I'm looking to find information, music and documents, from the former Fort Smith / Van Buren record label by Ben Jack — Bejay Records. I'm not only looking for records, but any recordings or information about the days of Bejay Recording Studio, about the founder and musicians, about community or vocal groups, songwriters, or congregation members from the Van Buren/Fort Smith, Crawford/Sebastian Counties and surrounding regions who might have participated in concerts or recordings — any of that, even a single 45 or LP—would be a delight to learn about.
I'm interested in what happened to the artists, and contacting the estate, which may retain those rights to an era of music heritage which deserves to be remembered.
I can travel to you to archive collections, or buy them sight unseen.
I understand that Ben Jack made a steel guitar. I've never seen one. I'd appreciate even a photo; if you've got one hanging on the wall.
It's a long shot, but you never know if you don't ask.
Many thanks, and take care.
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Music performers and songwriters I've noted include Ben Jack of course, but dozens of others too. In no particular order:
Don Barnes, Preston Harrison, Leon Fulgham and the Dealers, Lucky Plank, Carl Haggard, Stan Barber, Bob Robert, Sharon Rakes, Buddy Pruitt and the Roughnecks, Debby Britten, Hogman and the Cheerleaders (real name Maxwell?), John Yasuda, The Pleasantaires, Misty Mountain Bluegrass, Bobby Whitaker, Gene Gasaway, Chain Gang, Junior/Jr. McGhee, Lanny Richmond, Bob White, The High Tide, Singers of Zion, The Offbeats, Dusty Shelton, Jeff Coursey, Johnnie Lee Wills and His Boys, Luke Royer and the Rounders, Dale Snow, The Christianaires, Lynn Matthews, Jimmy Kent, Cathy Parker, Linn Hobbs, Jerry Jaye and the Jaywalkers, Calvery Family, John Price, Darlene Battle, David and Darlene Robinson and the Elden Valley Boys, Jack Danials and Red Yeager, Fred Huber, The Twilights...