my music.  And thanks for ordering the CD.  If you have any problems, just let me know.

Terry, from Tennessee, writes: "Just thought I would write to tell you that I won a "Country Music "magazine on ebay, which had a story on you. It's a 1986 issue with Reba McIntyre's picture on the cover. It talks about your past and present life in country music, as well as your producer, Don Tolle. I was wondering what he was doing now and do you and he ever bump into each other and talk about old times? I'm sending a friend of mine and yours, a copy of it in California . You truly have a voice that is way, way above any country, pop, rock, artist I have ever heard before . Never, never stop singing , because I'll never , never stop listening , and neither will your fans."

Actually, I'm having lunch with Don Tolle this next week. He's doing very well. Congrats on getting the magazine. That's quite old, amazing that anyone kept it so long. And, thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate them.

Bev, writes: "Wanted to show you a picture of my new puppy I will be getting the last week of January.
He is a mini-dachshund, 2.5 lbs (the little girl holding him is only  40lbs) but the picture makes the puppy look bigger than he actually is. I am still trying to figure out a name for him, so if you think of one,,,,,(or anyone out there have any ideas, let me know.)"

I'll post a picture of your puppy on the, "Photos" page, he's a little doll!

I'm not good at naming little animals unless I'm around them for a few days/weeks.  I'm sure that the right name will come to you, or someone may send in a good one.  Thanks for writing.

That's it for this week.  Take care until next week.  --Jim Glaser

January 13, 2002

Bobby, from Arkansas, writes: "I am trying to get a copy of a song my brother Johnny and I wrote and you recorded way back in the early 70s. It was called "One Night Man," and was on the B side of a song I don't recall. Unfortunately, it was not a big hit and the only copy we ever had was one I dug up at Ernest Tubbs Record Shop that cost me a little over $5. Of course it arrived C.O.D. and cracked. But I played it anyway because I thought it was a nice little tune and you did an excellent job on it. If you happen to have one, and would part with it, I would be very grateful. (I did carpenter work with  Jimmy Payne in St. Louie before "Woman Woman").

I remember, "One Night Man," very well.  I still think it was a great song, sorry it didn't become a hit.  It was recorded on the old MGM label, which went out of existence later on in the 70's.  Jimmy Payne & I wrote the song, "Woman, Woman," in 1967, and was recorded by, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap the same year.

I believe I may have an extra copy somewhere in the basement and, as you are one of the writer of the song, I'll send it along as soon as I have a moment to look.  If I only have my personal copy, I'll burn you a CD of it.  It's nice to meet you after all these years.

January 6, 2002

Charley, from Texas, writes in part:  “I still have some pictures I took when you were in Texas, some were your bus (tan with tiger-looking stripes) and some of you singing in Kerrville, Texas, with your red leather jacket.  I would really like to see you perform again. I have 3 copies of “The Man in the Mirror,” album in mint condition, if you want one.  You’re still the greatest-don’t ever give up.”

Thanks, Charley. I remember the Kerrville show, and I appreciate you sharing a few of your memories of it. If you have copies of those pictures you mentioned, you could send them to The Joe Taylor Agency, 2802 Columbine Place, Nashville, TN  37204.  If you do send them, be sure they aren’t your only copies, and let me know if it’s all right to include them on the Photo Gallery page.

Janice, from North Carolina, wrote a nice email bringing me up to date on things. Her daughters, Carla and Angela, started coming to my shows way back in the old days.  Now they’re grown with children of their own.

Thanks for writing, Janice.  I hope your new year is terrific.

Bobby, from Arkansas, writes: “I am trying to get a copy of a song my brother, Johnny and I wrote and you recorded way back in the early 70s. It was called "One Night Man", and was on the B-side of a song I don’t recall.   Unfortunately, it was not a big hit and the only copy we ever had was one I dug up at Ernest Tubbs Record Shop that cost me a little over $5. Of course it arrived C.O.D. and cracked. But I played it anyway because I thought it was a nice little tune and you did an excellent job on it. 

It’s nice to meet you after all these years.  I'm not sure that I have a copy of that record or, if I do, where it is.  But I feel that surely I must have one somewhere.  If I don't have an extra copy, I'll burn you a CD of it.  Please allow 3 or 4 weeks for me to get it all together.  And, incidentally, I’m sorry it wasn’t a big hit for you, I certainly thought it was.

Jim, from Michigan, writes: "It has been some time sent I sent an E mail. My brother in law John told me about how thoughtful you have been since my heart attack. I took some time off to relax and reflect on the situation. It was caused buy a compound problem, one was taking an aspirin, which was counteracted by Motrin I was taking, because it reduces the properties of the aspirin. Now I am doing great…I saw a video and heard a new record by David Ball, 'PRIVATE MALONE.'  I really think it’s great…I got Cakewalk Pyro, and I really like it."

I'm so glad that you've recovered so well from your recent health problems. It makes one have a greater appreciation of life, or that's what I've always heard. Just getting older seems to do a bit of that, too.

Until next week, take care.  --Jim Glaser