The Burgoo Boys, are a bluegrass band from Kentucky. Their leader, John Henry Flort, heard Uncle June's Jug Band when both bands played one New Year's Eve at the same venue. John Henry talked to Uncle June himself, June McShary, and the two groups jammed together and a new group was formed. With a slightly rough, hoarse, but very musical, Uncle June became the lead singer. Uncle June and his group served to inspire The Burgoo Boys to tighten up their music, expand their creativity, and the groups melded together like they’d been playing together for years. And all of them were proud Kentuckians, and that was reflected in all their songs. The different instruments added by Uncle June’s group has expanded their sound as well.
GR50 Records held meetings with the two leaders on ways we could consolidate the names, even offered to give each group an individual contract. But they told us flat out, they already took a vote from all the musicians, and everyone including themselves, wanted the name of the group to be: The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June’s Jug Band, so that’s what it is!
John Henry approached Uncle June with an idea; would Uncle June like to make an album of some of the boys older songs? Hence, this 5 song album, Uncle June Sings! John Henry was no longer satisfied with the original versions of four of the songs. He wanted to add different instrumentation and June’s distinctive voice in hopes to make the songs even better. So while writing new songs, the group also revised those 4 songs. Uncle June had recently written a country ballad Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky as an anniversary present for his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary, and all the musicians agreed to include this song as well.
1. What The Hell Is Burgoo? - This song was originally written in response to some people commenting on their name and what burgoo was!
2. Roadkill Café - An idea used by many musicians, but we were immediately drawn to the humor of the lyrics and the quality of the musical performance.
3. Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky - This song was written by Uncle June as a gift for his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary. It’s a slow, country ballad and shows how Uncle June’s voice, while not being the most attractive musically, can be used for genuine heart-felt emotion. Uncle June told us the story:
John Henry approached Uncle June with an idea; would Uncle June like to make an album of some of the boys older songs? Hence, this 5 song album, Uncle June Sings! John Henry was no longer satisfied with the original versions of four of the songs. He wanted to add different instrumentation and June’s distinctive voice in hopes to make the songs even better. So while writing new songs, the group also revised those 4 songs. Uncle June had recently written a country ballad Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky as an anniversary present for his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary, and all the musicians agreed to include this song as well.
1. What The Hell Is Burgoo? - This song was originally written in response to some people commenting on their name and what burgoo was!
2. Roadkill Café - An idea used by many musicians, but we were immediately drawn to the humor of the lyrics and the quality of the musical performance.
3. Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky - This song was written by Uncle June as a gift for his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary. It’s a slow, country ballad and shows how Uncle June’s voice, while not being the most attractive musically, can be used for genuine heart-felt emotion. Uncle June told us the story:
Yeah, this be pretty much how it happened. I'm a country boy, used to git all cleaned up once in a spell an' go into Louisville to the picture show. Usually had my brothers and sisters with me, but this time I was by my own self. Don't 'member why, but anyhow, I never seen the girl before then, and there was somethin' 'bout her took my breath away. I were seventeen, had a few gal friends afore, but none of 'em affected me like this! I was kind a shy back then, still amazed I asked her to sit with me, but I did. Even more amazed she said 'yes'!
Uncle June McShary Found out later she was a city girl, so we come from two different lifestyles. Took us a bit to get used to the way each other done things, but it was never a case of one bein' better than the other. Just different. Long story short, we've been together ever since. Never had a break up, had our share of disagreements but we hung in there, got married, had four kids that are all growed now, got some Grandbabies too! Life with her has been great!
4. When Yer Up To Yer Ass In Alligators - Another humorous original, taken from an old country saying of perseverance among unforeseen circumstances.
5. Feed ‘Em Beans! - That The Burgoo Boys can write lively, toe-tapping, (and profane!) songs is shown in this example. The original is also a great example of the virtuoso musicians in the group, as the tempo is quite brisk. Now add that together with the virtuosity in Uncle June’s group, and you’ve got a quite different interpretation!
5. Feed ‘Em Beans! - That The Burgoo Boys can write lively, toe-tapping, (and profane!) songs is shown in this example. The original is also a great example of the virtuoso musicians in the group, as the tempo is quite brisk. Now add that together with the virtuosity in Uncle June’s group, and you’ve got a quite different interpretation!
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