Narvel Felts, along with Johnathan Len, will take the stage at the historic Rodgers Theatre from 7-10 p.m. Saturday.
Known for his chart-topping hits in the 1970s, including “Driftaway,” “Somebody Hold Me,” and “Lonely Teardrops,” Felts, is a name synonymous with rockabilly music. Felts has left a lasting mark on the music scene throughout his career. From his humble beginnings on a family farm in Powe, Missouri, to becoming a chart-topping sensation in the 1970s, his musical journey has been filled with triumphs, challenges and many unforgettable moments.
From the age of 17, Felts said he began performing regularly, except for a brief period of time he spent in army training for the National Guard and his subsequent six-year service in the Poplar Bluff National Guard unit.
The turning point in Felts’ musical career came one Christmas night when a man named Harold White visited his home.
“I was very shy,” explained Felts, “We lived between Powe and the St. Francis River and I would practice outside, but if a car would come down that gravel road, which ended at the river, I would get up and go in the house til they passed and then go back out.”
White, aware of Felts’ talent on the guitar and vocals, suggested they go to the Highway Cafe and perform a few songs. Initially hesitant due to his shyness, Felts said he found the encouragement he needed from his father, who told him, “How do you expect to ever do anything with this if you don’t do it in front of anybody?”
During the performance at the cafe, he also encountered an Air Force Sergeant.
“He said ‘hey kid, come here’ and I went sat down to have a coke and he pointed his finger and looked me right in the eye and said don’t you ever pick another boll of cotton because you don’t have to,” recalled Felts.
These events left a lasting impression on Felts and pushed him forward, opening doors to opportunities he never imagined.
One such opportunity arose during a high school talent contest at Bernie, where Felts was attending school. Weldon Grimsley from KDEX, a local radio station, was present at the contest and immediately recognized Felts’ talent.
Grimsley recorded Felts and his friend JW Grubbs, leading to a life-changing moment. The following day, Felts heard a radio announcement requesting he contact the radio station. Despite the winter chill and a lot of needed preparation to get his dad’s green 1946 International truck up and running, Felts and his father embarked on an eight-mile journey to the nearest phone. This marked the beginning of Felts’ radio career.
Musician Jerry Mercer played a significant role in Felts’ journey. Mercer had a band in Dexter, and upon seeing Felts perform, invited him to join his band full time.
Jerry Mercer and The Roving Cowboys became his first band. The band later transformed into Jerry Mercer and The Rhythm & Blues Boys, featuring Narvel Felts. Suddenly, Felts found himself fully immersed in the music business, performing night after night.
In 1973, he signed with Cinnamon Records in Nashville, a move that propelled his career to new heights. This success set the stage for a hit streak that continued through the ‘70s and into the ‘80s and ‘90s, solidifying Felts’ status in the music industry.
Reflecting on this achievement, Felts expressed his gratitude, saying, “It seemed like it was the impossible dream coming true after about 16 years of making records.”
Felts recalled a show at the Jewel Theatre during the height of his popularity.
“It was pretty wild, I had to scoot back from the edge of the stage because they were pulling on my pants legs, then when the show was over, the only way out was down the steps from the stage and into the aisle,” he said. “The girls were ripping on my clothes and one had scissors, trying to cut locks of my hair and I was afraid she was going to hit me in the eye with those scissors.”
Felts’ talents took him to countries such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Italy, France and Germany.
His personal life has also played an integral role in his journey. He and his wife of 61 years, Loretta, have two children together, Stacia and Albert Narvel Jr. Albert Jr., a talented drummer who toured with Felts and played on many of his recordings, passed away in a car accident in 1995.
After a 60-year musical career, Felts is now enjoying retirement alongside his wife of six decades in their home in Malden.
He said the Rodgers Theater holds a special place in his heart, as it was there he and Loretta shared many memories during his time serving in the guard.
Now, at 84 years young, Felts said he is excited to return to the stage he first played on sometime in late 1957 or early 1958.
For ticket pricing and additional information, please visit https://www.rodgerstheatre.org/up-coming-events.