Born February 21, 1928 in Conway, Arkansas
Louis Talley was the son of share croppers. He had hoed and picked a
lot of cotton in his day and said there was not much future in cotton, so they
moved to Kansas City.
He worked in a defense plant for two years building B-25 bombers, and
then two years later Louis moved to Bakersfield, California.
He served in the United States Army in World War Two.
After the Army Louis had held many jobs such as in the oil fields,
service stations, restaurants and even for the railroad.
In 1949 Louis joined the Musician’s Union, and he got his first job as
and entertainer at the Blackboard Club in Bakersfield. Over the next few
years worked every club in Bakersfield.
He made regular appearances on the Cousin Herb TV show in
Bakersfield, and played the Town Hall Party in the Los Angeles area and also
the Hometown Jamboree.
Louis played southern California, the San Joaquin Balley as well as
Northern California for over 20 years.
Louis Talley played with such people as Johnny Bond, Joe and Rose
Lee Maphis and many other great old performers.
In 1953, as Louis says he, “Had a hand in writing the song of the year,”
The Dear John Letter.”
Louis Talley worked at one club called the Clover Club in Bakersfield for
18 months straight without a day off, doing two shifts on Sunday because of
jam sessions, mostly for the love and glory.
In the early 50’s Louis had a little restraint and joint as he called it, that
had pinball machines and food and whatever you wanted.
He made a few dollars and started a record label, called Talley Records.
He had built the studio behind his house in Bakersfield. It was the first
recording and record company in Bakersfield.
