Phonoland

I am writing in the hope that anyone can help me find a recording or direct me to some one who could help me.
My grandfather was a country singer during the 1930's-1940's. He sang under the names "The Lonesome Cowboy" and "The Krazy Krystal Cowboy" (as sponsored by Krystal Sugar) and "Miracle Mike". His actual name was Henry Joseph Kroncke. He sang mainly in the Midwest region (to my knowledge) however he passed away prior to my father's birth, so information was limited . I am trying to put together a family history using pictures and recordings for Christmas for my dad. None of us (including my father) have ever heard his voice or heard him sing. I am begging you for help in this matter. I have been on this quest for the last 10 years (Since my grandmother passed away and my dad became very ill).
Please if there is any way anyone can help me I would be truly grateful.
I have already contacted Krystal sugar and all their archives from that time were lost in a fire and I contacted WTMJ where he sang and they said their archives from that time period was gone. I was directed here by one of your members because he couldn't help me. He told me to post here, So again, My grandpa sang under the names "The Lonesome Cowboy" and "The Krazy Krystal Cowboy" (as sponsored by Krystal Sugar) and "Miracle Mike"
> He sang at WTMJ and WGN during the 20's and 30's (we think the actual year was 1934 at WGN), Mainly in the Midwest region (to my knowledge) and from what I understand he also sang at some point with "The Sons of the Pioneers" and with one of the other extreamly popular country groups of that era (not sure of the name of the group...just was told by relatives that they were extreamly popular during that time and they were midwest region and country music).
He passed away prior to my father's birth, so again information was limited to what we could get out of grandma before her passing.
> None of us (including my father) have ever heard his voice or heard him sing so we are looking for any opportunity to make this happen.
> I would appreciate any help anyone could give me and whatever recordings you might have. I am willing to purchase any copies of his recordings.
> I can be contacted via email : kimmih1965@att.net
just put in the subject line "grandpa info"

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can give me.
Kim

I did a search of the Online Discographical Project site -- http://settlet.fateback.com/ -- which provides a comprehensive index of 78 rpm recordings issued by the major American Labels, as well as those of several minor labels.

There was nothing listed under "The Krazy Krystal Cowboy," "Miracle Mike, " or under your grandfather's name, Henry Joseph Kroncke. Under "Lonesome Cowboy," I came up with a number of hits:

SEE: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=& ... tnG=Search

or go to http://www.google.com and copy the following into the search box:

site:settlet.fateback.com "Lonesome cowboy"

--------------------------------------------

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell if this is your grandfather, since "Lonesome Cowboy" was used by other recording artists and radio stars during the period, such as John White.

I know that there are a few organizations that have compiled databases of country western and rural folk performers, that you may want to get in touch with. A good starting place may be --
The Country Music Hall of Fame: http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/

Also, the Star Gennett Foundation may have some information in their archives: http://www.starrgennett.org/

If I can think of anything else, I'll post it here as a follow-on. Good luck with your research.

Thank you for the leads. I will follow up at these places and I will let you know if anything come of it...Thank you again so very much
Kim

Go to the website http://www.hillbilly-music.com and ask Dave Sichak for help. Gib