Lyrics / Radio Scripts, c.1945-c.1952
File — Box: 1, Folder: 6
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The collection contains correspondence, certificates, advertising for musical events and local businesses, song lyrics, and partial radio scripts. The collection dates from 1924 to 2000, with gaps from 1925 to 1944, from 1963 to 1971, and from 1987 to 1999. The bulk of the collection dates from 1947 to 1978 and is arranged alphabetically by topic and/or type of document.
Most of the correspondence pertains to Yaney’s career. There are letters from Acuff-Rose Publications regarding Yaney’s MGM contract and his song, “The Flower of My Heart.” Yaney also received letters from Pee Wee King, asking him to play a date with him, and a brief letter from Buck Owens. Other letters relate to Yaney’s performances at a Veteran’s Hospital benefit in 1956 and an invitation to the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater St. Louis telethon in 1954 (f.4). Correspondence dating after Yaney’s death is from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In 1981, the curator of collections asked Alma Yaney to donate items relating to her husband’s career. There is a receipt dated 21 February 1986 for items donated by Yaney’s daughter, Jena Lochirco. The final item is a note dated 26 May 2000 from Mark Medley which enclosed a photocopy from the book, 100 Years of Western Wear, by Tyler Beard and Jim Arndt. In the 1970s, Yaney received a Christmas card from the Moolah Temple and a note with a signed photograph from Harvey A. Beffa of St. Louis, chairman of the Shriners Hospitals (f.4). There is a 1947 poster for Moolah Drum Corps party featuring Yaney and undated fliers for a dinner and hoedown at Skeets Yaney’s Cartwheel Cocktail Lounge for the Moolah Drum and Bugle Corps (f.5). Advertising for Yaney’s performances include a small handbill for Skeets and Frankie on KMOX, a 1952 broadside for the Eighteenth Annual Wentzville Homecoming, and a card for Yaney’s Cartwheel Cocktail Lounge. A flier from Acuff-Rose Publications features Yaney’s song, “The Flower of My Heart,” along with songs by Bud Deckelman and Randy Atcher. Additional items include a small sheet of uncut jukebox labels dated 1957 for Yaney’s songs, “Teardrop” and “I Still Love You.” There are also blank pieces of Yaney’s personal letterhead and envelopes (f.5) and a blank contract used by Yaney for his National Champions (f.3). There are lyrics for two songs: “It Was Like Christmas Morning” by composer/musician Joseph E. Saracini, which Yaney introduced on KMOX; and “All I Want is Your Love.” The verso of the lyrics reads “Bob Orender and Skeets Yaney” and a KMOX envelope accompanies the song. There are also scripts for two radio shows aired on the Armed Forces Radio Service. The first is a ten page script for episode #256 of Redd Harper’s Hollywood Round Up with guest star Skeets Yaney. The second is a single page script replying to a request for Skeets Yaney and The National Champion Hillbillies to play “Grandpa’s House.” In June 1955, Carl Smith sent Yaney a certificate for the Carl Smith Award “for the Tireless and Everlasting Efforts…on Country Western Music.” Other certificates are from The Meridian Lodge No.2 (St. Louis) and the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service (f.3). General advertising items pertain to St. Louis events and businesses, possibly collected by Alma Yaney, and include: a handbill for “Hear Charlies Preach, Sing, Whistle” at the Delmar Baptist Church; a card from Sam Stringer Service (1200 S. 12th St.); and a coupon book from the South Broadway Merchants and Manufacturer Association.Dates
- c.1945-c.1952
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.23 Cubic Feet (6 folders, 1 oversize folder)
Language of Materials
English
Creator
- From the Collection: Owens, Buck, 1929-2006 (Correspondent, Person)
- From the Collection: King, Pee Wee, 1914-2000 (Correspondent, Person)
- From the Collection: Beffa, Harvey A., 1900-1975 (Correspondent, Person)
- From the Collection: Saracini, Joseph A., 1906-1953 (Composer, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository