An extreme rarity! The only result you are likely to find in a web search is this listing you're readiing right now! I can almost guarantee no one else is selling this record, and there was no trace of it on the internet when I ran my own search! I've seen one other Rusty Wellington LP that shows up occasionally, and a few of his 45 rpm records, but I have never seen this one ever before. And for the record and the cover to be in such great condition is frosting on the cake. Read the biography below. It is obvious this LP was released shortly after the near death experience of his child. Rusty Wellington - Stepping Stone to a Higher Ground. Also enclosed inside the cover is a real newspaper clipping announcing the death and obituary of Rusty Wellington's wife, Florence G. "Dolly" Wellington. Arcade AR-1003 monoraul 12" LP record album. Condition: Record is close to NM. Cover is close to NM and protected by original baggy sleeve. Tracks: When the Roll is Called Up Yonder / Great Speckled Bird / Wings of a Dove / Amazing Grace / Bright Lights of the City / Will You Be There / Until Then / I'm Going Thru / Beyond the Call of Love / Today I Walked with a King / Stepping Stone to a Higher Ground / Touch of God's Hand.

Biography: Born Douglas Wellington in Camelton, New Brunswick, Canada on April 10, 1925. The son of George T. and Margaret Charlong Wellington. In 1936, he moved to New Hampshire when he was only 10 years old. He was educated in Keene, New Hampshire schools. Rusty fell in love with Country Music the first time he heard a guitar and hoped to be a Country and Western singer someday. He wasted no time fulfilling his ambition as he started his singing career at the age of 13 touring first with Tex Ritter and later with Hank Williams Sr and Hank Snow. He soon had his own Radio show in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946. Rusty toured the US and Canada in Country Concerts for 40 years. He worked throughout New England and then, in the 1960's, hooked up with Bill Haley and the Comets for a time. He was lured back to New England by Duke Pelillo and the Swingbillies. He was a great singer, songwriter, comedian, he could do it all. He sang harmony and did Impersonations. Two of his recordings became top 10 Country Hits. In the early 1960's, he was a guest on the Ernest Tubb Show, he wrote for Bill Haley and the Comets, and was lead vocalist for the Down Homers. For several years in the 1970's, Rusty had his own show , known as the Rusty Wellington Show. He also appeared on the Arthur Godfrey Talent scouts, Perry Como, and a CBS network Show called "Action in the Afternoon" out of Philadelphia, Rusty wrote two songs about Maine: "The Allagash" and "Packed in Maine". After the breakup of the Swingbillies and a near death experience of one of his children, he dedicated himself to God. Even to the point of becoming an Ordained Evangelist Minister. For a time he had his own Gospel Show on WMTW-TV in Auburn, Maine and wrote and performed his Gospel Music at Churches throughout New England. In 1986, Rusty Wellington was nominated for the Maine County Music Hall of Fame Award. Although Rusty was not born in Maine, he said he wanted to be "Packed in Maine". He is an "Honorary Mainer". After several years of heart trouble, he passed away in 1986. Rusty's son Buck clarifies the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame biography: Hi, Bill, I am Rusty's son Buck. I remember when we recorded this album. It really had nothing to do with anyones near death experience. Dad turned to Jesus after my half sister Chrissy was near death after pulling a boiling pot of water off the stove, and down on her. I believe she was around two. As we stood by the hospital bed, my Father prayed and promised that he would live for Jesus, if Chrissy was spared. He kept his word.