Tony Cummings recounts the life and times of one of American music's most multi-faceted figures, GARY S PAXTON
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Also, it looks and sounds like Gary had a lot of fun returning to the studio in his own right. Donning a mask and cape the grizzled studio veteran recorded a single under the moniker Grandpa Rock. Gary's version of "Cry Me A River" might not be up there with Julie London's and Marie Knight's but it still demonstrates that even in old age, Gary still has the pipes.
Gary clearly enjoys his latest home. "Branson, Missouri is a beautiful part of the country. It's halfway between Springfield, Missouri and Conway, Arkansas. There are over 100 theatres here and a lot of big stars live here. Paul Revere & The Raiders are here. Andy Williams is here. On the Comets track I recorded, 'When I Die, Just Bury Me At Wal-Mart (So My Wife Will Come Visit Me)', I had people like Bill Medley (of the Righteous Brothers) and Paul Revere doing backing vocals. I have a good rapport with a lot of people. I discovered Paul Revere & the Raiders in Boise, Idaho at an A&W Root Beer stand in 1959. Paul is a wonderful person. So is Bill Medley."
One of Paxton's most powerful compositions of recent times is "You Can Begin Again". Said Gary, "There was a book by Dr Gerald Mann. He's a big time author who had a church and was married almost 50 years. One day, all of a sudden, his wife dropped dead. He said, 'God, what in the world are you doing? I've been faithful for 50 years.' Three months later, he found out that he had cancer. He started dwindling away. God said, 'You can either get up and start over, or you can lay there, shrivel up and die.' So Gerald Mann wrote a book called You Can Begin Again. I heard his testimony and got the book. He told a lot of stories about the things he's been through. I said, 'You know what? It doesn't matter what has happened to you,' because when I had spinal meningitis when I was a kid, and crippled, I had to begin again. When I was murdered, I had to begin again. When I was embezzled, went through bankruptcy, living on food stamps and welfare - after I'd been rich four or five times. I had to begin again with Jesus. You can't always do it by yourself, but if you have God on your side, no matter what, you can begin again. I wrote another song called 'Scars (Thank You For The Scars)'. I thank God for every scar, trial and setback I've ever had, because they help you grow."
The 72 year old human dynamo is very active in the Branson community. "I've got a plan to start the Ozarks Handicapable Institute. I want to have 333 orphans and 333 kids that are handicapped - only I call them handicapable. Look at Ray Charles. Look at Jose Feliciano. All these people who everybody said was nothing, but they're geniuses. With God's help these handicapable kids can fulfil their potential." And Still Garpax Branson is pumping out music. "I've got a lot of wonderful people I'm working with: Dr James David Brown, of Kingsway Christian College & Theological Seminary, and his son Daniel Brown are moving down here. I'm working with General John Ashcroft, who is a great writer, a great man and a great pianist. I've got a new record called 'Innocent Blood' (a powerful anti-abortion song sung by Joie Jaye Christensen). The reason our country's economy is bad is we've murdered 48 million [potential] taxpayers."
The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
Ive really liked Gary's songs.hes had a great career. Im curious this guy I know said that hes a friend of gary paxton, that they. Are great friends.said gary took him under his wing, and helped with his career also.his name is willard justice .does gary p remember him..in nashville or the area.I hear there great friends .maby w va also. Thank you.really brags gary up..