Johnny Colmus was already a successful songwriter when Jamie Records signed him to a performing and songwriting contract in March, 1966. His songs included, “Too Busy Saying Goodbye,” recorded by George Morgan and Marion Worth; “I'll Just Call You Darling,” recorded by Ernest Tubb and Loretta Lynn”; and “From A King To A Joker To A Clown,” recorded by Earl Scott.
A press announcement on May 24, 1966 was headlined, “Jamie/Guyden Re-Enters Country Field.” It noted that Jamie had previously put out the country hits that included Marion Worth’s first hit, “Are You Willing, Willie” and Mitchell Torok’s “Caribbean.” The press release noted ambitious plans to become more involved in country music. That ambitious goal started with two singles by Johnny Colmus, “Failure Hasn't Changed Me” b/w “Nobody Cares For You” (Jamie 1317) and “Shenandoah” b/w “Curtain In The Window” (Jamie 1336).
At the time of the signing, Johnny Colmus was living in Madison, Tennessee. He was born Farwell, Michigan, where, at the age of 10, he won the Labor Day Farwell Talent Show singing "Cruising Down The River.” He began appearing on the Bundy Mountain Jamboree show on WPBN-TV in Traverse City and continued as a side man for Bill Lyon on WPBN-TV as well as WWTV in Cadillac, Michigan., before doing the same with his own group. Moving to Nashville, he became part of the Cousin Jody show and appearing regularly on the Grand Ole Opry. He is the father of King Lizzard, born Randall James Colmus, a Las Vegas entertainer turned ordained minister, with whom Johnny Colmus performed and recorded.
