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A Tribute To Old Time Country Music

Established 1998 (As Gary Sez)




Let's Go Back To The Early 1970s And Listen To
Johnny Noles & The Pretenders
At The Big Still



What's that you say? What's the Big Still, and who s Johnny Noles? Well let's start with "The Big Still". The Big Still was a Honky Tonk located on the banks of the beautiful caloosahatchee river in North Fort Myers, Florida. The Still opened it's doors as The Checker Club back in the 1940s, and in the mid 1960s changed it's name to The Big Still. During it's hey day, The Still had guest appearences by such country greats as Faron Young, Jack Greene, Charlie Louvin, Jeannie Seely, Billie Jo Spears, and many more. In June of this year (2005), after more than 60 years, The Big Still closed it's doors forever. It was a sad day for many of us old honky tonkers when the Still closed shop.


Big Still Lounge, Mid 1980s




Above and below photos of yours truly looking through
the fence and seeing something that just isn't there anymore.


Gary Carico - Photo by Debbie Carico - Nov 2009

In 2006, the owners tore down The Big Still for development which so far hasn't happened. It's still an empty lot on the banks of the beautiful Caloosahatchee river. Above photos taken in November of 2009. They even cleared the palms and other trees that lined the river banks behind the Still. Shame on somebody!



Now, who was Johnny Noles? Well Johnny was the first local entertainer that I remember playing at The Still. It was sometime in the late 1960s when I walked in the bar, and there on a tiny banstand in the corner was Johnny singing and playing guitar, along with Dave Harris on lead guitar, Steve Williams on bass and Kenny Byrd on drums. Together these four guys could put on country show that you would want to return and see over and over again. There were other house bands there after Johnny, but I don't believe any of them had that drive the these guys had.

I believe it was in the early 1970s that Johnny recorded a song called "I'll Pretend". Pretend was a nice balled penned by Johnny and Florida entertainer Sam Thompson. After this, the band would be known as Johnny Noles & The Pretenders.

Johnny Noles & The Pretenders never became big stars, but they did have their fans, and should be remembered for their contribution to traditional country music.

I have managed to round up some of the songs from my personal collection from Johnny & The Pretenders. I think you will enjoy these classic country songs from a true classic country band. Note: Please pay special atention to "Take Another Look Around" as written by good buddy and neighbor Carl Bowyer.


Johnny Noles & The Pretenders
L to R - Kenny Byrd, Dave Harris, Johnny Noles and Steve Williams
Photo from the early 1970s


Now rare back and enjoy Johnny and the boys while they sing some of their best for you. Click on title to listen in the MP3 format.

I'll Pretend
(Written by Johnny Noles & Sam Thompson)

Take Another Look Around
(Written by Carl Bowyer)

California
(Written by Sam Thompson)

Don't Be Angry

Framed

Front Row Seat

Hello Darling

I Might Try To Cry

Nothing Like A Woman

She's My Rock

Six Days On The Road

Little Joey
(Written by Sam Thompson)








Home To Gary's Country

Various Artists / Jimmie Osborne / Jimmie Logsdon / Little Enis / Asher & Jimmie Sizemore / Gary Link /
Jack Hall / Sam Thompson / Carl Bowyer

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Please note: I in no way profit from the music on these pages. All songs are from my personal collection and are placed here for your private enjoyment and educational purposes only. Enjoy!

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