Baby's Gone Vinyl Record Memories.

It has been nearly 60 years since I first heard this wonderful old song.

A song I heard only a few times back in 1964, but from the first note of this memory filled song I was swimming in a sea of nostalgia.

The Gene Thomas Oldies Music Lyrics to the song "Baby's Gone"  was co-written by Roy Orbison and Bobby Goldsboro.

It may not be familiar to those outside of Texas, but once you hear "Baby's Gone," I think it will end up on your  oldies  list with the question; "Wow, how come I 've never heard this great old song before." 

I would challenge those who listen to this song, and wonder as I have, why this well written and perfectly delivered song by Gene Thomas, has been lost in time for over a half century.

At least it has been for me.

The song, Baby's Gone was recorded by Gene Thomas in 1963 and only made it to #84 on the charts. The song and the artist deserved better national play.  It remains to this day another rare golden oldie you never hear played on the radio.   

"Baby's Gone"  holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it captures the essence of lost love and heartbreak. With its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the song takes listeners on an emotional journey through the ups and downs of a failed relationship.

The song explores the pain and longing one feels when a loved one leaves, leaving behind only memories. The hauntingly beautiful melody and heartfelt vocals make "Baby's Gone" a timeless piece that continues to resonate with listeners even after all these years.

Released during a time when classic love ballads dominated the charts, "Baby's Gone" stands out as a true gem. Its lasting popularity and continuous appeal is a testament to the enduring power of its message and the beauty of its composition.

Whether you're a fan of 1960s music or simply appreciate heartfelt and emotional songs, "Baby's Gone" is a must-listen. It transports you back in time and reminds you of the universal emotions that connect us all. So sit back, close your eyes, and let the enchanting sounds of "Baby's Gone" take you on a journey through the bittersweet memories of lost love.

I was 19 years old and had just joined the Air Force in October of 1963. After basic training, I was assigned to military police training and spent an additional three months at the Base.

It was right after graduation in March of 1964 a dance was scheduled at an on-base facility open to all military personnel from all branches.  No live band but there was a jukebox that had to be fed quarters (5 plays) if you wanted to dance. 

It didn't take long to get tired of watching those Navy guys pump quarters into the Jukebox and listening to "Blue Navy" a zillion times.

This is my story and except for names and "exact phrases" this is pretty much how I remembered my last day on base. 

After about an hour, a girl approached and asked if  I would like to dance. I was shocked at her appearance. She instantly reminded me of my high school sweetheart, Pat, a wonderful young lady I dated for five years, and then a sudden breakup in our senior year of high school.   She was petite, pretty and had a bright yellow ribbon in her hair. I told her I didn't fast dance.  She said come with me.  

She took me by the hand and as we walked over to the jukebox she asked me to pick out a song. I asked her if she would pick us out a good Texas song.  She said where you headed and I told her my assignment was Clark AB, Philippines.

The initial conversation went something like this....

"Got a girlfriend...No, not really. Well, how bout I be your girlfriend for today.  I said, I'd like that. Well then,  I'll pick out my favorite Texas song and we'll just call it our song."
   
She dropped a quarter in the jukebox and pushed the same buttons five times.

After the first couple of dances, she somehow got me to sit in one of those 25 cent photo booths and take some pictures.

She said that way I wouldn't forget her. We danced all five dances to her favorite song.....Baby's Gone.

Listen to the video  with my original 45rpm record playing but I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you hear.

Then please continue reading below the video and see how my story ends.

As the evening came to a close the girl's eyes began to water as we said our goodbye's.  She pulled the yellow ribbon from her hair and placed it inside my jacket.

She then asked me for my dance entry ticket and pulled hers from her purse. 

She tore them in half, gave me her half and said she would always remember this evening and hoped I would not forget her.

I vowed never to forget "Our song" and would remember her when I returned.  It was simply not meant to be.  As the years and decades passed her memory and the song faded.

I never remembered who sang the song and actually never heard the song again after leaving Texas.  I found out through the blog this song, along with Gene Thomas' bigger hit "Sometime," were both quite popular in Texas, Gene's home state. Listen to the song below in the video.

Both ended up #1 in several Texas cities.

I loved Gene Thomas' voice.  His recording "Sometime" which he also wrote, was covered by many, including the local night club bands where I grew up back in Southern Ohio.