Tom T. had his own recording studio which he called “The Toy Box”.  One day out of the blue, he asked if Bonnie and I would mind recording an album with him.  Would we mind…we were ecstatic!!!  It was 1978 and we were dying to get back into a recording studio doing what we loved and missed the most, making records. He wrote all of the songs, two of them on the same day as the session.  In keeping with his style, they were all great songs.  Prior to the session, he had his wife, Miss Dixie, order yellow T-shirts for the production staff and everyone connected with the session.  In big black letters, the shirts read:  “THE BROWN’S IN TOWN AND TOM T’S GOT ‘EM”.  I mean he was treating us like royalty. I don’t think I’ve ever been around a more thoughtful person in the business.  Some years before, he and his brother had dinner at my home.  Afterwards, he sent me a dozen yellow roses. Lord only knows how many pickers and singers I’ve fed over the years but only Tom T. ever sent me flowers.

After the session, he and Miss Dixie hosted a huge surprise party for us at their home in Fox Hollow. They invited many of our Nashville friends.  It was the bash of the year in Music City, USA. Everyone had on their party clothes and here Bonnie and I showed up in those yellow T-shirts.  I think this was a surprise to everyone, Bonnie and I coming to a champagne and caviar party in T-shirts.  We were so embarrassed and tried to explain that it was a surprise and we knew nothing about it. Our friend, Ralph Emery who was one of the guest said, “hey, these are all your friends, so don’t worry about it”. After a few drinks, we didn’t.

I was in the process of writing my book. On one of my many trips to Nashville, going through all the archives, I took a copy of the manuscript to Tom T. at his home in Fox Hollow.  The book was only half-way finished but I had to know if it had merit, should I finish or should I forget it? I knew I could depend on Tom T. for his expert opinion.

We rode around the farm in his red pickup truck, talking about my book.  Being a country girl, he knew I would enjoy seeing his farm, especially the gazebo he built as a get-away while concentrating on writing. We wound up at a hardware store where he bought some tools and a weather radio.  I left my manuscript with him and returned to my home in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Within a few days he sent it back with a note which said:  “FINISH THIS, ITS GREAT, AND IF I CAN EVER BE OF ANY HELP TO YOU, LET ME KNOW”.  I mailed the manuscript to every contact he had, and he had a bunch!

When the University of Arkansas Press decided to publish, I called and asked, “what shall I do”?  His answer was, “sign that contract, now”.  I said, OK, but only if you will write the FORWARD. There is no doubt in my mind that the FORWARD written by Tom T. has been a major factor in the sales of my book, “Looking Back To See”.  It has been on the best seller list for seven years and now an E-Book. Negotiations are also under way for a movie to be made from my book. Perhaps the most exciting of all since publicaton of Looking Back to See is being the honoree of the 2012 Literary Award, in Marshfield, Missouri. This award will be presented to me at the annual “Cherry Blossom Festival” on April 26. The Literacy Medal presentation is an annual event honoring the city’s first librarian, Ella Dickey.”

The words, “thank you” seem so insignificant when it comes to my gratitude for the help and support of my friend all those ten years when I felt like giving up. I learned the true meaning of the word “determination” from the best Story Teller I have ever known, THE GREAT, TOM T. HALL.

Great Pies for a New Year!

Everyone deserves a great desert from time to time. These recipes from my mother’s old southern Cookbook may find a happy place in your home. Let me know how you like them.

RHUBARB PIE;
3        Cups chopped Rhubarb
1        Cup Sugar
1/2     Teaspoon grated Orange Peel
3        Tablespoons Flour
2        Tablespoons melted Butter
1/2     Teaspoon Salt
2        9 inch Pie Shells, (one for cutting into strips)
Combine chopped Rhubarb, sugar, orange peel, flour & salt.  Mix well.  Pour into a 9 inch pie crust.  Dot with Butter.  Put stips of Pie Crust on top.  Cook for 10 minutes at 450 degrees.  Reduce heat to 350 & continue baking for another 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is nice and brown.

RAISIN PIE
1        Box Raisins (15 oz. size)
1/2     Cup Sugar
3        Tablespoons Cornstarch (mixed with small amount of water)
1        Tablespoon Vanilla
1        Tablespoon Butter
1        Tablespoon Sugar
2        Pie Shells
Put Raisins & Sugar in a saucepan, cover with WATER.  Cover pan & cook for about 5 or 6 minutes, or until the Raisins have swollen.  Mix Cornstarch with a small amount of water until dissolved.  Add to mixture.  Cook until Raisin mixture thickens.  Remove from heat, add Butter and Vanilla.  Pour into unbaked pie shell and top with another pie shell.  Make several holes in top of pastry so steam will escape.  Dot with Butter, then sprinkle some Sugar on top.  Bake approximately 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees, or until nice and brown.

BUTTERMILK PIE
3        Eggs, beaten
1 2/3  Cup Sugar
1/4     Cup Flour
1/2     Teaspoon Salt
1        Cup Buttermilk
1        Tablespoon Vanilla
1/2     Cup melted Butter
Mix all ingredients together, adding melted Butter last. Pour into an unbaked pie shell.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 and continue baking for one hour.  (Note: a puddle of butter may form in the center, but don’t worry, it will absorb into the filling. this pie is delicious).

SWEET POTATO PIE:
(This makes two pies)
3        Average size Sweet Potatoes
2 1/2  Cups Sugar
4        Eggs, beaten
1        Large can Pet Milk
1        Stick Butter, melted
1        Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2     Teaspoon Allspice
1/2     Teaspoon Salt
PASTRY FOR TWO PIES
Wash & boil potatoes.  Cool & peel.  Mash with a potato masher.  Add sugar & mix well.  Add beaten eggs, milk, salt, flavorings & butter.  Mix all together.  Pour into two pie shells.  Bake at 375 degrees until brown & knife inserted in center comes out clean. Prior to baking, sprinkle sugar on top, this helps make them nice & brown.  (Note:  You may cut this recipe in one-half, but my family loves Potato Pie so much, there is never enough, therefore, I make two pies.)

I think you’ll enjoy this recent article about Bonnie and Brownie Ring, featured in The Arkansas River Valley publication, by Connie Las Schneider. Read Here.

We had the same mother and father but we were as different as daylight and dark. The only thing we had in common was, we both loved singing harmony with our brother, J.E. and we both liked to party. I have always maintained, “If you have never partied with Bonnie Brown, you have missed half your life”. She has always been the life of any party, the belle of the ball. The word “bell” has been associated with Bonnie for most of her entire life.

We went through some rough times together living at home with our parents as well as traveling all over the world entertaining. Some were good, some bad, and some indifferent. But we have always remained a close knit family and a never ending love for each other.

‘BELLS STILL RING FOR LOCAL LEGEND–THEN AND NOW” is a great story about Bonnie and her husband, Brownie. Bonnie Brown Ring will always be my fun loving sister, and truly THE BELLE OF DARDANELLE.

1 Cup Onion, diced
1 Cup Celery, diced
1 Carrott, slivered
3 1/2 Cups Water
4 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 Cups Potatoes, diced
1 Package chopped Broccoli, (microwave for about 7 minutes)
1 Pound Velvetta Cheese, diced

Bring water to boil. Add 4 bouillon cubes, celery, onion & carrots. Cook about 15 minutes or until tender. Mix in chicken soup and diced up cheese. Stir until smooth. Add Broccoli and heat until hot. Good served with crackers.

1/4 Cup Butter or Margarine
4 Heaping Tablespoons Flour
1 Quart Milk
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Cook Potatoes & Onion in one pint water until tender. Mash & set aside. Melt butter in large sauce pan. Stir in flour, stir until flour has dissolved. Add milk slowly, stir until smooth. Add the mashed potatoes, black pepper and salt if more is needed. Cook over very low heat until it comes to a boil, stirring frequently to keep from sticking. Serve with cornbread squares or muffins. This is better than any medicine. When any of my children started getting puny, I made them some POTATO SOUP.

2 Pounds ground beef, or ground turkey (browned and drained)
1 Large Onion, chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Can Pinto Beans with liquid
1 Can Red Kidney Beans with liquid
1 Can Whole Kernel Corn, or Hominy with liquid
1 Can Ro-Tel
1 Small can green chilles
1 Can Stewed Tomatoes
1 Package dry Taco Seasoning
1 Package Ranch Dressing Mix
2 Cups Water (more if needed)
Chili Powder & Crushed Garlic to taste
Crushed Tortilla chips and shredded Cheddar Cheese for topping.

Brown beef, onion & bell pepper in a large pan. When done, drain off all fat. Put back in pan or large pot, add rest of the ingredients. Add Chili power and garlic if desired and simmer for about 45 minutes. You may wish to add some salt to this recipe. Serve with Tortilla chips or Cornbread.

As a kid in the fifties I grew up in New York City. I had no exposure to country music. In those days you did not hear country music on the radio in the Northeast.

My family enjoyed Perry Como. He had a very successful weekly TV show for many, many years. One day he was talking about this great new trio who was on RCA with him. He said The Browns (Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie) were bringing Country Music to the pop charts and letting the world hear some of the finest harmonies and sweetest sounds you will ever hear.
“I became a country music fan because of The Browns.”

In the fifties and sixties The Browns were a household name in country and pop music. They even made the R&B and Gospel charts. Ralph Emery named them one of the most popular and influential groups off all time in country music. They had hit after hit topping country and pop charts. They took country music to the next level from a southern regional music to international phenomenon. If it were not for The Browns and a few other artists of the “Nashville Sound” era, Country Music may have never found its worldwide appeal. The Browns were produced by Country Music industry legend Chet Atkins. They recorded at legendary RCA Studio B. The same studio of which Elvis Presley and Jim Reeves recorded.

The Browns were on the famous radio show The Louisiana Hay Ride in the middle 50’s they had a good friend that was on the show that hung out with The Browns, his name was Elvis Presley. Soon, The Browns scored a hit with “Looking Back to See” in 1954, not long after that Elvis seemed to do pretty well for himself too.

In the late 50’s The Browns were even contacted by a group of young men in London soon to be known as The Beatles. They asked The Browns to help them learn how to get that perfectly tight harmony. If you listen to The Beatles very early recordings you will hear that effort.

The Browns appeared on all the popular TV shows of the time; Ed Sullivan, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, Perry Como Show and many, many more. In a few cases they were the first country act to ever appear on those shows. They were nominated for Grammy’s multiple times in Country, Pop and Gospel music. They were Vocal Group of the year several times. Their achievement list is long to include here.

The Browns were among the first country acts to have cross over hits onto the pop charts. It worked as a double edge sword because some elements in country music thought them too polished or over sophisticated for country music. Their pop audience always looked at them as great country trio with impeccable sound and wonderful songs.

The Browns scored hits like The Three Bells, Scarlet Ribbons and The Old Lamplighter. These songs have been appearing on classic hit compilations in Country, Pop and Folk music for 50 years. The Browns, Jim Ed, Maxine and Bonnie took harmony to an all new level. As a brother sister act they grew up singing together. They pronounced their words the same and they perfected their melodic structures to melt their harmony together like three parts to one voice. Now, nearly 60 years after their first county hit they still appear together on occasion. They recently appeared on Legends of Country Music on PBS and Jim Ed has had solo hits and hits with Helen Cornelius. He has remained a long term member of the Grand Ole Opry and appears around the country as a Legend of Country Music. Jim Ed has been host to four weekly TV shows over the years and appears on all the Country’s Family Reunion shows. The Browns appeared on it too.

Simply put…The Browns changed the listening audience for country music. Country Music was mostly a regional music in the southeast but The Browns brought country music to the next level. They spread country music nationwide and worldwide.

Maxine Brown has written a fantastic book called “Looking Back to See” named after their first hit in 1954. Her book chronicles The Browns legacy in Country Music. Maxine’s story is one every country and pop music fan should read. Maxine has a great ability to remember her lifetime. Her ability to recall in detail the Browns more than 50 years in the industry is amazing and extremely interesting. You can visit Maxine’s website at www.themaxinebrown.com

1. New Movie About Hank Williams
2. Recent Article about Maxine Brown
3. Holiday Season Recipes and Drinks

New Movie for Classic Country Fans – Don’t Miss This!
by Maxine Brown

“THE LAST RIDE” will be coming to theaters in your area this month. This is a movie film about the country music legend, Hank Williams and his last three days on earth. View the Movie Trailer Here.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Hank, but I know his daughter, Jett. She has 4 songs in the movie. Along with her husband, Keith Adkinson, they are big supporters of the movie and have worked closely with producer Harry Thomason, and producer/music director, Benjy Gaither. One does not need to be a country music fan or even know who Hank Williams was to enjoy this movie. His legacy will live forever through his music and his songs. This film is about two people needing just one good friend. It is a film of hope, optimism, and ultimately redemption on one man’s last ride into eternity.

Inspired by the mysterious final three days and the drive through the Appalachian county side in the dead of winter, we see a lonely two-man odyssey. A boy just coming of age, being hired by someone he never before met, to drive the troubled singer and his powder blue Cadillac from Montgomery, Alabama to West Virginia for his next show date.

He never made it. Hank died in the back seat of his blue Cadillac on New Year’s day, 1953. He was a victim of his own torment. He knew he was going to die. I have a paragraph in my book, “Looking Back To See” which states a true fact about a country music singer. (They will drive a thousand miles, all for no pay, just to hear themselves sing). Hank Williams was determined to make that show date. He almost did and all he left behind was his guitar and a notebook full of unfinished songs.

I had the distinct honor of being a guest of Harry Thomason during the premier of “The Last Ride” held in Little Rock , for it’s 5th anniversary Film Festival. I highly recommend this film for the entire family.

Everyone associated with the making of this great movie should win an academy award. I have a feeling they will, especially Harry Thomason. Don’t miss it!!

ENJOY THE RIDE

Maxine Brown

Three Bells Still Ringing for Maxine Brown

By Judy Normand
This article appeared in the October, 2011 edition of SEALife Magazine, published by the Pine Bluff (Arkansas) Commercial

Maxine Brown’s favorite motto is simplicity itself and echoes the sentiments of the still-feisty, no-nonsense woman she is today: “In order to have a good life, we need someone to love and be loved, something to do, something to look forward to, and a good BM every day.”

Maxine, her sister, Bonnie, and her brother, Jim Ed, are firmly ensconced in the hearts and minds of millions across the globe as The Browns, the award-winning trio most identified with an iconic story-song about Little Jimmy Brown “The Three Bells.” This huge million-seller, along with “The Old Lamplighter” and “Scarlet Ribbons,” landed the group on the Ed Sullivan Show on May 8, 1960.

Before their ultimate success at hundreds of important venues, including Ed Sullivan, American Bandstand and the Grand Ole Opry, however, the Browns paid heavy dues to climb their ladder of success, often blocked by their own naiveté and the unscrupulous scoundrels who were hell-bent on exploiting talented newcomers; scoundrels who, quite literally, tried to steal their musical souls.

“I’m still trying to get back the rights to some of our music,” Maxine said. “It’s been 50 years … it’s about time.”

Commenting on some pitfalls concerning a solo career, Maxine said the master recordings of her songs were literally in the ground for 40 years — buried by Slim Williamson of Chart Records as a result of a dispute between Williamson and RCA. It’s a long story, she said, one of so many sad, frustrating episodes, but, this one had a happy ending. She duplicated the lost songs, which are now available on her CD, “Sugar Cane Country.”

Having made musical magic with her siblings for most of her 80 years, Maxine says today that she claims no particular title — maybe “old lady”, she says, laughing — but nevertheless has added author to her resume’. A best-selling complement to her significant contributions as a recording star, is “Looking Back to See”, an intensely personal country music memoir of her ride on an emotional rollercoaster that’s taken her from depths of despair to exhilarating highs and back again. The book’s title is also the name of The Browns’ first hit, written by Maxine and inspired by her younger sister, Norma.

“I wrote the book because I wanted to tell our story … for my own satisfaction, really,” she said. Copyrighted in 2005, “Looking Back to See” has been on the bestseller list at the University of Arkansas Press for years and has earned the No. 25 spot on the publisher’s all-time list of bestsellers.

Maxine now lives in North Little Rock, in the home where she raised her three children. During a recent telephone conversation, Maxine said, flatly, “I don’t do interviews. I just can’t do it. I hate it!” So, we simply chatted — about home, family, politics, individuals who’ve impacted her life (positively and negatively), her loyal fans and time spent living in Pine Bluff. Hesitantly, Maxine began “looking back to see” what she could find, reminding me that most anything I’d want to know was in her book, a labor of love, she said, that was 12 years in the making.
In the acknowledgement section of Maxine’s book, she wonders if she’s gotten her point across and whether or not it’s ever a good idea to share “the agony of remembering.” The need to tell, however, proved cathartic and she’s shared her story brilliantly “to the best of my knowledge, memory and ability.”

Remembering the overwhelming challenges of juggling a showbiz career and family life, Maxine said that, of course, this is something all entertainers face, but declares that this particular balancing act is impossible.

“If I could change anything about my life,” she said, “I’d never have gotten married. You just can’t do it and have a career, too.”

Maxine is quick to point out that, although her marriage, at 25, to Tommy Russell (a proposal both her mother and Elvis advised against), ended after seven years, the children born of that union are her pride and joy. Jimmy lives in North Little Rock, near his mother; Alicia is in Maumelle and Tommy Jr. Is in Arizona, but visits as often as possible. In fact, she said, he’s the one who created her website: www.themaxinebrown.com. Maxine also claims the title of grandmother, with six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Maxine’s life, as well as the lives of Bonnie and Jim Ed has been filled with great success and devastating loss … a rollercoaster, indeed, but their spirit and their music survives. It’s chronicled, in “Looking Back to See”, as well as on her website and Facebook page, with unflinching honesty tempered with Maxine’s straightforward American country wit and charm … the night in Germany when she and Jim Reeves (the person she most admires) stole Hitler’s beer steins; Elvis’ love of her mom’s cooking and his one-time, peculiar affinity for pink underwear; the success and destruction of the Trio Club in Pine Bluff and the house the Browns built behind the club (“That house was so beautiful,” she said. “It’s not beautiful anymore.”); the only person she ever asked for an autograph, Eddy Arnold; the night in 1964 on American Bandstand when the Beatles named The Browns as one of their favorite groups; topping the charts over Elvis in 1959; naming “Ground Hog” as a favorite Browns song, simply because Chet Atkins “picked” on it; and, appearing, touring or simply counting as friends nearly every star — most country, some not — in the heavens.

The Browns were described, by the Disc Jockey Convention (later the Country Music Association — CMA) as being a group with “mind, body and soul in perfect pitch.” It’s called “tempering harmony,” Maxine said. “It means harmony that can’t be matched by a musical instrument.”

It’s a fitting description for the music made by Maxine, Bonnie and Jim Ed — unmatched. Their loyal fans, scattered across the globe, agree. Emma Diane Robertson is a 30-year-old Browns fan from Scotland.

“It was actually Jim Ed I heard first in a radio station called Brand New Copy here in Scotland. I was 15 and a massive country music fan. I heard ‘The Three Bells’ and didn’t even know who sang it, but I found out it was The Browns … so, I looked it up online and found out it was Jim Ed and his sisters. Then, I thought I’d look up Maxine on Facebook, and there she was! We’ve been friends for a year, now and I love Maxine. She is a great friend; funny, loving, caring. I never thought I’d be so blessed to be friends with a star and also stars like The Browns,” Emma said.

Emma’s taken her country music passion to the next level by posting many of The Browns songs on Facebook and on a special page she’s created just for “The Browns.”

Another fan resides in California and has an impressive resume’, himself. Harry Thomason, of “Designing Women” fame, is currently at work on a project that will, hopefully, bring “Looking Back to See” to the big screen.

“Harry is a great man,” Maxine said. “I sure hope we can do this. I don’t know who I see playing The Browns, though. Haven’t thought that far ahead!”

Jim Ed, Maxine said, is now in Brentwood, Tenn., and is still entertaining. Bonnie lives in Dardanelle. Though not performing together these days, their shared life experiences have created an unbreakable bond and, despite debilitating health issues, including brain surgery in 2009, Maxine’s determination to live life on her own terms persists. Her “knowledge, memory and ability,” apparently, are solidly intact.

Maxine’s website — www.themaxinebrown.com — is filled with all things Brown … from updates on The Browns and their music and letters of praise from far and near, to her mother, Birdie Lee Brown’s famous cobbler recipes. She’s compiled all of her mom’s recipes and hopes to get them in book form, soon. “She’s left us such a great legacy,” Maxine said.

“When we were singing, the ‘top’ for me, I guess, was when we were selling millions of records, traveling all over the world and in demand,” Maxine said. It was a great time, she added, and memories of those days, for the most part, are good — a life lived “on spotlights, coffee; fans and cornbread.”

Holiday Season Recipes!

** ‘WITCHES BREW’
(A Brown’s favorite PUNCH) A must for Christmas or Halloween.
This is powerful, make sure you have a designated driver.

1 1/5 bottle of 190 proof Alcohol
2 Quarts Ginger-Ale
2 Quarts Sparkling Water
2 1/5 bottles Vermouth
2 1/5 bottles Burgundy
2 Large Cans Pineapple Juice
2 Large Cans frozen Orange Juice
1 Gallon Lime Sherbet
25 Lbs. DRY ICE

Combine all except Sherbet and DRY ICE. Let stand overnight in a Stone Crock or Glass container. Just before serving time, stir in the Sherbert. Pour into a Punch Bowl and start adding some of the DRY ICE. (DO NOT PUT DRY ICE IN BOTTOM OF PUNCH BOWL, AS IT WILL BREAK IT) The Punch will seem to be boiling over, but it isn’t. This is real pretty and delicious. We call it WITCHES BREW. Do not over indulge, and don’t drive.

** PARTY PUNCH (For the designated driver)

1 Large can Frozen Lemonade
1 Large can Frozen Orange Juice
3 Large bottles Strawberry Soda, (cold) use 28 or 32 oz. size
2 Large Cans Crushed Pineapple, with juice
1 10 oz. package Frozen Strawberries

Have all very cold before putting in Punch bowl. An ice ring made of Lemonade is very good and will keep punch cold without having to add any ice.

** CHAMPAGNE PUNCH

1 Quart Cran-apple Juice, or 1 Qt. each of Cranberry and Apple
1 Bottle Catawba Juice (White Grape)
1 Small bottle Lemon Juice
1 Quart 7-up
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Flavoring
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Bottles Champagne.

Chill until very cold. Mix and place in punch bowl. Add Cold Champagne last. Make an ice floater and place in bowl with punch.

** PUMPKIN BREAD
1 1/2 Cups Oil
4 Eggs
2 Cups canned Pumpkin (1 large can)
3 Cups Flour (all-purpose)
3 Cups Sugar
1 3 oz. package Instant Coconut Pie Filling Mix
1 Teas. Salt
1 Teas. Baking Soda
1 Teas. Cinnamon
1 Cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 Small package Coconut

Combine Eggs, Oil, and Pumpkin, beat well. In a separate bowl, mix Flour, Sugar, Pie Mix, Salt, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Nuts, and Coconut. Add to Pumpkin mixture, mix well. Bake in two loaves (9x5x4) for approximately one hour at 350 degrees.

Enjoy the recipes with your loved ones, and don’t miss this wonderful movie, out in October and playing nationwide.
Cordially,
Maxine Brown

Many of my Facebook and website friends have asked about my life today, and what I’m doing. Though its always rewarding to write about those early years, my fellow entertainers, and places of interest, I decided for this newsletter I would try and answer a few of their questions.

My lifestyle would not be exciting for most people, but I enjoy it.  I still live in Arkansas and and have a wonderful family — three children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Writing Looking Back to See took over ten years. It’s very rewarding now to see the book touch people’s lives, and to see it sell well. It’s now the 3rd best seller of all time at the University of Arkansas Press.  There’s some serious talk of a movie going on. And the website now keeps me pleasantly busy. I have my little shipping room where I wrap all the orders for books and CDs myself, and always add a personal note.

I enjoy doing interviews about the book. Mostly now they’re by telephone, since traveling and touring around at my present age just doesn’t work any more. I can’t seem to accomplish as much as I used to. I don’t know if I’m mellowing with age, or what? I just know that what I used to do all night, now takes me all night to do.

Many people want to know why I never re-married. The answer is quite simple. No one ever asked me!  I don’t think they wanted a ready made family, and my kids always came first. I never met a man who was willing to shake hands first. I wish I could have patterned my life after one of my favorite mottos:  “In order to have a good life, we need someone to love and be loved, something to do, something to look forward to, and have a good BM every day.”

If I had my life to live over, I would probably find a good soul mate, if for no other reason, to drive me around to various doctor appointments.  (I have a back scratcher from Walmart). Also, I am constantly asked “when are we going to join brother Jim Ed and Bonnie on stage at the Opry or do any concert appearances?”  I am afraid those days are over for me now, due to health problems.  Sooner or later, age catches up with us. I’m at peace with that.

On July 3rd, 2009, The Three Browns re-united on stage of the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate 50 years of our signature song, “THE THREE BELLS”.  All of our family was there, over 40 people! We have had a great career in spite of all we had to endure. The Browns are proud to be recognized as “Legends of Country Music”. It’s hard for me to understand, however, why we haven’t been accorded more recognition within the Country Music industry.  The fact that we had so many songs, filled so many concert halls and still have so many million selling records listed in those “greatest hits” packages advertised in magazines and on TV prove that we made a huge impact.

I have been able to recognize that most of the not so good things that happen in life are beyond my control.  I’ve learned to enjoy my life today, and count my many blessings, and let go of the past and that old tyrant called self-pity. I LOOK BACK now and then, if only to find the meaning of things, good or bad.

We had our share of triumphs but all we ever wanted or needed was a good song to sing and good people to sing it to. Our song started out with three poor as dirt kids dreaming wildflower dreams.  The chorus took us all over the world, and the last verse brought us right back home to our strong beginnings.

THANK YOU
MAXINE BROWN

* You will find some of these thoughts are from my book, LOOKING BACK TO SEE).

* Enjoy The Brown’s music, posted on my website.

* We’ll have more recipes for you next month.

maxine_brown_2

The Story Behind A Mama’s Prayer
by Maxine Brown

Writing has always been my passion. I often wrote for my own satisfaction. After the break-up of The Browns, Bonnie and I opened our own recording studio. On many occasions, I would turn on the tape recorder and play the piano while singing and recording some of my original material. I would then store the tapes in a big antique trunk which is now full of out dated country songs.

Recently, my son Tommy, who manages my website, came home for a visit. I asked him to help me decide what I should do with all my memorabilia, which I had so carefully preserved. In doing so, he ran across the sheet music and this old tape of “A MAMA’S PRAYER”. Being touched by the words, he wanted to put it on my website.

I can remember my grandma Tuberville telling her stories of the hardships she went through trying to raise six children, the share cropping they did for first one and the other, the loss of her husband during the flood of 1928, no food and no money. Then, my mother, surviving the loss of a child. These were two of the strongest women I ever knew. If either of them ever suffered from self pity, they suffered in silence. It inspired me.

The Lord has answered that prayer. My three children are are all grown now. I have six grandchildren and one great grandson. My prayer now is to live long enough to see what they become. A MAMA’S PRAYER is a prayer all Mothers can relate to. This song was never finished but I hope you will enjoy listening as much as my son Tommy enjoyed hearing it for the first time.

Maxine Brown

Enjoy more free music at my store. Listen Now.

COBBLER DESERT RECIPES

BLACKBERRY COBBLER
(Mom fixed this on my recent Arkansas visit. It was so good I asked her to make a second batch. You’ll love this! – Tommy)

1 Quart Blackberries
1 Cup Sugar
2 Heaping Tablespoons Flour
2 Tablespoons Vanilla

Mix with enough WATER to cover. It takes a lot of juice to make a good Cobbler. Taste to make sure its sweet enough, if not add a little more sugar.

PASTRY;
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Evaporated Milk (1 large can)
4 Heaping Tablespoons Baking Powder
2 Sticks Butter

Place 2 sticks Butter in heat proof, deep dish casserole (casserole must be at least 4 inches deep). Mix flour, sugar, milk & baking powder together. When butter has melted in casserole, pour the batter directly over hot butter. Then, pour the berry mixture directly in center of batter. Bake at 400 degrees. The dough will come up around sides and over top to form a complete crust. Bake until its nice and brown all over. Remember: You must use a deep dish.

THIS IS ALSO GOOD FOR PEACH AND PLUM COBBLERS.

FOR PEACH COBBLER, MAKE THE SAME WAY, ONLY USE
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Teaspoon each of Cloves and Allspice
1 Cup Sugar, and 2 Tablespoons Flour

PLUM COBBLER:
Make just as you would Blackberry Cobbler;

This is an old fashioned recipe handed down through many generations of my family. Its quick, easy and so delicious. Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream if desired.

Desert Recipes from Moma Brown’s Cookbook

1 Box French Vanilla Cake Mix
Cook in two layers, according to box directions

Mix Together:

1 Can Eagle Brand Milk
1 Can Cream of Coconut Milk
1 Tablespoon Rum Extract, or use pure Rum

1 Large Can Crushed Pineapple, drained
1 Medium size can (or box) Coconut, divided
1 Large container, Cool Whip, divided

Punch holes in first layer with fork, or round wooden spoon handle. Mix Eagle Brand Milk, Coconut Milk & Rum.
Pour over and into holes. Top with Pineapple, Coconut and Cool Whip. Put on second layer & repeat. Completely surround cake with Pineapple mixed with some of the Cool Whip & Coconut. Sprinkle Coconut all over the top. Keep in refrigerator. (You will make this over and over, its very delicious).

Mississippi Mud Pie

FIRST LAYER;
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1 1/2 Sticks Butter, or Margarine, softened
1 Cup Pecans, chopped

Mix flour & margarine together with a pastry blender until it looks like meal. Fold in chopped pecans. Spread evenly in bottom of a 9X15 inch baking dish. Bake approximately 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees, or until nice and brown. Cool completely.

SECOND LAYER:
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 8 oz. package Cream Cheese, softened
1 Large carton Cool Whip (use about one half , save rest
for the top.

Mix sugar and cream cheese. Add about one-half of large carton Cool Whip. Spread over first layer.

THIRD LAYER;
2 Small packages Chocolate Instant Pudding and Pie Mix
or, use one large package.
3 Cups Cold Milk

Beat until set. Spread over second layer. Chill. When set, top with remaining Cool Whip. Keep in refrigerator.

Love,
Maxine Brown

1) The Great Jim Reeves
2) Recipes
3) Website Visitor Comments

JIM REEVES was the best friend The Browns ever had, from the beginning of our career, to the end of his.

Because of the close association and admiration, we tried to follow in his footsteps. We were both on the Louisiana Hayride, record mates, RCA and Fabor, the same manager, and then winding up being screwed by the same DEVIL.

Jim played rhythm guitar on our first record, Looking Back to See which was recorded in the studio of KWKH, Shreveport. He made the statement, “If this record hits, I’m quitting the business”. At that time, he had a smash hit, “Mexican Joe”.

We toured together all over the Pacific Northwest. Not only did we spend time touring, but he spent a lot of time with our mom & dad at their deer camp. They hired some prisoners from the local penitentiary to do all the cooking and cleaning. Everyone loved the aroma of outdoor cooking, the jokes and deer tales. It was Jim’s favorite past time, and a chance to get away and enjoy life.

I have always maintained that The Browns and Jim Reeves were instrumental in pioneering this business. Singers and pickers caravanned in their own cars. There was no tour buses or smooth four lane highways. We would finish up one show late at night, then drive 12 or 14 hours to the next show date. We got tired early and stayed tired. The only fun we had was entertaining on stage in front of people. It was one hardship after another. People get into the music business out of love for the music, they stay and endure all the hardships out of love for each other.

There is no telling how many times Jim wished he had never given up his baseball career.

After one of our tours was winding down and we were headed home, Jim decided to get rid of his battered trailer. It wasn’t easy pulling those tacky things all over the rugged terrain we had to travel, and the Rocky Mountains. When we reached the highest point of Pikes Peak, he pulled over, unhooked his trailer, and with his foot, pushed it over the side of the mountain. It rolled and tumbled into what seemed like a bottomless pit. You could hear his laughter all the way down that mountain.

In 1957, Jim arranged a tour of Europe in conjunction with the United States Air Force. This was our first trip to Europe and without a doubt the most memorable and eventful experience of my life. We played all the Air Force and Army bases. Each time we took off, we traveled in an Army transport plane used to transport soldiers during the war. We had to wear parachutes. Back in those days, women didn’t wear slacks or pantsuits so it was quite an awkward deal to strap one of those chutes between your legs. All the guys enjoyed seeing us strapping those contraptions on. They fit like a big fat G-String. The only place to sit was on the floor, if you could manage, so we had to stand up and hope we didn’t fall, most of us did. I have never felt so stupid or embarrassed in my life. (Just another reason to think we pioneered this business).

We lost our friend, Gentleman Jim on July 31st, 1964. He had piloting his own plane and had been to a little town in Arkansas, checking out some property he wanted to buy and was on his way home to Nashville. He was within two miles of the airport when his plane disappeared.

What a sad, bitter time it was. They found the wreckage about a mile from Jim Ed’s home in Brentwood. Sadly too, Jim died on Bonnie’s birthday. We recalled all the times on the road that Jim had sung Happy Birthday to Bonnie and had always been the life of the party. I think that Jim was probably afraid in that last dark storm, but I bet he was laughing and probably singing. Singing right into the face of that black storm.

This is just one of the many stories I had trouble writing. You can read these in my book, “Looking Back To See” Jim taught us many things about the business of music. We will always miss him.

Maxine Brown

Mama Browns Sweet Potato Pie

(This will make two pies)

3 Average size Sweet Potatoes
2 1/2 Cups Sugar
5 Eggs, beaten
1 Large can Pet Milk
1 Stick Butter, melted
1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1/2 Teaspoon Allspice
1/4 Teaspoon Salt

2 Pie Crust Shells

Wash and boil potatoes. Cool and peel. Mash with potato masher. Add Sugar & mix well. Add eggs, milk, salt, flavoring, and butter. Mix well. Pour into pie shells. Bake at 375 degrees until done and slightly brown. (Note: Before baking, sprinkle a little sugar on top of pies. This helps to make a pretty brown top).

*********************

Old Fashioned Lemon Chess Pie

2 Cups Sugar
1 Tablespoon Flour
1 Tablespoon Cornmeal
4 Eggs, beaten
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
3 Tablespoons Grated Lemon Rind
Juice of One Large Lemon
1/2 Cup Coconut

1 Unbaked Pie Shell

Mix all ingredients together. Sprinkle some coconut in bottom of pie shell. Pour all ingredients into shell and bake about 45 minutes at 350 degrees, or until set. (Note: If using sweetened coconut, you may cut down on sugar, it may be too sweet).

Many great comments at the website. Great to hear from everyone. Enjoy the recipes, website and my store. Lots of free online music posted there now, in the store.

Recent website comments:

* Dear Maxine, Your website gives me the opportunity to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Looking Back To See after hearing about it from JE on an appearance on Larry’s Country Diner. I was singing along on the Browns records in the early 60s, and have been a big fan all these years. In my opinion that era of CM is the best. These days I enjoy your music on youtube, wish I could find more of your videos from that time. Thank you for all the memories of your wonderful harmonies. God Bless you, Bonnie & JE. (Bill Gordy)

* Maxine! How wonderful that you have this web site! I’ve been wondering how you’ve been doing lately, and it’s so good to see you haven’t lost a step. Great web site! I hope everyone can get a chance to listen to your music and, of course, read that wonderful book of yours! Every time I hear one of the Browns’ songs on my radio, I smile. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! And an even better New Year! (Randy Francis)

In 1965, The Browns made a six week tour of Japan. The tour was organized by RCA Records for the purpose of promoting the Nashville Sound. Tokyo had just started the “Tokyo Grand Ole Opry”. Chet Atkins was the Arranger and Producer for the Nashville RCA Artist. Those on the tour, besides The Browns, and Chet Atkins, were Hank Locklin, Skeeter Davis and some of the best musicians in Nashville.

It was red carpet through out our tour. We toured the entire country of Japan. Sometimes they could not understand us but they loved our music and we had sold out crowds in every city.

Our tour guide was a major help to us, especially the menu. We were starved for a good old hamburger and home cooking. Hank tried to teach the cooks in the hotel where we were staying in Toyko how to prepare a hamburger, all to no avail. I think we all lost a lot of weight eating fish and rice.

One day the tour guide suggested to the Navy Commander that we have a home cooked meal with all the sailors. They were delighted to have lunch with all of us. They were not near as delighted as we were. They served us “Navy Beans and Cornbread”. We ate so much, we had a “stinking good time” for the remainder of that day.

They let us use their PX for supplies we needed. I had run out of stockings and since the Japanese have such little feet…(or, I have such big ones), I was extremely proud of that chance to purchase some stockings.

With all this devastation of Japan, I am reminded of those gracious people and the chance to entertain them, with some of the greatest artist in the world. Our friends, Chet, Hank, Skeeter, and that wonderful Nashville Sound Crew. None of whom are with us today.

I am so thankful that Jim Ed, Bonnie and myself are still here to share this little bit of history with each of you. It saddens our hearts to think of those yesterdays and losing our friends but most of all for the suffering going on in Japan. May God be with them all.

Maxine

I am constantly being asked to share more stories that are not in my book. I have several and happy to share a few. A lot of un-truths have been written about him. You have to know the person and be with him daily to know the real Elvis and what a gentleman he was. I will never write anything that isn’t true and I will always uphold the legacy of our friend, Elvis Presley.

I enjoyed sharing the Graceland stage with Scott Williams, the Fan Relations President, and the Host, Tom Brown, of Turner Network. (Tom and I are not related, though I refer to him as my Kissin’ Cousin). The following is one of the stories I shared with the Elvis fans on one of my appearances. I thought I would share the following with my Facebook and newsletter friends.

I used to do all the laundry for us. We would save all our nickles and dimes for the washeteria. I tried doing only one load as it would be too much for two machines. One time I happened to throw in a pair of my red silk panties. I know I had seen my mom wash them a hundred times in the past. But this time, everything came out pink, all the boys undershorts, shirts and socks. Everyone was upset. Everyone that is, except Elvis. He loved the color pink, as everyone knows. I told the guys, “don’t worry, when we get to Tyler, I will have Billie Perryman show me how to bleach and we will get those things back white again.

Tom and Billie Perryman were our friends and they were the ones who booked us together off the Louisiana Hayride. Back in those days, Elvis was paid $100.00 a day, and out of that he paid Scotty and Bill $25.00 each. The Browns were paid $125.00 a day. The three of us liked to eat high on the hog, therefore none of us ever had any money.

Billie helped me get the boys belongings back white again. Elvis refused to let me bleach his shorts, shirts or socks. He said, “I want them to stay this color”. He wore those socks I know for a whole month. He was afraid if I washed them, they would fade. They got to smelling so bad that someone–I think it was Scotty Moore–caught him asleep an took those socks and threw them out the car window, along with his shoes.

We got way on down the road (from where we had been staying), and Elvis was mad. Scotty assured him that we would stop at the next department store and buy him some new socks and shoes. It was Sunday and we had a show that night. I told Scotty, “You won’t be buying anything today, everything will be closed.” Back then, we had what was called “The Blue Law” which prohibited Sunday sales of certain merchandise. All of the department stores would be closed. You couldn’t buy a pair of shoes of socks to save your life.

Scotty said, “Well, the only solution is, go back and find those shoes and socks”. Nobody would ever believe this, but he drove right to them. Even the buzzards wouldn’t touch those things.
Elvis did the show that night with those stinking shoes and socks. The next day Scotty and Bill found him some new shoes but no pink socks. I said, ” I bet he wouldn’t know the difference if we bought him some pink girl socks.” Sure enough, we found some and bought every pair the store had. We all split the cost, only too happy to do so. Sometimes that smell was just too much for us hillbillies.

Bill Black found some silk polka dot undershorts. He thought he would play a joke on Elvis and buy him these boxer shorts, as he never seemed to have any clean shorts. The Joke back fired, Elvis loved those shorts and refused to let me wash them….so, the boys had to find another men’s store and find him some more silk underpants…They were not able to find the polka dot ones but Elvis didn’t care as long as they were silk. Elvis never let Cotton touch his skin after this. Eventually he let me wash his under clothes. I always wandered why he never had any. Only Elvis knew the answer to this question.

Beat Eggs until foamy: Add sugar & cornstarch. Mix well. Add milk, vanilla & salt. Cook in a double boiler until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Pour layer in bottom of pudding pan. Add layer of vanilla wafers and bananas until all used up. Top with whipped cream. (If you are using the whites for topping, then beat until very stiff, adding 2 tablespoons sugar. (NOTE: This serves a bunch, but if you are making this for Elvis, Scotty and Bill plus my hungry bunch, it took a lot). This was something I always made for Elvis, it was his favorite.

BANANA PUDDING: (This one is easy, Maxine’s favorite, it has NO eggs).

1 Large Jello Cook and Serve Vanilla Pudding Mix
(Cook according to directions)

When the mix starts getting thick, remove from heat, and add 2 tablespoons Vanilla flavoring. Pour into bowl, alternate with bananas and vanilla wafers.
Top with whipped cream, or cool whip. Crush a few vanilla wafers and add to top. (This is best when the whipping cream is poured on top while the mixture is still hot. Let it run all down through, delicious!!!)