Randy Thompson

Randy Thompson's "Ol' 97" Resonates With Family Ties And Railroad History Debut Video Includes Vintage B/W Train Footage Nashville, TN - Randy Thompson's debut video, "Ol' 97," resonates with family ties and railroad history, and includes vintage black and white train footage. Currently airing on Blip TV and YouTube, the piece was produced by Bill Hurley, and shot in and around Clifton, Virginia. It opens with a shot of a roaring steam engine and rolls on from there at a breakneck pace. Fiddler Rickie Simpkins steals the second scene with a lightning-fast bow and an undeniable presence. A quick transition to a performance shot rich with rural ambience showcases Thompson's passionate vocal, powerful guitar work, and a compelling lyric. The tale of the Southern Railway train that crashed September 27, 1903 is driven by bassist Garrick Alden and drummer Dwane Nitz, who laid the groundwork for the phenomenal lead licks of Randy's guitar-gunning 16 year-old son, Colin. Randy grew up with the story of "Ol' 97." His grandfather, Littlebury Randolph "Ran" Thompson was 10 years old in 1903, and lived in the small "train town" of Lynch Station. Ran grew up by the tracks, and he knew when every train was due. It became his habit to dash out to wave at the engineers as they passed his house. On the day she derailed at the Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Ran didn't know he was waving goodbye. He never forgot Ol' 97; it was a story he told throughout his life and one that Randy has never forgotten. "It always struck a chord in me," Thompson says of the tale. "I've been singing the original version of the song for years. I just rearranged the lyrics, wrote a new melody, and cranked it up a notch." "Ol' 97" is from Thompson's latest Jackpot Records CD, FURTHER ON. The disc is drawing rave reviews, and tons of national and international airplay. Multiple tracks from the project are currently airing on XM Satellite's XCountry (CH 12). Look for upcoming national features/reviews on Randy from INSIDE MUSIC ROW TV Show, CyberCountry, No Depression, StarCountry, CountryStarsOnline, Associated Press, Buddy, Gone Country, Country Music Facts & News, MUSICIAN and many more. See the video at: http://blip.tv/file/665042.