Amazing that Floyd Cramer's Grandson was able to play the very piano his grandfather used to make the recording of "Last Date" in the same Studio B that the song was recorded in back in 1960. Floyd was proud that his grandson took to the piano as he did!!
@@cindymolly3118 I'm taking lessons again after 55 years, and I'm doing some mozart and Beethoven. And I asked my teacher if we could do this one, he asked "why that one?' I said "cuz it's the prettiest song ever." And to do it right, it ain't easy
Jason, you play this so well. I think if both yourself and Floyd Cramer played this and we were blindfolded we would have great difficulty picking which one of you were playing. Job well done.
I actually got to play this piano on a special tour in November of 2011 in RCA Studio B. My cousin, Ray Edenton, was a member of the A team for many years, sadly he departed this world in November 2022; he and Floyd were good friends and were fellow A Team members!
I'm priviliged to have played that piano - during a tour of Studio B on my 60th Birthday. Tour guide said Elvis wanted to buy the piano but Chet Atkins wouldn't let him. He said if Elvis took it to Graceland then nobody would hear it anymore and it sounded too good for that to happen. Glad Elvis didn't get it!
My eyes still well up with tears at the first notes of Last Date. The memories are enumerable. This historic replay would make Grandad Floyd very proud, Jason!
In 1960, I was 15. I still remember hearing this song on my small transistor radio as I walked to school. I guess I was part of this wonderful era of music. I LOVE hearing all his songs. He was an amazing musician and composer.
My Mom gave me Floyd Cramer's album "Last Date" for my 15 th birthday in 1960.I still have it, the first album I ever owned, and still one of my favourite pieces of music.Your version is excellent Jason.Don Piercey
This great song was the favorite of all my mom's friends and I loved it every time it would they wanted to dance and dance we did no matter how many women were there I would dance with all of them to that song I was about 10 years old and it was so much fun
I've loved this by Floyd Cramer since I was 13 years old I'll be 70 this March along time ago thank you for sharing it brings back a lot of sweet memories
Thank You for sharing this peice of history with us ...Have love this song since it came out I was 12 took it with me to the military and many tears for sure ..Thanks Again...ol man way down in TX jd..Goodness Grace Happiness and this sick ol world needs more of it now more than ever....Peace
In December of 1960 I was doing my duty by serving in the US Army. Sometimes in the late afternoon the Army would give us an hour or so of free time to run to the PX to purchase personal supplies. It seems that the items most needed by some of us was a bottle of beer and a phone call to loved ones at home. Also we wanted to hear some music. We missed those things, home, music and beer. When we hit the PX door there was a mad rush to the Jukebox. If the country boys got to the jukebox first they would drop in a quarter and play Floyd Cramer’s “Last Date” three times. If the city boys got there first they would play Sam Cook’s “Working On The Chain Gang.” Once we had a confrontation because “Last Date” played 6 times in a row. The city boys were upset but it just resulted in a shoving match. Nobody gets drunk enough to fight on that low alcohol beer sold in Army PX’s. I had always had a thing for instrumental music and that slip note style of Cramer’s “Last Date” touched my soul, so I became a fan.
Absolutely beautifully played young man, Granddad will be very proud of this version & you. Thank you for rekindling our younger years growing up listening & dancing to Floyd Cramer's music. Thank you for sharing loved it.
Awesome. I only recently started watching your videos and since then I have fallen in love with these two families. I am from Jamaica and been listening to Floyd Cramer and Chet Atkins since I was a child. They were two icons in country music that I love even though I was from the West Indies where we are known for our own strong culture of Reggae music Bob Marley and so on with his great music and a legend . One Love is the named the song of the centry. To me country music has been musice I related to more than my own cultral back ground. Something about country that is just part of me and appeals to me more than any other style of music. Funny it is I am not the only Jamaican who feels like this. I will always feel apart. Cher Atkins and Floyd Cramer and Skiter Davis i Tammy Wynette and George Jones are the back bone of country. So pround and happy to see Jason fill his grand father's shoe.Most of all he is such a model family man and a man of faith. Just make him completly rounded and so iconic. Keep the music and style going Jason.
A few weeks ago, former Tennessean photographer Jack Corn told me he was in the studio that day in 1960, and heard Floyd playing around with the song. Chet told Floyd it sounded interesting and that he should finish it up and they'd record it. (They had already completed the session that was booked) Well, Floyd did as Chet directed, completed the song within a few minutes, and they recorded a major hit!
The harmonica performance by Charlie McCoy is great. For the (respectfully) uninformed research Charlie and know he is among the top studio performers for the Nashville sound. He was an excellent musician and rhythm specialist. He did as much behind the scenes as out front. He is legendary with Floyd, Chet, Boots, and many other country greats. Also did appearances on numerous country t.v. shows as well as Hee Haw. From the 10 hole blues harp to the chromatic players most all harmonica people know and respect the name Charlie McCoy.
lovely to bring that rich history that originated from this RCA studios during the days of Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer. I also enjoyed watching you sing with your Grand Dad (your first TV encounter as a young boy). Africa.
Thank you for all you do, to keep the memory of your grandfather's music alive. You are a _great_ pianist, and I'm truly enjoying this and your other videos very much.
I am a very obsessed music lover, all genres from heavy metal to new age, to classical now, but this style of piano haunts me for some reason. I first heard this from Rod Stewart with the Handbags and Gladrags song and researched to find out who was on the keys. This music style gives me the chills. I just plain love the feeling it gives me.
As my dad was a big cramer fan througout his whole life (his favourite number was "The big chi hua hua" though), and as this lovely melody was the signature melodie of a relatively well known radio broadcast in Austria called "Musik zum träumen" (music for dreaming) over many years, I decided this music should be played at dad´s funeral 1 week ago. It brings tears to my eyes to hear this piece - and probably will allways do - but I still love it very much, it´s so beautifull!!!!!
I think you all did a great rendition of your grandfather's song! I really enjoyed it, hadn't heard the name Charlie McCoy in many a year! Seen this was made a few years back,hope everyone is still doing well!♡
For what it's worth: 6 years before Floyd Cramer recorded one of THE greatest country songs ever; the sound on "Last Date" had already permeated the world of music. What do I mean? Please follow along: In 1954, a steel guitar player by the name of Bud Isaacs, drove 30,000 steel guitarists crazy; trying to figure out HOW Bud got that sound; which had NEVER been heard before. The recording made a fortune for the singer, "Web Pierce", with a song called "Slowly". But the sound came from Bud Isaacs' "Pedal Steel Guitar." And the sound was dubbed "The moving tone". Immediately steel guitar players, were told they had to play like Bud Isaacs on that recording. It was the birth of a brand new country melody sound; that caught the ears of an incredible world of music. It was so demanded that many singers told their PSG players, "If you can't play like Bud Isaacs played on "Slowly", we will get another steel guitar player!". Yes, it is one of the most beautiful sounds ever; when it comes to music. IE: "It grabs a hold and won't let loose LOL!". The sound "drove" many a singer into stardom and fortunes because of this "sound". Then guitar players began mimicking what Bud did; as did many other musicians. Since Chet Atkins was the master of all of country music during at that time; he felt that the piano could do it too. So he contacted Floyd Cramer and played a record that used the "sound". And he told Floyd, (Paraphrasing) "If you can do this it will be a seller" for sure. Floyd liked the idea and wrote "Late Date" to embellish the sound Bud Isaacs had done. And it was an incredible success. So Floyd made it his "signature" when playing the piano; using that "lick" he called "a Bent note". And it made him a fortune. And he has done ever since. Bless his heart. The following is the recording "Lick" that started it off' in 1954; and the recording in 1960 that Floyd carried it to a "high", that few have ever done. ua-cam.com/video/3B6FjkaY-O8/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/JvfG9uFswis/v-deo.html MANY musicians have adopted this "lick"; regardless of the instrument they play. All because of that "gotcha" sound by Bud and Floyd. May Jesus rest the souls of Bud Isaacs, Web Pierce, Chet Atkins; and may Jesus bless Floyd Cramer for what he has contributed to good music. Not to mention that he is one of THE nicest persons anyone could ever want. Again, for what ever it's worth.
Too bad the bass player in this video did not play it the same way as the wonderful Bob Moore did on the original recording. Bob played it with fewer notes which suited " Last Date" much better. I played upright bass on a cover version of this song many years ago and at first I played it the obvious way as this bass player did.But after I heard the playback I junked that approach and copied Bob Moore's line. It sounded much better. I am still playing upright bass and owe Bob Moore a huge debt of gratitude for everything I learned from his recordings.His playing has kept me motivated for almost 20 years.
I can see (or hear) why the bass player in this video opted for the busier approach. On the original recording, there's an electric guitar (played by Grady Martin, I believe) playing low notes in that busy pattern, while Bob Moore kept it anchored on the bass. In this live setting with a small band, there obviously had to be some economizing of parts, with the harmonica playing both string and voice lines, and the bass player combining Grady Martin's and Bob Moore's lines. Also, using bass guitar sounds better combining the original stand-up bass and low electric guitar parts - it would sound way too busy on a stand-up bass. But you are right, Bob Moore played a simple but excellent bass line, and all the other great Nashville player on that original session also played well. Those late 50s/early 60s Floyd Cramer records with arrangements by Anita Kerr were excellent.
Impossible to kill this song. To each their own, but I like the harmonica in this. Gives it just the right amount of edge and feeling. Much prefer it to the sappy string arrangements that nearly neuter the song.
Hey, if all you had was the harmonica player and he played Last Date, you would have thought it was great. Same with guitar, sax or other. Don't you think?
The harmonica might be a little heavy in the mix but "kills the song" is OTT. This was a first take of a live performance for visitors obviously on a tour with no opportunity to retake. if you listen carefully you can hear kids shuffling and making noise. Enjoy it for what it is and realize that perfection is an imperfect word.
I keep playing over and over, cant get enough
Amazing that Floyd Cramer's Grandson was able to play the very piano his grandfather used to make the recording of "Last Date" in the same Studio B that the song was recorded in back in 1960. Floyd was proud that his grandson took to the piano as he did!!
He is great
One of the most beautiful songs ever written. Well done.
Beautiful song and beautifully played.
My favorite song ever. You play as good as your Grandpa. Keep his legacy alive.
One of the most beautiful songs ever
@@cindymolly3118 I'm taking lessons again after 55 years, and I'm doing some mozart and Beethoven. And I asked my teacher if we could do this one, he asked "why that one?' I said "cuz it's the prettiest song ever." And to do it right, it ain't easy
You play the piano so nice sound just like your grandfather
Jason, you play this so well. I think if both yourself and Floyd Cramer played this and we were blindfolded we would have great difficulty picking which one of you were playing. Job well done.
I actually got to play this piano on a special tour in November of 2011 in RCA Studio B. My cousin, Ray Edenton, was a member of the A team for many years, sadly he departed this world in November 2022; he and Floyd were good friends and were fellow A Team members!
Beautifully played! This has always been my all time fav melody. Thnku for sharing 😊
I'm priviliged to have played that piano - during a tour of Studio B on my 60th Birthday. Tour guide said Elvis wanted to buy the piano but Chet Atkins wouldn't let him. He said if Elvis took it to Graceland then nobody would hear it anymore and it sounded too good for that to happen. Glad Elvis didn't get it!
I got to touch that piano in 1985.
OMG! Knowing the history of this song and now his grandson…. In tears!! 2024.
Beautiful amazing song I would love to have it on my Facebook page please.
My eyes still well up with tears at the first notes of Last Date. The memories are enumerable. This historic replay would make Grandad Floyd very proud, Jason!
Wow that's pretty special as I was in Studio B in 2004 when on a tour on holiday from the UK
Goosebumps is all I can say!
In 1960, I was 15. I still remember hearing this song on my small transistor radio as I walked to school. I guess I was part of this wonderful era of music. I LOVE hearing all his songs. He was an amazing musician and composer.
I loved my transistor radio!
Also loved ❤ my little transistor radio. So excited when I first got it.
I love mine too, and listened in on it to all those great songs , and l still have that same little Channel Master radio.
My Mom gave me Floyd Cramer's album "Last Date" for my 15 th birthday in 1960.I still have it, the first album I ever owned, and still one of my favourite pieces of music.Your version is excellent Jason.Don Piercey
❤beautiful 👍🏼
What an awesome tribute to a fine performer, and his grandson. Thanks to you all
Beautiful 😍
This great song was the favorite of all my mom's friends and I loved it every time it would they wanted to dance and dance we did no matter how many women were there I would dance with all of them to that song I was about 10 years old and it was so much fun
So Pretty and sentimental, brings back memories. All good.
My att time favourite piano piece
I've loved this by Floyd Cramer since I was 13 years old I'll be 70 this March along time ago thank you for sharing it brings back a lot of sweet memories
Brings tears to my eyes every time, but I don't know why..
I still listen to this video Jason...My all time favorite song...Thank You for carrying on your Grandfather's legacy...Miss him dearly..xxoo
love me some piano music
I just visited Studio B yesterday. This video was the icing on the cake! I’ve always loved this song!
Floyd and Chet - now there are two immortals. And multi-instrumentalist, Charlie McCoy, is king of country harp by a mile.
A great emotion to see The Legendary RCA STUDIO B wirh The musicians
Beautiful. What a historic privilege to play in that location on that piano - THAT song.
Awesome Piano Playing
I was 17 when this song came out. It really brings back the memories. WOW!!!!
Thank You for sharing this peice of history with us ...Have love this song since it came out I was 12 took it with me to the military and many tears for sure ..Thanks Again...ol man way down in TX jd..Goodness Grace Happiness and this sick ol world needs more of it now more than ever....Peace
In December of 1960 I was doing my duty by serving in the US Army. Sometimes in the late afternoon the Army would give us an hour or so of free time to run to the PX to purchase personal supplies. It seems that the items most needed by some of us was a bottle of beer and a phone call to loved ones at home. Also we wanted to hear some music. We missed those things, home, music and beer.
When we hit the PX door there was a mad rush to the Jukebox. If the country boys got to the jukebox first they would drop in a quarter and play Floyd Cramer’s “Last Date” three times. If the city boys got there first they would play Sam Cook’s “Working On The Chain Gang.” Once we had a confrontation because “Last Date” played 6 times in a row. The city boys were upset but it just resulted in a shoving match. Nobody gets drunk enough to fight on that low alcohol beer sold in Army PX’s.
I had always had a thing for instrumental music and that slip note style of Cramer’s “Last Date” touched my soul, so I became a fan.
Absolutely beautifully played young man, Granddad will be very proud of this version & you. Thank you for rekindling our younger years growing up listening & dancing to Floyd Cramer's music. Thank you for sharing loved it.
i can listen to this music for hours on in so calming .
Wonderful performance at The RCA VICTOR STUDIO B NASHVILLE
What a lovely song ❤
I grew up listening and loving this song! OMG Love this!
Favorite song, beautiful
It was then and is now perfect.
beautiful! we need more like this
Awesome. I only recently started watching your videos and since then I have fallen in love with these two families. I am from Jamaica and been listening to Floyd Cramer and Chet Atkins since I was a child. They were two icons in country music that I love even though I was from the West Indies where we are known for our own strong culture of Reggae music Bob Marley and so on with his great music and a legend . One Love is the named the song of the centry. To me country music has been musice I related to more than my own cultral back ground. Something about country that is just part of me and appeals to me more than any other style of music. Funny it is I am not the only Jamaican who feels like this. I will always feel apart. Cher Atkins and Floyd Cramer and Skiter Davis i Tammy Wynette and George Jones are the back bone of country. So pround and happy to see Jason fill his grand father's shoe.Most of all he is such a model family man and a man of faith. Just make him completly rounded and so iconic. Keep the music and style going Jason.
Hande hialavoly... Année 1960 Tamin'izany.... Nifankahita taminy zanak'io olona nanao ny émission... Grenoble.
what's not to love? simple, well played music.
Wow
I was in the 2nd grade when I had the album....Took it to Show and Tell....Pride...Loved FC always...
Very nice.
A few weeks ago, former Tennessean photographer Jack Corn told me he was in the studio that day in 1960, and heard Floyd playing around with the song. Chet told Floyd it sounded interesting and that he should finish it up and they'd record it. (They had already completed the session that was booked) Well, Floyd did as Chet directed, completed the song within a few minutes, and they recorded a major hit!
Powerful playing of your grandad's style. Thanks
And Skeeter Davis singing 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
The harmonica performance by Charlie McCoy is great. For the (respectfully) uninformed research Charlie and know he is among the top studio performers for the Nashville sound. He was an excellent musician and rhythm specialist. He did as much behind the scenes as out front. He is legendary with Floyd, Chet, Boots, and many other country greats. Also did appearances on numerous country t.v. shows as well as Hee Haw. From the 10 hole blues harp to the chromatic players most all harmonica people know and respect the name Charlie McCoy.
OMG
I was in studio B last week (November 2018)and I have some lovely photos which I will put up on my blog
I am a huge fan of your grampa and your playing!!! Bless you for keeping his legacy alive. You sound just like him!!! He would be so happy💕
lovely to bring that rich history that originated from this RCA studios during the days of Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins and Floyd Cramer. I also enjoyed watching you sing with your Grand Dad (your first TV encounter as a young boy). Africa.
Thank you for all you do, to keep the memory of your grandfather's music alive. You are a _great_ pianist, and I'm truly enjoying this and your other videos very much.
Oh, this takes me back. I was thinking about this tune all day today. Thank you.
This is beautiful. I was sitting here singing along with the added lyrics as done by Skeeter Davis. Amazing rendition here too!
I can't stop listening to this song!
Brilliant
what a beautiful song. Love it. thank you very much
Beautiful !!
sublime merci
I am a very obsessed music lover, all genres from heavy metal to new age, to classical now, but this style of piano haunts me for some reason. I first heard this from Rod Stewart with the Handbags and Gladrags song and researched to find out who was on the keys. This music style gives me the chills. I just plain love the feeling it gives me.
That was THE standard piano tune back in the day. Maybe it still is the standard.
Very beautiful Jason.A true joy to listen to. In reality, your music polishes the lens of one's soul.
This is really great! I can't even say how much I enjoyed this.
And I loved the harmonica too.
All of it wonderful!
As my dad was a big cramer fan througout his whole life (his favourite number was "The big chi hua hua" though), and as this lovely melody was the signature melodie of a relatively well known radio broadcast in Austria called "Musik zum träumen" (music for dreaming) over many years, I decided this music should be played at dad´s funeral 1 week ago. It brings tears to my eyes to hear this piece - and probably will allways do - but I still love it very much, it´s so beautifull!!!!!
that sound.
J'aurais bien aimé être là!
So Pretty, music like this just gets better with time, It makes me feel young ✅🌈
Great music!!
That room sounds great!
I think you all did a great rendition of your grandfather's song! I really enjoyed it, hadn't heard the name Charlie McCoy in many a year! Seen this was made a few years back,hope everyone is still doing well!♡
Hermosa melodía la escucho desde 1967
Super, everytime.
Lovely!
mike , i agree with you ,it kills a beautiful song
Love it!!! I wish you would publish your sheet music and write about your techniques. Merry Christmas!!!
I was there in 1985
For what it's worth:
6 years before Floyd Cramer recorded one of THE greatest country songs ever; the sound on "Last Date" had already permeated the world of music. What do I mean? Please follow along:
In 1954, a steel guitar player by the name of Bud Isaacs, drove 30,000 steel guitarists crazy; trying to figure out HOW Bud got that sound; which had NEVER been heard before. The recording made a fortune for the singer, "Web Pierce", with a song called "Slowly". But the sound came from Bud Isaacs' "Pedal Steel Guitar." And the sound was dubbed "The moving tone".
Immediately steel guitar players, were told they had to play like Bud Isaacs on that recording. It was the birth of a brand new country melody sound; that caught the ears of an incredible world of music. It was so demanded that many singers told their PSG players, "If you can't play like Bud Isaacs played on "Slowly", we will get another steel guitar player!". Yes, it is one of the most beautiful sounds ever; when it comes to music. IE: "It grabs a hold and won't let loose LOL!".
The sound "drove" many a singer into stardom and fortunes because of this "sound". Then guitar players began mimicking what Bud did; as did many other musicians. Since Chet Atkins was the master of all of country music during at that time; he felt that the piano could do it too. So he contacted Floyd Cramer and played a record that used the "sound". And he told Floyd, (Paraphrasing) "If you can do this it will be a seller" for sure.
Floyd liked the idea and wrote "Late Date" to embellish the sound Bud Isaacs had done. And it was an incredible success. So Floyd made it his "signature" when playing the piano; using that "lick" he called "a Bent note". And it made him a fortune. And he has done ever since. Bless his heart.
The following is the recording "Lick" that started it off' in 1954; and the recording in 1960 that Floyd carried it to a "high", that few have ever done.
ua-cam.com/video/3B6FjkaY-O8/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/JvfG9uFswis/v-deo.html
MANY musicians have adopted this "lick"; regardless of the instrument they play. All because of that "gotcha" sound by Bud and Floyd. May Jesus rest the souls of Bud Isaacs, Web Pierce, Chet Atkins; and may Jesus bless Floyd Cramer for what he has contributed to good music. Not to mention that he is one of THE nicest persons anyone could ever want.
Again, for what ever it's worth.
BARRANQUILLA COLOMBIA MARAVILLOSO
mein papa Bob played the upright bass on all the Floyd classics
Too bad the bass player in this video did not play it the same way as the wonderful Bob Moore did on the original recording. Bob played it with fewer notes which suited " Last Date" much better. I played upright bass on a cover version of this song many years ago and at first I played it the obvious way as this bass player did.But after I heard the playback I junked that approach and copied Bob Moore's line. It sounded much better. I am still playing upright bass and owe Bob Moore a huge debt of gratitude for everything I learned from his recordings.His playing has kept me motivated for almost 20 years.
I can see (or hear) why the bass player in this video opted for the busier approach. On the original recording, there's an electric guitar (played by Grady Martin, I believe) playing low notes in that busy pattern, while Bob Moore kept it anchored on the bass. In this live setting with a small band, there obviously had to be some economizing of parts, with the harmonica playing both string and voice lines, and the bass player combining Grady Martin's and Bob Moore's lines. Also, using bass guitar sounds better combining the original stand-up bass and low electric guitar parts - it would sound way too busy on a stand-up bass. But you are right, Bob Moore played a simple but excellent bass line, and all the other great Nashville player on that original session also played well. Those late 50s/early 60s Floyd Cramer records with arrangements by Anita Kerr were excellent.
oh ok i see yeah wow how about that
Wow. I think this is even better than Floyd's version. That harmonica is the perfect touch. Much prefer that to the orchestra backing of the original.
the noise of the people kill it, but its still good
Chet would be proud
Back when you were allowed to draw a crowd
Where can i read the lyrics?
I would love to know if anyone know the lyrics to this song.
Impossible to kill this song. To each their own, but I like the harmonica in this. Gives it just the right amount of edge and feeling. Much prefer it to the sappy string arrangements that nearly neuter the song.
Well truthfully this song should not be played unless one has someone to waltz with. That's the only way to fully appreciate it.
Oh man.....This is great!!!! oops maybe minus the harmonica
Yeah, the harmonica kinda drowned everything else out.
no harmonica please
Hey, if all you had was the harmonica player and he played Last Date, you would have thought it was great. Same with guitar, sax or other. Don't you think?
*******
Love it. WOuld be better without harmonica. Really like Emmylou Harris vocal version.
I'm sorry but the harmonica doesn't belong though!😯😐
Sorry but the Harmonica kills this song!!
The harmonica might be a little heavy in the mix but "kills the song" is OTT. This was a first take of a live performance for visitors obviously on a tour with no opportunity to retake. if you listen carefully you can hear kids shuffling and making noise. Enjoy it for what it is and realize that perfection is an imperfect word.
I heard this when it came out in 1960 early in the morning as I was about to go skiing
The harmonica ? Not good.
No difference sure it's not floyd