Potts, Keith & Family - The Sasquatch Song b/w Big River

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	The Sasquatch Song	02:28

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Big River	03:00

Photos

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Information/Write-up

Keith Potts & Family were a Canadian country and gospel group who released two albums and two singles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, capturing a heartfelt, homespun sound shaped by prairie life, faith, and family unity. Led by singer-songwriter Keith Potts, the group blended traditional country storytelling with family harmonies and a strong emphasis on original compositions.

Born on May 28, 1925, in Millet, Alberta, Keith grew up in a musical household steeped in the folk and fiddle traditions of his parents. His father, a talented Arkansas-born fiddler, and his mother from Texas, encouraged musical expression at home, and Keith absorbed this rich heritage early on. He began performing publicly at age 16 with a traveling tent show and later formed a trio with his brothers Ken and Vern, known as The Keynotes. The group gained regional exposure through radio, appearing regularly on the Dinner Bell Show on Calgary’s CFCN.

Keith married Gay Potts, and together they raised a musical family, performing with their daughters Georgia Ann, Gaye, and Dolly. As a family ensemble, they sang and toured throughout Alberta and British Columbia, appearing at community events, churches, and on local TV. Keith was also a prolific songwriter, with over 100 original compositions, many rooted in family life and Christian values. His song “Pot of Gold” earned a BMI Award in 1965.

The group released two full-length LPs:

Pot of Gold (Banff RBS 1301) – a set of all-original songs written by Keith Potts, including “Blue Day,” “Just a Fool,” and the title track. The album highlights Keith’s strong melodic sense and the family’s heartfelt delivery.

The Country Way (Banff RBS 5409) – blends Keith’s originals with a few covers, such as Johnny Cash’s “Big River” and the honky-tonk classic “Set ’Em Up Joe,” showcasing the family's increasing polish and harmony.

They also released two singles:

“Pot of Gold” / “Blue Day” (Banff RBS 1080) – both tracks were pulled from the debut LP and showcased Keith's songwriting at its most personal and polished.

“The Sasquatch Song” / “Big River” (Banff RBS 1090) – this playful novelty single featured the full family alongside special guests Donna Lee, Lance Trineer, and Keith Potts, delivering a humorous take on Canada’s legendary forest creature. The B-side, “Big River,” was reprised from their second LP.

Later in life, Keith and his family relocated to Vancouver Island, where he continued to perform with the band The Fabulous Gamblers, entertaining local audiences and keeping the spirit of community music alive.

Though not widely known outside of Western Canada, Keith Potts & Family remain a charming and sincere voice in the country gospel tradition. Their recordings, issued through the Banff label, are now sought after by collectors of Canadian country and prairie gospel.
-Robert Williston

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