Gene Watson’s Peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as ‘the singer’s singer’ – and rightly so!
All of Gene Watson’s Peers who were contacted during 2007 were most gracious with their time and words. It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Janie Fricke, which she submitted to this site on Monday 27 August 2007.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Janie Fricke who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online ‘celebration of a Lone Star Hero’.
Janie Fricke
This quote was submitted on Monday 27 August 2007.
‘The unique purity of Gene Watson’s voice is amazing.
He is one of my favourites.
I am proud to say I have shared the show stage with him many times!’
Thank you, Janie Fricke, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Janie Fricke…
Janie Fricke was born Janie Marie Fricke on Friday 19 December 1947 in Whitley, Indiana and learned piano and guitar as a child; her first vocal influences were folk artists Joan Baez and Judy Collins.
Despite growing up in a musical family and spending much of her childhood singing at home, school and church, Janie Fricke’s parents encouraged her to continue her formal education for a ‘respectable’ career.
While studying for her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Indiana University, Janie was a member of The Singing Hoosiers.
Responding to an audition posted on the bulletin board at practice, Janie Fricke was thrilled to get a job singing commercial jingles and station breaks (one of her most notable commercial jingles was for The Red Lobster Seafood restaurant chain, in which she sang their famous slogan, ‘Red Lobster for the seafood lover in you’.
Still, Janie Fricke’s parents insisted that she return to school to finish her degree, which she did.
After studying at the University of Indiana, Janie Fricke acquired a teaching degree in Memphis, where she started singing sessions. After graduation, Janie moved to Los Angeles, back to Memphis, and finally to Nashville, in 1975, where she became one of the hottest session singers in Music City.
Janie Fricke sang jingles for Coors, Pizza Hut, American Airlines, 7-Up and Red Lobster, among others, but she also earned a reputation singing on records.
Once in Nashville, Janie Fricke became an in-demand background vocalist; she sang background vocals for a number of country music artists at the time, including Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Milsap, Lynn Anderson (Friday 26 September 1947 – Thursday 30 July 2015), Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) and Eddie Rabbitt (Thursday 27 November 1941 – Thursday 7 May 1998).
In 1974, T.G. Sheppard found a song which would change his life forever. His astute ability to pick a hit song and promote it had paid off for numerous artists, yet T.G. Sheppard kept thinking of his own musical aspirations. T.G. Sheppard knew Bobby David’s composition, ‘Devil In The Bottle’, was destined to be a hit, yet had no success in pitching the tune.
After being turned down by eight record labels in eighteen months, T.G. Sheppard decided to cut the song himself.
Heading to Nashville, T.G. Sheppard was signed to Melodyland Records, a subsidiary record company of Motown Records, the mammoth R&B label which was trying to establish a presence in country music.
‘Devil In The Bottle’ (written by Bobby David) was included on T.G. Sheppard‘s self-titled album, ‘T.G. Sheppard’ (Melodyland Records, 1975); the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in February 1975, and featured back-up vocals from Janie Fricke.
However, it was Janie Fricke’s work as a background vocalist on several recordings by Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006), which first brought Janie Fricke to national attention in the United States.
Janie Fricke supplied un-credited background vocals to a number of Johnny Duncan‘s country music hit singles, including the following:
‘Jo & The Cowboy’ (No.26, 1975)
‘Thinkin’ of A Rendezvous’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Bobby Braddock) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1976)
‘It Couldn’t Have Been Any Better’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016) (No.1 for one week in April 1977)
‘Stranger’, which was written by Kris Kristofferson (Monday 22 June 1936 – Saturday 28 September 2024) (No.4, 1976)
Following the success of these recordings, Janie Fricke was finally rewarded when she was given equal billing with Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006) on his cover of Jay & The Americans’ ‘Come A Little Bit Closer’ (No.4, 1978), on which Janie Fricke sang the song’s chorus.
However, it was likely Janie Fricke’s contribution to Johnny Duncan‘s ‘Stranger’, which was written by Kris Kristofferson (Monday 22 June 1936 – Saturday 28 September 2024), which reached No.4 in 1976, that generated the most interest. In that song, Janie Fricke sang the line, ‘Shut out the light and lead me…’
Listeners began to wonder who the mystery lady was singing those words in Johnny Duncan‘s song. As a result, Janie Fricke was able to gain a recording contract of her own from Columbia Records, where she remained for over ten years, beginning in 1977.
In July 1976, England Dan (Seals) (Sunday 8 February 1948 – Wednesday 25 March 2009) & John Ford Coley saw the release of ‘Nights Are Forever’ (Big Tree Records, 1976); one of the included tracks was ‘I’d Really Love To See You Tonight’ (written by Parker McGee), which reached No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1976, and No.1 on the Billboard Easy Listening Chart in 1976, and featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke.
Billboard ranked ‘I’d Really Love To See You Tonight’ (written by Parker McGee) as the No.21 song for 1976.
In 1977, Janie Fricke teamed up with The Heart City Band, and her debut single that year, ‘What’re You Doing Tonight’, reached No.21 on the Billboard country music singles chart.
In 1977, Charlie Rich (Wednesday 14 December 1932 – Tuesday 25 July 1995) saw the release of ‘Take Me’ (Epic Records, 1977); one of the included tracks was ‘On My Knees’ (written by Charlie Rich), which was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in December 1978, and featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke.
On Friday 24 June 1977, Crystal Gayle saw the release of ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977), which became Crystal Gayle‘s highest selling album, reaching No.2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1977, and No.12 on the Billboard pop music albums chart in 1977.
One of the included tracks on Crystal Gayle‘s ‘We Must Believe In Magic’ (United Artists Records, 1977) was ‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’ (written by Richard Leigh).
‘Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’ (written by Richard Leigh) was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for four weeks in August / September 1977, and No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1977, becoming Crystal Gayle‘s biggest hit, and featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke, Marcia Routh, Pebble Daniel, Sandy Mason Theoret (1944 – Wednesday 1 April 2015) and Garth Fundis.
In July 1977, Vern Gosdin (Sunday 5 August 1934 – Tuesday 28 April 2009) saw the release of his debut album, ‘Til The End’ (Elektra Records, 1977); one of the included tracks was ‘Til The End’ (written by Cathy Gosdin), which reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, and featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke.
In 2008, Collectors’ Choice Music re-issued Vern Gosdin‘s debut album, ‘Til The End’ (Elektra Records, 1977), with an essay from noted author Colin Escott.
Gene Watson and Rhonda Vincent recorded ‘Til The End’ (written by Cathy Gosdin) and included the track on ‘Your Money & My Good Looks‘ (Upper Management Music, 2011).
In September 1977, Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 – Sunday 19 November 2017) saw the release of ‘Love’s Troubled Waters’ (MCA Records, 1977); one of the included tracks was ‘I Got The Hoss’ (written by Gerald House), which reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, and featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke.
On Monday 3 October 1977, RCA Victor Records released Elvis Presley’s ‘Elvis In Concert’ (RCA Victor Records, 1977), a soundtrack album released in conjunction with the television special of the same name, which featured some of the final performances of Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 – Tuesday 16 August 1977).
Videotaped and recorded over two days at concerts in Omaha on Sunday 19 June 1977 and Rapid City, South Dakota on Tuesday 21 June 1977, both the special and album were broadcast and released on Monday 3 October 1977.
The single, ‘My Way’ (written by Paul Anka) / ‘America The Beautiful’, which was written by Katharine Lee Bates (12 August 1859 – Thursday 28 March 1929) and Samuel Augustus Ward (28 December 1847 – 28 September 1903), was also released on Monday 3 October 1977, two months after Elvis Presley’s death (Tuesday 16 August 1977).
‘My Way’ (written by Paul Anka), which featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke, reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, and No.22 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1977.
In May 1978, Janie Fricke saw the release of her debut album, ‘Singer of Songs’ (Columbia Records, 1978), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘What’re You Doing Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.21, 1977)
‘Baby, It’s You’ (written by Thomas Gmeiner and John Greenebaum) (No.21, 1978)
‘Please Help Me, I’m Falling’, which was written by Donald Irwin Robertson (Tuesday 5 December 1922 – Monday 16 March 2015) and Hal Blair (No.12, 1978)
The original version of ‘Please Help Me, I’m Falling’, which was written by Donald Irwin Robertson (Tuesday 5 December 1922 – Monday 16 March 2015) and Hal Blair, was recorded by Hank Locklin (Friday 15 February 1918 – Sunday 8 March 2009), and was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for eleven weeks in 1960, and No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1960; the song was the title track of Hank Locklin’s second album, ‘Please Help Me, I’m Falling’ (RCA Victor Records, 1960).
Janie Fricke’s ‘Singer of Songs’ (Columbia Records, 1978) also included the following tracks:
‘I Loved You All The Way’
‘We Could Have Been The Closest of Friends’
‘You Changed My Life In A Moment’
‘No One’s Ever Gonna Love You’
‘I Believe In You’
‘Weekend Friend’, which was written by Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘I Think I’m Fallin’ In Love’
In August 1978, Gene Watson saw the release of ‘Reflections‘ (Capitol Records, 1978); one of the included tracks was ‘I Don’t Know How To Tell Her (She Don’t Love Me Anymore)’ (written by Bobby Fischer and Sonny Throckmorton), which featured background vocals from Janie Fricke.
In October 1978, John Conlee saw the release of his debut album for ABC Records, ‘Rose Colored Glasses’ (ABC Records, 1978), which was originally released as ABC 1105 and re-issued as MCA-3281 and MCA-873; the album reached No.11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1978.
‘Rose Colored Glasses’ (ABC Records, 1978), which was produced by Bud Logan (Sunday 20 October 1940 – Monday 13 May 2024), included John Conlee‘s first two Billboard No.1 country music hit singles:
‘Lady Lay Down’ (written by Don Cook and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.1 for one week in January 1979)
‘Backside of Thirty’ (written by John Conlee) (No.1 for one week in May 1979)
John Conlee‘s debut album album for ABC Records, ‘Rose Colored Glasses’ (ABC Records, 1978), also included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Be Easy’ (written by John Conlee)
‘She Loves My Troubles Away’, which was written by Rayburn Anthony (1937 – Saturday 21 April 2018) and Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 – Sunday 11 January 2004)
‘Just Let It Slide’, which was written by Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999)
‘Some Old California Memory’, which was written by Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999) and Warren D. Robb
‘Hold On’ (written by John Conlee and Dick Kent)
‘Something Special’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024)
‘Let Your Love Fall Back On Me’ (written by John Conlee)
Personnel involved in the recording of John Conlee‘s ‘Rose Colored Glasses’ (ABC Records, 1978) included the following:
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums, percussion)
Joe Osborn (bass)
Ron Oates (keyboards)
John Propst (piano)
Steve ‘Juke’ Logan (saxophone)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Billy Sanford and Dale Sellers (guitars)
Buddy Spicher (fiddle)
Lea Jane Berinati, Mary Fielder, Janie Fricke and Ginger Holladay (backing vocals)
In March 1979, Moe Bandy saw the release of ‘It’s A Cheating Situation’ (Columbia Records, 1979); one of the included tracks was ‘It’s A Cheating Situation’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton, and reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1979, featuring guest vocals from Janie Fricke.
In March 1979, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Love Notes’ (Columbia Records, 1979), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Playin’ Hard To Get’ (written by John Thompson) (No.22, 1978)
‘I’ll Love Away Your Troubles For Awhile’, which was written by Johnny MacRae (Friday 15 February 1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013) and Bob Morrison (No.14, 1979)
‘Let’s Try Again’ (written by David Steagall) (No.28, 1979)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Love Notes’ (Columbia Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
‘Somewhere To Come When It Rains’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘River Blue’ (written by Janie Fricke)
‘Let Me Love You Goodbye’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015)
‘Love Is Worth It All’ (written by Angela Wilson and Shelda Bates)
‘You’re The One I Love’ (written by Stephen Ferguson)
‘Stirrin’ Up Feelin’s’, which was written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023)
‘Got My Mojo Working’ (written by Preston Foster)
In August 1979, John Conlee saw the release of ‘Forever’ (MCA Records, 1979), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Before My Time’ (No.2, 1979)
‘Baby, You’re Something’, which was written by Curly Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016), Rafe Van Hoy and Don Cook (No.7, 1980)
John Conlee‘s ‘Forever’ (MCA Records, 1979) also included ‘You Never Cross My Mind’, which was written by Deborah Allen.
John Conlee‘s ‘Forever’ (MCA Records, 1979), which reached No.20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1979, featured Janie Fricke on backing vocals.
During this time, in the late 1970s, American country music radio still failed to regularly play Janie Fricke’s material and, as a result, most of Janie’s other singles did not chart very high between 1978 and 1981.
Janie Fricke was also a special guest on the Louise Mandrell special, ‘Diamonds, Gold & Platinum’, among other television specials.
In November 1979, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘From The Heart’ (Columbia Records, 1979), which was produced by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘But Love Me’ (written by Kenny Nolan) (No.26, 1979)
‘Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)’, which was written by Hillman Hall (1938 – 1989) (No.22, 1980)
Janie Fricke’s ‘From the Heart’ (Columbia Records, 1979) also included the following tracks:
‘Fallin’ For You’ (written by Tim Hubler)
‘My World Begins & Ends With You’ (written by Larry Keith and Steve Pippen)
‘Cool September’, which was written by Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) and Glenn Sutton (Tuesday 28 September 1937 – Tuesday 17 April 2007)
‘When I Fall In Love’ (written by Edward Heyman and Victor Young)
‘Gonna Love Ya (‘Til The Cows Come Home)’ (written by Rick Carnes and Susan Drake)
‘Some Fools Don’t Ever Learn’ (written by John Tipton)
‘One Piece At A Time’ (written by Randy Jackson)
‘This Ain’t Tennessee & He Ain’t You’ (written by Larry Bastian and James Shaw)
In February 1980, Conway Twitty (Friday 1 September 1933 – Saturday 5 June 1993) saw the release of ‘Heart & Soul’ (MCA Records, 1980); one of the included tracks was ‘I’d Love To Lay You Down’, which was written by Johnny MacRae (Friday 15 February 1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013), and was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in March / April 1980, featuring guest backing vocals from Janie Fricke.
In May 1980, John Conlee saw the release of ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Friday Night Blues’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Rafe Van Hoy) (No.2, 1980)
‘She Can’t Say That Anymore’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton) (No.2, 1980)
‘What I Had With You’, which was written by Curley Putman (Thursday 20 November 1930 – Sunday 30 October 2016) and Sonny Throckmorton (No.12, 1981)
John Conlee‘s ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘Honky Tonk Toys’, which was written by Arthur Leo ‘Doodle’ Owens (Friday 28 November 1930 – Monday 4 October 1999) and Judy Vowell
‘Old Fashioned Love’, which was written by Don Cook and Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021)
‘Misery Loves Company’, which was written by Jerry Reed (Saturday 20 March 1937 – Monday 1 September 2008)
‘Let’s Get Married Again’, which was written by Rory Bourke, Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 – Friday 23 April 2021) and Jerry Gillespie
‘When I’m Out of You’, which was written by Sanger D. ‘Whitey’ Shafer (Wednesday 24 October 1934 – Saturday 12 January 2019) and Sonny Throckmorton
‘We Belong In Love Tonight’ (written by Mark Paden)
‘Always True’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024)
John Conlee‘s ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980) reached No.16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
Personnel involved in the recording of John Conlee‘s ‘Friday Night Blues’ (MCA Records, 1980) included the following:
John Propst (piano)
Larrie Londin (Friday 15 October 1943 – Monday 24 August 1992) (drums, percussion)
Steve ‘Juke’ Logan (saxophone)
Mark Casstevens and Brent Rowan (guitar)
Joe Osborn (bass)
Buddy Emmons (Wednesday 27 January 1937 – Wednesday 29 July 2015) (steel guitar)
Mitch Humphries
Mark Paden
Tommy Williams
Lea Jane Berinati, Janie Fricke, Jackie Cusic and Todd Cerney (backing vocals)
In October 1980, Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006) & Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Nice ‘N’ Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1980), which was produced by Larry Gatlin and Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Come A Little Bit Closer”, which was written by Sidney Thomas ‘Tommy’ Boyce (Friday 29 September 1939 – Wednesday 23 November 1994), Bobby Hart and Wes Farrell (Thursday 21 December 1939 – Thursday 29 February 1996) (No.4, 1978)
‘He’s Out of My Life’ (written by Tom Bahler) (No.17, 1980)
Johnny Duncan (Wednesday 5 October 1938 – Monday 14 August 2006) & Janie Fricke‘s ‘Nice ‘n’ Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘Nice ‘N’ Easy’
‘(I Believe) There’s Nothing Stronger Than Our Love’ (written by Paul Anka)
‘Baby, You’ve Got What It Takes’, which was written by Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008) and Tom Stein
‘Lovin’ Arms’, which was written by Tom Jans (Monday 9 February 1948 – Sunday 25 March 1984)
‘It Couldn’t Have Been Any Better’, which was written by Ray Griff (Monday 22 April 1940 – Wednesday 9 March 2016) (No.1 for one week in April 1977)
‘Atlanta Georgia Stray’ (written by Chris Gantry)
‘Thinking of A Rendezvous’ (written by Sonny Throckmorton and Bobby Braddock) (No.1 for two weeks in December 1976)
‘Stranger’ (written by Kris Kristofferson) (No.4, 1976)
In late 1980, Janie Fricke’s producer, Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015), noticed Janie Fricke’s limited success and realised the issue could be changed.
Billy Sherrill advised Janie to establish an identity by focusing on one style, and Janie Fricke began to record ballads.
As a result, Janie Fricke had a breakout year in 1981, when she achieved two Billboard Top 5 country music hit singles with ‘Down To My Last Broken Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.2, 1980) and ‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.4, 1981).
It was producer Billy Sherrill (Thursday 5 November 1936 – Tuesday 4 August 2015) who produced Gene Watson‘s ‘Honky Tonk Crazy‘ (Epic Records, 1987).
In November 1980, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me When I Cry’ (Columbia Records, 1980), which was produced by Jim Ed Norman, and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Down To My Last Broken Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.2, 1980)
‘Pride’ (written by Wayne Walker and Irene Stanton) (No.12, 1981) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
Janie Fricke’s ‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me When I Cry’ (Columbia Records, 1980) also included the following tracks:
‘Enough of Each Other’, which was written by Jamie O’Hara (Friday 18 August 1950 – Thursday 7 January 2021)
‘Going Through The Motions’ (written by Baker Knight)
‘Cry’, which was written by Churchill Kohlman (28 January 1906 – Wednesday 25 May 1983)
‘Every Time A Teardrop Falls’, which was written by Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Douglas Foxworthy
‘It’s Raining Too’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022)
‘I Just Can’t Fool My Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022)
‘Blue Sky Shining’, which was written by Mickey Newbury (Sunday 19 May 1940 – Sunday 29 September 2002)
Janie Fricke’s ‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me When I Cry’ (Columbia Records, 1980) reached No.28 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1980.
In September 1981, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Sleeping With Your Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1981), which was produced by Jim Ed Norman, and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Do Me With Love’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby’ (written by Bruce Channel, Kieran Kane and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in July 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Ricky Skaggs
Janie Fricke’s ‘Sleeping With Your Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1981) also included the following tracks:
‘Homeward Bound’ (written by Paul Simon)
‘Love Me’, which was written by Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb, CBE (Thursday 22 December 1949 – Sunday 20 May 2012)
‘Sleeping With Your Memory’ (written by Nancy Montgomery and Quentin Powers)
‘The Heart’ (written by Larry Gatlin)
‘Always’ (written by Randy Jackson)
‘If You Could See Me Now’ (written by Charles Chavez)
‘There’s No Future In The Past’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022)
‘Midnight Words’ (written by Tom Campbell and Glen King)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Sleeping With Your Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1981) reached No.42 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1981.
Following the release of ‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me When I Cry’ (Columbia Records, 1980) and ‘Sleeping With Your Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1981), both of which were produced by Jim Ed Norman, Janie Fricke changed producers and enlisted the help of Bob Montgomery (Wednesday 12 May 1937 – Thursday 4 December 2014), who was the father of Kevin Montgomery.
In September 1982, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘It Ain’t Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1982), which was produced by Bob Montgomery (Wednesday 12 May 1937 – Thursday 4 December 2014), and included four tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy’, which was written by Shawna Harrington, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Les Taylor (No.1 for one week in November / December 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘You Don’t Know Love’ (written by Donald Alan ‘Don’ King and Beckie Foster) (No.4, Spring 1983) / this track was a duet with Bill Warren
‘He’s A Heartache (Lookin’ For A Place To Happen)’, which was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) (No.1 for one week in August 1983) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Tell Me A Lie’ (written by Barbara Myrick and Mickey Buckins) (No.1 for one week in December 1983) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
Janie Fricke’s ‘It Ain’t Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1982) also included the following tracks:
‘Who Better Than An Angel’ (written by Jeff Silbar, Tim DuBois and Sam Lorber)
‘Too Hard On My Heart’ (written by Rendy Caneer, Eric Johnson and Bob Shelton)
‘A Little More Love’ (written by Bruce Channel and Didier Daily)
‘Love Have Mercy’ (written by Jan Buckingham and Wood Newton)
‘Heart To Heart Talk’ (written by Danny Morrison, John Reid and Johnny Slate)
‘Tryin’ To Fool A Fool’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
Janie Fricke’s ‘It Ain’t Easy’ (Columbia Records, 1982) reached No.15 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982 and became Janie Fricke’s most successful-selling album.
On Monday 11 October 1982, which was Gene Watson‘s 39th birthday, Janie Fricke was named as ‘Female Vocalist of The Year’ by the Country Music Association (CMA), an award she also received in 1983.
In October 1982, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Greatest Hits’ (Columbia Records, 1982), which included the following tracks:
‘Do Me With Love’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through)’, which was written by Hillman Hall (1938 – 1989) (No.22, 1980)
‘Playin’ Hard To Get’ (No.22, 1978)
‘But Love Me’ (written by Kenny Nolan) (No.26, 1979)
‘Down To My Last Broken Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.2, 1980)
‘Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby’ (written by Bruce Channel, Kieran Kane and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in July 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Ricky Skaggs
‘What’re You Doing Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.21, 1977)
‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Please Help Me, I’m Falling’, which was written by Donald Irwin Robertson (Tuesday 5 December 1922 – Monday 16 March 2015) and Hal Blair (No.12, 1978)
‘I’ll Love Away Your Troubles For Awhile’, which was written by Johnny MacRae (Friday 15 February 1929 – Wednesday 3 July 2013) and Bob Morrison (No.14, 1979)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Greatest Hits’ (Columbia Records, 1982) reached No.34 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1982.
In 1983, Janie Fricke toured with The Heart City Band, and with the group, Alabama.
In October 1983, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Love Lies’ (Columbia Records, 1983), which was produced by Bob Montgomery (Wednesday 12 May 1937 – Thursday 4 December 2014), and included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Tell Me A Lie’ (written by Mickey Buckins and Barbara Wyrick) (No.1 for one week in December 1983)
‘Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It’ (written by Rory Bourke, Rafe Van Hoy and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in March / April 1984)
‘If The Fall Don’t Get You’, which was written by Van Stephenson (Wednesday 4 November 1953 – Sunday 8 April 2001), Dave Robbins and Sam Lorber (No.8, Summer 1984)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Love Lies’ (Columbia Records, 1983) also included the following tracks:
‘Have I Got A Heart’ (written by Marvin Morrow and Keith Stegall)
‘How Do You Fall Out of Love’ (written by Jeff Harrington and Jeff Pennig)
‘Love Lies’, which was written by Tommy Rocco and Charlie Black (Wednesday 23 November 1949 and Friday 23 April 2021)
‘Lonely People’, which was written by Mike Reid, Troy Seals and Edward F. Setser (1945 – Monday 27 January 2020)
‘Walkin’ A Broken Heart’, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Alan Rush
‘I’ve Had All The Love I Can Stand’ (written by Jan Buckingham and Shawna Harrington)
‘Where’s The Fire’ (written by Sam Lorber and Susan Longacre)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Love Lies’ (Columbia Records, 1983) reached No.10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1983.
In June 1984, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) saw the release of ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Let’s Chase Each Other Around The Room’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) and Sherill Rodgers (No.1 for one week in September 1984)
‘A Place To Fall Apart’ (written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016), Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) and Willie Nelson (No.1 for one week in February 1985) / this track was a duet with Janie Fricke
‘Natural High’, which was written by Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) (No.1 for one week in June 1985) / this track was a duet with Janie Fricke
Merle Haggard‘s ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘It’s All In The Game’ (written by Carl Sigman and Charles Dawes)
‘Little Hotel Room’, which was written by Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016)
‘I Never Go Home Anymore’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘All I Want To Do Is Sing My Song’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) and Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016)
‘Thank Heaven For Little Girls’ (written by Alan Lenner and Frederick Loewe)
‘To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before’, which was written by Hal David (Wednesday 25 May 1921 – Saturday 1 September 2012) and Albert Hammond
‘You Really Lose Your Mind’, which was written by Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 – Thursday 6 September 1984)
Personnel involved in the recording of Merle Haggard‘s ‘It’s All In The Game’ (Epic Records, 1984) included the following:
Roy Nichols (Friday 21 October 1932 – Tuesday 3 July 2001), Grady Martin (Thursday 17 January 1929 – Monday 3 December 2001), Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 – Saturday 30 June 2001) and Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) (guitar)
Norman Hamlet (steel guitar)
Tiny Moore (mandolin)
Mike Leech (bass)
Kenny Malone (Thursday 4 August 1938 – Thursday 26 August 2021) (drums)
Jim Belkin (fiddle)
Bobby Wood (piano, keyboards)
Don Markham (sax)
Janie Fricke (vocals)
In August 1984, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘First Word In Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1984), which was produced by Bob Montgomery (Wednesday 12 May 1937 – Thursday 4 December 2014), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Your Heart’s Not In It’ (written by Michael Garvin, Bucky Jones and Tom Shapiro) (No.1 for one week in December 1984)
‘The First Word In Memory Is Me’, which was written by Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Rose and Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) (No.7, 1984)
Janie Fricke’s ‘First Word In Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1984) also included the following tracks:
‘Talkin’ Tough’ (written by Wood Newton, Michael Noble and Marcus Vickers)
‘One Way Ticket’ (written by Jan Buckingham and Pam Tillis)
‘First Time Out of The Rain’, which was written by Kerry Michael Chater (Tuesday 7 August 1945 – Tuesday 1 February 2022) and Beckie Foster
‘A Love Like Ours’ (written by Donny Lowery)
‘In Between Heartaches’ (written by Deborah Allen and Rafe Van Hoy)
‘Another Man Like That’ (written by Pal Rakes, Alan Ray and Jeff Raymond)
‘Without Each Other’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) / this track featured guest vocals from Benny Wilson
‘Take It From The Top’ (written by David Stephenson)
Janie Fricke’s ‘First Word In Memory’ (Columbia Records, 1984) reached No.17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1984.
It was also in 1984, when Janie Fricke tried her hand at acting, when she had a guest-starring role on ‘Dukes of Hazzard’, playing the part of Ginny, a criminal, who hid money in the dashboard of a getaway car, which became ‘The General Lee’ in the episode, ‘Happy Birthday, General Lee’ (episode 131).
In 1984, Janie Fricke was a guest duet partner on the track ‘Who Cares’, which was included on Ray Charles’ ‘Friendship’ (Columbia Records, 1984); the album was re-issued by Columbia / Legacy Records in 2005.
In 1985, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Somebody Else’s Fire’ (Columbia Records, 1985), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘She’s Single Again’, which was written by Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) (No.2, 1985)
‘Somebody Else’s Fire’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy (No.4, 1985)
‘Easy To Please’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997) and Rhonda Fleming (No.5, 1986)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Somebody Else’s Fire’ (Columbia Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘I Hurt All Over’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and Sharon Vaughn
‘Don’t Make Me A Liar Again’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Mary Ann Kennedy and Pam Rose
‘He Ain’t You’ (written by B. McGuire and E. Moore)
‘My Heart’s Hearin’ Footsteps’ (written by Wayne Newton and Michael Noble)
‘What A Heart Won’t Do’ (written by Randy Albright and John Greenebaum)
‘Party Shoes’, which was written by Kenny O’Dell (born Kenneth Gist Jr.) (Wednesday 21 June 1944 – Monday 27 March 2018)
‘Only Thing You Took Away’ (written by David Stephenson)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Somebody Else’s Fire’ (Columbia Records, 1985) reached No.21 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
It was also in 1985 when Janie Fricke established The Janie Fricke Scholarship at Indiana University to help benefit gifted students in The School of Music. The scholarships were open to active members of The Singing Hoosiers vocal ensemble, who demonstrated financial need.
In March 1985, Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) saw the release of ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1985), which included one track, which was a hit on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Kern River’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016) (No.10, 1985)
Merle Haggard‘s ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1985) also included the following tracks:
‘Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You’ (written by Hugh Moffatt and Pebe Sebert)
‘There I’ve Said it Again’ (written by Redd Evans and Dave Mann)
‘You Don’t Love Me Anymore’, which was written by Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016)
‘Natural High’, which was written by Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) (No.1 for one week in June 1985) / this track featured guest vocals from Janie Fricke
‘Big Butter & Egg Man’, which was written by Percy Venable and Louis Armstrong (Sunday 4 August 1901 – Tuesday 6 July 1971)
‘Ridin’ High’, which was written by Freddy Powers (Tuesday 13 October 1931 – Tuesday 21 June 2016) and Dean Reynolds)
‘There’s Somebody Else On Your Mind’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘I Wonder Where I’ll Find You At Tonight’, which was written by Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 – Wednesday 6 April 2016)
‘There Won’t Be Another Now’, which was written by Red Lane (Thursday 2 February 1939 – Wednesday 1 July 2015)
‘Old Watermill’ (written by B.H. Harris)
Personnel involved in the recording of Merle Haggard‘s ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1985) included the following:
Roy Nichols (Friday 21 October 1932 – Tuesday 3 July 2001) and Grady Martin (Thursday 17 January 1929 – Monday 3 December 2001) (guitar)
Norman Hamlet (steel guitar, dobro)
Dennis Hromek (bass)
Biff Adam (drums)
Mark Yeary (Saturday 9 February 1952 – Friday 17 January 2020) (piano, keyboards)
Tiny Moore (fiddle, mandolin)
Jim Belkin (fiddle)
Don Markham (sax, trumpet, horns)
Janie Fricke (vocals)
In 2011, Merle Haggard‘s ‘Kern River’ (Epic Records, 1985) was re-issued by BGO Records (7 St Andrews Street, North Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1TZ, England), along with Merle Haggard‘s ‘Amber Waves of Grain’ (Epic Records, 1985), as a special 2-for-1 CD set.
In October 1985, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘The Very Best of Janie Fricke’ (Columbia Records, 1985), which included the following tracks:
‘Ridin’ High’ / this track was new
‘It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy’, which was written by Shawna Harrington, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Les Taylor (No.1 for one week in November / December 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘He’s A Heartache (Lookin’ For A Place To Happen)’, which was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) (No.1 for one week in August 1983) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘You Don’t Know Love’ (written by Donald Alan ‘Don’ King and Beckie Foster) (No.4, Spring 1983) / this track was a duet with Bill Warren
‘Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It’ (written by Rory Bourke, Rafe Van Hoy and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in March / April 1984)
‘The First Word In Memory Is Me’, which was written by Mary Ann Kennedy, Pam Rose and Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023) (No.7, 1984)
‘Tell Me A Lie’ (written by Barbara Myrick and Mickey Buckins) (No.1 for one week in December 1983) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘She’s Single Again’, which was written by Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) (No.2, 1985)
‘Your Heart’s Not In It’ (written by Michael Garvin, Bucky Jones and Tom Shapiro) (No.1 for one week in December 1984)
‘If The Fall Don’t Get You’, which was written by Van Stephenson (Wednesday 4 November 1953 – Sunday 8 April 2001), Dave Robbins and Sam Lorber (No.8, Summer 1984)
Janie Fricke’s ‘The Very Best of Janie Fricke’ (Columbia Records, 1985) reached No.33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1985.
On Tuesday 9 June 2014, Janie Fricke’s ‘The Very Best of Janie Fricke’ (Columbia Records, 1985) was re-issued by England’s Morello Records, along with Janie Fricke’s ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988), as a special ‘2-for-1’ CD set.
It was at this time, in 1985, when Janie Fricke expanded as an entrepreneur. After making her own stage apparel as a hobby, Janie Fricke introduced a line of clothing and accessories in 1985. By 1988, Janie Fricke’s fashions were reportedly carried in 200 to 300 stores in the United States.
In 1986, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘I Love Country’ (Columbia Records, 1986), a compilation album, which included the following tracks:
‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Please Help Me, I’m Falling’, which was written by Donald Irwin Robertson (Tuesday 5 December 1922 – Monday 16 March 2015) and Hal Blair (No.12, 1978)
‘Pride’ (written by Wayne Walker and Irene Stanton) (No.12, 1981) / this track also reached No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1981
‘It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy’, which was written by Shawna Harrington, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Les Taylor (No.1 for one week in November / December 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It’ (written by Rory Bourke, Rafe Van Hoy and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in March / April 1984)
‘But Love Me’ (written by Kenny Nolan) (No.26, 1979)
‘Down To My Last Broken Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.2, 1980)
‘What’re You Doing Tonight’ (written by Bob McDill) (No.21, 1977)
‘He’s A Heartache (Lookin’ For A Place To Happen)’, which was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) (No.1 for one week in August 1983) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Homeward Bound’ (written by Paul Simon) / this was an album track from 1981
‘Cry’, which was written by Churchill Kohlman (28 January 1906 – Wednesday 25 May 1983) / this was an album track from 1980
‘Do Me With Love’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Walkin’ A Broken Heart, which was written by Dennis Linde (Thursday 18 March 1943 – Friday 22 December 2006) and Alan Rush‘ / this was an album track from 1983
‘Always’ (written by Randy Jackson) / this was an album track from 1981
‘Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby’ (written by Bruce Channel, Kieran Kane and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in July 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Ricky Skaggs
‘She’s Single Again’, which was written by Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) (No.2, 1985)
In July 1986, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Black & White’ (Columbia Records, 1986), which was produced by Norro Wilson (Monday 4 April 1938 – Thursday 8 June 2017), and included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Always Have, Always Will’ (written by Johnny Mears) (No.1 for one week in October 1986)
‘When A Woman Cries’, which was written by Buck Moore and Mentor Williams (Tuesday 11 June 1946 – Wednesday 16 November 2016) (No.20, 1986)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Black & White’ (Columbia Records, 1986) also included the following tracks:
‘Til I Can’t Take It Anymore’, which was written by Ulysses Burton and Clyde Otis (Thursday 11 September 1924 – Tuesday 8 January 2008)
‘He’s Breathing Down My Neck’ (written by Bob DiPiero and Gerry House)
‘Take Me A Little Vacation’, which was written by Kent M. Robbins (Wednesday 23 April 1947 – Saturday 27 December 1997)
‘Nothing Left To Say’ (written by Randy Jackson and David Stephenson)
‘Comin’ Apart At The Seams’ (written by Jerry Marcum and Les Taylor)
‘Don’t Put It Past My Heart’ (written by Eddie Burton and Thomas Grant)
‘He’s Making A Love Story Short’ (written by Doug Gilmore, Ed Hunnicutt and Bob Marler)
‘I’d Take You Back Again’ (written by Janie Fricke)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Black & White’ (Columbia Records, 1986) reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart on Saturday 4 October 1986, becoming Janie’s only album to achieve that feat.
Janie Fricke’s ‘Black & White’ (Columbia Records, 1986) also produced a subtle change in the spelling of Janie Frickie’s surname, which was originally spelled ‘Fricke’.
Since she was constantly being called ‘Frick’ on a number of awards shows, by everyone from Phil Collins to Charlie Daniels (Wednesday 28 October 1936 – Monday 6 July 2020), Janie added the extra ‘i’ to her last name to alleviate the pronunciation problems, although she did revert to the original spelling a few years later.
In 1986, Janie Fricke, along with Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band, recorded ‘From Time To Time (It Feels Like Love Again)’; the track was included on Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band’s ‘Changin’ Partners’ and reached No.21 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1987.
In April 1987, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘After Midnight’ (Columbia Records, 1987), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Are You Satisfied’, which was written by Homer Escamilla and Sheb Wooley (Sunday 10 April 1921 – Tuesday 16 September 2003) (No.32, 1987)
‘Baby, You’re Gone’, which was written by Stephen Allen Davis (Tuesday 4 October 1949 – Monday 26 December 2022) and Dennis Morgan (No.63, 1987)
Janie Fricke’s ‘After Midnight’ (Columbia Records, 1987) also included the following tracks:
‘I Hurt’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010) and Dean Dillon
‘I Don’t Like Being Lonely’ (written by John English, Bob Moulds and David Wills)
‘Teach Me How To Forget’ (written by Hugh Ashley)
‘If I Didn’t Care’, which was written by Jack Lawrence (7 April 1912 – Monday 16 March 2009)
‘My Eternal Flame’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024)
‘Nobody Ever Loved Me So Good’, which was written by John Jarrard (Thursday 7 May 1953 – Thursday 1 February 2001), Lisa Palas and Mark D. Sanders
‘From Time To Time’ (written by Larry Gatlin) / this track featured guest vocals from Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin and Steve Gatlin
‘It Won’t Be Easy’, which was (written by Nat Smith (6 August 1900 – 1979) and Charles Tobias (15 August 1898 – Tuesday 7 July 1970)
Janie Fricke’s ‘After Midnight’ (Columbia Records, 1987) reached No.29 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1987.
As neo-traditional country music artists began to become popular in 1987, including Patty Loveless and Randy Travis, the country-pop–styled music Janie Fricke had been recording since the early part of the decade was no longer in style on country music radio in the United States and, as a result, Janie Fricke’s success began to decline.
In July 1988, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988), which included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Where Does Love Go (When It’s Gone)’ (written by Peter Rowan) (No.54, 1988)
‘I’ll Walk Before I’ll Crawl’ (written by Gidget Baird and Linda S. Buell) (No.50, 1988)
‘Heart’ (written by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet) (No.64, 1988)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988) also included the following tracks:
‘Sugar Moon’, which was written by Bob Wills (Monday 6 March 1905 – Tuesday 13 May 1975) and Cindy Walker (Saturday 20 July 1918 – Thursday 23 March 2006)
‘I’m Not That Good At Goodbye’, which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 – Friday 8 September 2017) and Bob McDill
‘Don’t Touch Me’, which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 – Thursday 15 July 2010)
‘If I Were Only Her Tonight’ (written by Bucky Jones, Bob McDill and Dickey Lee)
‘The Healing Hands of Time’ (written by Willie Nelson)
‘Crazy Dreams’, which was written by Charles C. Beam, Charles L. Jiles and W.S. Stevenson (1900 – 1978)
‘Saddle The Wind’ (written by Steve Buckingham and Troy Seals)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988) reached No.64 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1988.
On Tuesday 9 June 2014, Janie Fricke’s ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988) was re-issued by England’s Morello Records, along with ‘The Very Best of Janie Fricke’ (Columbia Records, 1985), as a special 2-for-1 CD set.
In July 1989, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Labor of Love’ (Columbia Records, 1989), which included two tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:
‘Love Is One of Those Words’, which was written by Holly Dunn (Thursday 22 August 1957 – Tuesday 15 November 2016), Chris Waters and Tom Shapiro (No.56, 1989)
‘Give ‘Em My Number’, which was written by Dave Loggins (Monday 10 November 1947 – Wednesday 10 July 2024) (No.43, 1989) / this track was Janie Fricke’s last charted single on the Billboard country music singles chart
Janie Fricke’s ‘Labor of Love’ (Columbia Records, 1989) also included the following tracks:
‘What Are You Doing Here With Me’, which was written by Bill Rice (Wednesday 19 April 1939 – Saturday 28 October 2023) and Mary Sharon Rice
‘Last Thing That I Didn’t Do’ (written by Janie Fricke and Randy Jackson)
‘Walking On The Moon’ (written by Katy Moffatt and Tom Russell)
‘Feeling Is Believing’ (written by Gary Nicholson, Pam Tillis and Kevin Welch)
‘I Can’t Help The Way I Don’t Feel’ (written by Michael Garvin, Tom Shapiro and Chris Waters)
‘No Ordinary Memory’ (written by Larry Shell and Jeffrey M. Tweel)
‘One of Those Things’ (written by Pam Tillis and Paul Overstreet)
‘My Old Friend The Blues’ (written by Steve Earle)
Janie Fricke’s ‘Labor of Love’ (Columbia Records, 1989) reached No.64 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart in 1989.
Following the release of Janie Fricke’s highly acclaimed albums, ‘Saddle The Wind’ (Columbia Records, 1988) and ‘Labor of Love’ (Columbia Records, 1989), Janie Fricke and Columbia Records parted company.
In the early 1990s, Janie Fricke became a regular guest on The Statler Brothers‘ variety series, ”The Statler Brothers Show’, which was broadcast on The Nashville Network (TNN), and was hosted by The Statler Brothers, along with Rex Allen Jr.
In 1991, Janie Fricke saw the release of a self-titled album, ‘Janie Fricke’ (Intersound Records, 1991), which was recorded at the House of David, a studio located in Nashville, and was produced by Randy Jackson and Giles Goddard; the album included two tracks, which were released as singles on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart:
‘You Never Crossed My Mind’, which was written by Candy Johnson (Tuesday 8 February 1944 – Saturday 20 October 2012) and J. Martin Johnson / this track was released as a single on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1991, but it did not chart
‘I Want To Grow Old With You’ (written by Lee Bach, Gilles Goddard and Billy Troy) / this track reached No.74 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1991
Janie Fricke’s self-titled album, ‘Janie Fricke’ (Intersound Records, 1991), also included the following tracks:
‘Independence Day’ (written by Tim Nichols and Jimmy Stewart)
‘What Do I Do (With All This Love)’ (written by Bib Kitchener and Jennifer Pierce)
‘Humbling Love’ (written by Matraca Berg and Curtis Stone)
‘Greater Than Love’ (written by Rick Giles and Giles Goddard)
‘Love Letters’, which was written by Edward Heyman (14 March 1907 – Friday 16 October 1981) and Albert Victor Young (8 August 1899 – Saturday 10 November 1956) / the original version of this track was recorded by Ketty Lester for Era Records in 1962, and reached No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in early 1962, No. 2 on the Billboard R&B Chart in 1962, and No.4 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1962; Ketty Lester’s version of the track sold over 1 million copies, and was awarded a ‘Gold’ disc by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
‘I Know A Good Love (When I Lose One)’ (written by Rick Giles and Giles Goddard)
‘Old Feeling ‘Bout A New Love’ (written by Cary Chater and Cyril Rawson)
‘I’d Like To Know How You Got The Know-How’ (written by Billy Aerts and Linda Young)
‘Finishing Touch’, which was written by Ron Harbin, Kim Williams (Saturday 28 June 1947 – Thursday 11 February 2016) and Benny Wilson
Personnel involved in the recording of Janie Fricke’s self-titled album, ‘Janie Fricke’ (Intersound Records, 1991), included the following:
Janie Fricke (lead vocals, backing vocals)
David Briggs (keyboards, piano)
Mark Casstevens (acoustic guitar, harmonica, mandolin)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)
Jana King, Williams Warren, Tony Wiggins and Dennis Wilson (backing vocals)
Jerry Kroon (drums)
Larry Paxton (bass)
Brent Rowan (lead guitar)
John Willis (acoustic guitar, Dobro, lead guitar, mandolin, plectrum tuning)
On Saturday 15 August 1992, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Crossroads: Hymns of Faith’ (Branson Records / Intersound Records, 1992), which was a collection of Gospel songs, and included the following:
‘Ten Thousand Angels’ (written by Ray Overholt)
‘The Old Rugged Cross’ (traditional)
‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’, which was written by Rev. Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1 July 1899 – Saturday 23 January 1993)
‘Tears in Heaven’ (written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings)
‘People Get Ready’ (written by Curtis Mayfield)
‘I Believe’, which was written by Ervin Drake (Thursday 3 April 1919 – Thursday 15 January 2015), Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl and Al Stillman (Tuesday 26 June 1906 – Saturday 17 February 1979)
‘Why Me Lord?’, which was written by Kris Kristofferson (Monday 22 June 1936 – Saturday 28 September 2024)
‘Sweet Little Jesus Boy’, which was written by Robert Hunter MacGimsey (1898 – 1979)
‘Elijah Rock’ (traditional)
‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ (traditional)
‘Were You There?’ (traditional)
‘Amazing Grace’, which was written by John Newton (24 July 1725 – 21 December 1807)
On Tuesday 17 January 1995, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Now & Then’ (Branson Records / Intersound Records, 1995), which included the following tracks:
‘She’s Single Again’, which was written by Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) (No.2, 1985)
‘It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy’, which was written by Shawna Harrington, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Les Taylor (No.1 for one week in November / December 1982) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘He’s A Heartache (Lookin’ For A Place To Happen)’, which was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) (No.1 for one week in August 1983) / this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Always Have, Always Will’ (written by Johnny Mears) (No.1 for one week in October 1986)
‘Your Heart’s Not in It’ (written by Michael Garvin, Bucky Jones and Tom Shapiro) (No.1 for one week in December 1984)
‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Do Me With Love’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘You Don’t Know Love’ (written by Donald Alan ‘Don’ King and Beckie Foster) (No.4, Spring 1983) / this track was a duet with Bill Warren
‘Let’s Try Again’ (written by D. Steagall) (No.28, 1979)
‘The First Word In Memory Is Me’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Mary Ann Kennedy and Pam Rose (No.7, 1984)
‘Somebody Else’s Fire’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Mary Ann Kennedy and Pam Rose (No.4, 1985)
‘If The Fall Don’t Get You’, which was written by Van Stephenson (Wednesday 4 November 1953 – Sunday 8 April 2001), Dave Robbins and Sam Lorber (No.8, Summer 1984)
‘Where’s the Fire?’ (written by Susan Longacre and Sam Lorber) / this track was an album track from 1983
In 2000, Janie Fricke mounted a comeback tour, and saw the release, on Tuesday 10 October 2000, of ‘Bouncin’ Back’ (JMF Records, 2000); the album, which was produced by Janie Fricke, and was released under Janie Fricke’s own record label, JMF Records, and included the following tracks:
‘If You Keep Building Fences’
‘Quilt of Dreams’
‘Bouncin’ Back’
‘Our Love’s Worth Fighting For’
‘In Here’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Jeff Pennig)
‘Pick A Lane’
‘It’s Not Me’
‘Tender Too Much’
‘No Turning Back’
‘Any Other Stone’ (written by S. Brown)
‘Love Forever More’ (written by Janie Fricke)
‘See-Saw Ride’
Personnel involved in the recording of Janie Fricke’s ‘Bouncin’ Back’ (JMF Records, 2000) included the following:
Danny Bailey, Lea Jane Berinati, Judy Rodman and Dennis Wilson (background vocals)
Brian Barnett, Mark Basden, Kerry Marx, Russ Pahl, Mark Prentice, Steven Sheehan and Catherine Styron (musician)
Glen Duncan (fiddle)
Janie Fricke (lead vocals)
On Tuesday 2 April 2002, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘Janie Fricke: Live At Billy Bob’s, Texas’ (Smith Music Group, 2004), a ‘live’ concert set, which featured many of Janie Fricke’s country music hit singles, including the following:
‘Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby’ (written by Bruce Channel, Kieran Kane and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in July 1982) / the original version of this track featured background vocals from Ricky Skaggs
‘Let’s Stop Talkin’ About It’ (written by Rory Bourke, Rafe Van Hoy and Deborah Allen) (No.1 for one week in March / April 1984)
‘He’s A Heartache (Lookin’ For A Place To Happen)’, which was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) (No.1 for one week in August 1983) / the original version of this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Any Other Stone’ (written by S. Brown)
‘She’s Single Again’, which was written by Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) (No.2, 1985)
‘I’ll Need Someone to Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Do Me With Love’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) (No.4, 1981)
‘Your Heart’s Not In It’ (written by Michael Garvin, Bucky Jones and Tom Shapiro) (No.1 for one week in December 1984)
‘Somebody Else’s Fire’, which was written by Patricia Karen Bunch (Thursday 22 June 1939 – Monday 30 January 2023), Pam Rose and Mary Ann Kennedy (No.4, 1985)
‘See-Saw Ride’ (written by Craig Bickhardt)
‘You Don’t Know Love’ (written by Donald Alan ‘Don’ King and Beckie Foster) (No.4, Spring 1983) / this track was a duet with Bill Warren
‘Down To My Last Broken Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) (No.2, 1980)
‘Tell Me A Lie’ (written by Barbara Myrick and Mickey Buckins) (No.1 for one week in December 1983) / the original version of this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Quilt of Dreams’ (written by Craig Bickhardt and Tony Haselden)
‘Bouncin’ Back’
‘It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy’, which was written by Shawna Harrington, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Les Taylor (No.1 for one week in November / December 1982) / the original version of this track featured background vocals from Judy Rodman
‘Love Forever More’ (written by Janie Fricke)
It was around this time, in 2002, that Janie Fricke was touring extensively, but she set aside time to spend with her family on her Texas ranch near Lancaster.
On Tuesday 17 August 2004, Janie Fricke saw the release of ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (DM Records, 2004), which was produced by Bil VornDick (Thursday 9 March 1950 – Tuesday 5 July 2022); as the title suggested, the album featured Bluegrass versions of Janie Fricke’s biggest hit singles from the 1980s:
Disc 1
‘You Don’t Know Love’ (written by Donald Alan ‘Don’ King and Beckie Foster) / the original version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in Spring 1983
‘Goodbye Broken Heart’
‘Do Me With Love’, which was written by John Schweers (Saturday 12 January 1946 – Tuesday 28 May 2024) / the original version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
‘Faithless Love’ (written by John David Souther)
‘He’s A Heartache (Lookin’ For A Place To Happen)’, which was written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley (Wednesday 30 June 1937 – Thursday 18 December 2014) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in August 1983
‘Please Help Me, I’m Falling’, which was written by Donald Irwin Robertson (Tuesday 5 December 1922 – Monday 16 March 2015) and Hal Blair / the original version of this track reached No.12 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1978
‘She’s Single Again’, which was written by Peter James McCann (Saturday 6 March 1948 – Thursday 26 January 2023) and Charlie Craig (Friday 30 September 1938 – Friday 1 July 2011) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985
‘I’ll Need Someone To Hold Me (When I Cry)’, which was written by Bob McDill and Wayland D. Holyfield (Sunday 15 March 1942 – Monday 6 May 2024) / the original version of this track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1981
‘Down To My Last Broken Heart’, which was written by Chick Rains (Wednesday 5 November 1941 – Friday 21 January 2022) / the original version of this track reached No.2 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1980
‘Tell Me A Lie’ (written by Barbara Myrick and Mickey Buckins) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in December 1983)
‘It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy’, which was written by Shawna Harrington, Mark Eugene Gray (Friday 24 October 1952 – Friday 2 December 2016) and Les Taylor / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in November / December 1982
‘Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me Baby’ (written by Bruce Channel, Kieran Kane and Deborah Allen) / the original version of this track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in July 1982)
‘Ring of Fire’, which was written by June Carter Cash (Sunday 23 June 1929 – Thursday 15 May 2003) and Merle Kilgore (Thursday 9 August 1934 – Sunday 6 February 2005)
Disc 2
‘You Don’t Know Love’ (written by Donald Alan ‘Don’ King and Beckie Foster) / the original version of this track reached No.4 in Spring 1983
‘Interview with Janie Fricke’
Personal involved in the recording of Janie Fricke’s ‘The Bluegrass Sessions’ (DM Records, 2004) included the following:
Chip Davis, Judy Rodman and Margie Cates (backing vocals)
David Talbot (banjo)
Mark Fain (bass)
Bob Mater (drums)
Andy Leftwich, Luke Bulla, Glen Duncan and Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle, mandolin)
Johnny Hiland (guitar)
Randy Kohrs (Resonator guitar / Dobro)
In 2005, Janie Fricke attended the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards.
In May 2007, Janie Fricke was The Firefighters’ Marshal for Winchester, Virginia’s ’80th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival’.
On Thursday 4 July 2013, Janie Fricke performed for five hours at the Independence Day festival in Slidell, Louisiana, to a crowd of over 8,000.
Janie Fricke Awards
1979
Music City News Country: ‘Most Promising Female Artist of The Year’
1982
Country Music Association (CMA) Awards: ‘Female Vocalist of The Year’
1983
Country Music Association (CMA) Awards: ‘Female Vocalist of The Year’
Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards: ‘Top Female Vocalist’
Music City News Country: ‘Female Artist of The Year’
1984
Music City News Country: ‘Female Artist of The Year’
Janie Fricke Grammy Award Nominations
1978 ‘Best Female Country Vocal Performance’ for ‘What’re You Doin’ Tonight’ (nominated)
1985 ‘Best Female Country Vocal Performance’ for ‘Your Heart’s Not in It’ (nominated)
1986 ‘Best Female Country Vocal Performance’ for ‘She’s Single Again’ (nominated)
• Visit Janie Fricke’s official site at janiefricke.com