Billy Edd Wheeler (9th December Birthday)

[john poole]

Billy Edward Wheeler - born 9th December, 1932 (Whitesville, Boone County, West Virginia) - he co-wrote 'Coward of the County' for Kenny Rogers, but here's three of his other much recorded songs -

'High Flying Bird' - I first heard this by Jefferson Airplane - they took the song from a 1964 Elektra LP by Judy Henske. This version by the writer seems to be from 1967.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVaLjzzt3mU

'Coal Tattoo' - included on Billy Edd Wheeler's 1963 LP "A New Bag of Songs" (produced by Leiber & Stoller) - this recording by Hazel Dickens has been posted here before, but is probably the definitive version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah3SlJBr ... e=youtu.be

'Jackson' - also recorded in 1963 by both Billy Edd & the Kingston Trio. Nancy & Lee had the UK hit (1967) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnkuRQ8tjIE
or alternatively - Johnny & June at San Quentin (1969)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsd6WXisgLk
Jerry Leiber was the co-writer on 'Jackson', although he originally credited his wife Gaby Rodgers.

Billy Edd on working with Leiber & Stoller -
http://www.spectropop.com/BillyEddWheeler/index.htm