Exclusive Interview with Frank Fara
~ The idea for the album came up many years ago while Patty Parker and I were entertaining on the road. One of our first appearances was at Lake Tahoe in the high Sierras, close to where the Donner Party wagon train was trapped by high shows in 1846. I was so inspired by their story, especially their courage in the face of death that I wrote the song "Donner Pass". It became very popular at our shows and convinced me that true songs of the American West could find a brand new audience for our Country music.
If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Waylon Jennings & Patsy Cline
What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ This depends entirely on which song I’m listening to. It is impossible for me to choose from among these song-children of mine.
What do you consider the most important change in country music during your career and what are your thoughts about it?
~ The modernization of country radio in the USA. When pop country went big time, the traditional classic country artists were forced off the radio. But, luckily they’ve always found radio DJ’s in Europe who keep them on the airwaves.
Whisky wine beer or water?
~ How about Soy Lattes …. time does bring about some changes — smile.
What is the question interviewers never asked you while you were always hoping they would. (and give us your answer)?
~ How long does it take to write a song? Some have poured forth in 10 minutes while some were labors of love over many months.
If you could turn back time to make only one change, what would you change?
~ I would have shared some of my original songs with Waylon when he suggested we ought to get together some time. He was looking for new songs and was still an unknown artist in Phoenix, Arizona at the time. Regretfully I never took him up on it.
Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ This is another question that has no single answer. Having recorded in many Nashville studios and also in Hollywood ones the Ultimate recording studio inevitably depends much more on the experience of the man or woman turning the knobs than the equipment being used. In my case, I was fortunate to have my own wife Patty Parker as my "ultimate producer" !
Johnny or June ?
~ Johnny C. because I grew up with him and his music. A man who inspired so many of us with the universal appeal & simplicity of his music.
What are your top favorite 3 country songs of all time
~ Four Strong Winds, Ira Hayes, and North To Alaska
What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ Two days actually, that ended eras … the day Elvis died and the day Johnny Cash died.
