Vinyl Record Lovers Newsletter

Vinyl Record Memories isn't just another classic vinyl record website. It's classic vinyl straight from the heart, where original oldies, classic country, soul, and rock n' roll crash together in the kind of beautiful wreckage that brings back memories of a person, a time, or a place, and makes you feel alive again, growing up in this very special time in history.

Issue #157, July, 2026.

In This Issue:

• More Than Just LP Records.

• Our Visit With DJ Ned Ward.

• Closing In On 50 Years. A Dolly Parton Favorite.

• We Remember Connie Francis. A Vinyl Record Memories Classic.

Let's Get Started...

Collecting Album Cover Art. More Than Just LP Records.

Do you collect vinyl records or vinyl record art?  Some of us purchase and enjoy the vinyl cover artwork more than the record itself. In February, 2018, I dedicated a section in the Vinyl Record Lovers newsletter based on the Framed Album Cover Art I display on the walls of my hobby room home office. I revisited some additional articles friends have sent me over the years. Many who contact me are curious as to what I look for when I purchase a vinyl record.

My answer is simple...I collect Vinyl Records based on the strength of the Album Cover Artwork. I'm not initially looking for the vinyl record, although the record must come with it. If the record is in excellent condition that's a plus, because many are not. I'm looking at the album cover artwork. Is it clean, without stickers or labels, is the color faded or does it have ring wear showing through the album cover.

Album Cover Art immediately grabs your attention. Your first impression might be...WOW, that's a great looking album cover!  Displaying album covers as art can make for a wonderful wall display that reflects your individual style. It's a great ice-breaker, something unique and creative, starting conversations about music, art, and all things retro. More often than not, this is what attracts you into picking up a record you have no knowledge of and discover gems because of it.

Music is an essential part of everyday life and it asks nothing of those who experience it. It's easy to take it for granted, I do not. I put more effort into music and that makes it much more rewarding for me. I listen and take in different parts of a song, the background singers, a piano or saxophone that comes to life and seems to quietly overtake the main voice in the song, the very reason I appreciate and admire session players. 

It's a ritual of sorts. You read through the album cover liner notes, look over the art work and photos and it reconnects you with the importance of the music inside. You place the record on the turntable, ease the tone arm onto the vinyl, hit the "Back to the Future" button and within moments, it's a nostalgic return to all those special moments you may have enjoyed during the golden age of vinyl records.

Ned Ward's Oldies Show - A Tribute To Buddy Holly.

DJ Ned Ward and his producer, Mr. Barney, often play memorable Classics.  "True Love Ways" was a perfect choice for our return visit to The Oldies Show.  Ned invited Vinyl Record Memories for a discussion about  this very special song, written especially for Holly's wife.  After nearly seventy years the song True Love Ways once again sets memories in motion recalling the year 1958 and those beautiful Buddy Holly lyrics.

                                                                            Photo courtesy of LaPine.org 

Ned and I talked about this special song and how Holly introduced string arrangements with this particular song.  Known by fans as “the string sessions” it would be the first and only time Holly worked with an orchestra.

This beautiful song was written by Buddy Holly (though also credited to Norman Petty) and recorded with the  Dick Jacobs Orchestra on October 21, 1958, in the presence of Buddy's wife, Maria Elena Holly.

True Love Ways was recorded as part of Buddy’s final studio session at New York’s Pythian Temple, alongside "Moondreams, Raining In My Heart, and It Doesen't Matter Anymore." Watch and listen to this beautiful Buddy Holly song and pay particular attention to the string arrangements.  Ned and I discussed the impact of this great song and the love that inspired it. Thanks again to DJ Ned Ward and his choice of one of our favorites for this interview. Enjoy this original classic love song that is as beautiful today as it was when it was released more than 60 years ago.

A Dolly Parton Favorite - You're The Only One.

Included on Dolly's Great Balls of Fire album, this song, approaching 50 years, was released as the album's first single in June 1979, topping the U.S. country singles chart, and was her fifth consecutive #1 song since 1977. "Sometimes you've gotta go away to find what you left behind." The lyrics give us an opportunity to look back on old memories and have our past feelings validated by someone's lyrical masterpiece.  

We Remember Connie Francis - "Frankie" From 1959.

As you listen to the music notice how simple the lyrics are but how much emotion Connie puts into this song. One of the more popular 50s Teen heartbreak songs ever.

Listen to her grand and powerful voice and how true her sound is. A clear example why her songs have held up over the years. Absolutely beautiful.

Another one of our favorite Connie Francis heart breakers you rarely hear played on the radio. A true vinyl record memories classic. God bless you dear lady for all those wonderful musical moments you shared with me and my friends during our teenage years. 

Sadly, Connie Francis died one year ago this month on July 16, 2025, at the age of 87.   

What's Next?

Another original Framed Album Cover Art and story from our collection.

I hope you find time to visit more great stories about growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s. You can start here.... 

Golden Oldies - Follow These Links For A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane.

Fifties Doo-Wop page -  More Links To Your Classic Street Corner Symphonies.

Check Out Our Favorite Remakes Of Original Songs. 

How About those Cars of Dreams We Grew Up With.

Return To Home Page.