vCOUNTRY continued from page 23 Her most recent guitar is a beautiful Martin guitar, with inlaid abalone designs. It was another gift, but this one was given by Dean, three months before he passed away in 2017. Elva loves a lot of music from many country entertainers such as Elvis, and Waylon Jennings, but prefers to sing songs by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Gretchen Wilson, and Catherine Pruit, because they are within her vocal range. When asked if she’d ever written any songs, Elva shyly demurs and answers, “I really tried to, but I just couldn’t do it.” After Wilbur Foss; a renowned fiddler and business owner from Scotland, SD. happened to hear Elva sing at a veteran’s club, he thought she sounded just like Kitty Wells. Foss asked her to perform “Satin Sheets” and “Wild Side of Life” on a CD he made and distributed in 2013. The two became fast friends and played at many fundraisers and events together. One of Elva’s life-long dreams to be heard on the radio came true, when she accompanied Foss in a radio commercial for an upcoming Old Time Fiddler’s contest in Yankton, SD. For many years, Elva’s main musical partner was Gordon Olson, but unfortunately he lost a pinkie finger in a workshop accident at home, and was unable to resume playing. “So, for the past year and half or so,” Elva has been playing monthly with John Hauck at the Sacred Heart Monastery, and with the Happy Infants Memories Band from Tripp, SD. at Majestic Bluffs Care Boys & Girls Center in Yankton. She also performs at public events, such Women as the city of Tabor’s Hot Dog Days, and the Huron, SD. Accessories annual state fair. Elva also enjoys singing karaoke at family ard n hion Forwt’s Updated Ofte Fas y Tha Inventor gatherings and events. Sadly, the Happy Memories Band was short three members for their May 2019 appearance at Majestic Bluffs, because the leader had to stay home and take care of cows afflicted by the unseasonable amount of rain and flooding. Elva, John Hauck and Riley Gall were still a wonderful trio and able to switch gears on a dime, improvise their musical selections, and still have their audience singing along. Old time favorite tunes such as “Put another Log on the Fire” by Tompall Glaser, “Waltzing Matilda” by Banjo Paterson, and the American classic: “Amazing Grace” were on the song list. From the clapping and smiles of the audience, it was evident they were still well-liked, even decades later. Elva sang a few ditties such as “Honky Tonk Angels” by Kitty Wells also. After over forty years of performing, Elva was inducted into both the South Dakota Happy Memories Band. Country Music Hall of Fame, located in Lennox, SD. and the America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. “The inductees are all nominated by their peers or friends/family members. The inductees are selected based on their accomplishments in entertainment and the promotion of country music in South Dakota.” Elva was nominated by her good friend, Wilbur Foss. The Country Music Hall of Fame in Lennox is open to the public for regular events and has its own Opry House. Just this past September, in 2018, Elva was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame. Elva has a guitar she’s decoupage with old memorabilia that she will be donating to the Country Hall of Fame in Lennox, SD. Elva is very spry and her bright spirit is infectious. I couldn’t leave our visit without singing a song with her. When asked about big upcoming plans, Elva’s content in the here and now. She shares: “I feel good, I don’t have no pains. I’m going to keep it up as long as I can. I’m going to keep playing my music for others.” How often Elva practices and plays, depends on how she feels. She keeps a guitar hung up permanently on the back wall in the living room should a spontaneous mood strike. When asked if she’d do anything differently in her life regarding music, she’s quick to respond “No.” She’s very happy with her life and the way she’s lived it. Elva is always grateful for the people that have supported her over the years and have helped make her dreams come true. Listening to Elva and the Happy Memories band is a gift for all ages. Youth can hear something different yet still relevant, while the older generation can remember music from years past that reminds them of good times with family and friends. n Toys & Gifts gel ’s An Lindaossing are q Crdway, MorgentuSrduay 10-6 a Bro y-Sa 1101 Monda 080 • 665-0 24vHERVOICEvJULY/AUGUST 2019 check out... hervoiceonline.com