Mike Oxborrow- Classic Country Music, 40s & 50s
“Old songs are classic…
Old songs are true…
Songs that pass the test of time,
I’ll sing old songs for you.”
Mike is a musician and singer. Mike’s repertoire is centered around ‘Classic’ country music of the 40’s, 50’s & 60’s including several of Hank William’s songs. He also does songs recorded by: Johnny Cash, Ernest Tubb, Hank Thompson, Buck Owens, Stonewall Jackson, and several others His signature song (written by Al Dexter and recorded in 1943 by Big Crosby & the Andrew Sisters) is “Pistol Packin’ Mama” (a crowd pleaser – always well received!). He also does novelty songs, e.g.: “Ugly Girl Blues”, “Crazy as a Loon”, “Whale of a Tale”; traditional songs, e.g: “Frogg Went a Courtin'” (he wrote some new verses to bring it into the 21st century), “The Lady in Red” [AKA Let Nellie Sleep Under the Bar] and “The Lilac Bush”; and, a few ‘standards’ like “Sentimental Journey”, “Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy” and “Five Foot two, Eyes of Blue”. For additional variety, he can also do a bit of Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll and a couple of his originals.
Now retired from the “gainfully employed”, Mike, while never a professional musician, has been playing bass and making music in various bands for over a half century. Finding himself “band-less”, he has been a regular at local jams and open mics. He found that performing solo at open mics with his acoustic/electric Breedlove bass (looks like a big acoustic guitar) to be quite rewarding – he’s had surprisingly positive feedback from audiences. Mike’s use of a bass guitar as his accompanying instrument is somewhat of a novelty, but it seems to work for him. There are many, many guitar playing singers out there, and then there’s Mike and his bass – it definitely sets him apart – in a good way – from other entertainers. It should also be noted that he likes to quiz his audience on their musical knowledge and follow up with interesting music “factoids”. He’s even been known to lead sing-a-longs (“Pistol Packin’ Mama” is a good one, as is “Sloop John B.”). His open mic experiences even inspired a minor venture into songwriting. ( * – from Mike’s original song)
Mike started playing in the mid 1960’s in Klamath Falls and John Day in (mostly) country bands. After relocating to Portland in ’72, he played in a local attorney’s Blues Band for over 30 years. Mike has also played extensively in a band called “Stealin’ Easy” that did regular gigs at area Assisted Living facilities until it disbanded.
Since posting his Profile on ElderAudience, he has booked gigs and performed several times at Portland area Assisted Living facilities. He can provide references to these facilities. A full list of his songs can also be provided.
Service Fee: Complimentary/Volunteer
Service Areas: OREGON- Clackamas County, Multnomah County
Service Types: Retirement Home/Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult Foster Home, Skilled Nursing/Rehab, Hospital, Senior Center, Seniors at Home, Private Parties/Locations
Availability: Inquire for details.
Contact Name: Mike Oxborrow
Phone: (503) 652-1549 Cell: (503) 475-8301
E-mail: mikeox@centurylink.net
Facebook: Mike Oxborrow’s Facebook
Don’t forget to tell Mike Oxborrow you found his services using ElderAudience!
Video/MP3 Samples:
Johnny Cash’s “Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart”
Mike Oxborrow’s Original Song “Song Writer Song”
John Prine’s “Crazy as a Loon”
“Shoo Fly Pie & Apple Pan Dowdy”
Mike & friends – Stonewall Jackson’s “Don’t be Angry With Me”
Mike solo – Hank Snow’s “I Don’t Hurt Anymore”
Mike & friends – Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand”
Mike & Friends – Mike’s Original song “One Night in a Barroom”
*Information on this listing may be subject to change. Please contact this lister directly with any questions.
Tags: acoustic guitar, Adult Foster Home, Assisted Living, Clackamas County, Classic Country, Free Services, hank williams, Hospital, memory care, Mike Oxborrow, Multnomah County, Private Parties/Locations, Retirement Home/Independent Living, Senior Center, Seniors at Home, Sing-a-long, Skilled Nursing/Rehab, volunteer