This 7 inch record was created in 1978, and is marked with a Michigan PO BOX. This 45 RPM double-sided single is Cowboy Joe Music’s only publishing in the BMI Index. Oddly enough, this is the only Jerry Meador & The Country Melody Makers record to exist. With such a limited discography and even less history online, this one could be a doozy. Let’s look into the world of a new-to-us lesser documented analog recording.
Besides what is obvious on the center label, a quick BMI index search credits Joseph W. Federik as the writer of sides A & B. The band is not properly listed or credited on BMI, and Federik has two other tracks, presumably another 45, also with no performer or publisher credited. With anything manufactured like this it can often be a coin toss if the PO BOX on the record is the publishing company’s, or instead whatever conglomerate was paid to press this vinyl. Michigan being on the center label doesn’t necessarily insinuate this record has anything to do with Clawson, MI.
When researching older works like this, it isn’t uncommon to find your answer in the form of an obituary. Jerry Harold Meador was born in West Virginia in 1931. He moved to Detroit in 1952 and began working at Fleetwood’s, assisting in the Cadillac assembly line. This is a brisk 17.3 mile drive from where our record was pressed in Clemson, MI. Jerry would go on to retire in 1986, 8 years after this release. Afterwards, his obituary states he began performing with his band, playing lead guitar and singing. Jerry performed all over Michigan, confirming he sang these tracks & someone in the band more than likely penned them, since he did not credit himself. One might wonder after such extensive touring through Michigan why there was only one formal release. Available below and on YouTube.