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FRIENDS & FANS |
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Herb,
I can't tell you how much I enjoy your music. Been a
long time since I've heard it. My friend Terry said. “Hey you should
hear this guy.” That was sometime in 1967 I think. Lost my first copy of
Something New, don't remember how, a long, long time ago. Found a copy
in a basement record store in Berkeley, probably in the 70's. I loaned
it out to someone and never saw it again. Then the internet came along
so I did some searches over the years looking to get another copy,
always –remembered, I liked it, especially “Come Sit Beside Me.” Nobody
I knew seemed to have heard of you, problem was I remembered your name
as Herb Montoya, so when I did my searches on the web I'd find lots of
Herb Montoyas. Then just the other day, my wife was standing by me at
the computer and somehow I mentioned that I wished I could find that
record I liked and she try another search, which I did, and something
came up with some folk singers and a Herb Metoyer and sure enough after
all that time I finally found you. Once I got the name right I found
several"
copies at online vinyl shops, and then I came across your web page (nice
work). It is an interesting history and family you have, I
enjoyed the web page and it was a pleasure to finally hear your music
again. I'm enclosing a check for "Something New" and "Here I Am". All
good wishes to you.
Larry Adams -. Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (ladams@kona.net)
09/14/2005
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Dear Friends,
Thirty-eight years and countless lifetimes ago, I was a young GI
stationed at Fort Bragg NC. I was bored, homesick, lonely and broke. So
nearby Fayetteville, a boisterous no-holds barred Army town
affectionately nicknamed "Fayettenam", held little interest for me.
Entertainment consisted mostly of beer halls and bottle clubs
unanimously featuring scantily clad (if at all) dancers grinding their
shifts away while juke boxes blared psychedelic rock and Motown and
country twang; a far cry from the coffee houses and folk singers of
home. Definitely not my scene.
So, on one of my infrequent forays into town, I was astounded to stumble
across a tavern which featured an open microphone stage hosted by Herb
Metoyer, leader of a four-piece folk band that was on par with anything
I'd ever heard live or recorded. Here was the real deal; music that
reminded me who I was and where I was, gave me a center in the midst of
that swirling turmoil we recall as "the sixties." The music,
beautifully performed and delivered with simple integrity and powerful
truth, was nectar for a parched and thirsty soul and I returned often,
even venturing onstage with the band though I was hardly competent to
carry much less play a guitar at the time. Herb was a warm, friendly
and generous man who encouraged me to keep playing anyway. Some of the
chord progressions I learned from him are still staples in my music
today and it was Herb who introduced me to the blues, a style which
years later blossomed into my passionate (perhaps obsessive) love affair
with the harmonica.
But the Army disapproved of Major Metoyer's performances; he was ordered
to cease his musical activities as such were unbecoming a field grade
officer. Shortly after I left the Army and returned home, never to hear
of Herb Metoyer or his music again. The years rushed by and blurred but
never erased my memories of those all too few wonderful nights.
So, when Herb popped into my head the other day, I did what any
contemporary normal computer geek would do and Googled my way to Herb
Metoyer's web site. It was like finding a box of childhood treasures
tucked away for decades! Here are all of his written works, including
his first album, "Something New" produced in 1965. And here you will
find one of the most beautiful and compelling tributes to all American
heroes, written and performed by Herb Metoyer and dedicated to his
brother and all Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I
highly recommend and urge to all that you visit Herb's site and hear the
thundrous truths in this quiet American hero's voice.
http://herbmetoyer.com/Video/Video.htm
Cheers,
Gant Eichrodt / 06/07/2009
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Mr. Metoyer, I found your website on the internet while researching
information about your brother who was killed in Viet Nam. You see,
my son, SSG Timothy Cole, Jr. was killed in Iraq 6-6-07. The city
of Oakdale, La. put up a plaque in his honor as they did for your
brother. However, since your brother's plaque was erected, there
are now porcelain portraits that can be attached to plaques. My son
has one on his. My husband and I would like to purchase a porcelain
portrait for your brother, as well as, the other three fallen
soldiers on plaques in town. Even before my son's death I used to
wonder what the men looked like. A name is not enough to honor them
as they deserve. A picture would give a face to the names.
I would like to see if you could e-mail me a picture of your brother
to have the portrait made. I have found pictures on the internet,
but I would like to get the best quality picture possible. You can
also mail one to me at my home address, P.O. Box 26, Oakdale, La.
71463. We have a few weeks to accomplish this project by Memorial
Day. The only picture I could find of your brother was the one in
the helicopter wearing a helmet. Hopefully, you can furnish a
better one. At least that is my hope.
Doing this research I have found out many things about your
family. About your father's third grade education and putting his
children and wife through college was amazing. I really enjoyed
your stories about growing up in Louisiana. I told my husband that
I hoped you were an author because the stories were wonderful. Now
that I know you have books, I can enjoy more reading.
Please assist me in getting a good quality picture of your brother.
I would be glad to send you copies of the plaque when we are
finished. We are trying to the plaques re-painted too.
Thanks,
Connie Cole
Proud mother of fallen soldier
SSG Timothy Cole, Jr.
02/24/2009 |
| Letter from M. L. Liebler to Judi
Manutes, Adjudicator
for Cats and the Fiddler?s application to the Michigan Arts and
Humanities Council touring directory
Dear Judi
I will answer each question below, but
please know that Herb Metoyer is one of the
most professional, artistic and humanitarian artists I know, and I
know thousands around the world . Herb is the "real deal" as is his
Cane River Folk-whom I have contracted before.
Yours, Prof. Liebler
On Dec 30, 2008, at 9:39:29 PM, "Judi Manutes" <manutj01@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Were they articulate?
Extremely so. Their work is hip,
progressive and engaging.
What was the audience reaction?
I had them perform as recently as last June. The audience was large
at The Detroit Festival for the Arts, and people really enjoyed them
with several hearty applause. I believe they received a standing
ovation at the end of their show.
Who was the audience?
Audience was multicultural, young, old, local and visitors to the
Detroit Festival for the Arts 2008.
Were you pleased with the presentation format and
style?
Yes-the musicians are extremely talented
and very professional. I am sure the audience appreciated their
performance.
How was the technical quality of the performance?
Excellent. Remember-Herb was a major
label Folkway Recording Artist (very famous record label with very
famous stars) and touring folk singer in the 1960's. This has
instilled a high level of professionalism in him. Herb is not a
person who fools around with a guitar and keyboards as a hobby.
He's a real pro.
Was there anything unique about this group that makes
them stand out?
Yes-they are a multi generational group
and they play a wide variety of tunes with a sense of great moral
pride. This is a band with a funky hip sound and wide appeal. Herb
is always positive and the performances always have positive
messages and engage all ages. This is a "G" rated public
performance for everyone to enjoy.
Were They on time?
Yes-Herb is always hours early and set
up.
Were the fees reasonable?
Extremely reasonable for the quality and
number of musicians.
Any overall thoughts that you would
like to share?
You can never go wrong hiring Herb Metoyer. His art is always
audience friendly, and he is a kind, dedicated and caring soul. Any
program with Herb metoyer and group is in good hands to have a good,
fun and educational time. he's simply the best!!
Faculty-Wayne State
University-Detroit -
Dept. of English, American Studies & Labor
Studies
Director, Springfed Arts: Metro Detroit
Writers http://www.springfed.org
Poet Laureate of St. Clair Shores, Michigan
& The White Mud Blues Band (Est.1969)
(313) 577-7713 (WSU/anytime)
10201.2 on 10th Floor of 5057 Woodward
Avenue.
(586) 296-3303 (DIRECT
FAX LINE)
www.mlliebler.com
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Hello Herb.
You probably don't remember me because I was a few classes behind
you. Bryford and I was closer together. Would like to congradulate
you on your success. I found out about you indirectly through Laura
Fay. I graduated in 1957. Brenda and I have exchanged emails for
several months through "classmates.com". I reviewed the video that
you did in honor of Bryford. Rather touching. I think we all was
in Viet Nam together. Bryford and I was at Siagon. I talked to him
just prior to his unfortunate mishap. Of course I wasn't made aware
of it for some time after it occurrued. I do recall the day that it
happen. When listening to your video it was very heart warming.
Would like to keep in touch.
Claudell Jones
10/16/2008 |
| Hi Herb, this song is absolutely beautiful. I pray for the Obama
family along with my own, for their protection, wisdom and favor. I
will pass on to my friends and family. I didn't know you were in the
Army. My husband is retired from the Army Finance Division, I also
served in the Army the first four years out of high school in Finance,
My son is in the Army Reserves and just got back from Iraq (served as a
Military Policeman) in May (Thank The Lord!!), and my Uncle Charles
Thomas was also an Army Officer from World War II and was one of the
seven soldiers who posthumously received the "Congressional Medal of
Honor during the Clinton Administration January 13, 1997. We all went
to D.C. for the event and my mother received the medal for my Uncle, as
he died several years prior from a brain tumor (survived the war
though). He was from Detroit as well. My Uncle Charlie was on my
mother's side of the family, not the LeDuff side (Father's Side -
Bernard Eugene - son or Ella LeDuff). I hope we can meet soon. God
Bless and keep gracing us with your creative talents! Bernard Leduff |
Herb: Thanks for including me
in this e-mail. Love your new song! Mr. Obama would do well to
include it in his campaign.
I visited your web site and
really enjoyed it. It is a thrill to be included. By the way,
Bob's last name is Hedrick, and the unknown artist is Bill
Joyner.
See you at Blue Bird Hill
farm in a couple of weeks.
Love to all, Mayon
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| Herb, I got "Hard row to hoe", and thank you very much. I'm going to
start performing it again next month for a festival they have here on
Lake Chapala.
Herb, a couple of years ago in California, I had a guitar
and vocal student named Shanti Michelle Web. We stay in touch, and last
year she came to Mexico and worked my club with me playing bass for
her. I taught her "Fools", and she is performing it in the Dallas/Ft
Worth area with her trio. I think she wants to record it, and would
like to contact you to discuss it. Herb, the lady can really sing, and
plays guitar pretty well too. She is using my general arrangement of
the song, which is quite different from Freddy's. Not so fast, and a
lot closer to how I remember you singing it.
Of course, you have to allow for the folk process, but I think you can
still recognize it. In New York once, I sang "Shake Sugeree" for
Elizabeth Cotton, and she told me she loved the way I did it, but it
sure wasn't what she remembered writing.
Anyway, if you would contact her at shantiwebb@yahoo.com, I would
appreciate it. I am sure she will do the song justice, but I think she
wants your blessing. I'll send you a CD next month with "Hard row to
hoe" on it and some things I wrote. Yes, I finally started to write
songs. Shel Silverstein was always on me to write, and when he passed,
I actually did it. Any good? Who knows. I asked Shel once how he
knew if a song he wrote was any good. He said that he DIDN'T know He
said, "no mother thinks the baby is ugly".
I'll let you decide.
Thanks again for the song. I hope to do it
justice too.
Jay Kellum (Note: Jay was Fred Neil's bass player)
05/07/2008 |
Hi Herb,
My name is Shanti Webb. My guitar teacher, Jay Kellum, used to play
bass for Fred Neil. He taught me your song, "Fools Are A Long Line
Comin." He told me that the way he taught me was very different from
the way Fred played it. He didn't have a recording of it, and I can't
seem to find a sound bite of it anywhere (granted I am not all that good
with computers!). So I had a couple of questions for you if you don't
mind. I just started a band and I would really like to record your
song. I love that song. I am not big. I just wanted to record it and
put it on myspace for now. But I would really like your permission. I
was thinking that I could send you a rough copy and you can decide if
you even like the version that I do. And if you do, whether you would
mind me recording it. I have been playing that song ever since Jay
taught it to me. I have always gotten a pretty good response from the
crowd too.
If you don't feel like that is okay with you, I would understand and
respect your wishes.
If you wouldn't mind, though, I was also wondering if you could tell me
the story behind the song. Jay told me his version of your story :) but
I would like to hear if first hand. Jay told me that you and your
brother went to Vietnam (and that you even had to serve more than one
tour). He said that your brother died in that war and that you came
home and wrote this song.
I don't know how accurate that is, but that is what I know. He also
told me that Fred's version got sent up in the first space shuttle or
something like that. Is that true?
Anyways, you can check out my myspace page if you'd like.
www.myspace.com/shantimichellemusic
You can also contact me at
shantimichelle@gmail.com
I really look forward to hearing from you!
Peace,
shanti |
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Hi Mr. Metoyer,
I met a lady named Joyce Metoyer who told me that her
husband was from Nachitoches Parish. My father is from there
too. He lived and grew up in Provencal during the Great
Depression. His name is Thomas Sylvest. He wrote a book
about growing up on a sandhill subsistence farm. His book is
entitled Collard Greens. He is working on another one
entitled Cornbread.
I met Joyce at work. She told me that her husband's family
were from Melrose Plantation on the Cane River. I looked up
Melrose Plantation out of curiosity. It is very interesting
and sounds like a neat place to visit.
Then I saw your name when I was searching Melrose. I found
your website and very much enjoyed your song Who Those
Flowers For. It is very touching.
Thank you for your music and a wonderful website.
Congratulations on your award too.
Sincerely, Cathy Schaff
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