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Spanish Two-Step/ New Spanish Two-Step
Traditional Old-Time breakdown adapted by Bob Wills with lyrics by Tommy Duncan.
ARTIST: From Bob Wills
CATEGORY: Fiddle and Instrumental Tunes
DATE: First recorded Bob Wills Spanish Two-Step 1936; New Spanish Two-Step 1946
RECORDING INFO: Spanish Two-Step - Wills, Bob
Rt- New Spanish Two Step; French Two Step
Berst, Mike. Favorite American Melodies, Vol. 1, Berst TT 01, Cas (1988), trk# 1a
Country Gentlemen. Country Gentlemen, Rebel RLP 1478, LP (1966), trk# 10
Fahey, John. Fahey, John / The Best of John Fahey, Guitar Player, fol (1977), p158
Flatt & Scruggs with Doc Watson. Strictly Instrumental, County CCS 117, CD/ (1995/1966), trk# 9
Fox, Curly. Champion Fiddler, Vol. 2, Rural Rhythm RR 252, LP (1972), trk# 5
Hall, Kenny. Gray, Vykki M,; and Kenny Hall / Kenny Hall's Music Book, Mel Bay, Sof (1999), p 79
Hofner, Adolph; & his Texans. South Texas Swing., Arhoolie CD 7029, CD (1994), trk# 9 [1940/02/13]
King, Pee Wee; & his Band. Western Swing - Blues, Boogie and Honky Tonk (Vol. 6), Old-Timey LP 121, LP (198?), trk# 4 [1952]
Miller, Walter. West Virginia Hills, Augusta Heritage AHR 011, Cas (1992), trk# 2.08 [1991/03/06]
Mitchum, Johnny. Johnny Mitchum, Mitchum M 740-12, LP (197?), trk# A.05
Parker, Chet. Hammered Dulcimer, Folkways FA 2381, LP (1966), trk# 2c
Stinnett, Cyril. Salty River Reel, MSOTFA 104, Cas (1992), trk# 2
Stoneking, Lee R.. Rainbow of Fiddle Tunes, Stoneking, LP (197?), trk# B.07
Thomasson, Lewis. Old Texas Tunes Played the Old Way, Old Blue OBCD 501, CD (200?), trk# 12
Wills, Bob. Fiddle, Country Music Foundation CMF 010-L, LP (1987), trk# 4 [1935/09/23]
RELATED TO: French Two Step
OTHER NAMES: New Spanish Two Step
SOURCES: Folk Index; Wiki
NOTES: Wills learned the tune, Spanish Two Step, from an unknown Mexican fiddler in New Mexico in 1927. According to McWhorter, Cowboy Fiddler, p. 59-60: "Bob said, 'He played 'The Spanish Two-Step' and I locked the door where he couldn't get out and nobody else could get in, and I made him stay there until he taught me that and 'Maiden's Prayer.' Finally he nodded. I didn't know whether he needed to go to the bathroom or if I was doing it right, bit I let him out.' That Mexican taught him those two tunes."
Spanish Two Step recorded by Bob and the Boys for Vocalion Records in 1936 as an instrumental. "NEW" Spanish Two Step was recorded in 1946 on Columbia, but it had vocals. "New Spanish Two Step" became one of the Playboy's greatest hits. It was first recorded by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys (Columbia 36966) in 1946, staying on the charts for 23 weeks and reaching #1. The "b" side, "Roly Poly", was also a big hit, reaching #3.
Also recorded by as an instrumental by my friend Chet Atkins. Bill Boyd and Hank Snow also overd the song.
NEW SPANISH TWO-STEP (Tommy Duncan / Bob Wills) Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys (vocal: Tommy Duncan) - 1946. Wills and his vocalist, Tommy Duncan, added lyrics to reflect the title:
Down below the Rio Grande,
A senorita held my hand
And sweetly sang an old melody
Without a worry or a care
A rose she gave me from her hair
Then she whispered, "Si, Senor, si, si"
In a cabaret we danced the hours away
Her eyes told more than words dare could say
I told her I had to go
Left her down in Mexico
The band played Spanish Two-Step soft and low
(Instrumental Break)
I told her I had to go
Left her down in Mexico
The band played Spanish Two-Step soft and low
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