Here's a 45 released by the legendary Franklyn MacCormack. While it features two of the readings he was well known for delivering on his radio show, in this case, the first of the two is directly dedicated to "My Good Friend and Brother Noble" (as it says on the label) William "Bud" Weisenborn. It's curious that this is the way the record is credited, as the narration makes it clear that the record is dedicated just as much to Bud's wife of 32 years, Lillian, and in fact the reading on the first side is dedicated to and directed towards her, during which she is mentioned as many times as her husband. The label features pictures of two people who I assume are Bud and Lillian. (Another curious feature: The organist on the record, Adele Scott, receives more significant billing - in all caps - than Franklyn MacCormack or his friend.) The side featuring MacCormack's most familiar reading, "Why I Love You" starts with the dedication I've just described. Sorry to say, my copy of this record has not one, but two cracks, both of which are very apparent during the first halves of both sides of this record:
Franklyn MacCormick - Why I Love You (MP3) - Single Label (JPG)
On the flip side, MacCormick reads another one of his favorites, "A Father's Prayer", again dedicated to his friend, although Bud goes unmentioned in this performance:
Franklyn MacCormick - A Father's Prayer (MP3) - Single Label (JPG)
This may not give you much more context than you already have, but the reference to William "Bud" Weisenborn as a "Brother Noble" indicates that he and MacCormack were in the same Shrine Temple--which also means they were both 32nd-degree Freemasons. SO, both cool, enlightened guys with fezzes. What's not to love?
Posted by: Jake T | July 24, 2011 at 05:55 PM