Jerry Naill, Dulles High School's First Pop Star

I posted an earlier entry on "Tomboy and The Champ," a movie whose cast included Jerry Naill (DHS '64). Here's a link to the entry on the movie's debut in 1961.

I found a link to one of the songs he sang in the movie - it was titled "Barbecue Rock." Here's a link to a sample of the song - you may need to click on the mp3 file if it doesn't start automatically. Annette Williamson Wise (DHS '64) has given me her copy of a record (45 rpm) Jerry made in the early '60s. The songs are "Bring My Sweetheart Back To Me" and "My Heart Cries Out." I'll try to get it digitized and posted on this blog.

Jerry is still a recording artist. Here's a link to his blog. This site has a good bio, so I won't spend any time on his background.

Steve Shelton (DHS '63) sent me a note a while back asking if the Dulles Band didn't have a near-miss appearance in "Tomboy and The Champ." He thought there was some location filming in Katy when the band was at the 1960 marching contest. A few band members were filmed (informally) as part of the background, but their 'scenes' were left on the cutting room floor. Do any band members of that era remember this?

(Update) Carolyn Earnest Watson (DHS '66) sent me this note. "Hi Chuck, I am Carolyn Earnest Watson. I graduated from Dulles in 1966. I think my info concerning Jerry Naill and the filming of the movie in Katy is correct. Jerry was in the 8th grade and I was in the 6th at the time. We were having the UIL competition that day and Paula King and I were entered in Spelling (we brought home the Blue Ribbon!). After our event we all wandered over to the movie filming location. I remember that Jesse White (Cagey Calhoun and also the Maytag Repairman) was there chomping on his big fat cigar. The film director took several shots of the crowd of onlookers walking toward him. I want to say that Jody Frierson actually was seen in the movie. It was quite an exciting day. Hope this helps some. It's nice to know that Jerry is still singing and writing."

North of 36

As I looked at the issues of Texas Commercial News published on December 6 & 13, 1924, I noticed two articles about the silent movie, "North of 36." I've posted the articles below. The first is an ad for the movie, "Abraham Lincoln," screened on December 20th. Note the paragraph below the ad.

The second is an article from the paper published the following week on December 13th. It plays up the buzz caused due to the movie (a full-length Hollywood feature) being filmed near Sugar Land. I like the phrase, 'don't be a slacker or a knocker.'



The public could see the film on January 10th, 1925 and contribute to a good cause, SLISD's PTA. Here is a poster for the film.



I did some research and found this information on the exact location of the filming. Click here.

Drive-In Movie Intermission

The food and drinks look delicious!

"Tomboy And The Champ" with Jerry Naill (1961)

Well, I found it. I wish I could make it easier to play, but for now, click on the link below, then start the clip. Good stuff.

Video Clip of Premier in Houston