Narvel Felts

Singer/songwriter Narvel Felts was in the country music business for over 30 years. via WNOE-FM New Orleans

[csagal]

Even though I don't listen to Narvel Felts' music or any country music, I think that he deserves more attention by the towns of Bernie, where he graduated HS, and Malden, where he maintains a home. If you look at Narvel's accomplishments, you'll realize that he really is a BIG DEAL. Years ago Malden had a sign that proclaimed it was "Home of Narvel Felts." I think it's time Malden replaced the signs and maybe time Bernie added one or two.

[tlmcrutch]

I know what you mean. This shows what we mean by "cliques". Narvel was one of those who was born to poor farmers and then worked his way to where he is now. For some reason, a lot of people in this area seem to think that if you are born in a certain status, then you and your family should stay in that status. I don't know why that is, but I've noticed that there is a lot of that going on here.

[Fan]

Yes, I too, think something needs to be at the Bernie City Limit about Narvel. His family lived our Highway U past the crossroads. Mrs. Felts quilted many many quilts. They were so very nice to everyone. I remember them well. When you see Narvel in the store, he will stop and talk and talk. We Back in 1961 or 62, he sang at the Bernie Prom. He and his band were very good. When he would get a hair cut in Bernie when he was very young, girls would run back and forth past the barber shop just to get a peek of him. Very good Bernie person.

[Fan]

By the way, Narvel did not graduate high school.

[tlmcrutch]

My Dad and his brothers were the ones who encouraged Narvel to perform in the talent show where he was discovered. My Uncle traveled with him for years. It's funny in a way. They were all real good friends and every time Narvel sees me in public, he always calls me by my first name.

I really hated what happened to Bub, too. We played together as kids while my Dad was visiting with Narvel at his house one year. Bub and I went back to his room and one of the things I can remember, even though I was only about 4 at the time, was a big battery powered semi truck that you could ride in. When I found out he had been killed in that car wreck, I was in shock.

[everyday citizen]

He recently performed at Casino Aztar and gave a great show. He made several references to his roots here in Southeast Missouri. Narvel hasn't forgotten his beginnings around Bernie and Malden. His career is amazing. It's sad that he's actually more popular overseas than he is here in the states. We all should support him more.

[csagal]

I was at the concert at Casino Aztar in October and the crowd just loved him! Like I said, I don't really follow country music but it's apparent that he has a really loyal fan base. By the way, Topix lists me as from St. Louis but I'm from the bootheel area.

[Agree]

I am young and as far as being a listener of Narvel's music I have never been. BUT, I totally agree that he deserves some much overdue respect in this area. My husband and I were just discussing him the other day. We both agreed that he deserves a good sign. Why should Sheryl Crow get a sign in Kennett saying "hometown" of Sheryl Crow when this IS his HOME?! It seems our small towns are looking for the next big thing to happen around here when we should be appreciating a good, loyal citizen that we already have living here.

[Norman Swafford]

I have been Narvels friend for many years. I had the honor of being one of his mothers favorite people and I was one of the six to carry her to her final resting place. The felts family was and is just real fine people. I can tell you that Narvel does not expect anything special but if it was done I know he would be very grateful for whatever was done. I can tell you Narvel is one of the finest people I have ever known. I am proud to call him a friend.

[Jeff Rodgers]

I love Rockabilly music and Narvel's been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall-of-Fame besides his contributions to country music! He recorded at Sun Studios with the likes of Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. That's legendary stuff. I certainly think Bernie should do something to honor this man. This is long overdue.

[SEMOfriend]

I love Narvel Felts too! He can hit the high notes that no other man in country music can. Long live Narvel Felts!

[hickory]

Sounds like we have enough Narvel support to warrant at least a couple of "Home of Narvel Felts" signs. As a resident of the area,(I don't know why Topix shows me from St. Louis) I'm really ashamed that there hasn't been more done in the way of a tribute. I can't tell you the number of towns I've been through that have some sort of signs, banners, etc to let the rest of the world know that someone "famous" is from that particular place. How about it Malden and Bernie? How do we go about doing something?

[SEMOfriend]

Maybe you could start with the Chamber of Commerce.

[SCCC]

Go to your State Rep and Senator and ask for a MODOT name designation on a section of state hwy through one of the towns.

[POTRP Dexter MO]

SCCC wrote:

Go to your State Rep and Senator and ask for a MODOT name designation on a section of state hwy through one of the towns.

I helped a family that wanted a sign on a roadway & I had to contact Jefferson City, they sent me a form to fill out with all the details. I know you proubly don't want to leave any personal information on how to contact you guys thats wants to do this , but I do beleave I can help you get it done. Sorry I can't leave my information on here but I work for the state & that wouldn't be wise. I to love this man & would like to help, just tell me how. Thank you.

[DaCritic]

hickory wrote:

Sounds like we have enough Narvel support to warrant at least a couple of "Home of Narvel Felts" signs. As a resident of the area,(I don't know why Topix shows me from St. Louis)?

You can change your location by clicking the orange button (change city) at the top of this page. BTW A road sign is a great idea.

[Nope]

You cannot change your location by changing city. All that does it take Topix to a different city (whatever you type in) to read threads about THAT city. It does not put YOU in a different location.

[DaCritic]

Yep, Mr Nope you're right, seems that your ISP(Internet Service Provider} determines your location... hmm U learn something everyday, even me.. :-]

[Sara]

If anyone would like to look at pictures and old records of Narvel's my mother has a whole wall of them at her cafe in downtown bernie. she would be glad to talk to you about him as well. she grew up next door to him when they lived by the st. francis river.

[guest]

lucky to have any local celbs i guess, but do you really like his music.