Don't Fence Me In

Down the road from Madrid is a longtime cultural feature of Northwest New Mexico.  Eaves Movie Ranch began life as part of the fifteen hundred acre Rancho Allegre, a cattle ranch owned by New Mexican businessman and native Texan, J. W. Eaves.  Starting in 1962 with the television series Empire, the stunning scenery of the Eaves Ranch began to lure film and photography production companies, including several famous Marlboro ads.

In 1969, Hollywood arrived at the ranch to film a big budget western called The Cheyenne Social Club, with Jimmy Stuart and Henry Fonda.  Director Gene Kelly (Singin in the Rain) collaborated with J. W. to build a large western town, later named the Eaves Movie Ranch, as a film set for the production.  When word spread of the new western set near Santa Fe, Hollywood came rushing in. Thomas Wingate, actor and manager, of Eaves Movie Ranch will be with me on Friday May 26 on KMRD-FM 96.9 at 11am MT.  Tune into Talon's Tips and Tales at www.kmrd.fm/listen to hear the history and little known stories of this famous movie location.

be strong, be safe, Talon

Ridin' The Mother Road from Switzerland

Four riders rolled into the shop in Madrid today.  Christina, Daniel, Marlies, and Maunzio had rented Harleys in Chicago and were ridin' the Mother Road Route 66 across the US to California.  Nancy had a great time hearing their stories and adventures of the road.  "We are riding slow, taking in every piece of landscape, town, and individual we can meet."  Without a doubt, the perfect way to see America and the classic road across our country.  Thanks for stopping by and sharing your stories.
be strong, be safe, Talon

Gold Records in Clovis, NM

Norman Petty is known throughout the world as a recording pioneer hidden away in Clovis NM.  Country and rock artists who recorded at Norman's studio include Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox, Jimmy Glimer, Waylon Jennings, and Buddy Holly just to name a few.  Tune into Talon's Tips and Tales on Friday May 19 at 11 am MT on KMRD-FM 96.6 Madrid and www.kmrd.fm/listen for the story and music of this independent music producer who in the late 1950s and early 1960s created and shaped modern pop music as we know it today.

be strong, be safe, Talon

Lookin' for Buddy on US HWY 60

Out in eastern New Mexico old US HWY 60 runs across the grass covered plains as far as the eye can see.  A classic two laner.  Ridin' with the wind.  Lookin' for Clovis NM on the horizon.  Why Clovis?  Heard Buddy Holly cut his records there.

Stop for gas in Vaughn, NM.  Old stations resting along the road.  Been a while since they have been pumping gas here.

In Fort Sumner meet Derk from Canada.  Both of us looking for gas.  He's been on the road for two months zig-zaging across the US.  "Been in some really F@#%ing  bad weather, F@#%ing wind, F@#%ing rain...but sure having a F@#%ing good time".  So few words, so many meanings.

 Kickstand down in Clovis.  No wif-fi last night.  Morning breakfast at the Foxy Drive-In.  Three generations of the same family since 1958.  Heard Buddy Holly hung out here.  Must be getting close.

Just down the street from the Foxy spot the Norman Petty Recording Studio.  Meet Shirley and Ken Broad.  They promised Norman and Vi Petty to keep the original spirit of the studio alive and intact.

Walking into the studio is a step back into the 50's.  This is not a museum.  Feels like Buddy just finished a session.

If only the mike could talk.  What a story to tell.  Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, The Roses, Bobby Vee, The Fireballs.  All their music filling the studio.

Keyboards ringing out Peggy Sue.  Fender Stratocaster guitars filling the air with rock and roll.

Buddy Holly's original Fender amp.  How many gigs it traveled to.  How many fans yelled, screamed, and danced to the music it shared.

Norman Petty recorded it all on original reel to reel tape decks.  Single track recordings.  Complete takes.  No edits. 

David Bingham of The Roses sitting in the control booth.  He sang and played with Buddy and many of the best in the country.  So many stories he shared.

Down a narrow hallway, behind the studio, a small apartment with kitchen. Norman wanted all the recording artists to feel comfortable.  To be able to relax after a session.  Recording was done from around midnight to sunrise.  Why, no traffic on the streets.  Only the sounds of real rock and roll coming from the studio.

In search of Peggy Sue.  Found it all in Clovis NM along a two lane highway called US HWY 60. New Mexico's best-kept secret.  Norman Petty's recording studio home of the "Clovis Sound".

Headin' west from Clovis back to Santa Fe.  Open road.  Peggy Sue ringing in my ears.  Only in New Mexico.

be strong, be safe, Talon
 

Sonora Rally 2017 - David Pearson

 

David Pearson started riding in Canada when he was 14 years old.  He talked his dad into purchasing a moped.  He immigrated to the US over 25 years ago.  In his 20's he started off-road motorcycle racing.  Nearly 30 years later, he continues to race enduro and off-road rally events.  This past March David finished 4th overall at the Sonora Rally 2017.  The Sonora Rally is a four day grueling rally race across Mexico.  Tune in Friday, May 5, at 11 am MT to Talon's Tips and Tales streaming at www.kmrd.fm/listen when David will share the thrill, challenge, and breath taking moments of this demanding rally.  You won't want to miss it!

be strong, be safe, Talon