John Wesley Ryles - Kay

[ManTexDal]

A beautiful yet extremely sad song !

[musicmandon1]

Terrific song. Somebody thought my original song "Where did the DJ Go," on my channel sounded like this song. If so, I'm glad he thought that. I'd hate to hear that a song I wrote sounded like something by Justin Beiber or somebody. YUCK!

[willywilltoo]

still got original single at home and love it as much today as then

[Hunt2deth43]

He's from my town :)

[DemonicAngle15]

my dad had me looking for this song for about 4 years we spent alot of time under the hoods of the car or cooking going over the lyrics he couldn't fully remember and trying to figure out the name of the guy who sung it, it was some great father-daughter bonding time, then finally i found it, he looked at me the first time i played it and said thank you for spending my time for him to find the song, but it was some of the best time of my life!

[1967mustanggta]

Have a traditional country station in Danville, IL playing this a lot. My pet favorite oldie for now anyway.

[stuwrightfrom53]

I missed it when it was on the charts...heard it one night on AM650-WSM and have loved it since...whatta tune!

[rubberwishes2]

This is one of the best songs (country or pop) ever...tells a story...like a good country should...man what a tune...

[nahnni]

@rubberwishes2 ~Amen

[jamesrwill]

One of my my all time favorite songs! Thank you SO much for the post! :-)

[lthpd]

One of the greatest "one hit wonders".

[doughesson]

@lthpd He had others.Little Arrows & Cheater's Trap are a couple I can think of right now.This song's been on rotation on Memphis' classic country station for a while now & it's always a good reason to listen to it.

[MrBigrobmjca3]

Thank you to all the United States soldiers who have fought and whom continue to fight for the United States of America! God Bless you all!

[mander1295]

Wow, thanks for finding this. I have been searching for it for ages! I live in Nashville and I LOVE this song.

[tubby466]

i never heard this song until recently.i love it. great song!!

[MEDIADWG]

I used to listen to this on Armed Forces Radio while on temporary duty in Korea. Turned out my wife's name is Kay and we are still married.

[crowleysridgegirl]

Man,I heard this on the radio the other day,and,I had forgotten it,and how great it was.It will have you bawling,for sure,

[converseandcrayons]

ha i love this song :) my name is kay so i feel very proud haha.

[kennnmoran1]

I remember a friends grandmother died around this time and I tried to convey the words, "She will leave this words with flowers in her room" but fucked it up, oh well.

[txkartracer]

best writen song ever



[DaveWollenberg]

Wonder why when John Wesley started out, he put the Roman numeral I, after his name? Anybody know, please get back to me on it. God bless!

[kennnmoran1]

@DaveWollenberg I remember him being called John Wesley Riles the 3rd, as if he was named after his father, who had been named after his father etc, maybe google him?

[MrHayburner]

Had the pleasure of meeting John along with a gal named Lawanda Lindsey at the Ohio State Fair in 1968. They were guests of WRFD's Jack Bartley' in the WRFD pavillion. This was in the early days of their careers. John went on to be one of the most requested background vocalist in Nashville, having o long career in the industry he loves most.

[chuck696977]

OMG I have been looking for this song for 15 years now and found it here but cannot find it anywhere elce..,

if anyone can email this song to me I would just be forever in their debt ..,

I love this song soooo much and it meens soooooo much to me.,

thanks.,

chuck hall

[hushketty]

man, i just surfed by this one day, i remember him in 78,,hes was cute, 28, and a damn good singer

[70selvisfan]

He also did a song called "Shine On Me" that I can't find anywhere. Any suggestions?

[hushketty]

i remember when people put a dollars worth of gas and go and go on it

[lazyrat2006]

I love this song! I have lived in Nashville all my life and can really relate to the words of this song. I like this version much better than the original, Another classic!

[3larry13]

hard to find till youtube. but worth the wait and as good as the best. A hart felt song.

[paydaycharlie]

from juke box to laptop still sounds good

[Randync5]

Took me a while to figure out who sang this great song. Thanks for putting it on here.

[Greenhornet270]

a truly great song......

[molesq1152]

While driving down the road the other day I heard this song. I could not remember who sang this or even the name, just the words. I came home and googled it and found this video. This sure brings back some memories. Definitely a song on my playlist and on my I-Pod. Thanks!!!

[LnsGrn]

was at campbell in 67--nam in 68-go eagles

[bobby1970ify]

great country song todays music isnt even close. i will listen to the radio when they start playing music again. Bobby/singer/songwriter

[leftyhag1]

This is a real country song If we only had songs like this today I would tune it in again. County singer /drummer, Paul Bailey.

[cdwest65]

I just came home from Viet nam when this song came out.. I live in Nashville when I was drafted and was at Fort Campbell for basic..Remeber John

[leftyhag1]

I'M a country singer here in Sac and all these years I often think about this song.I was 19 when this song came out. Now I 'm going to sing it. I love it .This song is one of those songs that just stop you in your tracks. see you,Paul B...............p.s. (LIFES A BUMMER IF YOUR NOT A DRUMMER)

[bitethedevil]

Finally!!!! I've been looking for this song forever! THANK YOU!!!

[Thundakatt2001]

GREAT TUNE

[mtfm2]

Is it true that this song was written about Emmylou Harris? It is killer!! I can listen to it over and over.

[leftyhag1]

@mtfm2 me too Paul B

[bearonshow]

I don't know if this was written about Emmylou Harris but I don't think so, Emmylou was picked up as a harmony singer for Gram Parsons and went on from there and this happened after this song was written so the time frame does not fit

[lp1330]

This is the original- in the remake, the two young soldiers talk about a" war they never won" , instead of "how they hate the war in Viet Nam". The remake came out around the time of the gas crunch of 79, and I remember commenting to a friend that they didn't update the gas price in the remake, and he didn't believe me that it was a remake til it got to the war part, then he said "Damn. you're right"

[papaspikes]

I have also looked for this song for a long time...remembered the song and the artist, but could not remembeer the name of the song. heard a remake on the radio today and looked for it here...amazing...

[Schimmel1972]

Damn, I'm 37 and just heard this song on the radio a year or so ago. Dug it up here and I'm a fan. Can't believe I've been this deprived for so long.

[hhbaok]

This is the very best song ever written and performed brilliantly by a young man who should have been a huge star. This song is hard to find I thank you for posting it. There will never be a song better than this one.

[cpr4good]

Didn't know I even knew this song. Played it and the memories came flooding back. WOW!! This is songwriting.

[tduncan55]

I was only 13 years old songs like this(probally the best written ever!)sent me on a coarse to learn to sing(was not hard I was raised in Texas Honky Tonks)play guitar enough to sing by myself.I cut a record in 1977,leaned toward Elvis sound.The record was a 10" with a 12" hole in it but by God I did it.I play and sing this often in clubs and it goes over great they stop and applaud on the first verse.Thanks for putting it on youtube...Even the young stop in their tracks when they hear it!!!.

[kfeike]

3 Chords and the Truth.

[stevenhonse]

This song is so moving for so many reasons. The singer has every reason in the world to be bitter, yet his humanity overwhelms all else. The irony is his humanity is a curse that causes him to feel so much pain. I still cry when I hear of three rose petals on the front seat ... "At least she'll leave this world with flowers in her room." Thank you for posting it.

[hushketty]

i been hunting this for years, thanks from me to you,,,wow

[lanaanterry4ever]

this singer was a hit for me too in the seventies thank you all for the golden oldies soooooooooooooooooo very much country girl lana

[zzheavensdoor]

Thank you, thank you. Searched everywhere for this.

Remember it from 1968.

Very much of its time.

A great memory.

[louparte1]

jbc1974: Your cousin Hank Mills, wrote the greatest Country song I've ever heard - "Kay", by John Wesley Riles. I first heard it in 1968. I've never forgotten it. Decades went by & I wouldn't hear it. But I still never forgot it. And I remembered all the verses by heart.

[RaisingWar]

I have begged and begged for this song to be put on youtube...and now its here...thank you..has always been a big favorite...knew all the words and used to sing it...Ft.Gordon 69...thanks again and thanks for listening....

[bynee64]

I have this on vinyl. Great album...never thought I'd say that again! For those of you too young to remember, it's a large black CD!

[sonnyrme]

As the others, I have searched for years for this. I still sing it to myself at work. Thought I would never hear it again.Talking to a bud of mine tonight, he also played some with John, and he sent me the link. If there was ever a song that stayed with you for life,This is it. Even better news is that he married Joni.

Thank you John for this song

[fuckit0869]

I remember this song from when I was little! This man sings with so much soul and feeling in his songs that it has stayed with me for over 30 years. Great to find it again!

[tiav8r]

Great song! Reminds me of being a senior in high school in 68-69. I actually ran out of gas one night in my old Chevy when the line "my gas tank could use a dollar's worth of gas"! My buddies got a real laugh out of that one!!

[moutainbluebird]

great song,i heard this tonight on wsm.

[LaVerne37]

The first version...God how can I thank you for posting this? I searched for years for both versions, FINALLY found both albums in mint cond. One of the finest songs ever recorded!!! FIVE STARS!!! MANY MANY THANKS FOR POSTING!!!

Wayne in Texas.

[WA4RRN]

LaVerne...AMEN! I joined the Army in '68 and this was one of the more haunting song during my time, mainly for the verse he sang @ 1:25...

[cowboybard]

I agree with Warren That verse was haunting I was in the Army in 68 also down in Fort Gordon and i heard this song every day

great song.

[WA4RRN]

cowboybard...That's WA4RRN, my ham radio call letters...BOB for short.

KAY was always one of those songs that haunted me from back then...the loneliness, separation, isolation, etc. those "...Two Soldiers from Ft. Campbell told me..."...expressed!

In my grunt unit in Nam, it always came to mind when one of my bros got the infamous "Dear John" letter...

[fuckit0869]

God if I could only find the orginal tracks from the album I could die a happy soul! His songs have been with me in my mind for many many years.

[LaVerne37]

This track is from the 1968 album of the same name. John is in a cab and looking over his shoulder. This is the original version. Ten years later, John returned and re-recorded "Kay," sounding better than ever; with some lyric changes...both versions are excellent. The second album is titled: "Shine On Me," from 1978 and there are at least 4 copies of it in EBAY. You will be able to own these albums. Youtube and EBAY Rule!!! Buy the albums as mint as you can and burn onto cd later!!!

[budses]

Terry, what a wonderfully sad, sophisticated yet simple song.Thank you so much for all of this country solid gold.

Oh, by the way, no offense to Jophn, but I've loved Joni for years.

[BLZeeBubb]

one of the greats.

[korky8905]

Shortly after this song was released a famous female country sing sang this song with different lyrics as Kay replying to johns letter singing she is coming home. Does anyone know who she was and the name of the song ?

[jbc1975]

The song your thinking of was called "John" and was recorded by Wendy Dawn.

My cousin, Hank Mills, wrote both songs, as well as a bunch of others like "Girl on the Billboard", "Little Ole Wine Drinker Me", "Send Me No Roses" (Tammy Wynette, not Tommy Overstreet), "Angel's Sunday", "Mama's Little Jewel", and many, many more.

"Kay" was also recorded as an R&B arrangement by Billy Lee Riley in the 70's. It's very different, but still a great version. Enjoy.

Brad Collier (The New Minstrel Revue)

[tubester2009]

Brad, Thankyou, I'm desperat to find this recording. Any Idea's , "John" recorded by Wendy Dawn.

Is it or could it be on you tube , I've searched.

[joefax530]

DANG, this record is unbelievably great. Truly one of the most under-rated country classics of the '60s. Was he really just 17 when he recorded it? Amazing.

[rundawgrun]

I've hunted this song for a long time now, it's hard to find. So glad you posted it.

Doc in Texas

[iamjumbo]

this is a truly great song. i spent ten years looking for it before i found it two years ago, and made a cd with kay fourteen times, this original, and also the 1968 remake that he did. this original is still the best

[livingadream2]

It is a great song! Thanks for listening!

[PrairyErth]

Thanks! I had not heard this song in many years.

[livingadream2]

Glad you had the chance to listen to it!

[kcope001]

Cool song. My brother in law is a taxi driver here in Shreveport, LA, this song always makes me think of him, lol.

[PistolPete2]

I wish someone had an original recording

of this song. It is much better than this

one.

[chip10289]

This is the original recording,by John Wesley Ryles. It's the same one they still play on AM radio on country classics. Darryl Singletary recorded it a few years ago, but I always felt if Alan Jackson or Tracey Lawrence was to record it, it would be a hit again. Just my thinking anyways lol.

[gmn52]

In my opinion this song was about 30 years ahead of its time.

[sheriffstar1]

One of the best songs ever

[livingadream2]

It sure is! Thanks for listening!

[THB79]

Wonderful. I first heard this about 20 years ago and immediately loved it. It took several listens to figure out he was saying Kay, not "Hey".

Blame it on AM radio I guess.

[livingadream2]

I guess we will blame it on AM radio. Glad you stopped by to give a listen!

[GARYTEXAS]

the music, no the format, might have changed

but really my best thoughts are pre-F/M

[SummerRkl]

Shucks, it only took me several *years*!

[lockring2]

Reminds me of being dumped off in San Diego

at the end of 2nd tour of Nam.I felt completely lost and bewildered and wondered what I had come home to. This song brought to me major heartbreak because I thought he was saying Kate.Oh well!!!!!

[livingadream2]

Sorry you had major heartbreak but it is a wonderful song. Thanks for listening!

[fullyhow]

I haven't heard this great song in years. It made the charts here in Brisbane Australia at the time. Many thanks for posting it.

[livingadream2]

Your very welcome! I'm glad you stopped by!

[minnieirene]

Same here for Sydney radio listener. I just wish that I could buy a copy of this song. It was a late night favourite of mine but I have never been able to get a copy of it anywhere !

[lindaoak]

Thank you so much for this lovely song. Tears and memories.

[livingadream2]

Your very welcome, thank you so much for stopping by!

[lgcalvin]

Been looking for this song since I heard it in Dallas a few years back. Thank you for posting it. Alot of memories go with it.

[livingadream2]

So glad to bring back the memories! Thanks for stopping by!

[KYIRISH1]

Thanks again for playing John's songs.

As I commented before, I'd met and got to know John when he sang at Country Moe's in Louisville back in the 70's. What a great talent and a super guy. He's had a great career.

Terry L.

PGA Golf Professional

[jonij120]

Not a typical country song from 1969 - one of my favorites. Thanks so much.

[livingadream2]

Your very welcome, it's nice when you find "one of your favorites" when you don't expect it! Thanks for listening!

[JoeNarvaez]

I heard this song when I was a little boy, but never knew the name of it, just remembered a few lines, and found it here on Youtube! Very happy for that!  Don't think I'd heard it in almost 40 years!! I'm a singer, now, too, though--not primarily "Country," but always recognized great songs in any category.

[livingadream2]

I'm glad you found it! It's such a wonderful song. Thanks for stopping by!

[bigrobmjca]

Thanks so much for posting this. Been looking for this song on Youtube for years.

[livingadream2]

I'm so glad I could help! Thank you for listening!

[SummerRkl]

One of the most underrated songs ever released. The lyrics speak volumes.

[livingadream2]

I couldn't agree with you more! Thanks for stopping by!

[fantasyfish92]

Many thanks for posting this great song. I have been waiting for this a long time. Unfortunately, it doesn't get the play it deserves.

[livingadream2]

We can thank TwittyLady for her request, I might never have posted it, there are just so many great songs and trying to pick the ones I think people would enjoy the most is difficult part. Thanks again for listening!

[torpedonindy]

I've always loved this song i love playing this on my gutar and sing the song

[w9gar]

Great music! This takes me back to my days at Akin when I was young and the world was so much simpler. Thanks for posting. Been lookig for song for years.

[grammatosix]

Great Song! Great taste in music, TwittyLady!

[TwittyLady]

Oh, my gosh! I love this one. I really didn't expect you to have it. How can I ever thank you?

[jonitwitty]

Hi TwittyLady. I am married to John Wesley Ryles and I appreciate your comment. This is a great record. I saw your user name and had to say hi. My Dad was Conway. Maybe you were a fan of his too.

jonitwitty

[livingadream2]

I'm sure there are a plenty fans of your Dad's on here! I'm also sure TwittyLady and I are in the top 5 of his biggest fans! Thanks for the view and comment.

[jonitwitty]

Thank you so much! I love all Conway and John Wesley fans! I really appreciate your kind words.

Joni

[TwittyLady]

Hi Joni,

Thanks so much for replying! Please say hello to John and let him know how much I enjoy this song. My user name is definitely a tribute to your wonderful father. I absolutely idolized him. If you click on my user name you can review my favorites list and you'll see further evidence of my love for Conway Twitty, without question the greatest performer in the history of country music, and "The best friend a song ever had."

[TwittyLady]

Hey, speak for yourself! You might be one of his top five fans, but I'm definitely his #1 biggest fan!!! LOL

[livingadream2]

I said top 5 of his "BIGGEST" fans, that way I played it safe with all the other Conway Twitty Lovers. ;) (I guess I will have to post more just to prove it!!!!!!!!) Keep watching!!!!!!

[TwittyLady]

I can't argue with that; keep posting!

[KYIRISH1]

Hello Joni. I didn't realize you and John W. R. were married. Great. As I posted below, I got to know John casually when he sang in Louisville years ago. Hope you are both healthy and doing well. Give John my regards.

Your Dad was a great performer, a gentleman, and I'm sure a super father. I saw you all several times at Louisville Gardens. Boom, boom, boom!

Terry L.

PGA Golf Professional

[jonitwitty]

Thank you so much Terry. John and I have been married since 2005. We met back in the 70's but didn't see each other again until 2001. The good Lord brought us back together at the perfect time!

Joni

[tsgoff521]

Joni, Your husband is among the best I have ever heard. I was in Vietnam during all of 1970 and part of 1971. I never forgot this song and started hearing it again on an old AM station in Virginia that played classic country. My wife and I, like the two of you, found each other after years and have now been married for a little over 4 years. Best of luck to you guys and I hope he will be recognized for the great talent he has. Steve.