Stuart Hamblen was a country singer and noted songwriter, who began his career in the 1920s on radio as one of the first “singing cowboys”, and had the staying power to enjoy his biggest successes in the post-war years, famously writing the song “This Ole House”, which was a pop No. 1 for Rosemary Clooney in 1954, as well as providing him with a pop and country hit of his own. Along the way, he had brushes with the law through his drinking and gambling, as well as embracing religion and becoming an evangelist after encountering Billy Graham, with his later work sometimes encompassing faith-based messages. This 52-track 2-CD collection comprises selected A & B sides of his releases during this era on the Victor, Bluebird, ARA, Superior, 4-Star, Columbia and RCA labels, plus his versions of notable hit songs for other artists released on his later albums. It features his Top 10 country hits “(I Wont Go Huntin Jake) But Ill Go Chasing Women”, “(Remember Me) Im The One Who Loves You”, “It’s No Secret” and “This Ole House” and his recordings of his hit compositions “Open Up Your Heart (And Let The Sunshine In)”, “Go On By” and “His Hands”. Just about all the songs in the collection were written by Hamblen. He was a complex character, but was also hugely talented, and this collection offers both a substantial overview of his career and a fine showcase for his particular brand of country music.
