Sunday, November 1, 2026

Marilynne Caswell: Starstruck - Now out in paperback and kindle


Finally, my biography on Marilynne Caswell is ready for the general public. Anyone who recognizes her name will need no introduction to this firecracker who lived and breathed country music. Chock full of photos all from Marilynne's collection and given to this author between 2015 and 2018, including her original 43 page manuscript. 

Like the book about my great grandfather, I had no idea how to write this story, until after she passed away, it came together. The paper version is indexed, and with kindle, there is an index you can access. 

The paperback version of the book is available exclusively at the BRANTFORD BOOKWORM, 331 Brant Avenue, Brantford, ON. 226-938-1628. 

The e-pub is available exclusively here! 

This is my 23rd publication since 1994. 
 

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

New Thunderbird single discovered!

 


Thanks again to the amazing C. Parker Dean for finding a "new" Thunderbird single. "Loving Leaving You" backed with "Collins Bay." 

This was the third Thunderbird single issued, I believe on September 5th 1975, and the 32nd single over-all. 

Now I have to get a copy for the archives! This story never gets boring!





Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Tim Stacy's incredible posthumous EP release!

 


The Thunderbird Records story never gets boring. In June of 1976 Tim Stacy, the bass player and vocalist for Charlie Louvin's backing band, "The Big Men," recorded four songs for Jim Allison, but we were never really sure which four songs he recorded.

Then in July of 2025 Parker Dean found amongst his cassettes one that Jim Allison gave him back in the 70's, and yes, you guessed it, it was Tim's four song demo.

Parker transferred the four songs to MP3's and I quickly put together the '76 Thunderbird EP.

The four amazing songs are:

1) Ten Miles From Home, written and recorded by Fred McKenna in 1972.

             Covered by Roger Quick in 1977, #29 on the Canadian Country Charts

2)  Especially For You, written by David Edward 'Ted' Brown

              Recorded in 1975 by Dug Bond & The Maple Street Show Band 

              Covered in 1976 by Charlie Louvin with Tim Stacy on vocals.

3)  I Like Beer Drinking Songs, written and recorded by C. Parker Dean in 1976


4)  I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye To You, written by Judy Lynn Gregson & Jim Allison, recorded for her 1975 demo with Tobacco Roads. 


Google 'Tim Stacy '76 Thunderbird EP' to find a site to download this amazing time capsule. 



                                                                 Tim Stacy 1953 - 2022

                 


Wednesday, November 1, 2023

The passing of Bob Silverthorn

 


SILVERTHORN, Robert "Bob" On Sunday, March 27th 2022 at the Brantford General Hospital at the age of 75 due to illness "Dad to Courtney, he will also be missed and fondly remembered by Gail, brother Gary (Bonnie),sisters Sandra, and Karen (Brian), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by brother Ronald (2000). Bob was born December 10, 1946, in Burford to Howard and Marion Silverthorn. He developed a love and talent for music/guitar in his early teens, playing with bands across Ontario even before graduating high school (NPC). A founding member of Whisky Hollow, he joked he needed job security and left the band for a career with Canada Customs; Bob continued playing part time and became announcer at Paris and Flamboro Speedway. We think he liked to hear himself. When Bob Retired from Customs with over 25 years of service, he especially enjoyed his trailer at the lake: fishing; puttering and spending time with Donna, and Akers friends. He also still loved playing with (Bob & Bev.). Despite his diagnosis, we really thought he would stay longer - but knowing Dad, he probably wanted to beat the traffic! Courtney wishes to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who has provided care, compassion and support: The Team at Juravinski Cancer Clinic, Staff at Bayshore, and Brantford General Hospital, Neighbours and Friends, Bob MaryAnn, and Keith. He is reunited with long-lost bandmates and friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road N. Brantford. In keeping with Bob's wishes cremation has taken place, family and friends will be advised of a celebration of life at The Royal Canadian Legion Dunsdon Branch # 461, 9 Tollgate Road, Brantford on Sunday July 10, 2022 from 1-5 pm. Condolences and memories maybe shared with the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca

No doubt, a jam session is happening on the Other Side & if sadly, not for us. He never liked the Encore.
"Bob has left the building"

Bob usually kept in touch with me, and so when I hadn't heard from him for a while, I did a google search, and unfortunately my worst fears were confirmed, another member of Whisky Hollow crossed over to the other side. Bob was very instrumental in assisting me with my early research when I began the Brant County Sound Project in 2015. We enjoyed several beers together over the years as the project progressed and each of the three books were published. We also had a mutual connection with Gerry Risser, another phenominal Brantford guitarist. Bob was a gentle soul and a great musician, and he will be missed. 


Tuesday, November 9, 2021

"That Brant County Sound! The Discographies" is released as an eBook for the first time!

 


Author Thom Ryerson proudly presents “That Brant County Sound! The Discographies” as an E-Book for the very first time! This very informative book was originally published in 2017, and has now been fully updated to 2021 with both new and revised biographies and some great new photos, many in full colour.

Perfect for audiophiles, this book lists a biography, a discography, complete track listings, and chart positions (where known) for over 70 artists based in the Brantford and surrounding area. The same information is also given for 6 local record labels; Burco, Counterpoint, M.B.S., Noro/NRG, Shotgun and Track Records.

The artists listed in the book include Marie Bottrell, Johnny Burke & Eastwind, Terry Carisse, Larry Coad, JK Gulley, Rockin’ Bobby Harris, Earl Heywood, Harry Hibbs, Kelly J., Larry Lee & The Leesures, Myrna Lorrie, Charlie Louvin, Harold MacIntyre, Fred McKenna, The Mercey Brothers, Roger Quick, Joan Spalding, Terry Sumsion, Gordie Tapp, Graham Townsend, Thomas Wade, The Walters Family, Whisky Hollow, Michelle Wright and many many more.

The e-book also features lots of rare and fascinating colour photos.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own a great book detailing the intricacies of local country talent from the seventies and beyond.

Paper copies retail for $19.99, while the E-Book will retail for $6.98 at Amazon’s Kindle.

                                                   Buy the e-Book HERE!

Thom’s official website is http://mouton-music-canada.com/

Find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/4148997563

To purchase a print copy of “That Brant County Sound! The Discographies,”contact Thom Ryerson at thom@mouton-music-canada.com

“That Brant County Sound! The Discographies,” by Thom Ryerson

ISBN 978-1-987940-11-4 (Print)
ISBN 978-1-987940-12-1 (Epub)


Saturday, August 14, 2021

Thom Ryerson Needs Your Help!

            

Do you have a copy of this tape? I'm hoping to release an anthology of Ryk and Jo Brennan's music either at the end of this year, or next spring, but one stumbling block is that I need the above cassette to finish the job. Only 500 copies were issued in Brant County over 1993, and I have had ads up looking to buy one for over a year. At this point I would be happy to either borrow or rent a copy so I can get a good scan of the cover, and make copies of the songs Dancing Harp, Jo's Waltz, Just A Lullaby, Poor Little Rich Girl, El Dorado, and Dandelion Wine. If you have one of these cassettes and would like to share or rent it out, please contact me at Thosryerson@gmail.com 




This is the CD that I'm hoping to release either at the end of this year or the spring of next year. It will be a 28 song compilation of everything that Ryk and Jo recorded between 1978 and 1997. They recorded one vinyl single, a record album, a cassette and finally a CD. This compliation will put eveything in one easy place an on one easy format.