The “Golden Hits Of The 70s” 

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JUD STRUNK

“DAISY A DAY”

(JUD STRUNK)

MGM 14463

No. 14   May 19, 1973

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On one of his last eclectic albums, Jud referred to him­ self as “a semi-reformed, tequila-crazed gypsy.”

He was born Justin Strunk, Jr., on June 11, 1936, in Jameston, New York; he died in a plane crash on

October 15, 1981.   People were just getting to know and appreciate who this story-telling, banjo-picking,

folkie-cum-country man was.

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He was raised in Farmington, Maine.   While in sec­ond grade, he won first prize at a community hall

talent contest playing spoons and tap dancing.   In his teens, he recited poetry in nearby clubs and sang.

For a while, he toured as a “one-man show” for the United States Armed Forces.   Not many noticed, but

he appeared in the off-Broadway production of Beautiful Dreamer.

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In the ’70s, Jud moved west to California, where he would do his personalized entertaining on local TV

programs.   For a couple of years (1972-1973), he was a regular on “Laugh-In.”   His records, when you

could find them, were always a little different.   He’d sing of amnesia, describe Howard Hughes’

permanent plot on this planet, read patriotic poetry, or recite verse about an old man’s undying love for

his long-departed wife.   Some of his stuff made minor motions onto the pop and country listings–“Next

Door Neighbor’s Kid” (C&W: #86, 1973), “My Country” (#59, 1974), “The Biggest Parakeets in Town (#50,

1975), and “Pamela Brown” (C&W: #88, 1976).   But only”Daisy a Day” was a box-office smash.