Writer Tim Spencer wrote several excellent gospel songs. He also sang in a group, although they never appeared at the National Quartet Convention.

What was the name of the group?

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Sons of The Pioneers

sons of the pioneers?

Pioneers ties to SGM: As John notes Spencer wrote SGM songs including at least one recorded by the Statesmen. The Pioneers appeared in 30 westerns with Charles Starratt (Durango Kid) in the early 40s. Later a Southern Gospel Group appeared with Starratt in movies.

What I don't know is what the Pioneers have to do with the Irish since today is St. Patrick's Day except that Tim Spencer wrote a song called "Cigareets, Wuhusky, and Wild, Wild Women"

Sorry, Norm. Next year on the 17th of March, I'll try to ask a question about the Green Green Grass of Home.

:babyha:

(oh, and by the way, the Sons of Pioneers is correct)

Wasn't Tim Spencer married to Judy Spencer who later married Rex Nelon?

Good idea. You might ask what SGM group recorded the Green, Green Grass of Home. Tougher question might be who wrote "Green Valley of Home" and who were the members of the two SGM trios that sang it?

He also was a member of the Spencer Family -- see info below from my records:

Spencer Family Sunday On The Range Sacred Records LP 7023 Tim Spencer, Velma Spencer, Loretta Spencer, Harold Spencer 10" LP, red vinyl, 4 songs / side

Dean

I have a little 10" album by the Son's of the Pioneers and it says that they tried two other names before using that name and It also gives the three founding members does anyone know the names of the groups and founding members?

Also he did write some really good songs, several of which are on this little album

I think one of the earlier names was the Pioneer Trio. Members were Lenoard Slye (later changed to Roy Rogers), Spencer and Bob Nobles (later changed to Nolan). Nolan, a Canadian, was also a good writer with songs like Cool Water and Tumbling Tumbleweeds -- two songs gospel quartets sang in the old days when they did some secular material.

[QUOTE=Norm,Mar 17 2008, 09:10 AM] [/QUOTE]
Good idea. You might ask what SGM group recorded the Green, Green Grass of Home. Tougher question might be who wrote "Green Valley of Home" and who were the members of the two SGM trios that sang it? [/QUOTE]



Blue Ridge and Plainsmen both recorded Green Green Grass of Home.

Jay's Shenandoah valley accent was made for that song.

Thanks Mark. I didn't know those groups recorded the song. I was thinking of a version by JD and the Stamps.

My another question about "Green Valley of Home" also involves the Stamps.

I think Tom Jones has the best version of Green Green Grass of Home, but I can't remember if he was ever in a quartet or a mixed group like the Chuck Wagon Gang, It would Have Been Unusual however But Tom always said It's Not Unusual.

If I'm correct, Judy Nelon was married to Tim's son Hal Spencer until they divorced and then Judy married Rex.

Just in case anyone is interested the orignal three members of the Sons of the Pioneers were Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer, and Len Slye who's name was change when he did movies to Roy Rogers.

Tim and Len were first in groups called The International Cowboys, and The Rocky Mountaineers