thanks for posting the info on mel mcdaniels passing.
around late 1980, i was around 15. country radio in seattle, played a lot of current anne murray, kenny rogers, gatlin bros, one or two burnt out willie waylon hits, some pop dolly parton hits, along with the pop produced milsap, mandrell, and conway crossover hits. big yawn then..... but,when "louisiana saturday night" came out and scored airplay, it hit the spot as something real country, in a world of shlock corporate country playlists meant to not offend the urban seattle masses. thanks mel, never did ever get tired of hearing that gem. at the time my knowledge of country music, was the music of a few outlaws like waylon, and hank jr who opened the country door for me a few years earlier.
hey guys, when you have a spare moment, also check out these forgotten mel country music nuggets: "countryfied" which was released just prior to louisiana sat night. also, top 20 hit: "preaching up a storm",top 10 hit:"take me to the country",top 5 hit:"big ole brew", top 20 hit:"i wish i was in nashville". also "shoestring" was one of my fav's from early 86, which scored some airplay back then.
thanks mel, RIP. there are those of us around, who know your stuff, and appreciate all your work, and wont forget you!