Information/Write-up
Released in 1963 on London Records, When Today is a Long Time Ago / Tennessee is a classic honky-tonk country single that reflects Ted Daigle’s shift from rockabilly firebrand to a polished country music storyteller. Backed by his longtime band, The Musicmen, this single showcases Daigle’s deep baritone and smooth delivery, further establishing him as a major figure in the Canadian country scene.
The A-side, "When Today is a Long Time Ago," is a Carl Perkins-penned tune, co-written with Carl Mann, and Daigle delivers it with melancholic charm and an easy-going shuffle. Al Gain’s steel guitar glides effortlessly alongside Gil Glazier’s twangy lead work, creating a classic Nashville-inspired sound, while Byron Stever and Rheo Pilon hold down the rhythm section with steady precision.
The B-side, "Tennessee," originally recorded by Carl Perkins at Sun Records, is an upbeat, driving country tune that retains some of Daigle’s early rockabilly energy. His smooth yet lively phrasing pairs perfectly with The Musicmen’s tight instrumentation, making this track a standout in his early country catalog.
As one of Daigle’s first major country singles on London Records, When Today is a Long Time Ago / Tennessee marked the beginning of a new era for the artist. It remains a collectible piece of Canadian country music history, highlighting the moment when Daigle fully embraced the honky-tonk and Nashville sound that would define much of his later career.
-Robert Williston
Ted Daigle: vocals, guitar
The Musicmen:
Gil Glazier: lead guitar
Byron Stever: drums
Rheo Pilon: bass guitar
Al Gain: steel guitar
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