Subject: Wedding Reception
From: Jane Redmon
Date: Mon 8/22/2011 10:05 AM

I’m sure you’ve heard this many times before, but you (The Monarchs) absolutely made our party.  I was thrilled when my daughter and her fiancé  heard The Monarchs at a benefit in Bardstown and described you as the best dance band they had ever heard.  Our friends generally make an appearance at wedding receptions and leave as soon as it is gracefully appropriate.  At our reception, however, they all stayed, danced and felt as young as the bride, groom and their friends.

Sincerely
Jane Redmon
Bride’s mother

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Subject: Pee Wee Valley Summerfest
From: Milt Williams
Date: Sat 8/20/2011 10:32 PM

I'v been one of the greatest fans of The Monarchs since 1961, it's always a wonderful show when the orginals founders of the Group come in and preform. I'm 64 and have been listening to "Rock&Roll" music since I was 11 years old, I still consider Mike Gibson one of the greatest singers of all time with his great fallsetto voice. Still love to hear him sing, what a great talent!

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Subject: Pewee Valley Festival
From: David Ellis
Date: Tue 8/9/2011 11:48 AM

It's always enjoyable for me to relive those years in the 60's when Louisville has so many good local bands like the Monarchs, The Epics, Cosmo, Sultans, Carnations-Tren-Dels, etc. Those were certainly special times and it's nice there are still opportunities to enjoy many of the local talent.

We always enjoy the Pewee Valley Picnic with the Monarchs, especially when many "retirees" come in to play a set. The trademark sweet harmonies are always there with current and former members.  

David Ellis

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Subject: Brown/Garson Wedding
From: Cathie Brown
Date: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 1:09 PM

WOW!  I just don't know quite how to thank you.  Your fantastic music had everyone dancing at our wedding.  The comment most heard was "I can't believe they have The Monarchs!!!"  Our guests sent thank you notes for the wedding and all of those notes mentioned how much they enjoyed The Monarchs.

Thank you again.  You made our wedding steps above anything we could have imagined.

Cathie Brown

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Subject: Monarchs, Mutts & Meows - Dance in 2012 ??
From: Barbara Witte
Date: Fri 2/11/2011 10:03 AM

We're in here at our last planning meeting discussing all of the details for the dance on Saturday.  Would your band be interested in making this an annual benefit for the animals?  The date would be February 11, 2012 so please check your members & calendar and let us know.  We would like to announce this at the dance so everyone will make their plans to attend again next year!  We have sold out and we honestly believe it's because of your band!!  Thanks so much for helping the animals!

Barbara Witte

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Subject: January 8
From: Kathy Spears
Date: Thu 1/13/2011 2:13 PM

Saturday night’s performance was wonderful as always.  Loved the addition of Bradley doing the Blues Brothers with Craig.  We have tickets for May 2.  That’s Derby week – hope there are no traffic problems crossing the river.  Keep the concerts coming – we can’t get enough.  Look forward to the next newsletter to fan club members. 

A devoted fan - Kathy

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Subject: The Monarchs Mystery
From: Rick Richards
Date: Fri 11/19/2010 4:49 PM

Hello Monarchs,
 
I have finally found you, and what a pleasure.  I am originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I still have an original copy of "This Old Heart" on Sound Seven Stage, which I purchased when it hit in Detroit.  As a music fanatic and record collector, this has been one of my favorite straight ahead rock n' roll anthems from the golden age, but for years I was unable to find out about this mysterious group, whose other major hit tune - "Look Homeward Angel," sounded nothing like "This Old Heart" - leading one to believe that the song was by a different group - except it was on the same record label.  Both songs were HUGE hits in the Detroit market.
 
I have temporarily re-located to Corydon, Indiana, and heard "This Old Heart" on WOCC the other day, and it reminded me that I had read somewhere that the group is from Louisville, Kentucky.  Then just yesterday, I heard "That Lucky Old Sun" on the same radio station, so I googled you, and the mystery is solved.  Now I know who you are.  I only regret that I am temporarily residing in the area before I relocate to Denver, Colorado, and may not have an opportunity to see you live and in-person.  The next best thing would for me to be able to purchase the CD with all your original hits.  Please tell me how I may do this and I will be very grateful.
 
Meanwhile, I hope I will be able to see you in person before I move.  Thanks for the memories.
 
Regards,
Rick Richards

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Subject: Unreal to find you on facebook
From: Sharon Skinner McDermott
Date: Tue 11/2/2010 2:39 PM

I have so many great memories of the  Monarchs and other local bands in the area.   Ewing Lane in Jeff - first love blossomed there -  oh so long ago.
Wonderful nights at Blackston's (sp?) Mill with Jimmy and the Emeralds, too.  And of course, there were (I seem to remember) Cosmo and the Counts  -  LOL.
It's really great to see that you are performing after all this time.  I live in Miami now, but next time I visit, sure hope to find a performance.  Keep on trucking.

Sharon Skinner McDermott
Jeff High class of 1964

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Subject: Reunion
From: Ann Baker
Date: 10/5/2010 4:56 PM

You pereformed at my 50th high school reunion last night at French Lick.  I just wanted to tell you that I thought you did an excellent job.  I really enjoyed your music.  I hope to see you again. 

Ann Burks Baker, Class of 60, Bedford High School

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Subject: Finally found the treasure!
From: Stegg17@aol.com
Date: 9/27/2010 7:39 PM

I've been hunting down a song forever that I loved as a kid, but rarely heard since - This Old Heart - but couldn't find it on Itunes or Rhapsody. For years, I'd type it into their search engines and get 30 different versions of the mostly forgettable This Old Heart of Mine (yuk). I'm from Louisville, but barely remembered it being recorded by a Louisville group. In a last desperate attempt, I finally go to my beloved Youtube, type in This Old Heart Louisville, and hit the jackpot I'd been waiting for! It was great to discover who it was (I remember hearing ads for the Monarchs playing club 68 or wherever as a youngster) and put the pieces of the puzzle together 40+ years later. This is just awesome, keep rocking, Monarchs!!

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Subject: Iroquois Amphitheater concert
From: Erika Nelson
Date: September 13, 2010 11:03 AM

I was approached by several people yesterday who expressed how excited and happy they were to have the Monarch’s playing at the Amphitheater. You gentlemen were amazing. We would love to make this an annual event.

Thank you again for coming out!

Best,
Erika Nelson
Community Relations & Special Events Administrator
Louisville Metro Parks

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Subject: Kentucky State Fair
From: Butch Kaufman
Date: 9/9/2010 8:30 AM

To The Monarchs,
I had a chance to hear you at the State Fair, and you sounded Great!
It made me proud to know that I was a part of the group at one time, for many years.
I wish you all nothing but the best in the future.

Sincerely
Butch Kaufman

P.S.   Where is my Gold Watch ???????????       Just kidding of course.

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Subject: E-town
From: Sharon Hodge
Date: 7/18/2010 11:53 AM

I was in E- town last night. Got to dance to your music and loved it as usual. Thank you for being there and I thank God it didn't rain this time. Can't wait till Vine Grove Days!

Sharon Hodge

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Subject: 50 years of music
From:   Milt Williams
Date: 7/10/2010 12:26 PM

Have there been any plans for Mike Gibson to preform at any of your 50 year celebration concerts. Have been a Monarchs fan for the 50 years you have been gving so much enjoyment to the Louisville area. Would be nice to see and hear Mike Gibson, seeing how he was the orginal lead singer for the band.

Thanks for sharing your talent with us for so many years.
With fond memories,
Milt Williams

Milt,

Yes we too hope Mike Gibson can join us for several of our events in 2010 as we celebrate 50 years of making music. Please watch this website for details.

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Subject: Last night in Jeffersonville............Loved it
From: Janice Frederick
Date: Saturday, June 05, 2010 5:35 PM

Hello

I heard you last night and loved it. Where will you be performing that I could actually dance on a dance floor? It would be so much fun!!

Keep up your great sounds, loved the horns and harmony.

Janice Frederick

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Subject: CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS! The Monarchs book won a Regional IPPY Award this year!
From: Carol Butler
Date: 5/11/2010 9:38 PM

2010 Independent Publisher Regional Book Awards Results

These regional Independent Publisher Book Awards (“IPPYs”) were designed to spotlight the best regional titles from around North America. Books were judged alongside books for and about their regions only, based on their quality and regional significance.

South-East – Best Regional Non-Fiction
-The Education of Mr. Mayfield: An Unusual Story of Social Change at Ole Miss, by David Magee (John F. Blair, Publisher
-Undaunted Heart: The True Story of a Southern Belle & a Yankee General, by Suzy Barile (Eno Publishers)
-The Monarchs: The Great American Rock ‘n’ Roll Dream, by Billy Reed (Butler Books)
-Light Fading: Reflections on the Imperiled Everglades, by Joel M. Curzon (Peter E. Randall Publisher)

Carol Butler

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Subject: Friday On the River
From: Arch Cunningham
Date: 4/27/2010 3:25 PM

Hello, just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the April 23 show on the river.The band sounded great and what a great venue ........

Thanks,
Arch Cunningham

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Subject: Concert at Derby Dinner
From: Sharon Schickel
Date: 4/13/2010 9:25 PM

I enthusiastically experienced the concert last night and loved it. In fact, the day the tickets went on sale for the Nov. 1, 2010, concert at DDPH, I purchased four. I really appreciated the way you played to the entire audience even though it meant maneuvering in and around equipment. I was setting right above the band's family members. However, I felt very much a part of the concert. Really enjoyed honoring the "originals". Seeing all of you on stage was a real treat!

Thanks again for a wonderful evening!
Looking forward to Nov. 1 at DDPH!
Sharon Schickel

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Subject: Monarchs performance 4-12-10
From: Rodger Miller
Date: 4/13/2010 7:59 AM

Dear Monarchs,
I brought my wife to your show last night for her birthday. I knew it would be great, but I didn’t realize how amazing it would be. It was not only a performance but a Monarchs reunion, and the retirees made the experience even more spectacular. I had hoped to pick up your book and have it signed, but didn’t dream the band and author would be so accommodating. I only regret Tim Coy slipped out without my wife getting to talk to him and thank him for his great work. We hope to see you again in November. Thanks for the years of great music (only 43 for us, though—we were the kids in the crowd!)

Rod Miller

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Subject: Till I Hear It From You
From: Dale Barth
Date: 3/4/2010 1:54 PM

I’m a 68 grad from Eastern KY Univ. Couldn’t get enough of this song when WEKY placed it on the local Richmond station or at Specks  Bar where all the college crowd hung out.  What a great group.

Dale Barth
California, KY

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Subject: Fan
From: Ms. Lane Tyler
Date: 2/23/2010 11:28 AM

I have been a fan of the MONARCHS since I first heard them in 1963.  I am excited about the book about them, and I have ordered it.  I cant wait to get it.

Ms. Lane Tyler
Gallatin, Tennessee

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Subject: Over The Mountain
From: Terry Johnston
Date: 1/27/2010 12:31 PM

I have recently been lucky enough to acquire two original 45rpm records of the Monarchs first recording, "Over the Mountain." Do you have any idea how many of those records were printed?

Thanks,
Terry Johnston

Terry,

Per Mike Gibson "Seven orders of #500 at a time… total of #3500 from January 1962 to late summer… I was always shy about ordering a #1000 to #1500 to get the discount as I could not believe that many people would ever buy it. The three record stores in Louisville would call me when they would be out and I would order a re-press…we also had them at band jobs, but we gave more away then we sold."

Thanks for your interest inThe Monarchs and their music.
Bill Woods
Webmaster for themonarchs.com