Johnny Paycheck

Johnny Paycheck started his musical career as bass player and harmony singer, often fronting bands for big acts like George Jones, Faron Young, Ray Price and Porter Wagoner. He also wrote songs and recorded a few obscure sides for Decca and Mercury under the name Donny Young. His first real break came when producer Aubrey Mayhew guided him to recording for the newly found Little Darlin' label, a rough edged independent label, producing a raw and blistering sound, compared to the "sweet" Nashville Sound of these days.

Paycheck's Little Darlin' recordings heavily feature the sound of Lloyd Green's Steel Guitar, often taken to a cutting edge in the final mix. Lloyd's playing used a lot of high notes and a lot of licks and runs never heard before on the Steel Guitar, another proof of his exceptional creativity and his eager willingness to explore new territory in playing the instrument.

The Little Darlin' sides like "The Lovin' Machine", "Jukebox Charlie" and "Hang On Sally" still sound as fresh today as when they were recorded more than 35 years ago.