Search - Red Foley :: Old Shep: The Red Foley Recordings 1933-1950

Uptown & Downhome

Kevin Fontenot | New Orleans, LA United States | 10/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Red Foley is probably best remembered for either "Old Shep," a sentimental number about a pet dog, or his later gospel recordings (Peace in the Valley & Precious Lord Take My Hand). But the fact of the matter is Red was durned fine singer and he cut a bunch of beautiful and always entertaining sides. Red was a country crooner and was unapologetic for it, and good for him. Red could record the most sentimental numbers and never sound sappy. Grown men still cry when they hear "Old Shep" just like they will when they watch Old Yeller. Red also handled humorous tunes well as some of his duets with Ernest Tubb demonstrate. And there are some nice proto-rockabilly boogies. Bear Family does its usual bang up job with complete recordings to 1950 (including some transcriptions) and a great hardback book with plenty of photos--an surprising information like the fact that Red was originally slated to be Roy Rogers until he backed out and Leonard Slye took the part. Red Foley was one of the best and if we have forgotten him, its our own fault."