On Wednesday, February 6, 1974, a party was held in Houston, Texas. Perhaps this party was in honor of Mrs. Harry D. Wilson (AKA Olivet Toadvin Wilson), or perhaps she was just a guest who was in attendance, and who was encouraged to play the piano for 40 minutes or so.
Regardless of the details, her performance was captured on tape, given way too much echo (perhaps in an effort to simulate stereo), and pressed into records for family and friends. A simple cover (the back is blank), a just a bit more information on the label itself gives one all there is available to know about this recording.
Mrs. Wilson clearly knew quite a few old timey songs, and may even had been quite the pianist in her younger days. If I understand the conversation correctly, she was the composer of a few of the instrumental pieces she played. Her performances here display a knowledge a variety of styles, although age appears to have affected both her memory and some of her ability.
I don't mean that as criticism - I found this album to be greatly enjoyable and even inspiring - she clearly loved to play, and those around her loved to hear her play. And the places (beginning about half way thruogh the first side) where Mrs. Wilson and others sing with her playing are magical.
I hope I can still play and sing when I'm in my golden years, and that someone thinks enough of those abilities to have me entertain at their party.
Special thanks to my pal Stu for having found this album for sale and pointing me in its direction.
1.) Mrs. Harry D. Wilson - A Party - Side One (MP3)
Mrs. Harry D. Wilson was 94 years old when this recording was made. Her son, Justin Wilson (the Cajun comedian and cook) and his wife, Sarah, took her to Houston for her birthday. Her daughters, Olivet, Menette, and Ellie were also in attendance. Mrs. Wilson died two years later at the age of 96. She was my great-grandmother. :) How did you come across the album? Where is it for sale? I have a copy (as do most in our family), but I would love to find it for sale to purchase additional copies. This is truly amazing to find it online. I love listening to it!
Posted by: Dianne Wilson Mahony | March 19, 2010 at 08:52 PM
I recently came by this record from a family member, Mary Katherine LeNoir Potter. Her mother, Eula Lee Wilson LeNoir, was a niece of Aunt Olivet as was my grandmother, Maggie Wilson Forshag. Their father, John Mark Wilson, was a brother to Harry D. Wilson. Quite amazing that a person 94 could still play the piano so well and remember so many wonderful old songs. John H. Forshag
Posted by: John H. Forshag | October 02, 2012 at 12:31 PM