Description
(Original Soundtrack Music from) So Long, Joey is a live album by the American jazz singer Dave Boyer, released on Word Records in 1973. Music arranged and directed by Ronn Huff. Featuring covers of songs by Andrae Crouch, Bill Gaither, and Ronn Huff, among others.
As entertainer Joey Stevens, Dave Boyer had it all; fame, fortune/nand a future as a top entertainer. But life in the fast lane took its toll, until Dave Boyer met Jesus and became a powerful witness for Him.
Original Sound Track Music
SO LONG, JOEY!
a Gospel Films, Inc. Production Starring
DAVE BOYERMUSIC ARRANGED & DIRECTED BY RONN HUFF
Executive Producer: BILLY ZEOLI
Director: PETER CALABRESE
Written by GARY EVANS
Produced by STITT, COOMBS, EVANS, INC. in Association with GOSPEL FILMS, INC.At two o’clock in the morning on August 30, 1965, a drunken, doped-up, tearful Joey Stevens was about to take his life by jumping on to the railroad tracks in Marietta, Pennsylvania. At four o’clock in the morning on August 30, 1965, a vibrant joyful Dave Boyer was reborn in a York, Pennsylvania, church.
Joey Stevens never did take that fateful plunge. And Dave Boyer couldn’t be more elated about Joey’s decision. You see, Joey Stevens and Dave Boyer once used to be the same guy.
Dave Boyer was born the son of a minister in Pennsylvania. Gifted with innate musical talent, at the age of fifteen Dave turned “pro,” working as a singing saxophonist in nearby night clubs. After graduating from high school, he paid his way through college by leading a small instrumental group.
In the summer of 1953, at the age of seventeen, Dave Boyer changed his name to Joey Stevens and was signed to be the master of ceremonies at Atlantic City’s famous “500 Club.” He stayed four years before being assigned to the Third Army Special Services Show, which took him to nearly every service installation in the South Pacific.
After his discharge, Joey Stevens returned to his career at the “500 Club.” Unusually talented and on a first-name basis with most of the top-shelf night club stars, Joey’s career grew. Soon there were more and more personal appearances in other clubs across the U.S.
Joey became Entertainment Director at the “500” and married a girl he had met while in the service. In 1962, Joey and his wife, June, became the parents of a daughter also named June. But soon after came tragedy. Tragedy brought on by Joey himself, It came in the form of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Friends tried to make him quit, but Joey could not kick his growing habit. In May 1955, Joey’s father died. His death touched Joey deeply. Joey entered advanced stages of melancholia. Alcohol was affecting his voice. His physical condition worsened. Soon, Joey became separated from his wife and daughter.
Joey Stevens had had it. Shortly after, in a drunken stupor, Joey wandered the streets of Marietta, Pennsylvania, tears streaming down his cheeks, contemplating suicide.
It was a blurry view of a little old Methodist Church that turned Joey’s mind back to his childhood . . . to his father . . . to his father’s church, Joey fell on his knees and prayed as he had never prayed before. He asked God for the courage to call his older brother, Ralph, who had succeeded their late father’s ministry. Joey says, “On that night, I realized that Jesus Christ was the only answer to my life’s problems. Finding Jesus saved me from alcoholism and drugs. I’m a new man.”
Now in recent years, his family reunited, Dave Boyer has entered one of the most inspiring and penetating ministries of our time. Thousands are hearing Dave’s inspiring talent and miraculous testimony and understanding why the new Dave Boyer is for real!
Today, traveling with Dave Boyer is like traveling with a whirlwind. With a packed schedule, his motto is as it was in the old days, “Have tux, will travel.” But now it also includes, “If God says go.”
Dave’s ministry is broad in scope. He is above all a gifted vocalist. Some have called the sound “velvet inspiration” because of Dave’s uniquely smooth quality. He is also a superb saxophonist and weaves his musical talents into a program penetrating the hearts of his audiences. His appearances include large youth rallies, business women’s luncheon concerts, church concerts, high school assemblies, evangelistic crusades, coffee house rap sessions, and many other occasions. Because of Dave’s unique background, he can, and does, talk frankly and in relevant terms about the problems that face youth today. It is no accident that Dave has had an unusual acceptance in recent years with the youth of this country.
You cannot hear Dave Boyer sing or speak without being attracted to the person he represents — Jesus Christ.
TO HEAR DAVE BOYER, IS TO KNOW HE’S FOR REAL. [Album liner notes featured on the back of the LP sleeve]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Boardwalk” – 2:47
A2. “Once In A Lifetime” – 2:21
A3. “Here’s That Rainy Day” – 2:46
A4. “There Is A Way” – 1:19
A5. “Calvary Covers It All” – 3:12
A6. “Get All Excited” – 2:16
Side Two
B1. “Through It All” – 3:29
B2. “Because He Lives” – 3:25
B3. “The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power” – 3:47
B4. “Lead Me To Calvary” – 3:40
B5. “I’m Gonna Keep On Singin'” – 2:28
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