Sometimes I get a record label in my head associated to a particular genre, and the genre that most interests me is soul. Pic 1 is one of those labels so when I dug this 45 out of a box in Euclid, I bought it. Huey P. Meaux's name on the label further reinforced the idea in my head that this would be soul too, because I have come across "The Crazy Cajun" on the labels of a good number of soul records in my collection.
Once I got this 45 home and played it I, of course, discovered it is best described as country. But it's a great song in any event.
I have now done my proper research and corrected my assumptions regarding the label Pic 1, and to some extent Huey P. Meaux too. Pic 1 was a Texas label that released primarily rockabilly, country, and Texas soul/rock style records. It just so happens the only Pic 1 45 I already owned is by Lee Maye, who was a Doo-Wop and early Soul artist.
I found some good articles (scroll down to the bottom in this link to read them in order) at Brown Eyed Handsome Man's great but now sadly retired blog that featured an extensive interview with Johnny Williams made in 2006 (It's possible I read them at the time but I have no recollection now). Turns out Johnny was next door neighbour to Joe Arlington Jr. aka Joe Tex in their early life. He has gone on to embrace all kinds of musical styles, including country, blues, soul, and jazz during his career.
Long Black Veil was a big hit for Johnny.
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