“This is Merle Kilgore from Nashville, Tennessee. I’d like to to say The Honky Tonk Man is coming your way and he’s my old buddy - you gonna love Red Jenkins!” Merle Kilgore II had first heard of Red Jenkins through a friend of mine, Frank Dycus. I'd seen Red's records in Dycus' music room and had heard so many great stories that I felt as though I knew him. Several years pass and I was performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and after my performance a couple approached me and to my surprise it was Red and his lovely wife, Gunilla. It was that chance meeting that led to my first ever trip to Europe. It would be safe to say that Red Jenkins was the first to introduce me to the music scene in Europe. And for that, I can't thank him enough. When Red began talking about making a recording in Nashville, I jumped at the chance to work with him. There is not a kinder soul and a truer friend that Mr. Red Jenkins. Our time in the studio making this record was some of the funniest times recording that I've had. The music is pure honky tonk. This along with Red's smooth delivery has produced a CD that I can't stop listening to. In my musical career, I have to say that working with the great Red Jenkins is one of my proudest achievements. I hope you enjoy this CD as much as Red and I enjoyed making it”. Billy Yates Dear Red, It was such a pleasure singing with you and being a part of your new album. Thank you for choosing " THIS TIME AROUND" A song I co-wrote with Jerry Salley. It was fun visiting with Ed Bruce and your producer - my good friend and co-writer for several years, Billy Yates. My husband Jack Solomon and I have enjoyed the friendship with you and your lovely family, Gunilla and you daughter Shannon for many years, and have always enjoyed the times you all have visited in our home. We wish you much success with the album. Love and best wishes Melba Montgomery “I had more fun than a barrell of monkeys singing with Red on JONES ON THE JUKEBOX. His version captures the essence of the song. I felt like I was in a Texas dancehall, having a “Jack” or two...or three! The Beckaroo - Becky Hobbs “Throughout my travels of playing country music festivals and venues in the world I’ve had a chance to meet many foreign friends. Many of them making their livelihood or associated with the music business. My good buddy Red is one of my most trusted friends from Sweden. I can’t remember where we first met, he can probably tell you that. But we played shows together, hung out in the honky tonks of the world, and co-written several songs, one of which you will hear on this record. The original idea for “Rebel On The Rocks” was Reds, an idea he came up with when visiting Biloxi, Mississippi. He sent me the rough draft and I changed the atmosphere to the River Gambling boats that dock in Biloxi. When Red said he was making a CD with friends doing duets I was honored to be asked to sing on it. When I heard we would do one of the song we wrote I was thrilled. You don’t get more authentic country then what Red has captured on his new project “The Bartender (It’s All On The Jukebox)”. The lineup of other singers on board is proof in itself of country music authenticity, Red’s dedication and love for the music, and his acceptance by other artists in our business to be a part of it. I’m proud to be a part of this CD. Thanks Red for asking! Joe Sun I really enjoyed being a part of this CD. Red is a good friend and a great entertainer as well as being a great fan of traditional American country music. If you like your music "country" then listen to some of my friends who are on this with Red and you can only guess at the great time we had making this CD. Thanks for the chance to work with you again Red. Joe Diamond Red, I really appreciate your letting me be a part of this album, where so many of our friends and heroes have taken part. My friendship with you and people like Ed Bruce, Melba Montgomery, and Becky Hobbs goes back a long way. One thing we have in common is the fact that we all love real country music. I have a deep respect for all of them. I want to thank you for introducing me to a couple of new friends, Joe Diamond and Billy Yates, and also for helping me sing my song "You Make Me Feel More Like A Man", that Mel Street hit the Top Ten with. Let me wish you much success with this project, and I'd like to think that Mel Street would like our version of the song almost as much as we liked his. Always a friend, John Riggs My first trip to Europe was to the Nederlands to do a concert in 1981. Since then, my wife Judith and I have been back across the water many times. Over the years, we have had opportunities to meet and work with many wonderful people. We have established friendships I hope will last a lifetime. And, on top of that, it has been my privilege to sing for audiences that still love REAL Country Music. Earlier this year (2006), Red Jenkins contacted me from Sweden. He said he was planning to record a project in Nashville, and wanted to know if I would consent to do a duet with him. I asked him if it would be REAL Country Music and he replied, he wanted it to be one of my songs. I said that would be close enough to REAL. Well, we did it and it was an honor to be asked to work with a gentleman who still believes in the music! It was fun enough, and good enough and REAL enough, that we did a second song a few months later. Red and his wife Gunilla have become our dear friends; they’ve been guests in our home, and we hope to repay the visit in the near future. Whatever transpires, you owe it to yourself to give this project your ear, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed doing the project with Red. Red Jenkins is REAL Country Music!! Your buddy - Ed Bruce