Dear Friends,

Hope this finds you well and safe, wearing your masks and getting your inoculations.

From 6:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night, Linda really has her hands full with my well-being. As the months have passed, I require more attention and care. What we had once with the VA which allowed me 30 days of in-hospital respite has, unfortunately changed, and the 30 days now must be taken at home with a Respite Nurse.  The break that Linda would enjoy is no longer there as it’s been very difficult finding a nurse to look after me for the 1-3 days/month the VA allows respite.  Our wonderful friend and former nursing student, Ashley, helps when her schedule allows; it’s not easy getting consecutive days off.

I sound like a broken record, but it sure is “loads of fun” enjoying the heck out of Maggie. This past July 17^th, she turned 3 years of age and each week she amazes Linda and I with her increased vocabulary and mannerisms.

Speaking of birthdays, I just celebrated my 77^th on July 15^th. I appreciate the cards you sent me.

The Cumberland Three

I have received several emails asking about my Cumberland Three album. As you may recall in my last Newsletter I shared a link to a video that showed “yours truly” at the start of my career on a popular television show, “Hullabaloo”. I am very pleased to announce that a CD is now available of our album, “Introducing the Cumberland Three” and can be found on my website, www.alexbeaton.com.   Trust me, I think you would really like it as I enjoyed listening and reminiscing of that time in my life; it was the start of my professional career in music and entertainment.

On another note, Country music was quite popular in Scotland when I was growing up. Artists like Hank Williams, Eddie Arnold, Patsy Cline and others had received a lot of air play on the radio. This genre had a large sales market in music. I was a fan then and remain one to this day.

After arriving in Los Angeles in 1972, an ex-army friend of mine and I got together and composed a song called, “I’d Rather Live Alone with Me, (Than Live Alone with You)”. A true country tear-jerker. RCA’s Sunbury/Dunbar, published the song.  We entered the song in the inaugural “International Song Music Festival” in 1973. And it was chosen as one of the three finalists in the Professional Country Music category. The festival was held over 4 days at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center located in upstate New York. Our song was performed by the Hager Twins.

ON THE BEATON PATH

As a result of that success, I produced a Country album, “On The Beaton Path”. This recording features four original songs by “yours truly”, including the opening track, “Seasons”. The album also features some great Country classics like, “Long, Black Veil”, “Sea of Heartbreak“ and “Ramblin  Fever” as well as Roger Whittaker’s beautiful composition, “The Last Farewell”.  This CD is also available for purchase on my website, www.alexbeaton.com.

With the lack of so many Scottish festivals being held because of the concern over the virus, once again I ask you to look at my catalog and have sympathy on a poor Scottish folk singer.  For those of you attending the Virginia Scottish Games on September 4^th-5^th, you will find my product for sale in Jil Chambless & Scooter Muse’s tent.  It will also be for sale at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Games on September 10^th-12^th and can be found in the Seamus Kennedy tent.

As always, thank you for your love and support.

Love,

Alex