The Prisonaires (Official) - Just Walkin' in the Rain

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The Prisonaires were five African-American singers in the 1950s, who also happened to be inmates of the Tennessee State Penitentiary in Nashville. Their doo-wop sound, known best through their hit "Just Walkin' in the Rain" influenced generations of rock and pop legends to come, including Johnny Ray and Elvis Presley. This documentary takes you through the stories that surrounded them, from hard time to good times, with never before seen interviews of lead singer Johnny Bragg who was serving six consecutive terms. You'll be amazed at the miracle that brought their talent to the ears of the early music recording industry.

Join our grassroots campaign to ensure The Prisonaires' story is told! After 15 years of collecting rare archival photos, exclusive interview footage and music, The Prisonaires Documentary -- with your help -- will make history as the first film to ever tell their incredible story. Share this page and join our IndieGogo campaign, set to launch in September, 2013.

[fayemoore]

I was around 12 yrs of age when my mentor and friend, Fowler Stanton, a band director at Smith Co High was asked by Mr. John Watts, Deputy Warden of Tenn State Prison, to do a musical development program at the prison. I attended some of his night time visits to the prison. He developed the Prisonaires group, took tours with them, did the recording of this hit song. They became very popular. They did a concert at my high school in Jackson Co. Then the story hit the papers. The Warden at Sing Sing hit the ceiling about such a thing! So, the Prisonaires were grounded. No more concerts or travel outside prison!

[stormbringercoming]

If ever there were a movie to be made, the story of The Prisonaires would be a delight. It’s a fascinating story and the music is so beautiful.

[pvthitch]

Recorded at The Memphis Recording Service, 706 Union by Sam Phillips, which became Sun Studio. The group were actual inmates who travelled by prison bus with guards.

[mdmphd]

I had no idea the Johnny Ray was a cover - but it was the 50s so I should've known. Thank you so much for posting - this is stunning.

[harvejoel]

Listen and hear the pain, Knowing the back story, this is magical!

[xyzllii]

Lovely...and knowing the history of this song and Johnny Bragg...gives it a extra poignancy...What a lovely voice.

[stuartgilmour]

Just seen them on the elvis netflix doc.2 good.had to listen

[spacebound]

My god this band were prisoners and allowed to play concerts but with guards to bring them back to prison.
Elvis was actually a fan. That's crazy.
I love music and especially some of the background stories. Im studying music all my life. This is beautiful.
How times have changed.

[Stu]

Absolutely Beautiful ❣️
This is the first time I heard this version.👏🏻

[One]

Sent here by Peter Guralnick’s book, “Last Train to Memphis”. Amazingly simple and clean tune.

[johnbop]

Perfection with Johnny briggs on vocals 👌...

[zoneTherapyCures]

I just listened to Jim Reeves cover of this beautiful song, but the original has the depth of sadness in it. I wonder if my dad listened to this song when it came out. He had just met my mom, they had a wonderful summer together, then he was drafted into the Korean War for 2 years. Mom hung on, writing love letters (Joni James hit) so glad she pulled him through all of that.

[vickussalazar]

Que majestuosidad ... plena pandemia sanando el corazón con música..

[stuhilder]

Beautiful song. Never heard this version before. Much better than Johnny Ray's verson in my opinion.

[kubburger]

Here thanks to CKUA's Dirty Windshields Radio Hour's mention of Joel Plaskett's On A Dime.

[AlexanderEnder]

Here because of Bob Dylan on Theme Time Radio Hour. Nice song.

[victorlloyd]

I was brought here by Jonathan Lethem's novel <<The Fortress of Solitude>> Worth reading -- his knowledge of American popular music from the second half of the twentieth century is encyclopedic. The novel is also powerful for reasons other than the music.

[ELVISISKING]

MUSICAL MEMORIAL: RHYTHM & BLUES VOCALIST/SONGWRITER JOHNNY BRAGG DIED ON THIS DAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2004, AT THE AGE OF 79. HE DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES. WILLIAM STEWART DIED OF A DRUG OVERDOSE IN A RUNDOWN FLORIDA HOTEL ROOM IN 1959. MARCEL SAUNDERS DIED IN THE LATE 1960'S. ED THURMAN WAS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT IN 1973. JOHN DRUE, JR. DIED OF CANCER IN DECEMBER 1977. MAY THEY ALL REST IN HARMONY. FOR MORE INFO AND MEMORIALS, PLEASE JOIN MY INTERNET GROUP AND VIEW MY YOUTUBE PAGE: TONY JAMS MUSICAL MEMORIALS 1950'S AND BEYOND. FACE BOOK PAGE: TONY JAMS MUSICAL MEMORIALS. FREE FOR ALL TO JOIN AND ENJOY. THANK YOU.

[ustheserfs]

Furloughs from prison can prove fruitful sometimes.

[joemartin]

Better than Johnny Rays' cut for sure.  I play this song at times on a portable player and people stop what they are doing and come up to me, listen and ask after the song to find who that was. I tell them and sometimes the lead singer was a writer for the song Your Cold Cold Heart but was never really properly credited.