Gene Maltais

about

Born 21 May 1933, Concord, New Hampshire Gene developed an interest, like so many others, whilst in school and started playing in a local restaurant. However having completed his education, he decided he wanted to see some of the USA and started to travel picking up work as he went but eventually returned to New Hampshire. Here he started to hone his musical skills but it became evident that he was not going to get the break he wanted and so hitch- hiked to Nashville in 1957. He knocked on the doors of many of the record companies but often failed to get past the receptionist. Finally, he managed to get a secretary at Decca Records to listen to him. As luck would have it, Webb Pierce was walking by as he was singing 'Crazy Baby'. Being duly impressed, Pierce contacted Decca president Paul Cohen in New York and an appointment was made for Cohen and Maltais to meet when the latter visited Nashville two days later. Cohen signed Gene and a session was arranged for the next day, 19th April 1957, following a Brenda Lee recording date. The tracks 'Crazy Baby' and 'Deep River Blues' were laid down and issued on Decca 30387. Backing musicians included Hank Garland on lead guitar and Owen Bradley on piano. These are two great rockin' sides that were eventually issued about six months later but which failed to achieve the predicted chart making impact. In the interim Gene had returned to the Manchester area of New Hampshire and became a 'must see' attraction. When it became apparent t

top songs

albums

That'll Flat Git It Vol 2

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lux and ivy's favorites volume one

Rockabilly Rampage

lux and ivy's favorites volume 4

26 Deranged and Smokin' Cool Cats

Gang War

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The Cramps' Jukebox

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The Raging Sea / Gangwar

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1950s Rock N' Roll & Rockabilly Rare Masters

Keb Darge and Little Edith's Legendary Wild Rockers Vol. 3

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100 Best Surf & Rockabilly Hits

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Lux and Ivy's Favorites Volume 1

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