Rockin' Song of the Week No.77 - Ray Doggett - It Hurts The One Who Loves You

Ray Doggett - It Hurts The One Who Loves You
Spade 1932

Ray Doggett was a middle sized rockabilly from the town called Sweetwater, Texas. That don’t mean he was 5 foot 9, it means he was a bigger artist than your one record wonder, but not quite a household name in the rockabilly world we live in. He was one of only a handful of singers to have a release on Bennie Hess’ little Spade label. Hess musta dug him (ooh, that’s corny) because he had two singles with him.
It Hurts The One Who Loves You was the second release and made enough impact in the small circle that Hess circulated in that the 45 was picked up by Decca Records. Unfortunately the bigger label didn’t net a hit record, something that was to hound Doggett (even cornier!).

It Hurts is so Elvisy’, with vocals that are the Memphis Flash to a tee. The only thing that says Texas not Tennessee to me is the backing vocal group. It sounds more like the Crickets or the Roses/Picks than say the Jordannaires. The musicians lay down a gentle rockin’ beat that was like the sort of rockaballad’s that adorned Elvis pre-Army catalogue. You can pick it up on Bear Family’s That’ll Flat Git It Vol. 9 – Decca release, the Best of Space CD or on some of those We Wanna Sound Like Elvis type CD’s. Sadly, Ray Doggett died of a heartattack in Nashville, TN in March 2002.

Recommended downloads: His first single, Go Go Heart is a hot rocker. No Doubt About It is a strong rocker with good backing vocals and a neat guitar solo. Whirlpool of Love is a bit poppier but definitely worth a listen. If you can get hold of it, Hydra Records’ LP, Doggone It Doggett will give you the lot. (BLK7709).

The Influence of Bennie Hess

I’ve never really thought about Bennie Hess and the fact that his music may have influenced anyone. For all the years I’ve been aware of him, I just thought of him as a bit of a bullshitter who happened to lay down a couple of real hot rockers. Such was his bravado and bs, Jack Scott’s Tall tales could have been written about him. Today I was driving to work listening to the Best of Spade CD and for the first time I was hit by a couple of resemblances.

It’s one thing for the man with the hit records and portfolio of Jerry lee Lewis to sing Lewis Boogie, Rockin’ Jerry Lee et al, but for Bennie Hess to do Bennie Hess Boogie, is big balls in cow town indeed. It’s a fantastic rocker with piano and guitar giving the Bennie Hess Boogie everything they’ve got. What struck me today was this song had to have influenced Hank C. Burnette. The bass line for one, the echoed voice, but most of all the guitar that sounds like it’s breathed a mouthful of helium balloon.

The second song that had me thinking of his influencing others was Boppin’ The Rock. It had all the hallmarks of a Freddie Fingers Lee record. In particular I think I was reminded of Dib Dab Boogie. Is Freddie a big fan? I’ve know idea, but I’m sure I could hear him in Bennie Hess.

So here's a tip of the cowboy hat to a true Texas legend. Larger than life, with stories that were larger than reality. For what it's worth, his best known song is Wild Hog Hop which is considered a rockabilly classic. I don't like it at all and think it's a shocker. But the Bennie Hess Boogie, that's different, that's a beauty.