What's that you say? What's the Big Still, and who s Johnny Noles? Well let's start with "The Big Still". The Big Still was a Honky Tonk located on the banks of the beautiful caloosahatchee river in North Fort Myers, Florida. The Still opened it's doors as The Checker Club back in the 1940s, and in the mid 1960s changed it's name to The Big Still. During it's hey day, The Still had guest appearences by such country greats as Faron Young, Jack Greene, Charlie Louvin, Jeannie Seely, Billie Jo Spears, and many more. In June of this year (2005), after more than 60 years, The Big Still closed it's doors forever. It was a sad day for many of us old honky tonkers when the Still closed shop.
Now, who was Johnny Noles? Well Johnny was the first local entertainer that I remember playing at The Still. It was sometime in the late 1960s when I walked in the bar, and there on a tiny banstand in the corner was Johnny singing and playing guitar, along with Dave Harris on lead guitar, Steve Williams on bass and Kenny Byrd on drums. Together these four guys could put on country show that you would want to return and see over and over again. There were other house bands there after Johnny, but I don't believe any of them had that drive that Johnny and the boys had.
I believe it was in the early 1970s that Johnny recorded a song called "I'll Pretend". Pretend was a nice balled penned by Johnny and Florida entertainer Sam Thompson. After this, the band would be known as Johnny Noles & The Pretenders.
Johnny Noles & The Pretenders never became big stars, but they did have their fans, and should be remembered well for their contribution to traditional country music.
I have managed to round up some of the songs from my personal collection from Johnny & The Pretenders. I think you will enjoy these classic country songs from a true classic country band.
You will also want to pay special attention to "Take Another Look Around", a touching song written by Fort Myers song writer and good neighbor Carl Bowyer.
Now rare back and enjoy Johnny and the boys while they sing eleven of their best for you. Click on title to listen in the MP3 format.
Now Here's Johnny & The Pretenders
I'll Pretend
(Written By Johnny Noles & Sam Thompson)
Take Another Look Around
(Written By Carl Bowyer)
Little Joey
(Written By Sam Thompson)
California
(Written By Sam Thompson)
Framed
Front Row Seat (To Hear Ole Johnny Sing)
Hello Darling
I Might Try To Cry
Nothing Like A Woman
She's My Rock
Six Days On The Road
From the guestbook & E Mail
Hi,I collect obscure country music,especially traditional shuffles, known as two steps. Johnny noles' I'll Pretend, man what a shuffle, you really feel that honky tonk atmoshere in that song. I guess what I am saying, is how does a person get a copy of these. Please let me know.
Kenny
E-Mail Kenny
Thank you Gary for your help. Not only have I found and spoken to my father, I'm meeting him next weekend. You've helped fill in a large part of my life.
Mellissa
Gizu_238@comcast.net
Just listened to Johnny Noles "I'll Pretend"! Now I know I'm going to throw away the one I wrote along those lines! It's truly the best there is!
Lucy
amandalynpicker@hotmail.com
From David Brooks:
I enjoy your site. I remember the good times I had playing music with Ralph Raulerson and later playing the big still with Moonshine for 5 years. Thanks for the memories.
Dave Brooks
Love your site, especially the ones from Fort Myers. I moved here from KY in the early 50's. Have many fond memories of the Big Still. I would love to see something about some of the other bands that played there for extended times such as Bob Starling's band & the Sundown Band which was the last band to play a long running gig there. It truly was a sad day when they closed it. Many of us can relate important dates in our life to this landmark. I was very proud to have had my wedding reception there with all our friends singing songs for us & enjoying my first dance with my husband there. Keep up the good work.
SS
Fort Myers, Florida
From Johnny's Daughter Mellissa:
I can't believe you created a web page dedicated to my dad. That's outstanding! I've never met him but I have his record and he is an amazing singer and songwriter. If anyone knew him or knows where Johnny Noles is now, please feel free to e-mail me and let me know.
Mellissa
Gizu_238@comcast.net
Sam Thompson
Did Sam Thompson tear up new ground at the Big Still? You can bet your heart he did! Click on Sam's picture to listen to some of his songs.
Carl Bowyer - 2007
Could you hear Carl Bowyer on jam sesion night at the Still? There was a good chance of it! Click on Carl's picture to visit his tribute page.
Jimmie Osborne Tribute /
Jimmie Logsdon Tribute /
Asher & Jimmie Sizemore /
Sam Thompson /
Bus 27 Tragedy /
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Home To Gary's Country
Please note: I realize no profit from the music or anything else on this page. All songs are from my personal collection, and are intended to educate, and are for private in home use only.
Johnny Noles/Big Still page created by Gary Using Geocitie's advanced HTML editor and Microsoft notepad. I bet you really wanted to know that!
