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 #156, May-June, 2026.

In This Issue:

•  "Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile" - A Sad Ending.

• An Iconic Song From The 50s.

• DJ Ned Ward -  A Brian Wilson Tribute.

• Don't Worry Baby - Lorrie Morgan Cover Song.

• Original 1964 Framed Album Cover Art Of The Month.

• What's Next?

• You Might Also Like These Stories.

Let's Get Started...

We've Lost David Allan Coe, and Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile.

Mona Lisa Lost Her Smile was the first single from David Allan Coe's album "Just Divorced" and was released to radio in early 1984.

The song was written by Johnny Cunningham and remains Coe's highest-charting single, with a peak of number two on the Country Music charts.

Many, consider "The Ride" and "You Never Even Called Me by My Name" to be Coe's best, and quite different from his "Mona Lisa" softer voice and the unique arrangement on this song.

Thom Jurek of Allmusic said it best when he described the song favorably in his review, saying that "the layered strings and organ work are slick, but they add such warmth and depth in contrast to Coe's voice that it works to devastating effect." 

"Mona Lisa" is a mid-tempo ballad about a broken love affair, featuring allusions to the iconic Da Vinci painting as a metaphor for a relationship that has fallen apart due to the narrator's mistakes. The song presents the speaker as both the painter who created something beautiful and the person responsible for destroying it. A beautifully done country classic by Coe at his best. Sadly, Country Outlaw Legend, David Allan Coe, Died on April 29th, 2026 at the age of 86. 

A special video to honor this Country Legend. We hope you enjoy this video tribute to David Allan Coe.

Iconic Songs from the 50s - Take A Chance - 1957

The 1950s was a transformative decade for music, giving rise to numerous classic hits that continue to resonate today. These songs not only highlight the decade's diverse musical styles but also showcase the artists who became legends. The 50s laid the groundwork for future genres and remain a cherished period in music history. 

A perfect example would be Jaye P. Morgan's, Take A Chance, released in 1957 as the "B" side to "There's A Dream In My Heart." After nearly 70 years, this record doesn't need anyone's approval. It doesn't care if you stream it or skip it. It existed before many of you were born. Just old school pop vocal from back when singers actually sang, and orchestras didn't get replaced by a laptop. Jaye P. Morgan doesn't scream for attention. She owns the room without breaking a sweat. And it will probably outlive your playlist. I can picture Jaye laughing somewhere, martini in hand (as depicted at the end of the video), knowing she has already won. And, of course, she released her version of the 1920s classic “Are You Lonesome Tonight” a year before Elvis crooned it. 

 Ned Ward's Oldies Show - A Tribute To Brian Wilson.

DJ Ned Ward and his producer, Mr. Barney, often play memorable Classics. "Good Vibrations" was a perfect choice for our return visit last month to the "Oldies Show." Coming up on one year after Brian Wilson's death in June, 2025, Ned invited Vinyl Record Memories for a discussion about Brian Wilson's amazing accomplishments.  Ned also played a cover of the Beach Boys classic, "Don't Worry Baby," by Lorrie Morgan. A very nice addition to the interview. 

Photo courtesy of LaPine.org 

Ned and I talked about how Brian Wilson is regarded as one of the most innovative and significant musical figures of his era, distinguished for his high production values and complex harmonies, orchestrations, and vocal arrangements. We discussed the details that went into this song. Produced and composed by Brian Wilson, and released on October 10, 1966, it is considered one of the greatest works in rock and pop music history.

This first video is of Brian Wilson with The Wondermints, his backing band from 1999-2022, and what is considered by many to be his finest musical accomplishment, "Good Vibrations." This live performance with The Wondermints is the best version I have ever listened to. Ned and I discussed the original "Good Vibrations" production process reported to have been completed in seventeen recording sessions at four different recording studios in order to capture the sound Brian heard in his head. This year will be the 60th anniversary of the release of "Good Vibrations." Sadly, Brian Wilson died on June 11, 2025. He was 82. Thanks for the memories, Brian.

Don't Worry, Baby - A Brian Wilson Tribute With Lorrie Morgan.

Ned Ward also played Lorrie Morgan's cover of this Beach Boys classic, "Don't Worry Baby." The song was written  and composed by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian, and was featured on the 1996 Beach Boys album, Stars and Stripes Vol 1, released in August of the same year.  The Brian Wilson songs recorded for this album included a number of the group's best-known songs featuring country music artists. Brian was persuaded to rejoin the group and act as co-producer. Despite the Volume 1 sub-title it is the Beach Boys only venture into country music.  It is obvious during the session Lorrie was relaxed and happy singing with The Beach Boys.  What a treat, watching Lorrie Morgan and The Beach Boys sing together. Enjoy...Thanks, so much, to DJ Ned Ward, and his producer, Mr. Barney, for the return visit and interview, surrounded with memories of Brian Wilson and his amazing musical career.  

Framed Album Cover Art Of The Month - The Beatles 1964 LP.

Collectors often view framed LP album cover art as a unique blend of music and visual art, appreciating it for its cultural significance and aesthetic appeal. Unlike traditional art forms, album covers can evoke nostalgia and connect fans to the music, making them valuable both as collectibles and as artistic expressions.

The Beatles - Hard Day's Night LP - 1964

This 1964 Beatles Album, purchased new for $4.98,  has been in my collection since 1964. The retail price is stamped into the outer clear protective cover for this album.  Although the album is 62 years old, the LP cover itself (shown below) remains in like-new condition, even after all these years. The record itself shows signs of wear, mostly on side "A," but is playable on both sides. As of this date, current retail listings on Discogs reveals up to $450.00 for this LP, with many in the 100-200 dollar range. 

Discogs Listing information: This is the correct LP and has the black label with circles at the top.
First issue. This LP is the more common release and lists "I Cry Instead" (incorrect title) on the label of the record. Less common copies have the title correct ("I'll Cry Instead") on the label. All copies have the title incorrect on the cover. The Beatles tracks are not in true stereo on ALL UA stereo pressings, only the instrumentals are.

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.... 

You might also like these stories...

• The Contours recorded some songs with little success, but one song, originally written for "The Temptations," would change The Contours' lives forever. Let's step back to 1962 and relive some great vinyl record memories with The Contours and their exciting hit song, "Do You Love Me."
  

• This Norah Jones music tribute to Elvis is one of the better covers of the songs, and certainly the best by any female. Touches of smoky jazz, country twang, and even a little Memphis soul seem to flow through her original songs as well as her choice of other songwriters' material, including great choices of cover songs like this one. Enjoy this Nora Jones classic cover song.

• Bobby Vinton made quite a career out of extremely well-done cover songs, and in so doing, he was immensely successful. Following his cover of "Over the Mountain (Across the Sea)" Vinton released Blue Velvet the same year, his first #1 Cover Song. Enjoy the added storyline on this classic song, Over The Mountain.
  

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.

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