Something about the Three Ramblers

Download the Three Ramblers' entire recordings

Johnny Cash imitators were just as popular as Elvis boys - the Three Ramblers were one of them. Their one and only release was part of the Starday Package Deal - in June 1958. The label credit went to Ozark Records out of Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. It's probable that the group came from this town and that they were only a local act. However, the A-side featured a Johnny Cash styled song called "If You Call That Love". The lead guitarist beginns the track with the "Cry! Cry! Cry!" solo that Luther Perkins played in 1955, but then, the whole song changes the accord pattern to an up-tempo "Folsom Prison Blues" with new lyrics. The solo by the lead guitarist is just slightly different to the "Folsom Prison Blues" solo. The flip side is a band's original (although songwriter credit on "If You Call That Love" also goes to the band only) called "Walkin' Talkin' Babydoll". On this song, the bass fiddle player imitates the sound of a driving train, another Johnny Cash attribute.

There are also two acetates ("Rock and Roll Tonight" and "Tom Cat Daddy's Blues"), which maybe feature another vocalist. The songs were first issued in 2007 by the German "Nasty Rockabilly" series (volume 11 and 12).

That's all I know 'bout the Three Ramblers. Corrections and additions are highly appreciated!

Addition: The two acetates "Rock and Roll Tonight" and "Tom Cat Daddy's Blues" were also reissued on "Michigian Rockers, Vol.2", a US release by Rock Therapy Records. Many thanks to John, who provided the info!