I’ve always thought the Sons of the Pioneers’ story is a fascinating bit of history just waiting to be properly told—a literal rags-to-riches tale of the Great Depression in which the original members went from picking cotton and washing dishes to performing at a packed Madison Square Garden in just over a decade. Lloyd Perryman’s journey is no less intriguing than the others’. Born the youngest of nine in an Arkansas farm family who moved to California in the late 1920s, he struck out on his own in his mid-teens, hitchhiking to Los Angeles to find work as a musician. He joined the already up-and-coming Sons of the Pioneers in 1936 at the age of nineteen, and ended up staying with the group for the rest of his life, excepting a few years in the service during WWII; eventually becoming the group’s leader and the longest-tenured of the original seven members. From the time he joined the group, both his beautiful tenor voice and his gift for harmony and arranging had a tremendous effect on the Pioneers’ sound, which reached what many fans (including myself) call its peak in the early 1940s.
At the time I really began to love the Pioneers’ music, I was taking voice lessons and singing with a choir myself—listening to their songs in the car on the way to and from rehearsals, I’d marvel at the seemingly effortless way they nailed everything our conductor was attempting to drum into us: the perfectly-in-time enunciation, the breath control, the crescendos and decrescendos (see “Blue Prairie”) and the blending of voices. And I especially loved Perryman’s vocal solos. He had such a smooth, incredibly expressive voice, with just a touch of a soft Southern accent. Simply put, I don’t think I’ve ever heard another singer I like listening to so well.
So, in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth, here’s just a few of my favorite Sons of the Pioneers numbers featuring Lloyd Perryman singing solo. I never do justice when trying to describe good music, so just take my word for it. Listen and enjoy:
A wonderful tribute to remember this fine singer! I started listening to the Sons of The Pioneers years ago when I watched Roy Rogers for the first time, and I was immediately drawn to their superb way of singing cowboy songs. Fast forward 12 years and I’m still convinced that they are the finest group of singing men I’ve heard in my life(not the current group, but the originals-the late 50’s). Particularly in the 40’s. They had a way of blending their voices and supporting the lead singer that is unequaled in my humble opinion.
I don’t know if Lloyd is my favorite (I’m awfully fond of Ken Carson), but his voice is beautiful. I can never get enough of them and dig around to listen to all their old radio shows where they sing some of the great old folk and popular songs. 🙂
“Ridin’ on the Sunshine Trail” and “Cowboy Country” are two of my favorites! I don’t know if you are aware of the Bob Nolan website (http://www.bobnolan-sop.net), but they have a great bio of Llyod along with lots of photos:
http://www.bobnolan-sop.net/Biographies/The%20Story%20of%20SOP/Lloyd%20Perryman/Lloyd%20Perryman.htm
Yes, I discovered their music the same way—and I completely share your opinion! Their harmonies are so unique—sometimes I’ve tried to figure out the different parts by ear, but the blend is so close that it’s practically impossible. But beautiful to listen to.
Oh, goodness, yes, I must have read through that site from front to back a few years ago. So much fun looking through all the film stills, old magazines, etc., and discovering a ton of songs that were new to me.