SUPER RARE 45 ? EMMYLOU HARRIS ? ALL THE KINGS HORSES ? REEKERS HANGMEN

John Guernsey Group

"All The King's Horses" 

A lullaby featuring Emmylou Harris (vocal)

b/w 

Claude Jones

"The King Of Slang"

Sweet Breeze Recording Company 

Picture Sleeve & Lyric Insert

7” 45rpm Single

1974    

Rarest of the rare: Goldmine Magazine’s imposssible to to find masterpiece. The original 7 inch pressing of Emmylou Harris singing "ALL THE KING'S HORSES," (A lullaby by John Guernsey). This single was originally release in 1974 on Washington, DC’s enigmatic SWEET BREEZE record label. John Guernsey with his brother Tom was an original member of the Reekers aka The Hangmen, a hugely popular ‘60s DC rock band.

Emmylou Harris had just signed her new recording contract shortly after recording this tune. Due to a sudden and unexpected conflict with Emmylou's then new record company, Warner/Reprise, Sweet Breeze could not associate her name with this record, which necessitated the use of the pseudonym Hannah Brown, the name of her cat.

You listen, you know it's Emmylou...

This story has detailed in Goldmine Magazine, the record collector’s bible, in an article outlining Emmylou’s discography, and they stated this record was absolutely impossible to find, due to the fact so few copies were pressed. If you want to authenticate, you can find this record mentioned in many on-line Emmylou Harris discographies, which mentions this recording was issued as the John Guernsey Group featuring Hannah Brown, Tom Guidera and Gerry Mule with additional backing by a very talented string quartet. 

At the time this song was recorded, Emmy Lou was probably best known for her work with Gram Parsons. Doubtful it will ever find it’s way onto an Emmylou anthology since this song is not exactly a country tune, but it is an enchanting lullaby and one of the most beautiful songs she ever recorded. 

The record was a regional hit in the Washington, DC area, where Emmylou briefly lived and at the time was still performing. Alternative radio station WHFS, in Bethesda, MD, played the song regularly for months (as did many other stations) and continued to air it occasionally for many years after the initial release. In fact WHFS would often play the flip side as well, which was the infamous break song for Claude Jones, one of DC’s most popular rock groups.  The only thing in common between the two tunes was the song writer; King of Slang had nothing to do with the Emmylou recording  session. 

Flashback to the Washington, DC club scene, circa 1971-1974, the Claude Jones group taking the stage at the legendary Emergency in Georgetown, sharing the limelight with Nils Lofgren's GRIN. Some of the same musicians are backing Emmylou on this gorgeous lullaby. 

CONDITION: Unplayed New Old Stock (NOS); Record is Mint; B&W Picture Sleeve is NM (with slight toning near the edges - see photo); B&W Lyric Insert also NM, folded to fit in the sleeve (see photo). 

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RECORD GRADING: I am only selling Mint to VG++ at this time

New Old Stock (NOS): New records that have been preserved in my time vault, generally the covers need description but the record is Near Mint.

Near Mint (NM): This is the top grade and is in pristine condition with and no marks. A NM cover will show no signs of wear.

Near Mint Minus (NM-): is slightly below the NM grade with only one imperfection but generally flawless.

Very Good Plus Plus (VG++) Record may have sleeve marks from being pulled in and out of a cover. Typically these marks will only be viewable under a bright light bulb. Generally will play through like a NM- with little to no surface noise. Cover may have storage wear, tiny age spots, or creasing, nothing distracting or major.

PACKAGING: Our records are professionally packed in thick, sturdy cardboard record mailers or envelopes & clearly labeled.

We are very cautious when accepting returns and defective records (return shipping at your cost) but will address any problems to your satisfaction.

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