The Harley & Annabelle Experience August 1, 2006
Posted by Ron in Music, People.trackback
If you can’t get to Erick, Okla., to see Harley and Annabelle Russell, aka the Mediocre Music Makers, here’s the next-best thing, posted just a couple weeks ago.
It must’ve been hot when this video was shot. You can usually tell what the weather is like by what Harley wears with his overalls. If he’s wearing a sweatshirt, it’s winter. If he’s wearing a T-shirt, it’s spring or fall. If he’s shirtless, it’s a typical Oklahoma summer.
Fantastic! No-way “mediocre”.
I’m reminded of Les Paul and Mary Ford.
Can’t wait to see them when I travel “66″ this coming September.
If you are planing a Rt66 trip. It take at least a half a day or more to cover both blocks of Erick Okla, that is if you stop at the Red neck capitol of the world. One of our fond memories of our 01 trip.
we are this video’s makers and we enjoy to see it here!
it’s a gigt for the whole palnet and specially for Annabel and harley!
love
My commendations on your video, Ariane and Jean Claude.
The sound quality is really good, and the footage captures what Harley and Annabelle do as well as anything I can think of.
In Harley’s words, you get to see “rednecks in their own environment.”
They seem real commical, unless they find out your a local & then they not so politely ask you to leave, cuz travels donate enough money to them, they don’t need noone else. Good luck if you are traveling there & don’t forget your pocketbook! LOL.
I got to meet Harley and Annabelle TWICE while on a road trip this summer. They’re great fun!!! Incidentally, on that video, there is a large gold-foil-trimmed sign for the movie Cars. It was the invitation to a celebration at the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion (a celebration about Cars). The reason he and Annabelle were invited was that Harley IS the tow truck, Mater. The character was based on him. The creators of the film were on a Route 66 road trip looking for inspiration when they saw the SandHills Curiosity Shop, got curious, and walked in. After a two minute look turned into a couple of hours, they decided that Harley was such a character that he had to BE a character. Thus, Mater was created. Though the tow-truck also carries elements from two other people, he is still primarily Harley. If you’re interested to know, the character, Sally (the Porshe), is based on a woman in eastern Oklahoma (Ercick is near the western border). I can’t remember her name, but she owns the Rock Cafe. Anyway, stopping in to meet Harley and Annabelle is a great experience that you will undoubtedly enjoy. Allow at least an hour for this.
This is a great video!
The makers (Ariane and Jean Claude) have captured so much of the essence of these two wonderful people. But as great as it is, it’s nothing like the live, face-to-face experience.
Yet from this wonderfully executed video, it’s easy to see (and hear) why Harley and Annabelle have become so well known around the world without moving from their redneckdom in Erick, Oklahoma.
And when you are fortunate enough to stop in and visit with them, to take in the ambiance of their curiosity shop, of the town, and even a little of what some deem poor treatment from the locals, it all combines so synergistically with their irascible good nature and talent to reveal the very real Harley and Annabelle as a cultural experience unique in the world.
Oops! Wrong word! Not irascible. Totally affable!
[...] The article cited a Google video of Harley and Annabelle. [...]
They seem real commical, unless they find out your a local & then they are not so polit and ask you to leave, cuz travelers donate enough money to them, they don’t need no one else. Good luck if you are traveling there & don’t forget your pocketbook! LOL. They are fake!
Hmmm, LOL. That’s not my experience. I’ve been in their home and talked to them on the phone, when they’re not doing their act. I’ve found them to be genuine.
I’ve found that Harley and Annabelle will feed you and not expect anything. The tip jars on the table are strictly voluntary.
Forgive me. I was wrong.
My wife,Nancy and I were in Erick on Dec 27,2006 and had a blast.It all started when I commented on the collection of guitars,ie: the Dobro and the 71′Fender”Strat”. The next thing I know I’m jammin’ with Harley. Annabelle shoved a harp in my hand and Harley and I were off to the races.
My wife is a very shy person,but,they had her from”and who the hell are you”.
These folks are at the top of our memorable things on our 5k road trip
My daddy and his whole family grew up in Erick (although he passed away in 1995). Years back, his mom and dad owned and operated Armstrong’s Dry Cleaning on main street. About the time of my dad’s death……..I was visiting Erick and walked into Harley’s shop and looked at some guitars. I really enjoyed talking with him. When I mentioned Harley to my dad……….dad said “oh…….he’s just some ol pot smoker!” Truth beknown…my dad was always suspicious of everyone, so I took it with a grain of salt (and who CARES if he smokes a little now and then anyhow)?!! I live in Raleigh, NC and can’t wait to visit Harley and Annabelle on my next visit. What authentic ambassadors could we have for the Sandhills and Route 66? Just wish Cal’s diner was still around!!
I can attest that the Harley and Annabelle Experience is great, Paula. And when I’ve been at the Sandhills Curiosity Shop, the strongest thing I saw was Lost Lake beer in the fridge.
I’ve know Harley and Annabelle for about a decade now and have never sensed anything “FAKE” about them. It’s fortunate two of the most sincere people on the planet are willing to entertain so well and so genuinely to anyone and everyone. I’ve been in their shop when locals come in and have never seen them treated any better (or worse) than anyone else that pops in from the far-flung parts of the world.
Lighten up, LOL. Maybe you’ll actually have a little fun if you try!
Our group the Thames Vally Vultures visited Annabelle and Harley with our Guide RL in May 2007.
What an experience, it will live with us all for the rest of our days.
I most definitely was one of the highlights of our tour.
Keep on rocking Harley and Annebelle as you give so much pleasure to all who meet you.
As for fake noooo way.
Jacqui ( from England)
Ops! that should have read IT most definitely was one of the highlights of our tour, NOT I was.
Jacqui
Harley and Annabelle are about as original and authentic as you can get-always has been that way from now back to when we were growing up in Blair, Oklahoma. Always ready to entertain and liven up a road-weary traveler along the mother road. Like what you experience?-toss a quarter in the jar. Don’t like it? Get yourself a free soda or beer and move on down the road— get a few miles away and it will come to you–’these folks, perhaps, really are for real”.
Best place to visit along Route 66! No other like it!
Steve Russell-Amarillo, Texas
i saw them in july when i drove down the motheroad, they left a deep inpression on me. if im able to return i will do it. those 2 are the most friendly people that ive ever met…damm i miss the motherroad
Harley and Annabelle ROCK! They were the most memorable part of our trip on Route 66! If I ever find myself back in Erick OK I will be sure to stop on by! As far as being fake goes I seriously doubt it, they could not be more real people. Make sure you add them to your list and don’t forget to tip them.
Don’t you just love an occasional encounter with someone who got stuck in the 60s? It happened to my sweetie and me in Erick, OK last summer. We were on a Route 66 trek and happened upon an adventure in the “Redneck Capital of the World.” We were warmly welcomed, non-plussed, and royally entertained. It was a five-star vacation. As an added attraction, when you’re in Erick take in the Roger Miller museum.
We did a road trip (LA to Washington) in March/April 2005. The most fantastic 3 weeks ever. We followed Route 66 LA to Oklahoma and visited Harley and Annabelle, by chance. I have never had a welcome like that one. From the moment we entered the world of the ‘Mediocre Music Makers’ we entered a world of everything you dreamed that route 66 would be. I videoed our visit and watch it often and it always makes me laugh and always makes me wish I was back there again. Harley, Annabelle, may you live forever and continue to welome and amuse us visitors in your unique and homely style.
Harley & Annabelle -
You are a class act!!
We just experienced you for the first time today and we hope it is the 1st time of many… as we intend to “meet again”!
Thank you so much for sharing your curiosity shop and your home and all your charm… “mediocre” you are NOT!!!! You had us from hello!
~The LeRoi Crew~
Terry
Tammy
Aaron