David Lynn Jones
David Lynn Jones
"Mixed Emotions"
(Image from Amazon.com)
I'm not finished with Blumenberg, not by a long shot, but abstract thought, despite its aeyrie heights, can get a bit heavy, perhaps from the thin air up near the aetherial realms where eagles and epicycles still wheel about in their majestic circles.
Today, I'm bringing it all down to earth and back home -- or maybe back to earth and down home, 'cause I'm posting on a country musician from my neck of the woods (not Porter Wagoner this time).
David Lynn Jones, whose photo you see above, grew up in the tiny Ozark village of Bexar, Arkansas, around where my own maternal Grandfather Perryman did many, many years earlier. Jones, whose father was a farmer and mother a preacher (if I recall), was born a few years before me -- in 1950 if we can believe Answers.com (but that site usually borrows from Wikipedia) -- so I didn't hang out with him, but he was a nephew of my step-Grandfather Archie Dillinger and sang at Grandpa Archie's funeral (or so I'm told, for I was living abroad at the time), and like Archie and me, Jones is part Cherokee.
I don't recall ever meeting Jones, who would be about seven years my senior, until we were both grown men and my my brother John, who was pastoring a church in Viola, Arkansas, introduced us after a Sunday sermon. Jones seemed like a humble fellow despite his good looks and musical talent, and he must have settled down a lot from his youth, for I recall hearing a lot of wild stories that would seem to cast him as someone in the mold of such Outlaw Country Musicians as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, or Jerry Jeff Walker.
My wife Sun-Ae met him as well back when she was still my fiancée, and at our country wedding in an abandoned old church on a country road not far from Bexar, we played his song "Nightingale Waltz" immediately after the (in)formal ceremony.
I like what music of his that I've listened to, but I haven't heard much of it because it's difficult to find the albums despite his 1986 hit "Living in the Promiseland," which was covered by Willie Nelson and went quickly to number one on the country charts.
For a few photographs of Jones, go to one or more of the following websites: Ron Newcomer's Celebrity Photos: David Lynn Jones (as a young man) Amazon.com Site: Wood, Wind and Stone Image (from 1989) Michael Buffalo Smith, "2006 Americana Music Conference and Awards," Swampland.com (for a recent photo of an older Jones)For the interested and intrigued, here's David Lynn Jones singing a song about his grown-up little sister, "Bonnie Jean." UPDATE: Larry Saidman has asked that I link this blog entry to a more recent entry on David Lynn Jones, and as I told him: "Sure, I can link to that blog entry of June 6th, 2008: 'David Lynn Jones: here in our hearts, too.' At that entry, I've linked to David Lynn's My Space site, where he sings his song 'Here in My Heart.'"
UPDATE as of December 2020:
Below are over 200 comments in what became an investigation of identity theft, with this blog entry playing an important role through comments that set some of us off in search of the real David Lynn Jones - was he living in Mountain Home, Arkansas, or Cave City, Arkansas?
When you reach the 200th comment, you'll have to click on the link "newer" to read comments 201 and up.
For greater ease, here is that link now.
Labels: Archie Dillinger, Cherokee, David Lynn Jones, Jerry Jeff Walker, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Outlaw Country, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson
posted by Horace Jeffery Hodges @ 5:32 AM
205 comments
205 Comments:
We always carry a piece of home in our hearts wherever we are. Last week Virginia had its first real cold front and snowfall, courtesy of a passing Alberta Clipper. I have front porch duty at my school and stood outside enjoying the invigoratingly cold air and gently falling snowflakes that put me in the mood for the arrival of December. My colleagues inside accused me of showing off my Michigan blood.
I too have not seen David Lynn for quite some time. I hope he is well. Tthe last time I did he asked me if I knew rhyming words for "silver" and "General" he said he was writing a tune.
Lynn if you read this I pray you've completed that tune and put it out. But if you haven't, pilfer and Federal. I realize they do not exactly rhyme but after all this time, I still appreciate that a man whom I consider to be one of the finest writers would ask me.
Herschel D.
Sonagi:
Nice image, nicely drawn.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I only met David Lynn two or three times, but he struck me as a very interesting man, also highly intelligent.
Was that his real sister in the the video "Bonnie Jean"?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I really haven't a clue.
I guess I should expand on my evaluation of his writing. David Lynns songs have a beginning a middle and an end.Much like (what I consider) the older traditions of the genre.
I would think that songwriting, as opposed to essays or longer stuff is very difficult to get whole cloth into, due to time constraints. Mr Jones has the ability to do just that. Point "A" to point "B" in radio time.
Herschel D.
A country song often tells a story, in concentrated form, and that's hard -- especially since that story has to rhyme, have some rhythm, and contain at least one good hook.
Just in case anybody wants to sing along to the video, here are the lyrics to "Bonnie Jean (Little Sister)":
Peter built a truck for a man to drive
It's a pretty good livin' but it ain't no life
For a farmer's daughter or a drunk man's wife
Peter built a truck for a man to drive
Peter built a truck for a man to drive
Well little sister was just 17
When she left the farm, virgin green
Moved up to Kansas City her school girl dream
But nothin' ever came easy for Bonnie Jean
Nothin' ever came easy for Bonnie Jean
Now she fell in love with a truck drivin man
They got married on a hard luck plan
Little babies are somethin' every good woman needs
So he left her with three hungry mouths to feed
He left her with three hungry mouths to feed
Chorus:
Now little sister rolls them eighteen wheels
She knows how that lonesome highway feels
She got a heart of gold and nerves of steel
Little sister rolls them eighteen wheels
Little sister rolls them eighteen wheels---here she comes now
She's a-runnin' down the road from coast to coast
It's the little things that she misses the most
She's a mother all day and a trucker all night
Livin' on coffee and mini-whites
Livin' on coffee and mini-whites
Now the egg don't fry and the bacon don't burn
There's another curve around every turn
She's in love with Kenny and Billy and Mac
She's lost on that highway and she ain't comin' back
Lost on that highway and she ain't comin' back
Chorus (2X):
Now little sister rolls them eighteen wheels
She knows how that lonesome highway feels
She got a heart of gold and nerves of steel
Little sister rolls them eighteen wheels
Little sister rolls them eighteen wheels---here she comes now
That ought to satisfy your country souls...
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Lynn is truly a great poet. I understand he may have fallen on some hard times and I wish him well.
Pat
Thanks, Pat. I didn't know about his hard times, but he's chosen a rocky row to hoe in cultivating the muse.
I also wish him well. He's talented and deserves the best for his talent. Maybe he'll be 'discovered' in the winter of his discontent.
Meanwhile, folks, support him through buying his music...
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeff,
I have a CD that you need to listen to when you visit. David Lynn, Chuck Young, Eddie Howard, Jerry Bone, and Jimmy Everett play gospel hymns and record with an open mic. No takes, no redos, etc. Pure gold.
Unfortunately, David Lynn has relapsed and has become somewhat a hermit. He doesn't play music anymore and has sold or given away most of his instuments.
Tim
Tim, thanks for letting me know ... even though the news isn't good. I thought that he looked rather weathered in that photo from the 2006 Americana Music Conference and Awards.
I guess that his problem was one of the occupational hazards of growing up in the 60s, especially for musicians. I'm glad that I got obsessed with books instead of some other things that one could get obsessed about...
Anyway, I look forward to that that CD.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I am told that changes are in order. Whether that be the taking on the cloth of the hermit or the unclothe of Rustico might not be determined by us who are yet to know the extent. There are friends of Lynn who consider deeply. But.
Good and evil we know in this field grow together, and the knowledge of good is so involved with the less than good that confusion might thus come. And with the feeling of this a hermits wishes might spring. Perhaps not a hermit, nor that of an ascetic.
But I cannot praise a fugitive unexercised who never gets out into the world, who has been in the world despite having learned its lurid traps. That fugitive hermit should gather his arms and assail the world.
That fugitive and hermit heart has lessons that might convey value to his kindred. The cloistered hermit who has tales to tell does no good for his fellow wanderer sitting fishing on his creekbank.
Unless he realizes he is finished.
Herschel D.
Herschel, I hope that the hermit takes your message and muses on it in his heart.
There are many people whom he barely knows or knows not at all who care about him and believe that he has a responsibility to his kith, his kin, himself, and his music.
While I was blogging this post and searching the internet for lyrics to his songs, I read the notes of fans who love his music and express the heartfelt wish that they could hear more.
"What happened to him?" they ask...
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
We've all lost if David's "hermit" status is correct.
As mentioned in previous emails, David's singing at Grandma Nora's and Grandpa Archie's services was beautiful.
David mentioned to me at the time he was working on a gospel CD, wonder if that is the CD Tim referenced. Whether the same or not, hope to be able to listen in during your February visit.
My search continues on the misplaced DLJ cassette-and I continue the search for available DLJ CDs.
Bill
If David Lynn has become a total hermit, Bill, you may well be right.
We'll have to wait for Herschel's report, I guess.
In any event, I look forward to listening -- with you, Tim, and others -- to what music David Lynn made earlier, including whatever you manage to locate.
Jeffery
* * *
I can't really give any report, I regret if I seemed to indicate one would be forthcoming.
All I did was to call a few of his musician friends to confirm what Tim had posted, only to find that what he described seems to be the case. I personally have not seen DLJ for nearly 20 years.
Herschel D.
Well, maybe David Lynn will see this blog entry and the comments and realize that people truly care about his music and wish that he would come back, but if he's become a 'hermit', then he may never see all of this...
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I've been trying to find out any information about the whereabouts of David Lynn Jones and this is the only blog or website that tells me anything. I'm a great fan of his--have all 4 of his cd's and listen to them frequently. My own band do "Who's Driving this Train" (as well as Little Sister (Bonnie JEan)). Amazing combination of intricate lyrics and great melodies. Some have put him the category of an American Patriot singer, but I don't think that's accurate. He's so much more complex than that. I hope he'll pull himself out of whatever is keeping him stuck and come back to us and inspire us with more of his wisdom.
Larry, thanks for the comment.
I also wish that Lynn would return, but family and friends tell me, privately, that he probably won't.
I suppose that this is all that I should say about it, for I don't want to say too much about his private affairs.
But you've gotten inspiration from him, so perhaps you can go on from where he has left off.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Dear Herschel, jeffrey, and sonagi, I know where David Lynn Jones and his piano-playing wife Janis live. They are in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Would you like to meet him personally? You can e-mail me at macnak@suddenlink.net and I am Frank
Frank, thanks for the comment.
I'm Jeffery, by the way, but I'm living in Seoul (although I was back in the Ozarks for two weeks in the middle of February).
Sonagi lives in Virginia.
But Herschel still lives in the Ozarks. I'll pass your message on to him.
Is David Lynn now living in Mountain Home? Is he again playing music?
Last I heard -- and that was a couple of weeks ago -- he was living in Cave City and had sold all of his instruments.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Frank,
I dropped you a note from my private e-mail address. Any reply would be welcome.
Herschel D.
Dear Jeffery, The man in Cave City wants to be David; but the real David Lynn Jones lives in Mountain Home, Arkansas. I personally know David and his wife. In fact, my wife and I were even invited by them to eat with them in their home. His wife Janis grew up and went to school in Mountain Home. Currently they both work in Mountain Home. He said that he would like to see Herschel, but I can't find Herschel's phone number. . . . Frank
Frank, I'll contact Herschel for you and ask him to get in touch.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Frank,
I sent you an email and I'm about to get into my call records to attempt to locate your number. I know I'd written it down, but well. I'ts either a filing system or a memory system glitch.
Herschel D.
Jeffery,
I found the number and am back in contact. I have another appointment on the 31st in that town and will try to make contact then.
HD
Keep me posted.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Made a phone call last night Jeffery. Was thinking perhaps I'd get a return call but didn't. I plan to make another to see if a lunch appointment in a neutral location might be arranged.
I did mention I had an appointment on the 31st? With permission you will remain in the loop. I shall be away from broadband for a day or two and will have to depend on that durned "hillbilly network" you recently encountered.
HD
David called me this morning. Lost Herschel's phone number. So he asked me this morning for Herschel's phone number so that he could call him and see him tomorrow (Monday). . . . Frank
Well, I guess that you guys will work things out about meeting arrangements.
Yes, keep me in the loop if permissible.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Frank it's late so I'll not call at this hour. Do you check your phone messages? My number should be recorded.
I suggested we meet for lunch somewhere. Any place that serves a fine meal and that shall enable me to be at the VA Clinic near BRMC at 3pm is fine.
Hey, I'm buying. Yeah, ya'll bring your wives but don't bring your cousins. Well children are fine so long as they're not as numerous as my cousins.
Herschel D.
I saw David Jones at a bridal shower last night. He said he would call. He called this morning but said he got a recording. I got tied up doing tax work past noon. Tax season will be over in about 2 weeks. . . . Frank
Thanks for your efforts Frank,
We spoke this morning. Perhaps your schedule might be arranged so that you and the wife might enjoy a lunch on the 7'th?
I expect we'll be in touch.
Herschel D.
It's great to hear that David Lynn Jones has been found. Any update on whether we're going to hear any more music from him would sure be appreciated! He's one of America's true originals. He, or anybody with any information can contact me at larry@windsong.bc.ca. Thanks. -Larry Saidman.
My apologies for clogging up the blog with a repetition of the same comment. I'm new to these google blogs and thought it wasn't coming through. It certainly was not intentional. -Larry
Herschel said that he was moving close to Little Rock. I haven't heard from him since. Also, I responded to Larry Saidman and haven't heard from him either. What gives? . . . Frank
Larry, Blogger seems to have deleted my response to your comment. I deleted the repeats and told you not to worry.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Frank, I don't know precisely where Herschel lives, though he did mention something about transferring to a different school. I'm stuck here in Seoul, South Korea and thus too far away from my old Ozark home to keep up with anybody's specific whereabouts.
I presume that Larry is in Canada . . . from the looks of his email address.
As for David Lynn Jones's own whereabouts, everybody back in my hometown Salem insists that Jones is living around Cave City.
Since my nephew used to date Jones's daughter, my brother used to preach at the Viola church where Jones attended, a cousin-by-marriage used to play music with Jones, one of Jones's daughters attends my brother's Salem church, and so on . . . I'm inclined to think that Jones is still living near Cave City.
I suppose that Jones might possibly have moved to Mountain Home . . . .
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeffery and Frank, is there ever a lot of confusion. Are there two David Lynn Jones. Or maybe he's in two different parallel universes. Yes, I am in Canada--in the Vancouver, B.C. area. I'm just about to put on a concert for my 60th birthday this Saturday, and one of the songs my band will be performing is "Who's Drivin' this Train" by David Lynn Jones. (We also do Little Sister (Bonnie Jean) from his first cd, of which Jeffery posted the lyrics. I don't know how familiar you all are with his songs. Each of his 4 cd's is more intense than the other. That particular song is from his last one, PLAY BY EAR from 1994. Another amazing song from the record is "Sleeping with the Jailer", and it's bleakness may explain why Lynn may have (or may not have, depending on who we are to believe) dropped out of society. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any lyrics to this cd online--but the cd is easy to find. And if anyone's interested, I'd be willing to post some or all of the lyrics to those two songs. I'd love to hear the CD of gospel hymns that Tim was mentioning. -Larry
Larry, my brother John says that he's heard that David Lynn Jones is thinking of producing a gospel album. John's thinking of stopping by to see Jones when he goes through Cave City sometime soon.
I have the CD that my brother Tim spoke of, and it's great stuff. If Jones has recovered enough to produce anything remotely like this 'bootleg' CD, then the album will be great.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
All that I know is that the man in Mountain Home, Arkansas, says that he is David Lynn Jones. He and his wife even file income taxes that way. I also know that a man in Cave City, Arkansas, claims that he is David Lynn Jones. Both claim to be the song writer.
Frank, if the David Lynn Jones whom you know in Mountain Home moved there recently from Cave City, then we could be talking about the same person.
I have no doubt that David Lynn Jones was living in Cave City recently and had been living there for a few years. My nephew visited him there a couple of years ago, about the time that he was still dating Jones's daughter.
My brothers and I all knew Jones as we were growing up, and three of my brothers know him well, so I'll let you know what my brother John finds out about Jones and if he has recently moved from Cave City.
Meanwhile, you can see a recent photo of Jones from the "2006 Americana Music Conference and Awards" and compare that photo to the man whom you know in Mountain Home.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
My family and I have been fans of David's for many many years. We were lucky enough to get to meet him several years ago after a show he did at 328 Performance Hall in Nashville. We had exchanged letters and such for a long time before we actually got to meet him. If you want the story on that you can view my My Spce page for the story of the show and concert pics of the night. Over the past couple of years I've tried very hard to find out how he was, I posted something on CMT and got a response from a fella, I didn't like what I heard, but all of our prayers and thoughts are with him. David was gracious enough to add me to his frinds list on MY Space. I've just added pictures to my page of David in concert. I know when I found him on my space and heard that voice start to sing, I actually got goose bumps, I sat there and cried as I listened to the song over and over again, I go back every day just to hear that voice. In my limited contact with him I've found he's a very gracious gentleman, he made us feel welcome when we met him and it was like we'd known him forever. We've missed his music, I know there's bunches still left in there to come out and I for one am awaiting the day it happens. He told me at one time he wished he had a million fans like me, from reading all of your comments about him I know I'm not the only one out here. I wish him well as I wait for more of his music. We have all of his cd's to date, just waiting to add to the collection. Di
Thanks, Di, for the comment.
I hope that David Lynn does decide to make that gospel album that my brother mentioned to me. The 'bootleg' CD that I have of him singing gospel songs is truly wonderful, and I wish that everybody could hear it.
You mentioned that you have a My Space site with David Lynn singing. Could you provide a link? I'm sure that others would like to hear his voice.
Thanks again for your comment. If David Lynn knew how much his fans would like to hear more of his music, perhaps he'd have more desire to return.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeffery, any chance of getting a copy of that "bootleg" cd?. And does anybody have more updates on David Lynn? -Larry Saidman
Larry, as for the CD, I wouldn't have the authorization to release it to anyone. We've been keeping it in the family and hoping that David Lynn will recover enough to use it.
Speaking of which . . . my brother John spoke with David Lynn's son-in-law recently (i.e., last week), and the news is that David Lynn is doing better and is even negotiating with some music people about doing a gospel album. My brother intends to speak with David Lynn soon . . . though how soon, I don't know.
But I'll keep you posted.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
That's so great to hear that he's doing better. I'm curious to know what would be on a "Gospel" album he would make. Certainly most of his songs have that Gospel flavour and they're filled with religious imagery. But is the cd you have filled with original or traditional material? (I can't imagine it being standard "pop" Gospel--it would have to be something with an edge, I would think). Hopefully he's getting himself into recovery and he'll be able to write about where he's been and where he's going. Thanks for being the main "voice" between David Lynn Jones and those of us who have been inspired by his music. -Larry Saidman.
David does have a my space page and I listen to him every day, you can visit it: http://www.myspace.com/davidlynnjones
I have some pictures posted on my page if you'd like to see them, they are several years old, but they're wonderful memories. Just visit my little corner of the world at www.myspace.com/daltom
Larry, the gospel songs that David Lynn sings on the CD are traditional -- except for Kristofferson's "Why Me, Lord?" (the only one of these songs that he fails to do justice to, by the way).
I wouldn't say that David Lynn gives the songs an edgy quality, but the richness of his voice gives them a special fullness, and he sometimes does some interesting things with the rhythm and tune -- plus, the performance is all acoustic, which can be quite special.
The CD dates from about 2000 or so, but he's been through a lot since then, so I imagine that anything that he might do now would be rather different.
Assuming that he comes out of these lost years sound and whole, that is. He recently had eye surgery and can drive again, according to my brother, but until the surgery, he couldn't see more than 6 feet in front of himself.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Have any of you ever seen the movie Eddie and the Cruisers? It's a great movie, I've seen it countless times and love it more each time I see I see it. It has a sequel called Eddie Lives, I told my husband that this is what all of this reminds me of. The Gospel cd this fella has that we all would love to hear to everybody still wanting to hear his music. He knows I'm out here pulling for him and wanting to hear the music that's in him, because I told him, but he's always known that, I hope he knows that there are others out here that still love and respect him and want to hear his music.
Di, thanks for the address. I went and listened to David Lynn singing "Here In My Heart." Great song.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Di, I'll pass your message along to my brother so that he can tell David Lynn.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I appreciate that Jeffery, but he already knows. He's always known that as a fan I'd always be here anxiously awaiting his next venture. I finally found him and I'm still her anxiously waiting.
I'm glad that he knows, Di. All his fans and friends feel the same way as you do.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I realize I shouldn't bother but,
Frank,
You've done taxes for several years I take it? Unless you're doing the short form of the IRS thingy, there should be a space that shows (or allows for) any "royalties payments." A quick workaround through the CMA records "seems" to indicate that royalties are in force and those royalties are NOT being forwarded or deposited in a Mountain Home bank account.
(I suppose it could be that the payments are directed toward a hidden Swiss account-however that seems doubtful.)
I will not demean anyone-nor mean to-by pointing out the employment status of anyone except for one "minor" observation.
Anyone employed by the entity you've mentioned in prior e-mails should also necessarily include any "royalty payments" on tax returns. You did mention that you prepare tax returns, Frank?
Of course you know omitting income information is a felony?
I admit it. I did a bit of "digging" when I noticed some (oh well how shall I phrase it?) "discrepancies" between what I was hearing from you and the purported: and what I knew.
One question, well two.
Do you advertise your "tax preparer expertise" and secondly do you ever ask your clients, "do you own any copyrights?"
Me and the IRS would like to know.
(oh, I'm still moved to a land far far away)
And oh, thanks for wasting my time.
Herschel D
Herschel, this might be obscure to other visitors. If you still have Frank's email, perhaps you'd prefer to contact him directly?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
What?
Di, I guess that I'd better explain.
If you scroll up through the emails, you'll see that Frank does taxes for a man in Mountain Home, Arkansas who goes by the name "David Lynn Jones" and says that he is the musician.
Herschel and I were surprised, for the last information that we had was that David Lynn was in Cave City, Arkansas.
Frank offered to 'introduce' us to the man in Mountain Home. Herschel tried to arrange a meeting but that fell through for some reason.
I infer that Herschel looked into the matter of where the real David Lynn resides and found out somehow that David Lynn's royalties are not going into any bank in Mountain Home. Moreover, the man in Mountain Home who claims to be David Lynn Jones happens to work in a fast-food joint, which seems unlikely for the real David Lynn Jones since David Lynn's royalties should be sufficient for him not to need to work.
I asked my brother John about this, and he told me that back in about 1999, the real David Lynn mentioned that a man in Colorado had tried to "steal" his identity. My brother knows the real David Lynn very well and says that David Lynn lives in Cave City, not Mountain Home.
So, I think that Frank has been persuaded by some man who claims (whether sincerely or not) to be the musician David Lynn Jones but in fact is not.
Herschel, apparently, is annoyed at the time that he wasted trying to set up a meeting, as well as the time invested in searching for information.
Maybe that clarifies things.
By the way, I have a new post on David Lynn Jones in Gypsy Scholar today (June 6th, 2008).
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Okay now let me tell ya what I found out. Somewhere in all this blog thing it is mentioned that David's wife name is Janis. There is a listing Mountain Home for a Janis and David L. Jones, then there is a listing for a David Jones. According to the info I've gleaned from this blog the Janis and David L. Jones would be our David Lynn Jones in Mountain Home. There is a David and I J Jones in Cave City, I guess it could be a toss up on which one is really him his my space page don't say where he's from. As far as the royalties go, that could've been part of the divorce settlement from his first wife, she may get those checks. It's something to think about.
Di, yes, that point about royalties is something to consider.
However, based on what my brother tells me, I'll side with the David Lynn in Cave City.
After my brother visits that David Lynn and reports back to me, I'll post something.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
You keep saying you wish he'd read this and would find out how people feel about him and his music. Has anybody sent him the link?
Good deal, I'd be interested to find out who's right in all of this. If you go back and read this with an open mind you will find it comical. Every one is so sure they're right, I'm just as bad I'm not pointing any fingers here by no means. Maybe finally the mystery will be solved.
Di, the man in Mountain Home must know of this blog, for Frank informed him and his wife.
Now assuming that the My Space site is from David Lynn in Cave City, then a link could be put there, but I've asked my brother to inform him when he visits.
So, let's just wait and see what my brother reports.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I sent a message on his My Space page (which must be the real David Lynn Jones since it has a previously unrecorded song on it) telling him about this blog. I don't know if he's likely to read a My Space message from a stranger, however. Di would probably be the best one to post such a message. -Larry Saidman
Eventually, the answers will come. I've just sent an email asking my brother to check out the My Space site, too.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Oh doggone, Di, Jeff, Whoever
Did you mention peppery?
Well, Lynn's wife's maiden name is French. All you Mountain Home adherents check that little tidbit out. The royalties are problematic because they (the royalties) were piecemealed originally.
However, since I attended his eldest daughter's Mom's funeral I do know that the royalties (in their entirety go to her), I took the damndest step and telephoned the Grandmother who told me she was coming down tomorrow to "straighten things up", (I hope she'll do my dishes before she starts on everybody else). She doesn't have a computer in the house.
Di?
Ok, so the Mountain Home googled phonebook has DLJ and Janis living in Mtn Home? Well the same googled phonebook has George Walker Bush living in Colorado, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
Strangely, there's no listing in Crawford Texas or Kennebunkport Maine where the media reports he well...
Call the guy in Mountain Home (he works at McDonalds) and ask him to hum a few bars of "Livin' in the Promised Land" or ask him to call Willie's cellphone number.
I won't say I am correct, hell the guy who is kin to everybody where I'm from (well except for me) are likely as bamboozled as Frank seems to be.
Di, I think in an earlier entry there's a number for a tax preparer. Wake his rear end up. Everybody knows the guy that does the taxes for the guy that works at McDonalds who wrote beau coup grossing songs has the answers.
I don't. Do not say "Everybody's got the answers."
Do a bit of checking.
Herschel D
Herschel, based on my own, independent sources, I am satisfied that you are right, and your advice is doubtless sound.
But let's take this slowly. Di lives in Tennessee, knows us only from this blog, and is a long-term fan who has met David Lynn Jones in concert.
In the not too-distant future, I'll have my brother's report, and we'll have eyewitness evidence from the most reputable of sources (for me, anyway) whether or not the man in Cave City is the real, honest-to-God David Lynn Jones.
Once that's settled, I can speak with assured authority . . . for myself, anyway.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
You and I know of course however I will acquiesce to your authority. Your blog, not mine, DLJ I'm certain will somehow get a kick IN CAVE CITY (or pert nearby) that a guy that he'll barely remember went to such pains, indeed experienced such pains, wants to set the record straight.
One question however, twixt me and you only of course. Is it, or would it be surprising if someone who might have written a number of great tunes would have a LISTED PHONE NUMBER?
And even if s/he did would they give both the number and their address on a "MySpace Page?"
Just wondering.
Herschel D.
Di,
I went back and read thru the comments. I was wrong not to have read everything but the last post. I have wronged you and I apologize.
When I read your "Eddie and the Cruisers" comment I realized it. You feel the same way that folks from my hometown feel. Our small hometown has so very few people that we can point to and say, "Damn, he/she made it."
And we want to keep that dream alive, thinking that it might transfer to the rest of us. I read the small print, not realiziing what was contained in the larger.
Di, I apologize, I regret that I caused you pain, in whatever form. I ask forgiveness.
Herschel D.
I didn't understand the hostility, but I hold no hard feelings. Looking for David is something I've done for a very long time and when I found him on My space I was so excited to hear his voice again. When I found this blog I was happy to see that I wasn't alone out here. David has a God given talent that makes us all happy and we all enjoy his music. If he comes back and does some more music you won't find a happier person than me out here. Through letters and getting to meet him I know the man a little behind the music and he's a true Gentleman and I was honored to meet him. He remembered us and added me, my husband and son to his page on my space, that ain't much I know to anybody else but it means the world to me. I've sent many notes out over the years to different David Lynn Jones' I've found listed in Arkansas, I never have gotten any response but I didn't give up either. I kept searching until I found him. I will be right here when he puts out some new music for us and I'm gonna sit here with my goosebumps and tears in my eyes and listen with my heart, the same way it was written and sung, with his heart.
I'm glad that you apologized, HD, for as you know, I try to keep a civil blog.
Also, Di is right -- we all love David Lynn's music, and we want him to return and make more of it.
Let's keep that hope alive. Meanwhile, I'll wait for my brother to confirm the identity of the "David Lynn Jones" in Cave City (though I don't really have any doubt, personally, but I'd like to hear it firsthand).
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeffery, I notice that there's another discussion group on your blog about David Lynn Jones focusing more on his songs. I'm thinking that people on this thread would probably be interested in the other one, and, not knowing anything about blogs, I'm wondering if there's a way of putting the two threads together or making some kind of a link for people to see the other one. -Larry Saidman
Sure, I can link to that blog entry of June 6th, 2008:
David Lynn Jones: here in our hearts, too
At that entry, I've linked to David Lynn's My Space site, where he sings his song "Here in My Heart."
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Way to go Jeffery.
Thanks, Di.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeffery, it's been a long time since we've heard anything. Did your brother confirm the identity of David Lynn Jones in Cave City?
Larry, I've heard nothing yet, but events occur slowly in the Ozarks, where people follow a different ethos of time than many other parts of the States.
I'm not excusing this, for I wish things moved more quickly, but they don't. Perhaps I'll email my brother again.
I've also been wondering about it...
Anyway, thanks for inquiring. I hope that you're well.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Any more information on David Lynn Jones' wherabouts? Jeffery, any luck getting ahold of your brother around this? I'm wondering if somebody shouldn't also check out the guy in Mountain Home. I noticed there's an article in something (online) called the Batesville Daily Guard from 2006 from a freelance journalist named Wil Shane interviewing David Lynn JOnes at Mountain Home. Maybe this is old information for all of you, but I've pasted in most of the article.
"When I was a reporter for the Northwest Arkansas Times in Fayetteville, I met a self-proclaimed “hillbilly cowboy” named David Lynn Jones. He lives up in the woods near Mountain Home, where he works the farm, hunts, fishes and writes world class country songs.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, David Lynn was on track to be one the biggest stars in Nashville. His debut CD, “Hard Times On Easy Street,” produced a top-10 single for him called “Bonnie Jean.” It was a true story that he had written about his truck driving little sister.
...........
I’ve only been up to the studio in the woods a couple of times. He calls it the Alamo because it’s near a little town Bexar, the name of the county in Texas where the famous mission where Crockett, Bowie and Travis went down is located. I’m planning on going to see him when I get my own CD of country originals done to see what he thinks of it.
He was the first writer signed to Bluewater Publishing in Nashville and he taught me that three, four or five chords are plenty if you’re singing the truth.
“High notes are just for show,” he said to me once. “Livin’ and dyin’ are in the lyric and melody.”
Another thing he taught me is that nothing is more useless or irrelevant than a fact, and that truth always supercedes fact.
“Listen, hoss,” he said with his smoky, gruff voice. “Good writin’ is nothin’ more than lyin’ your way to the truth.”
That’s where I got the name for the CD I’m recording now.
I met David Lynn through another top notch songwriter named David McKnight.
McKnight’s been recorded by over 30 artists and is currently signed to Gary P. Nunn’s company in Austin. Nunn wrote the legendary Texas anthem, “London Homesick Blues,” better known as the theme song to Austin City Limits.
He’s since become a close friend of mine, and he calls me “brother,” he means it. We’re the bastard sons of Hank Williams, as far as he’s concerned, and that’s fine with me.
.................
Wil Shane is a public relations officer at Lyon College as well as a freelance journalist. He may be reached at wilshane33@yahoo.com."
Knowing David Lynn Jones songwriting, his comments about not doing high notes and keeping it to 3 or 4 chords don't necessarily fit. But maybe someone should pay this 'other' David Lynn JOnes a visit--especially if nobody can find out anything about the one in Cave City.
-Larry Saidman
Larry, you're right. I need to check with my brother John.
As for the article, I have read it before -- last March, in fact. I contacted Wil Shane at the time and found out that the interview was in the late 1990s, for Shane wrote to me:
"If you ever get to speak with DLJ, just tell him I'm Wil Shane, who wrote a story about him for the Fayetteville paper back in the '90s. He'll remember. I'd like to get with him again."
At the time of that interview, David Lynn Jones was still living in Bexar and working in his private studio, which he called "The Alamo." Shane referred to Bexar as being "near Mountain Home" because from the perspective of most people in Batesville, who'd likely not heard of a spot in the road called Bexar, Mountain Home was a known place.
Actually, Bexar's not especially close to Mountain Home -- about 25 or 30 miles away by paved road.
Anyway, I'll try to contact my brother John on Jones in Cave City.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Thanks Jeffery. I got a response from William Shane when I asked if he knew anything about David Lynn Jones wherabouts. As you said, not much new information--but every piece counts. Here's what he wrote me:
"The last I heard from David Lynn he was living in Strawberry, a little town near Cave City. His former steel guitarist from the Sons of Thunder, Robbie Springfield, said he was living in a cabin in the woods with no water or electricity.
Robbie can be contacted at Rainey Recording Studio in Drasco, Ark. He and David Lynn had a falling out so I doubt he knows any more than that. If you do contact David Lynn, please give him my e-mail. I have some new songs making the rounds in Nashville and David Lynn wanted to keep up on what I'm doing musically and with my writing. Tell him I also finished that Western novel with an outlaw character in it based on something we were talking about back in the last '90s.
Good luck, amigo.
Larry, I asked my brother, but he obviously hasn't seen David Lynn yet, for he said nothing about a meeting with him, but he did fill me in on other things that I asked about, based on a comment posted at a more recent blog entry on Jones:
"Yes, Lynn's daughter, son-in-law, Joe Batterton, & 2 other church mbrs have formed a band called "Church Yard." They have written all their music & lyrics. They are pretty good . . . of course not the quality of Lynn.
Robin was Lynn's previous wife, he is now married to another woman whose name I am not able to recall now. But, Robin is the mother of two of Lynn's three daughters."
Based on everything that my brother John says, I think that we can be sure that the real David Lynn is the one whom John has previously stated is living in Cave City.
But I'm still waiting for that firsthand report.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
A friend of mine is from Mountain Home, Arkansas, she's going for a visit this week. She and I have talked about David Lynn Jones several times, she remembers him and his music. I told her I had found a listing for a Janis and David L. Jones she said she would look into it and see what she could find out. Her family has lived there for many years, I'm sorry but I don't know Debra's last name before she was married. Debra doesn't own a computer, when I mentioned this blog to her she had no idea what I was talking about. In my limited knowledge I tried to explain it to her the best I could. She promised she would see if she could find out if the David Lynn Jones in Mountain Home is the same DLJ we want him to be. Before we left the Symphany tonight she had me write his name down so she wouldn't forget to check on him for me. When she gets back in a couple of weeks I'll relay any info she finds. She promised to check on the one in Cave City as well, maybe she can find out something for me to pass along.
My guess is that your friend will find a David Lynn Jones in both places, but the question is how she will determine which one is the real Jones.
I'll still be waiting for my brother's firsthand report . . . slow as it is in coming.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Knowing Debra she will probably call him and ask him. Most all of her family live there, she's as interested as everyone else to find out.
Won't both of them claim to be Jones? How will she know?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
She's a fan of David's as well, she'll come up with something to ask him to satisy her mind.
I'll be curious what she learns . . . but she might want to be careful.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Hey Di,
The DLJ who lives in Mountain Home works at the McDonalds on the main drag. He usually works second shift.
Di? Do see any "unusualness" about the guy who wrote the songs we both love, working at Mickey D's?
HD
Fascinating. So Herschel, is this guy in Mountain Home actually pretending to be the same David Lynn Jones who wrote those great songs? If so, why. Have you talked to him?
And, by the way, if you were famous and wanted to be anonymous--wouldn't working at Macdonald's be a good way?
Yeah, who'd expect a guy like DLJ to be relegated to second shift?
But as Milton reveals in Paradise Lost, the great archangel fell even further . . . to the graveyard shift!
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Larry, the guy at Mountain Home doesn't seem to want to be anonymous since he tells people that he's David Lynn Jones.
The real David Lynn -- and I'm going on the secondhand evidence from my brothers back in Salem, Arkansas -- is living in Cave City, but also not anonymously.
I wish that I had something more solid to provide, but my brother John hasn't yet driven to Cave City to speak with David Lynn. However, since David Lynn's daughter attends John's church, my brother has no doubt that the real DLJ lives in Cave City.
But I can see that people who don't know me or John or my other brothers might still wonder which DLJ is the real DLJ.
Sounds like an old television show: "Will the real DLJ stand up?"
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
You're correct of course Larry, I should think that whipping up quarter-pounders with cheese, and pouring Diet Cokes "might be" a pretty good way to assure some degree of anonymity.
However, there's that one itty bitty problem with employing the Mickey D Gambit.
The fries are "World Famous" so I could see there might be problems in maintaining, overtime (no that's not a pun, fast food joints don't like to pay overtime) any reliable degree of anonymity.
I should think that if I were considering the "MDG" I'd at least apply to get the Ronald MacDonald gig. That way the makeup would more effectively assure anonymity.
There are other factors as well, as I have informed The Scholar in an e-mail, but I don't consider it "good form" to post such things on publically accessible blogposts.
HD
I forgot your second question Larry,
Actually I have talked with him but only by phone. I admit that I have not actually been in proximity to DLJ since he visited my home back in the mid-eighties, however my memory of his voice was not reflected during the conversation.
Have you noticed that ever since The Scholar re-posted the link to the photo, we've not heard from Frank since?
HD
First of all Jeffery's brother was going to go and see if he could find David Lynn Jones. Then he seems to disappear and we hear nothing. Than Di's friend Debra was going to investigate and talk to both of the guys who claim to be DLJ. At least a month passes by and....nothing. This feels like a grade B horror movie.
Has anybody heard anything more?
Good point, Larry, and I can see why you'd be frustrated.
My wife recently got us an internet telephone, and we've tried a couple of times to reach my brother but haven't gotten him at home, just a recording. When I get him on the phone, I'll ask him about what he's heard.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Debra did try and call the numbers she had found, but no answer, the beauty of caller ID at work. I will see her this weekend in Columbus, KY and get the address' she gathered for me and I will get to work like in the past mailing out notes to see if I can get a response.
Well, Diane, I'll be interested to learn the result . . . though I am convinced already of where David Lynn Jones lives.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Actually Jeff,
You know where both live. And nope, I've heard nothing either.
HD
Has anyone investigated identity theft?
Anonymous, you mean identity theft in this particular case . . . or in general?
By the way, for those who check or stumble across this post, there's no doubt that David Lynn Jones is living near Cave City, not in Mountain Home. I've recently had contact with Jerry Bone, a bassist who has known Jones since they were teenagers and who played with Jones in his band from the late 80s until the mid-90s.
I've now posted several times on David Lynn Jones, and you can find the various posts by doing a search of this blog for "David Lynn Jones" or by clicking on the name at the bottom of this blog entry.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
in the sense of the Mountain Home David Lynn Jones receiving royalties or other benefits owed to the real DLJ.
Anonymous, I have no firsthand knowledge of that issue, but I doubt that the fellow in Mountain Home receives checks and royalties intended for the real DLJ, for I'm told that the fellow pretending to be DLJ works in a McDonalds restaurant.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeffery,
I live in West Plains, MO. I grew up being a huge David Lynn Jones fan and spent a lot of time hanging out at his studio in Bexar as a teenager and well beyond. I am still a huge fan and consider him to be a dear friend. I now have my own studio and have discussed/begged him on various occasions to do another cd. He has an enormous collection of songs. Many, which I believe to be some of his best, have not been recorded. I couldn't help but believe that there had to be many others out there that, like myself, wanted to hear more. He was at my studio one day and during that time, I mentioned myspace. I created a page for him and uploaded a few songs from a live radio show we had just recorded. Neither he or I have really done anything to maintain or improve that page. It was basically just created just to show him how it works. I recently logged back in to that account and found that he had received an enormous amount of email. On the comments, someone mentioned "gypsy scholar" so I did a search. Wow! It is so cool to see that there is a signicant amount of people hunting for him! I haven't talked to him in a little while but, I am doubting very seriously that he has been online to see any of the blogs or the emails. I am definitely going to make an effort to get an update from him and pass along the messages/blogs.
Bobby R
The easiest way to reach me is bobbyrayroberts@alltel.blackberry.com
Bobby Ray Roberts, thanks for the post. If you do a search on this blog for David Lynn Jones, you'll find several blog entries on the man and his music.
You could also contact Jerry Bone through a web address that I provide in one of the posts that you'll discover by doing a search.
Anyway . . . the DLJ song on the MySpace page that you set up is brilliant. It's complex and difficult to sing correctly -- I know because I tried to sing it a cappella to myself -- and the bootleg Gospel CD of his that I have also shows his excellence.
You're right that David Lynn has a lot of fans, and more of them are showing up here.
Perhaps if enough people would contact David Lynn, he'd find the motivation to return to the music scene.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
David Lynn is brilliant. We play music together often and every time I hear him it takes my breath away! I have never met a more talented songwriter in my life. Not only are the songs wonderful, but the delivery of them is equally amazing. I feel extremely honored to know David Lynn, especially since he has inspired me on my own musical path.
Chelsea, I guess that you must be Chelsea Candler.
I like your voice, which I've just discovered and linked to.
You say that you often play music with David Lynn. Some of us have been trying to find out how David Lynn is doing, and especially if he is again making music.
Jerry Bone recently got in touch with him and asked if he were writing again. He claimed that he didn't have anything left to write about.
Can you give us an update?
Thanks for visiting, Chelsea, and we hope to hear from you again.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
As far as I know, he has not written anything recently.. perhaps just perfecting what has already been done? If it is possible for anything of David Lynn's to be any more perfect than what it already is..
But, he is well, and inspiring a whole new generation of musicians and hearts. I thought once or twice about doing a print out of this blog and taking it to him. I was fairly impressed, but not a bit surprised, to find that there are so many people out there who love this man and his music so dearly.
I have heard much talk of Jerry Bone from many people, but I have yet to meet him. From what I hear he is a talented person. I have recently situated myself back into the music scene after 6 years and a falling out with my manager, so all the stuff you hear on my page is old... Hopefully something new on the way here pretty soon.
Chelsea, if you think that David Lynn would be touched to hear of people's desire to hear more of his music, then print out whatever you see fit. I've posted several blog entries on him and his music, and you can find them by running a search on this blog for "David Lynn Jones."
By the way, is David Lynn still living near Cave City?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I wondered how long it was gonna take you to ask that.
Yeah, the question is inevitable.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I received a text message from Jones letting me know he had bought some new recording equipment and invited me to come over when I had the chance..Sounds like Jones could be stirring up some musical ideas..I plan to visit with Jones sooner than later...
Good things come to those who wait, ao hopefully there is something to to this and he will begin to record again, it'd be nice. I have a new friend on myspace, Jamie, that has some pictures of David and Illa among a couple of others sitting around playing music. You can view them by going to my space and searching images or you can go to my page and click on her page to view her photos. www.myspace.com/daltom
Thanks, Anonymous. Are you Jerry Bone, by any chance?
(I ask because I contacted Jerry Bone about Chelsea's comment.)
Anyway, keep us posted.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Di, let's hope that good things are coming. Some weeks back, Jerry Bone told me that he had a good feeling about this upcoming year, namely, that he felt that David Lynn would get back into music.
Interesting that this blog entry has become a nexus for information on David Lynn Jones...
I'll take a look at your site for those photos.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeff,
I sent you a link to a newspaper article from Mountain Home's newspaper. I forget the code you gave me to get a link to post on this comment thread. I'll try it nonetheless.
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/article/20090214/NEWS01/902140315
Di, Larry? I realize you've had "some problems" with some of my comments concerning DLJ - however if the link doesn't work, simply google "The Baxter Bulletin" which is Mountain Home's newspaper. I think that will clear up any doubts to the veracity of what my "research" indicated.
Oh, the headlline is "Mountain Home Man Arrested for Identity Theft."
HD
You do have one huge advantage over most of us out here, you have Family there to help keep you up to snuff on the rumors and rumbles of what's happening. If it helps, I'm glad you were right, now we know which one is David and where he resides is not longer in doubt. Now if we can all be lucky enough to be right in hanging in there and he does come out with some new music we will all be the winners.
If I made you feel as I disapproved of anything you said then I do apologize.
I just read a Mt Home News article and they have busted the Fake Jones and his wife or girl friend He is being held with a 200 thousand dollar bond and when she is caught hers will be 500 thou..So ends the saga of "will the real Jones please step forward..Yes Mr Hodges It's me Bone
Di?
Actually when Jeff posted the original I didn't really pay much attention except to make a few inquiries. It was only after the fellow who called himself "Frank McNab" addressed Jeff (and me) personally that I began what I guess would be called a "real investigation" (incidentally, I am NOT a member of what the paper calls "the authorities").
Unlike Jeff, I am totally unrelated to DLJ but I had known and admired him for sometime. I did not have "the Family" connections you seem to imply. I did live near where he grew up and as the very first comment on this thread indicates, consider him to be the finest damn songwriter/writer the area has produced. I only "noticed" discrepancies when I replied to invitations from "Frank."
Jeff and I exchanged several emails as "the search for the truth" progressed and there were things I came across that simply did not add up. Perhaps sometime in the future, Jeff will be able to properly fill in what transpired.
And actually Di, you owe yourself a "pat on the back." It was only after you came onto the thread and (seemed) to call into question my motives, veracity, or both. I have this tendency to get "miffed," so I either get really involved or I simply sulk in my closet.
Regardless, "all's well that ends well." Especially if I hear the words from the DJ, "And now, the very latest from David Lynn Jones."
Herschel D.
Herschel, forgive my ignorance, I got the names and who was from where confused. I've gotten used to being put down and I guess I've just stopped paying attention to who's doing it this time. So again, I apologize.
It doesn't seem to matter what I write somebody finds fault. Read back, I've taken some good punches and haven't delivered any yet. I thought we were all here for the same reason, we were David Lynn Jones fans.
This all seems pretty exciting. Congratulations Herschel on whatever role you played in busting this guy in Mountain Home. You read through these postings and it feels like a whole mystery that takes place in the Ozarks is unravelling in Korea. Small world, isn't it?
The great news, though is it looks like David Lynn Jones is once again active--with a friend of Di's getting a recent photo of him, Jerry Bone hearing that he has new recording equipment, and Chelsea actually playing some playing with him.
I'm expecting that very soon we'll get a posting from David Lynn Jones himself. -Larry Saidman
Di and HD, we're all fans -- and thus friends -- of David Lynn here (well, I don't know if Frank is, but maybe he is), so let's just be glad that the truth is coming out and that the real David Lynn is becoming active again.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Thanks, Mr. Jerry Bone, for the comments and also for the email link that you sent me. It's great to hear that David Lynn is getting back into the music and that you'll be getting involved, too.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Larry, I'd be honored to have David Lynn post a comment, but I'll be even more pleased to hear music from him again.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Di,
"I've gotten used to being put down and I guess I've just stopped paying attention to who's doing it this time. So again, I apologize.
It doesn't seem to matter what I write somebody finds fault."
Woman. Look back up the comment chain. I may've signed "HD" but you should find that an apology from me was directed to you, personally.
Di, you need not apologize to me for anything. I'll go one step further - don't you ever get used to being "put down."
I did not find fault with what you wrote - the fault "if any" - only came about due to my shortcomings. I tried (in my usual clumsiness) to tell you, "Di, you deserve a pat on the back."
Di, it's 39 minutes past midnight where I am so wherever you are, I may be too late. But I'll type it anyway.
Happy Valentine's Day Di.
Actually, if not for you...
Now Larry, don't go assuming too much. I believe any credit for anything should be assigned to Jeff. He was, after all, the guy who started all this.
(Looks like he may've been the one to end all this.) I just hope that anything ill that may've occurred in DLJ's life as a result of this criminal act may soon be rectified.
If I have offended anyone (with the exception of "Frank") I sincerely apologize, especially Di, to you. However, I admonish, don't take that "getting used to" crap too far. After all, you should be feeling a back slap (and not a particularly unenjoyable one).
Oddly, I feel the necessity of thanking someone I never thought I would.
Thanks "Frank."
HD
Herschel, I reckon that there are thanks enough to go around to several people.
Let's all especially thank David Lynn for his music, both what he's already made and what he will make.
None of us would be here without that.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Yep Jeff,
If you would/are able to/can explain to everyone concerned that I am a complete nutcase?
As hard as I try, whatever I try to say, seems to be construed differently than what I intended.
(Well, except perhaps, for my "Thanks" to "Frank").
I think it has something to do with my actually being a nutcase.
HD
Herschel, if you're a nutcase, then so am I.
I am, of course, as proven by my blog.
Still . . . that's no valid proof that you are.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I do appreciate the Happy Valentine wish, and I send one to all of you as well, even though it's a little bit late. The pat on the back is appreciated as well, and it didn't hurt a bit.
As I've told you in the past I hold no ill feelings towards anyone over comments made on here.
I will admit that when I found out that it wasn't David's myspace page, that he didn't create or keep it up, I was disappointed, but when Bobby Ray said he would make sure David knew about the posts and such it took some of the sting out. I took a lot of comfort going there and listening to David make his magic. I could be down and go listen and instantly feel better. I've got a video on my page taken from youtube, the one with him and Stan Hitchcock, where David's on the show and does the song. I go to youtube everyday and search for David Lynn Jones songs. I did have Bonnie Jean on there, but I made the mistake of not putting on my computer as well and now it's gone. I've got all of his videos on vhs from years ago, but not on my computer.
I read back and I don't think I shared this with you. I had written David asking him if he was going to be coming close to where I am. I got a phone call from a lady telling me she was from David's office telling me that there were going to be 2 tickets at the door with my name on them in Little Rock, Arkansas for his show there the next night. I didn't have anybody that could go with me, husband was a supervisor on midnights at the time, he couldn't get off, Janice had parent visitation and had to get her grades together and couldn't go, my brother couldn't off work and my daughter was only 9 at the time. I didn't have anybody to take the 6 hour trip with me so I couldn't go. Now, I'd just take off and go, but at the time I was younger and didn't think it such a good idea going that far and coming home so late at night alone.
I'd talked with Richie Albright in the past and he left the offer to call him again if I wanted information on show locations. I did and they were going to be in Nashville at 328 Performance Hall, we finished with our daughters ball practice and took off to Nashville. I dropped off a note at the bus on our way in, we got in and sat down front and center and during the show he looked down at me and starts telling everybody that I was his biggest fan and ask me what song I wanted to hear. It took me three times of telling him before he actually heard me, but he did Tonight in America for me. My husband said it was the only time that he could remember anybody making me speechless.
After the show we were invited backstage for pictures and some conversation. I apologized for not making the Little Rock show and he told me that this one was much better so I didn't miss a thing by not going and that I didn't need to make a trip like that alone anyway.
I'd sent David a vhs tape of some videos of The Northern Pikes, Jay Semko the bassist is on my page now, a dear friend. I had told David that 328 was a specail place, that I'd been able to see the Pikes there and meet with them as well. He said he had enjoyed hearing the Pikes music.
We'd exchanged Christmas cards and such for years after that. The one I sent with our sons birth announcement in it came back. Brett was born in '98, and I've not gotten anything from him since.
So now you can maybe understand why David, his music and well being means so much to me and my family, our time with him was personal. While I'm still friends with all of the Pikes and hear from them often on face book and myspace, I miss hearing from David so very much. The Pikes still make music together and individually, but nothing new from David.
Corny as it may sound that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I've had the great honor of meeting several artists in my lifetime, but none have touched me and mine more than the time we spent with David.
With all due love and respect for those concerned about Jones and his well being I have come to the conclusion with myself included we should keep in mind that Jones may read all of these posts and conclude that some of what is posted could be considered idle gossip even though intentions were not of a bad nature ..Trying to analyze or judge an artist of his God given talent is not for those who are not in his mind set whether its good bad or ugly.That is a God job we all will face...Whether he lives in a mansion or a shack is of no importance in the big picture..Jones can adapt and survive in any type of environment ..Jones is alive and well and I suspect he will bring some more knowledge through music to the table..One of my favorite lines he wrote is.."Lord when your passing out your blessings save a little mercy for me"....He didn't ask for riches or fame just mercy..You cant get more humble than that my friends ...Lets be careful not to judge but pray for each other Love,Peace,and Out!
Di, thanks for the story. I knew part of it before from your website, but hearing the entire story is touching.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Anonymous (Bone?), you are right, of course, that we ought to bear in mind that David Lynn might read our comments one day, so we should restrain from speculation about private things.
Fortunately, I think that there's not been too much of that. Undoubtedly, we all wonder why David Lynn has taken so much time off from music, but only he can tell us that if he chooses to. Let's just be thankful that he seems to be returning and hopeful that he'll have more music to share, both the old and the new.
By the way, what song is this a line from: "Lord when you're passing out your blessings save a little mercy for me"?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Offense to anyone is not my intention, because in reality I think this is a great venue to pay tribute to the music and the man..I would hope that Jones would be flattered that he is still remembered and there are those who attempt to seek him out in hopes they can express their appreciation for his talent up close and personal..It's human nature to sometimes assume the negative before the positive and we all no that second hand news can be misleading and distorted ... You are absolutely right for the most part input has been a positive flow of kindness and concern ..."Our Just Reward" from the "Play by Ear" cd was where the Save a little mercy for me line came from ..That line gives me hope..I love it!...Thanks for all you do to keep the spirit of Davids music alive..I believe the best is yet to come! :)
Janis Wallace, aka French, aka Jones was arrested in Fayettville, Arkansas last evening and taken into custody by Baxter County authorities early this morning (about 4:00 AM CST 2/16/09).
I'm glad it's all over with. The two in Mountain Home were arrested. I was ordered to remain silent for the last nine months while the investigation was going on. . . . Frank
Frank, I've always suspected that you were deceived by Mr. Sullivan and Ms. French. Undoubtedly, a lot of people in the area were being deceived.
But let's put all that behind us and just appreciate the real David Lynn Jones.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Actually Frank,
After speaking with you initially, then the follow-ups, my delvings through ASCAP and CMA, I had the feeling well... I had the feeling you were as bamboozled as the majority. Well, maybe not the majority.
I do have some definite sympathy toward you, but if it's any help, had you not arranged a certain phone-call, ironically just prior to the call I received April Fool's Day 2008, you could have filed further tax returns and the IRS (as well as other Federal entities) could have been just as easily carried along.
Frank? If Jeff will link any, listen to the REAL David Lynn Jones, I consider listening will do you, as his asking me for rhyming words, will reward you as much as his asking did for me.
I realize it's Jeff's custom to post the ending comment to a thread. I wonder if he'll continue, "That Family Tradition."
Herschel D.
(Jeff, I don't know if you've arranged my "type the letters" so, but mine are "SplashO")
Herschel, I'll link if I know what to link to.
If you mean links to David Lynn's music, I've made a few already, and these can be found on other blog posts related to David Lynn -- just do a search for "David Lynn Jones," and you, Frank, and anyone can find them.
But do you have something specific in mind?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
The most obvious Jeff, just the obvious.
HD's not contributed much (hell very little) to the world.
This is no Tiffany Easter Egg.
The music of DLJ - I'm pretty sure (though not really sure) Di, Larry, heck maybe even Bone wouldn't mind.
Herschel D's been a waste of the world's time.
JK
JK, I respect both your opinion and Herschel's . . . so where does that leave me?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
In November of '06 I had posted something about David on the CMT blog, a man by the name of Cid Fisher contacted me, he used to share an apartment with David in Houston and they played music together. I've been looking for his email address, the one I put in a safe place so I'd know where to find it, since I found the myspace page on David. I finally found it and sent him the link to this blog, he's very glad there are still folks out here waiting on some new music from David. Cid is now a preacher and a very nice man. If I had found that dang email addy sooner... he knew where David lived........He was very excited over the things he read here and very surprised at the recent turn of events. He says to keep up the good work. Just thought I'd share that.
Thanks, Di, and I'm glad to hear that Mr. Fisher is also hoping for the best for David Lynn. With so many folks who care for David Lynn and his music, we can truly hope that the best is yet to come -- as Mr. Jerry Bone believes.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
This is all very interesting. David Lynn is married to my aunt. I know they have been struggling for quite some time with the stolen identity. They are very relieved this is coming to an end. He will be very humbled and appreciative of all of the nice things you all have said about him and his music.
Thanks, good to hear from you on this, and give David Lynn our very best wishes -- from all of us here.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Hi all,
Di sent me an email with a link to this blog. David is an old friend that I have not seen in years. I heard that he was going through a harsh period and I've been very concerned. I was blessed to read how you bloggers helped nail the rascal who stole his identity.
I believe that David can still be a blessing with his music. I'm a year older than him and I'm in the process of finishing an album. For ten years I never touched a guitar. I thought it was all over and my musical contributions were in the past. After all, who's going to listen to someone 60 years old.
I'm not saying that its was the key, but a verse from a Bruce Carroll song (Here I Go Again)nudged me a bit. It stuck in my spirit and I began to believe that I could still contribute.
"A wise man said most people die
with the music still inside of them-
What a shame in a world
so in need of a song-
As long as my heart has a rhythm
You're gonna hear from me again- I've got a melody or two before I'm gone"
Well, if you ever read this blog, David, I hope you realize that the music is still inside of you.
Cid, don't ya know that music is ageless, it's timeless, and it lives forever. The Cooper Brothers from many years ago had a song that said it well. "The dream never dies, just the dreamer, the song never dies, just the singer." Who'd want to listen to a 60 year old sing? We got a bunch of old rockers out there don't ya know, Mick Jagger and John Fogerty just to name a couple. David is so close to that age that he could reach out and touch it, and we're all sitting here waiting for him to release some new music for us to listen to. Besides, I'm sitting here waiting for you to get your music mastered so I can get a cd out of my mailbox and listen to a 60 year old man sing. It's been a pleasure Sir, Di
Cimafish (Cid?), thanks for the visit and the encouragement to David Lynn. Let's hope that he reads all these words of support.
Thanks to Di for letting you know of this blog post. If you use the blog's search function, you'll find more entries on David Lynn Jones.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Hi Jeffery,
Thanks for the welcome (yes, I'm Cid Fisher). David helped me once when I was on the bottom. I hope he eventually reads this blog and other Internet chatter and realizes that people want to hear from him again.
It believe that I know Jerry Bone. Mr. Bone, are you the one who played bass on the album I did in West Plains? I often wondered what happened to R.P. and the rest of the group.
Mr. Fisher, if Jerry Bone doesn't notice your message here, you might try his website. I think that he has an email address there.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Thanks, Jeffery. I appreciate the info.
Now Di?
Did I get yuo right?
(I wish I could italicize.) Jagger et al but DARN!
OLD ROCKERS? I'm tempted to make that not a kind pat on the back...
you deserve that kind "pat on the back, but dog-gone it woman, "OLD ROCKERS?"
I thought we had an understanding.
Herschel D.
Cid was talking about age, and wondering who would want to hear a 60 year old sing. I was just trying to show that we listen to folks older than 60. If that hit a nerve or hurt just a little bit, I apologize, but they say the truth hurts....LOL
Cid sent me one of his songs and let me tell ya he has a wonderful voice. The music the words the arrangement everything came together just right, it's a wonderful song and delivered with perfection. Age had nothing to do with this, experience maybe, but not age.
Jagger is older than 60 and he's still Rockin' so by defination he's an old or older let's add for vanity's sake, rocker. Don't hit me too hard. I'm only 39 for the 10th time. LOL
Well, we're all getting older, but I hope that we'll never be too old.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I see you found how to make it italicized, kudos to you. Never too old, like Bon Jovi said, Just Older.
Sid Fisher, I apologize for my recall..Having done quite a few studio sessions for some reason my recall is vague concerning your music..Were you involved in gospel music at the time we did the session in West Plains??RP is doing well in Branson Mo.He has been living there for quite sometime..At one point he was the band director for a Branson show called "Country Tonight" I believe it was called?? ..If Randy Reeves was playing drums on your session,I'm sad to say he has passed on ...He played on the CMT performance we did with Jones live at the Cannery In Nashville and also The CMT video "Tonight In America"..I'm trying to transfer those videos and live performances we did with Jones to DVD so I can better preserve the memories..
Hi Jerry,
Yeah, I guess you would call it that. It was an album with originals--definitely Christian oriented. It was near the end of '88. David sent the band over to help me get the project done. I do believe Randy was the drummer. If you were the bass player, you bought my old Precision from a pawn shop downtown West Plains. R.P played the keyboard. I can see the guitar player's face in my mind, but cannot remember his name. Anyway, my recall is as yours, a bit sketchy at times.
I forgot to add that I'm very sorry to hear about Randy. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
I do remember the session Sid and I bet the guitar player was either Robbie Springfield or Gerry Moss,I played in Fayetteville with Gerry Moss and John Ware over the weekend at our annual event we call the Barnorama ..We had a great time and a good visit..Moss and I Join forces on occasion with John Ware the drummer formally with Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Ronstadt..Moss is about as close as I get to the old band days with Jones..How can I get a copy of that session we did with you Sid?
Hey, I'll send you one. Give me some time to convert it to CD, which won't take long. I especially liked the fretless that you played on one song. I can't remember which guitarist it was. I remember that he had long, curly hair, but then didn't a lot of folks. Think fall of '88. I re-recorded some of the songs, but I always liked how R.P. and you guys did it. You can check out MySpace--I sent you an invite.
Back when I first posted this blog entry, I had no idea that it would attract such attention or generate comments for so long.
I'm amazed and grateful to see that my blog has actually been of some use for people who wanted to talk about David Lynn Jones or who needed to locate other musicians.
Thanks to all for continuing to drop by and chat.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Thank you, Jeffery, for providing us the opportunity. I hope that we are not straying too far away from the purpose of your blog. Also, the identity thieves probably would not have been caught so soon had it not been for your blog. Thanks again.
So long as everybody's friendly, happy, and staying within broadly reasonable boundaries of discussion, I have no objections to people carrying on various conversations.
I've met a lot of nice people this way.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Concerning Music and age...Age is mind over matter..If you don't mind it doesn't matter :)
Well Bone (anyway I think it may be Bone)what does it mean if one doesn't mind if it doesn't matter?
I was simply giggling Di.
Some things of course matter, just not the Age thing.
(Really - well, maybe a little. But I take solace that it's relative.)
HD
I'm sad to announce that Mark Sallings a former member of the touring Jones band was killed in a auto accident on highway 64 south of Memphis night before last..After the Jones Band took a leave of absence Mark with myself, Gerry Moss another Jones member and Memphis drummer Buster La Duke joined forces and formed a blues band called the "Famous Unknowns" We were the first house band at BB Kings in Memphis in the early 90's for 2plus years..A few years later Moss and I left the group to explore other musical adventures and Mark kept the music and band running until his untimely death..Mark won a Grammy at the Handy awards in Memphis and was highly respected as a gifted harmonica wizard...He also was an accomplished sax player and singer song writer..Check out his web site for more info...Three Jones band members have now crossed over..Jimmy Everett, Randy Reeves, and now Mark Sallings..Please remember in your prayers those family members and friends who are left to morn his absence ..Love and Peace, Jerry Bone
Mr. Bone, I'm sorry to hear of this sad news.
For those who wish to visit the website of Mr. Sallings, you will find a link at this blog entry: Jerry Bone on David Lynn Jones's Music.
Just go there and then click under the photo of Mr. Jerry Bone, precisely where the words "Image from marksallings.com" appear.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Hi Jerry,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of your friend. Of course I will pray for the family and friends who are stunned and hurt by this tragedy. Having recently learned about the death of one of my old friends, I know how you feel right now. I felt vulnerable and small, but I cling to my loved ones still here and cherish the memories.
Looky what I found on you tube. I check quite often and I lucked out this time. High Riding Heros, I also added it to my myspace page. Unlike with Bonnie Jean, I downloaded this one to my computer so if it gets taken off you tube I'll still have it. I've not seen this in a very long time, I've got all of his videos on vhs and I'm gonna have to put them on dvd so I can watch them again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko_TKPbgTgU
Thanks, Di. That's great.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Did you ever find the lyrics to Nightingale Waltz? I've got them if you still want them.
Yes, I'd love to have them. They'd likely inspire a new post.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I listened to the song and wrote it down, I'm not sure how to write things out, but these are the words anyway.
Nightingale Waltz
I knew a young maiden that time had forgotten;
She lived in a cottage of Mayberry Wood
I wrote her a song that she called a sonnet,
She wanted to sing it but she never could.
Oh you lay me down by the river
And washed my hair in the cool waterfall
And all of God’s children would come gather round us
And we would all dance to the Nightingale Waltz
She planted her flowers in the shade of the window,
I played my piano of Mayberry Wood
She sewed me a jacket of every day patches,
I tried to wear it but I never could.
Oh she lay me down by the river
And washed my hair in the cool waterfall,
And all of God’s children would come gather around us
And we would all dance to the Nightingale Waltz.
Oh she lay me down by the river
And washed my hair in the cool waterfall
And all of God’s children would come gather around us
And we would all dance to the Nightingale Waltz.
Oh she lay me down by the river
And washed my hair in the cool waterfall
And all of God’s children would come gather around us
And we would all dance to the Nightingale Waltz.
Di, thanks. It's a lovely song.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I was trying to say "Glad to be of service". It's bedtime, good night.
Thanks. I've wiped away the remains of the error.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I sent the words earlier, but they're in the "Stan Hitchcock" post. I got mine through listening with my 60 yr old ears to the cd--and I may have heard some of them wrong. i thought he was saying "I wrote her a song that she called the sun"; you wrote "I wrote her a song that she called a sonnet". I must say, Di, that your version makes more sense. Thanks.
His last CD, Play By Ear (from which that song comes) has probably his best songs, don't you think? I'm thinking of recording my own band's version of "Who's driving this train" onto a My Space page, although I don't know if there are any copyright laws that may prohibit this.
I'd be interested in hearing from other DLJ fans as to what their favorites are. As I mentioned before, I think mine is "Sleeping with the Jailer". -Larry Saidman
Larry, after I posted my reply to Di, I remembered that you had also posted it for me. I guess that I'm getting old, too.
I agree that Di's version makes more sense -- especially that about the "sonnet." I wish that the song were online at You Tube.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
This is sorta lengthly, but well worth the time, it's a great read if you happen to be a David Lynn Jones Fan!
One of my friends on myspace posted a comment on David's page about a newspaper article she'd read. I went to the paper couldn't find it, she sent me the article. and I thought I'd share it with you.
Di,
I work for the paper that published the article on him. I will try to see if I can't dig the article up on the computer and send it to you. It WAS good news, they have arrested the 2 main people that stole his identity. I'll let you read the rest for yourself. Deb
By Larry Stroud
Batesville Daily Guard
Guard Associate Editor
www.guardonline.com
CAVE CITY — After fighting identity theft for seven years, country singer/songwriter David Lynn Jones is ready to take back his life.
During that time, Jones, on paper, was three people — and at times, four.
“Two guys were playing me,” Jones said. “It’s unimaginable, until you go through it ... that someone who doesn’t even look like you can steal your identity.
“The damage,” he said, “is incalculable.”
Jones may be ready to sing “I Feel A Change Comin’ On” again. That’s the title of one of his singles from his heyday.
During better times, Jones released four acclaimed albums — “Hard Times on Easy Street” (1987), “Wood, Wind and Stone” (1990), “Mixed Emotions” (1992) and “Play by Ear” (1994).
His charting singles include “Bonnie Jean (Little Sister)” which was also a popular music video on television,” “High Ridin’ Heroes” (with Waylon Jennings), “The Rogue” and “Tonight in America.”
He may be best-known for writing “Living in the Promiseland,” a No. 1 hit for Willie Nelson.
While Jones kept writing songs during the past seven years, he could not release them because the identity theft culprits were getting his royalty checks by having the checks sent to their address. Much of the time, that address was in Colorado.
Now, Jones and his wife, Illa, who live east of Cave City, are looking forward to teaming up to record and release a new album.
He also has unreleased albums from the past that can now be put before the public.
“There’s five (previously recorded David Lynn Jones) albums that never were released,” Jones said. He plans to make those available to buyers on the Internet within the next few months.
Fans should be patient, though, because it may take quite awhile, he said.
In February, Baxter County sheriff’s investigators arrested Danny James Sullivan, who was working at a McDonald’s in Mountain Home under the name David Lynn Jones.
Sullivan was also drawing disability checks from the government under his own name while working at the McDonald’s under Jones’ name. His aliases include Danny J. Bass and Danny J. Rader.
A day later, acting on a tip, the alleged mastermind of the plot, Janis Rae Wallace, was arrested at a home in Fayetteville. Wallace is also known as Janis French and Janis Rae Jones, the name she used while posing as the real Davis Lynn Jones’ “wife.”
She’s even booked into the jail as Janis Rae Jones.
Wallace and Sullivan, both 51, remain in jail — she, on a $500,000 bond and he, on a $200,000 bond.
They are each charged with nine counts of felony financial identity fraud, according to an affidavit filed with the charges and signed by sheriff’s Sgt. Bob Buschbacher.
The information filed with the charges and in arrest reports matches the story told by Jones — the real Jones.
“Those are all federal charges,” Jones said.
The theft started, Jones said, when Wallace stole his driver’s license while working for him.
“At the time, my Social Security number was the same as my driver’s license number, and with just that information, they infiltrated my life,” Jones said.
Soon, he was getting no mail. It was all going to the fake David Lynn Jones’ address via an address change. The mail included preapproved credit card applications that the thieves filled out; after they maxed out the cards, they reported them stolen.
“Among the stolen items via mail were personal checks and business checks from music royalties the victim had earned as a songwriter and musician,” Sgt. Buschbacher said.
“They had ‘me’ moved to Colorado; my phone was shut off,” Jones said. “This was back in 2002. ... By the time we realized what was going on, we couldn’t get it stopped.
“They wound up with my royalty checks from publishing music,” including royalties from “Living in the Promiseland.”
Buschbacher said that in the beginning, to further the identity theft scheme, Sullivan, posing as Jones, filled out an identity theft passport request victim information sheet and submitted it to the attorney general’s office. Then, he obtained an Arkansas driver’s license in the victim’s name.
Meanwhile, Jones’ elaborate and well-known recording studio at Bexar was stripped of all its expensive equipment.
“I still own the studio,” Jones said Saturday. “It’s for sale and has been for some time. These people had gone out there and took down the for sale sign and put up no trespassing signs.
“They were drawing money out of my checking account, which eventually caused me to be overdrafted,” he said. His interest rates were doubled because of a bad credit rating.
And to add insult to injury, Wallace convinced people who dealt with Jones financially that someone was trying to steal her identity (“She was speaking as my ‘wife,’” Jones said).
So, those who could have helped would not even listen to the real Jones.
“When we started talking to credit card companies and banks, they didn’t believe it (was me),” Jones said.
The crowning portion of the identity theft scheme was yet to come.
“They started telling everybody I’d been in a horrible accident in Colorado and I was in a wheelchair and I couldn’t play and sing anymore,” Jones said. “She even wrote a letter and sent it to all of my family saying that.”
Since he had been busy with his work during the earlier part of the problems and hadn’t been in touch with family members regularly, several of them even believed the accident story, he said.
“My mother (Verna Jones) passed away during all of this and we were trying to make funeral arrangements,” and a check his brother mailed to help with those expenses went to Colorado into the thieves’ hands, Jones said.
“Even my own brother didn’t understand what was going on. I told him I never got the check. ... It’s so crazy when you’re actually experiencing it.”
The investigation revealed that Wallace and Sullivan obtained a Social Security card, a Colorado identification card and the Arkansas driver’s license, all in the name of David Lynn Jones. Wallace then obtained power of attorney over Jones, claiming he was mentally disabled due to the fake “accident.”
Wallace and Sullivan were even filing joint federal income tax returns as Mr. and Mrs. David Lynn Jones. Those returns were filed in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Jones said as soon the investigation revealed the first name of the suspect, he knew who was behind the scheme even though she was giving her last name as Jones. Still, the identity thieves stayed one step ahead of authorities for a long time.
Before being arrested, Wallace and Sullivan were trying to get the title to some land Jones owns in Baxter County, authorities said.
A break in the case occurred 15 months ago when Wallace, as Mrs. Jones, and Sullivan, as Jones, applied in person for an identity theft passport at the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.
As soon as Wallace and Sullivan were arrested, investigators obtained search warrants for their houses. Jones said several items found in their homes could only have been obtained by their breaking into his home east of Cave City, where he and his wife have lived for five years.
“We’ve known for years things were being pilfered, things moved around. They were hanging out in the woods, watching for us to leave (so they could get into the house).”
Investigators found pictures and other items taken from inside Jones’ house, as well as photos of the house taken from the driveway.
Jones said officers on the trail of the crooks had been advising Jones for months to be alert and stay well-armed, because one possible logical next step could be to eliminate Jones and his wife, so the identity thieves “could become us.”
“That could have been the last (planned) step,” particularly with them applying for the identity passport, Jones said. “Who knows what would have happened next?”
He has high praise for the attorney general’s agent who felt something was wrong when Wallace and Sullivan approached him about getting that passport.
“That’s what got them caught,” Jones said.
The agent was suspicious enough to go into another room and look for pictures of Jones on the Internet. The pictures did not match the man claiming to be Jones.
“If it had not been for the attorney general’s office, it’d still be going on,” Jones said. “The attorney general’s officer said it was the worst case he’d ever seen in all his years of investigating identity theft.”
Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery said the investigation involved personnel from the attorney general’s office, the Social Security Administration’s Inspector General’s office and the sheriff’s office.
Jones said he expects he still has years to go to clear the damage to his name.
When asked what the identity theft has cost him, Jones did not give a dollar figure.
Instead, he said quietly, “It’s cost me seven years of my life.”
Wow! This is absolutely incredible. But great news to hear about all those unreleased albums. Feels like Christmas! What a tough situation it must have been for David Lynn and his wife. -Larry Saidman
Thanks, Di. I've posted it in today's blog entry and also contacted the Batesville Daily Guard seeking belated permission.
I agree with Larry Saidman that this feels like Christmas.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Jeffery, I apologize, I didn't think of asking permission, Deb works for that particular paper and she sent it to me and I was so excited at the news that I didn't think about the permission thing.
Di, I didn't mean permission for your comment but for my own post.
Anyway, I'm hoping that Larry Stroud and the paper will be happy for the attention and give permission. If not, then I will need to edit my blog entry's use of the article to meet copyright restrictions.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
I understand what you meant, but the copyright didn't even enter my muddled head. We can blame it on the overload of sinus meds....... plus my giddiness of finally finishing this week, spring break began at 1:01 pm today, I'm out of school and then the excitment of reading the article, I was just overcome. If I were dressed right I could've had the vapors.
To All I've Known and Not,
(but have come to)
If you've paid attention to Gypsy through the years, you'll have noticed Jeff always leaves a final comment on every particular thread.
Of course I realize this one's significance, we've become sort of a community. We've danced. Most of the time we've danced without the music. Nevertheless, we have danced. Sometimes we've danced facing each partner. Occasionally as dance partners, one or the other has mis-stepped, but we've all recovered.
Dancers in order to dance simply need a band to play the music. In turn a band needs it's frontman, conductor so to speak.
So it is with a oh heck, how do I name one - "blogmeister?"
I've come to my personal end with this thread, been a long several months, heck over a year.
Di?
I think we've found Eddie, the Cruisers have been along for the ride all along, though sadly dropping out as time passed. But a new day dawns.
I am certain - should any of us need another - that need shall be fulfilled.
Allow Jeff his customary endquote. But despair not.
We shall all dance. Finally. And Again.
Herschel D. Ducker
"Dance Me To The End of Love"
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
Mr. Hodges
I'm the person that inquired about the gnostic stuff. I can assure you through personal knowledge DLJ does not live in Mt Home, whoever the anonymous person is who thinks they know, sorry everybody can't be right just because you want to be, as far as the guy in Mt. Home filing taxes as DLJ everyone can read about that and the scam that happened at the Batesville Guard on the internet the story was done by Larry Stroud a relative of mine. The paper proves the man in Mt. Home is fake, and so does the Arkansas Attourney Generals office that has file numerous state and federal charges against the Mt. Home Man and his so called wife. Enough Said - Anonymous.
Anonymous, thanks for visiting again. If you check the date on this blog entry, you'll see that it's quite old.
As you may have noticed if you have read all of the comments, I was skeptical of the Mt. Home claim -- as were others who know David Lynn well -- for I had word from my kinfolk that David Lynn was living near Cave City.
Anyway, to catch up on my blog entries on David Lynn, just click on his name at the bottom of this blog entry. You'll then see if you have any new details to add.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
P.S. You'll find his name listed just above the comments section, under "Labels."
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
got an email telling me someone had posted on here...man it's been a while.. I've seen and heard, met and talked with David, I keep contact with his wife, Illa, and plan another trip to Hardy, Arkansas soon to hear, see and talk with David again. I found him, I've heard him play, watched him perform, he ain't lost a thing there, and have talked with him. He's doing quite well.
Hi Anonymous! That's great news. Any idea when we're going to be able to hear some of his new music?
-Larry
Yes, that is great news. I hope that David Lynn comes out with more music soon.
There was some legal issue with a bank that was called to my attention earlier this year, and though I couldn't find out any details, rumor said that it concerned copyright to music, which didn't make much sense to me, but I figured that whatever the specific issue, it had something to do with the stolen identity problem that David Lynn faced for several years.
Anonymous, do you know anything about that?
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
This is Di, I couldn't post any other way... I can put you in contact with someone that may be able to answer any of your questions if you'd like. Jerry Bone is mentioned in here, I've met him, he plays music with David Lynn every week in Hardy. If you do facebook look up Di Altom, I've got some great pictures I took last Sept. when we went out there to see him.
Thanks, Di. I've also had contact with Bone over the years, exchanging emails, but I didn't want to bother him over a technical issue like this.
I'll just wait this one out.
Jeffery Hodges
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DLJ will be headlining at the Fulton County Fair on August 16th.
I'd like to be there Di - but there's a bunch of Fulton and Baxter County cops who'd prefer "Trophies."
I'd prefer maybe sharing a cheeseburger or a Subway somere's else. Bring your Husband of course and we'll let sleeping dogs lie.
Salem Arkansas
isn't fit for fit. It's own fault.
Herschel Ducker - Salem Arkansas
I can't make it either . . .
Jeffery Hodges
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I can't make the 16th, but have plans of being in Hardy on the 17th. Di Altom
Is something happening in Hardy on the 17th?
Jeffery Hodges
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David Lynn Jones and Friends play on Saturday nights at the Down Home Country Kitchen in Hardy. We went 2 years ago and saw him, tried to go last year but it rained so we're planning to go again this year...maybe it won't rain.
Thanks for the information.
Jeffery Hodges
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I most definitely would. I have a connection of a song Demo he recorded. My understanding he performed it at an AR concert. The date on the Demo is 1988.I was raised in Paragould, AR. I live in NW AR Fayetteville. I have had relatives and friends who have lived in Mountain Home, too.
Unknown, I'm not sure what you "most definitely would" refers to, but if you read through this blog entry's comments, you'll find yourself overwhelmed with details as to who is the real DLJ.
Jeffery Hodges
* * *
The identity was resolved years ago with the fakes arrested and exposed in court.
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