John Brenton Preston (known as Brenton), from Paris, Kentucky, was someone who
constantly found himself incarcerated. A one-legged man, he always carried a harmonica,
and was known as the “harmonica-playing man”; there is a harmonica engraved on his
tombstone. After Brenton’s death in 2013, his daughter, Cora Williams, inherited
notebooks full of his songs, stories, and poems, and even a book he wrote in prison.
While in jail, Preston landed in solitary confinement. As he sat on the cold, damp
cement floor the inspiration for a song came to him, which turned out to be “I’ve Just
Seen the Rock of Ages”. Afraid of forgetting the words, Preston found a pebble and
scratched the words on the cement floor. Good story of a lonesome song!
Of note to country and bluegrass fans, while Preston was out on parole, in the 70s, Ralph
Stanley and Preston became acquainted and traveled together to several festivals in
Ralph’s bus. Ralph included “I’ve Just Seen the Rock of Ages” into his repertoire, and
Keith Whitley, Larry Sparks (and others) would sing lead.
Rattlesnake Hill Musicians:
Ed Schaeffer Rhythm, Lead Guitar & Vocal
Peter Sittner Bass
Tad Marks Fiddle
This song was originally recorded with an H4n handheld, including bass, guitar and
vocals, but no overdubs. Later, the tracks were moved to Gantt Kushner’s Gizmo
Studio to add Tad Marks’ fiddle.
To listen, click: http://rattlesnakehill.org/Web_Music/edsmusic.html
Ed
(As always, turn up and headphones preferred)
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