| "A
Lion Named Sam" Roars Again
Memories of times past, the gifts of what we have today
and dreams that hold the promise of the future-this is what
anniversaries are all about.
This is what
"A Lion Named Sam" is all
about, too. "A Lion Named Sam"
is a song-and now a storybook-about a young boy and his
imaginary playmate. The two "roam the whole world wide"
and share great adventures.
In 1963, when
Jerre and Barbara Haskew were college students at the University
of Tennessee, Jerre was a folk singer and member of a popular
group known as The Cumberland Trio. The ensemble developed
a large following, performing on ABC's "Hootenanny"
show three times. "A Lion Named Sam"
always was a crowd favorite.
Years passed,
careers changed and families grew…while Sam remained
a treasured memory. Barbara, now provost and vice president
for academic affairs at Middle Tennessee State University,
realized a short while ago that the song would make a wonderful
children's book. She presented the proofs of the book, complete
with artwork by New York illustrator Patricia Mayes, to
Jerre on their 37th wedding anniversary in April.
"This song
has always been a real part of Jerre and he was just blown
away," Barbara remembers. In addition to the book,
" A Lion Named Sam" now
is digitally remastered on CD.
The original
cut of "A Lion Named Sam"
is one of fifteen songs recorded by The Cumberland Trio
in April 1964 at RCA Studios on Music Row in Nashville.
The session was produced by country music legend Chet Atkins,
with one microphone for vocals and one for instruments…and
no retakes. "Archie Campbell was a fan of The Cumberland
Trio and he recommended us to Chet," recalls Jerre.
"Chet did the two things a great producer is supposed
to do; he adjusted the sound perfectly…and he relaxed
us."
The reel-to-reel
tape of the trio's 1964 recording session had been stored
away safely for decades. Steve Wallace of Chattanooga's
DigitalVoiceWorks.com digitally remastered and engineered
the recording. Longtime frien and former Hamilton County
Executive Dalton Roberts, a well-known recording artist
in his own right, suggested locally owned Crystal Graphics
for the CD and graphics reproduction.
Approximately
1,800 copies of the book and CD, dedicated to daughters
Bonnie and Holly and grandchildren Matthew and Sarah McMullen,
have been produced and are being mailed to family and friends.
"Some things you do for money…and some things
you do for love," Barbara explains. "This was
done for love."
"The message
is to follow and believe in your dream, even if those closest
to you don't," notes Jerre. "Here is a piece of
music with a universal theme…and my wife with the vision
to see that this would make a great children's book."
Of course Jerre
has held onto his dream. Successful careers in banking and
broadcasting have been wonderful experiences, but music
is his first love. All he needed to keep his dream alive
was the inspiration of a loving spouse.
-
Mike Haskew, Chattanooga
On The Move Magazine, Winter 2001
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