The Sound Extraction had one great 45 “I Feel Like Crying” / “Tina” on J-Three Records. The band was from the town of Mayfield, Kentucky in the southwestern corner of the state, not far from the borders of Tennessee and Missouri. Mario Aguayo interviewed Terry Jones and they both are allowing me to publish it on Garage Hangover:
How did you first get interested in music?
My mother passed away when I was only 8 years old. She was a guitarist, songwriter, and singer. Lanny’s dad was also a singer and guitarist and my dad was a singer. After our mom passed away, my aunt, her sister and 2 children moved in with us to help dad to take care of us, as she was divorced. Well, you guessed it, my dad ended up marrying his sister-in-law; so we became a large family of 2 boys and 5 girls.
My aunt who became my step mother was also a singer and guitarist. She taught all of us to play instruments and we formed a family band called, “Lanny and the Skylighters.” We played as the family band for several years at sock hops, grand openings, talent contests, festivals, and such. We were even on our town’s radio station for a while.
How did The Sound Extraction form?
We had entered a contest against the Sound Extraction and came in 2nd place to them. That’s how we met them.
At the time the record was made, my stepsister, Lana and I sang with the band, but later, I replaced the keyboard player, and Lana replaced the drummer. From left to right in the picture are me, Terry Jones – singer, guitarist, and keyboard player, Tommy Taylor – keyboard, but not for long, Randy Edwards – my stepbrother, played the bass and sang, Lanny Hays – my half brother, played rhythm guitar and sang, Donald Housman – drummer, but not for long, Danny Presson – lead singer and lead guitarist, and Lana – played guitar, drums, and sang. As you can see that very soon after joining the band, we were all family except for Danny, or Dee, as he liked to be called.
Lana and Dee fell in love and got engaged. That’s how the band formed.
Where did The Sound Extraction typically play?
As the Sound Extraction, we played mostly in bars and clubs. We had regular gigs at The Eagle and Moose Clubs, and then played at bars all over the 4 state area, including Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. We also played at picnics, family reunions, proms, festivals, etc.
Did The Sound Extraction have a manager?
Dee was the only manager we had. We enjoyed playing very much and had regular followers that would go everywhere with us and keep the people dancing and clapping! We had a blast! I was only 14 when we first started playing in the bars, but no one ever asked me my age, as I wore lots of makeup and looked older than I was. Our parents were always there, too, keeping watch on us and enjoying every minute of it. We played old rock and roll, country, and some bluegrass.
How did the band end up recording their 45 “I Feel Like Crying / Tina”?
The band recorded the 45 after we won a contest. The prize was the recording. Bill Scarbrough was the one who recorded it. He was one of the DJ’s at WNGO in Mayfield, KY where we lived.
I believe we only won 1000, but had more made. Not too many more though, so the actual records are very rare. I believe that Lanny, Dee, and I are the only ones that have one of the original records left. I have never known anyone else to tell me they have one. The 45 was recorded and released in 1968.
Danny Presson is known for his ‘cupped-hand’ harp action. What were the reasons for him doing that?
Dee was doing the hand harmonica music when we met him, so it is very hard to say how he actually learned to do that. He cupped his hands and did it with no instrument. You only heard a small portion of what he could do! He amazed people everywhere he played with that. When he opened his hand and there was nothing there, people could not believe it. He did it on a few other songs and did a great job at it.
What were your concerts / gigs typically like?
I loved the gigs and, of course, all the attention. I had always been a shy girl, but when I got on stage, I could just let it all go and I gave it all I had…. It was my identity, it was who I was. I loved wearing all the neat outfits and makeup and entertaining people. I still do to this day!
Did the group have any other recordings?
We never made any other recordings.
What year and why did the band break up?
The band broke up in 1969, because Dee and Lana broke up.
What are your fondest memories with the group?
I have so many fond memories… it’s so hard to tell you about all of them. Practices were great! We turned the music up so loud and were thrilled to learn almost every new song that came out.
Life after The Sound Extraction?
I sang in a group called Jaroboga back in the 70’s … mostly singing in bars. I would sit in with Wolfman and the Pack at a little bar in Fulton, KY sometimes. As the years went by, I gave my heart to the Lord and now sing a new song. I have lead the singing in various churches, sang with gospel groups, and done some specials at singings and homecomings. I recently started to a new church and haven’t done anything since I have been there. I do sing on the Praise and Worship team where I work. I am blessed to have a job at a Christian college where our staff meetings are more like church!
Interview conducted by: Mario Aguayo
Update, June 2013:
Since posting this I heard from Tom Taylor, who sent me this early photo of the group and wrote to me:
First of all, I am not in the photo [at top of article].
In the begining we were a five-piece band and one day in our home town Archie Campbell of Hee Haw fame came to judge a talent contest with the first prize being a recording contract. We won playing the songs “I Feel Like Cryin'” and flip side “Tina”. I have attached a photo from the newspaper clipping when we won the contest. That’s me on bass, Ronnie Cox on rhythm guitar, Terry Bass on drums, Danny Presson on lead vocals and 12 string and Tommy Stayton on keys.
In the contest we competed against the sisters shown in the [top] photo and our lead singer fell in love and before long they were singing backup for us.
When the actual studio work was done, Tommy Stayton the keys player couldn’t be there so Ronny Cox’s little brother played the keyboard for the recording session. And of course the sisters sang back up. By this time I had gone and most all of the original members were too, but I did play the bass guitar during the studio session. I think we sold about 100 copies before I went to the Army. I never gave it a second thought until about three months ago when a friend said I read about you and the Sound Extraction.
As for the photo you show [at top of article], it must have been taken much later when the band had broken up. The boy playing drums in your photo is now a really good friend of mine named Donald Housman. I do not know the other people pictured.
I have 2 copies of the original 45 record. Just listened to it and not bad after all these years. Right now I’m back in the business with my own recording studio and I also do live sound for our 6 piece country/rock band. I would like to hear from any one in the photo or original group.
Tommy Taylor
pink label with a script “Satin” and no ribbon:
