Earl Talbert

After years of trying, Talbert’s songs are being noticed

For some, music is in their blood and others get bit by the bug. In the case of Earl Talbert, it is a little bit of both.

Born in 1947 in Virginia, he began performing bluegrass with his father, Howard Talbert, when he was 4-years-old.

“We were doing churches and community centers, family reunions; there weren’t any clubs like there are now,” he stated. “I worked with my dad until 1962, when I landed a spot on a local radio show, the “New River Jack Show,” in Abington, Va. I stayed with them until 1965, when I landed a spot with the local western swing band, Iron Mountain, out of Kingsport, Tenn. I was with them until 1967.”

After graduating high school, Talbert went into the Marine Corp and was released shortly thereafter, receiving medical discharge. In Dec. 1967, he stated the leader of Iron Mountain committed suicide. leading him to get out of mainstream music “for a while.”

During the break, he married his first wife, Debbie, and spent time helping raise their children, Tommy, Patrick and Phillip.

While Patrick and Phillip pursued other interests, their son Tommy is currently a drummer with the band, Soul Seekers, based in Galax, Va. In 1982, he and Debbie divorced and shortly thereafter, Talbert went back into music.

“From 1982 until present, I’ve done guest spots with local bands,” Talbert said, naming Jimmy Church and the Gems out of Wilkesboro. “I did several shows with them in North Wilkesboro. I was doing guest spots with them until 1992. I kept doing guest spots with Ward Eller and his band and others in VFWs (Veterans of Foreign Wars) in North Wilkesboro and began focusing on the writing aspect of the work.” Talbert remarried in 2001 to Jane, who had three children from a previous marriage as well.

“Right after our marriage, HillTop Records recorded “A Whole Lotta Texas.”

The single is currently featured on the label’s CD, “America,” which features a variety of artists.

“I’ve always loved Bob Wills and western swing music,” Talbert said. The song was actually a tribute to Bob Wills.”

Talbert plans to continue writing. He stated that he has three songs that HillTop wants to produce and this will be done later this year.

“In 2005, I plan to organize a new band,” he said, adding that the name has not been determined yet. “But in March or April, I will start hiring a new band.”

Once the band is together, Talbert plans to help the people of Alleghany.

“We want to do four benefit shows a year to benefit the people who’ve lost their jobs and are in financial need that there can be a fund set up for them where they can come and get what they need.”

When the demo for “A Whole Lotta Texas” was complete, Talbert sent it to the copyright office in Washington, D.C.

Talbert cautions current and potential artists to check with the Better Business Bureau when a company asks for your work.

Earl Talbert hopes his song, “Whole Lotta Texas,” will help launch his music-writing career. He recorded that song on the Hilltop Record label.

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