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Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter Cowtown Society of Western Music lsquo2009 Publication of the Yearrsquo
Distributed by BACKFORTY BUNKHOUSE PRODUCTIONS 106 Roswell St Ruidoso NM 88345 (575) 808-4111
Home of Backforty Roundup and CD Chorale Backforty Bunkhouse Publishing BMI
Venue Show Productions Western Music Radio Marketing wwwBackforty Bunkhousecom JoeBackfortyBunkhousecom
wwwMySpacecomBackfortyBunkhouse TwittercombackfortyBH
Joe Baker Publisher
The Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter is sent to over 700 email subscribers periodically and is growing every day There are DJs artists and fans whose interest are Western Swing Cowboy Poetry Cowboy Heritage and Texas Honky Tonk music gen-res We solicit your comments suggestions and ways we may better serve you If you do not want to receive this newsletter and want to be removed from our mailing list reply to this email by entering ―UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject box of the email
Joe Bakers Top 20 ndash December 2009
Western Swing
1 Shorty Joe amp Red Rock Canyon Cowboys
Best Of
2 Rebecca Linda Smith True Love
3 Dugg Collins Looking Back-1977
4 Wendell Sollis The Sidekicks
5 Cornell Hurd American Shadows
6 The Desperados Lucky Seven
7 Jerry Webb Therelsquos A Song In That
8 Saddle Cats Herdinlsquo Cats
9 Johnny Lyon Wynn Stewart Favorites Vol2
10 Brady Bowen In My Spare Time Vol5
11 Liz Talley More Than Satisfied
12 Hank Stone Somewhere In Texas
13 Willie Nelson Willie amp The Wheel
14 Les Gilliam Oklahoma-1955
15 15 Ron KnuthChris Reeves Things That
Swing
16 Tony Grasso Doinlsquo It My Way
17 Stephanie Davis Western Bling
18 Billy Mata This Is Tommy Duncan Vol1
19 Dave Caley Itlsquos A Long way Back
20 Darrell McCall Keeping With Tradition
21 Johnny RodriguezJohnny Bush Texas Leg-
ends
Western MusicCowboy Poetry
1 Charming Billy Frank Fara-Patty Parker
2 Ken Cook Cowboys Are Like That (Poetry)
3 Bar D roundup Vol4Various Poets
(Cowboy Poetrycom)
4 Jeanne amp Jerome You Are The Rose Of My
Heart
Joe Baker‟s Backforty Bunkhouse Show is broadcast on 100000 watt KNMB 967FM ldquoNew Mexico Bearrdquo amp 100000 watt KWMW 1051FM ldquoRegional Radio W-105rdquo every Saturday morning 6 am to 10 am in Ruidoso New Mexico covering New Mexico amp West Texas Member Western Music Broadcast-ers Association (WMBA) Also available bdquoStreaming live‟ 247 on the internet at W-105
5 Stardust Cowboys Ridinlsquo Back To You
6 Flying J Wranglers My Adobe Hacienda
7 Stephanie Davis Western Bliss
8 Rich Flanders Ride Away
9 Chuck Woller (Deborah Liv Johnson Vocals)
Desert Moon
10 Lynn Anderson Cowgirl II
11 Fred Hargrove My Sacred Ground
12 Gil Prather Last Of The Border Cowboys
13 The Buckarettes Cowgirl Serenade
14 PrescottMastersonHollenbeck Ranchlife101
15 Linda Lee Filener One Life To Live
16 Backforty Roundup Vol 43
17 Gary McMahan Goinlsquo My Way
18 Bob amp Johnny Boatright Lost Trails
19 Chuck Cusimano Wind Blow My Blues Away
20 Texas Gypsies Texas Gypsies
Swingin West- Mike Gross
WVOF-FM
December 1 2009
Songs
1 Over the Hill- River Road Boys
2 California Mountains- The Stardust Cowboys
3 Brownsville- John England amp Western Swing-
ers
4 Tacos Enchiladas and Beans- Buck Pizzarelli
amp West Texas Tumbleweeds
5 Are You Teasing Me- Bobby Flores
6 Night Coach Out of Dallas- Jake Hooker
7 Oklahoma - 1955- Les Gilliam
8 Southern Hospitality- Cornell Hurd Band
9 Feelinlsquo Blue for Texas- Marshall Ford Swing
Band
10 Crystal Canyon- Patty Parker
Albums
1 Houston- River Road Boys
2 Western Bling- Stephanie Davis
Est January 2007 Joe Baker Publisher Totsie Slover Editor
Howard Higgins Advisor
cowtown-swmorg
wsmsscom
westernmusiccom
texascountylinetv
mtdradiocom backfortybunkhousecom
mtdradiocom backfortybunkhousecom
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
2
Ruidoso New Mexico mountainanniescom
nwwsmsorg
westernswingsocietyorg
ifcoorg
swinginwestcom
demingradiocom
cowboypoetrycom
kalhlpearthlinknet
cowboysymposiumorg
awaawardsorg
I remember how our friend and fellow DJ Joe Baker sent
me names and contact info almost daily These were the
people writing and performing CowboyWestern Poetry
and Swing music If I had a question about our genre Joe
was the man who I turned to I would like to thank him for
his help in getting me started on my journey as a DJ
Thank You Joe I will
always be grateful for
your help
I am thankful for the
fans who support the
Cow Trails Show
Many of these people
were there in Albu-
querque to cheer me
on and show their
support I would like
to thank the folks
who have been com-
ing to my venues and
house con-
certs I will
continue to
bring these artists into my home to share this awesome
genre What I do on the radio is out of love for the western
music and I will continue to do so as long as you will allow
me to do this for you
With all my heartfelt blessings to you all
Your Western Belle
Barb
WMA 2009 DJ of the Year
bfbostonfonenet
Heart of Texas Recording Artist Amber Digby will
make her Grand Ole Opry debut
on Saturday December 19 at
the Ryman Auditorium in down-
town Nashville
Ronnie Milsap will introduce Am-
ber and she is scheduled to sing
Silent Night (After The Fight)
off of her latest project Another
Way To Live
With Ambers deep history in Country Music and her
dedication to preserving the music she definitely de-
serves a guest spot on the Grand Ole Opry Heart of
Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox said As a mat-
ter of fact they should just go ahead and induct her that
night as well I guess first things are first
Amber Digby has three very successful projects on
Heart of Texas Records-Music From The Honkytonks
Here Come The Teardrops and Pride Passion and
What Might Have Been Her latest album Another
Way To Live will be released on December 8
For more information about Amber Digby and her band Midnight Flyer log on to wwwamberdigbycom or wwwheartoftexascountrycom
3 Herdinlsquo Cats- The Saddle Cats
4 This is Tommy Duncan- Billy Mata amp Texas
Tradition
5 Now Playing Willie and the Wheel- Willie
Nelson amp Asleep at the Wheel
6 Digginlsquo Up Bones- Buck Pizzarelli amp West
Texas Tumbleweeds
7 Lost Along the Way- Jake Hooker
8 Oklahoma- 1955- Les Gilliam
9 Last Call for Heartaches- Price Porter
10 Open That Gate- John England amp Western
Swingers
swinginwestcom
Graham Lees Top Ten CDs and Songs
HWD Radio - United Kingdom
Top Ten CDs
1 Dave Stamey - Come Ride With
Me
2 Cornel Hurd Band - American
Shadows
3 Ian Tyson - Yellowhead to Yel-
lowstone And other Love Songs
4 Wendell Sollis and The Sidekicks - The Sidekicks
5 Various Artists - Hillside Records Country Song
Roundup
6 Various Artists - Oklahoma Swing Project
7 Sweethearts In Carhartts - Ranch Life 101
8 Tom Hiatt - Appaloosa Moon
9 Jeanne amp Jerome - You Are The Rose of My
Heart
10 Stephanie Davis - Western Bling
Top Ten Songs
1 Elana James - One More Night
2 Hurshul Clothier - I Need Your Love
3 Justin Trevino - Bright Lights amp Country Music
4 Cornell Hurd Band - Keep A Light In The Window
5 Johnny Gimble - I Needed You
6 The Texas Trailhands - Lights Of Old Santa Fe
7 Jean Prescott - Dining Out
8 Bryan Ragsdale - Modern Day Mountain Man
9 The Flying W Wranglers - Stampede
10 Bob Flesher and the Spanish Rose - The Banjo
Hangs Silent on the Door
grahamgrahamleescouk
On Nov 21 2009 the Western Music Associa-
tion awarded me the title of WMA 2009 Disc Jockey
of the Year What a night to remember I remember all
the artists who for the last five years have been trusting
me to play their music on the airways of KSJD Dryland
Community Radio Thank You for trusting me to give
your music to the world through radio I am honored
and humbled by you all
WMA DJ of the Year 2009 Barbara Richhart amp AWA DJ of the Year Joe Baker
3
21st
WMA Award Show
By Graham Lees
The 21st Annual Western
Music Association Showcase and Awards
Show took place over November 18th ndash 22nd
2009 at the Marriott Hotel Albuquerque
New Mexico This was my second time at
this event the first being in 2006
Ilsquove been visiting the USA annually since
2000 and have made many good friends in
the Western and Western Swing music
scene When I decided to attend this yearlsquos
event my good friend Jim Anderson (Palo
Duro Trio) suggested that I should travel
over a week earlier as the Working Ranch
Rodeo finals were taking place that week in
Amarillo Texas The Working Ranch Cow-
boy Association World Championship Ranch
Rodeo took place over November 12 - 15th
2009 at Amarillo Civic Center The founda-
tion has been helping people for 13 years
including scholarships providing school fund-
ing support for Working Ranch Cowboys and
their children with 27 Students currently in
their program The Wednesday kicked it all
off with a performance by cowboy poet and
humorist Baxter Black giving a highly enter-
taining performance in the Heritage Room
during the evening Along with the Ranch
Rodeo competition taking place in the main
arena showcases took place with perform-
ances from western singers and cowboy
poets in the Heritage Room along with sev-
eral rooms of exhibits and trade stands sell-
ing a multitude of cowboy trappings During
the four days the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales gave a
thrilling demonstration of the brewery day wagons that delivered
the beer in years gone by Once all eight horses are hitched to
the famous red beer wagon the driver begins to adjust the reins
Driving the 12 tons of wagon and horses requires strength ex-
perience and stamina The 40 pounds of reins the driver holds
plus the tension on the reins equals 75 pounds
The rodeo finals concluded on the Sunday with an award presen-
tation taking place during the evening The group Palo Duro con-
sisting of Jim and Cody Anderson and fiddle player Teresa
Stephens has been playing this celebrated event for several
years and have become fondly known as the unofficial resident
band for the WRCA rodeo finals Jim and Cody also opened
Cowboy Gelato an ice-cream parlour and restaurant (featuring
Italian gelato ice-cream and cowboy cuisine) during the summer
of 2009 on 6th Avenue which is part of the historic Route 66 in
Amarillo and has already garnered rave reviews
The Wednesday following saw me travelling back to Albuquerque
with singer and radio DJ Judy James and her friend Pam who
were travelling through Amarillo on their way to the WMA event
and graciously offered to give me a ride
Wednesday was essentially a day to set everything up and check
into your hotel though Donnie Blanz ran a workshop for Re-
cording Producing and Packaging your own CD Thursday
started the showcases off on three stages giving artists a chance
to show just what a grand array of talent there is within the WMA
Thursday evening also saw the Crises Fund Benefit Dinner amp
Show featuring the Diamond W Wranglers
Over the four days Shannon Wrango of Kansas Saddlery ran the
Swap Shop along with helpers Betty Carter Jean Prescott Joyce
Woodson and Judi Anderson They did a ―sterling job as per-
formers and fans brought in cloths and musical items for sale A
portion of the money realised was donated to the WMA with over
$950 being raised for the association
Friday started with workshops ―Are You getting Paid For Your
Music followed by ―Soundscan Listing amp Bar Coding I sat in on
the harmonica workshop ran by Gary Allegretto who gave basic
instruction to beginners who wanted to start playing campfire har-
monica Gary was nominated for the WMA ―Best Instrumentalist
at the Awards and is also under consideration for two Grammy
Awards ―Best Traditional Folk Album and ―Best Contemporary
Blues Album Gary runs Harmonikids a non-profit organization
dedicated to providing harmonicas amp the joy of music to special
needs children The program gives harmonicas to children with a
wide range of physical or emotional disadvantages and teaches
them to play simple songs through easy instruction and gentle
encouragement
I had to cut the workshop a little early as I was to sit on the DJ
Panel Workshop organised by New Mexicolsquos Joe Baker The
panel consisted of Joe Baker Rick Huff Barbara Richhart
Tamara Boatright Ralph Hampton Totsie Slover Dallas McCord
and myself
This workshop drew a good crowd with artists eager to see how
best to obtain radio airtime for their music Much was said regard-
ing PRS and royalties for airplay and the inclusion of the encoding
of information (such as the songwriter details etc) into the CD it-
self
There were plenty of showcases to keep everyone happy through-
out the day on all three stages Three artists did three numbers
over a fifty minute period each hour from 100pm until 450pm So
many great bands and artists to see it was impossible to catch
everyone Friday evening continued with a Chuckwagon Dinner amp
Opry performance hosted by Marvin amp Theresa OlsquoDell introducing
a horde of entertainers performing for the large crowd assembled
Saturday morning got underway with the memberlsquos Annual Gen-
eral Meeting During the morning the Yodeling and Harmony con-
tests took place with winners in both categories receiving certifi-
cates Showcases started at 1100am running through until
450pm At 7pm the WMA Award Show took place presided over
by WMA President Jon Messenger The list of winners below all
received a handsome trophy Winner of the Female and Male
Performer of The Year categories also received a Taylor guitar
Entertainer of the Year - Dave Stamey
Male Performer of the Year - Bill Barwick
Female Performer of the Year - Juni Fisher
Songwriter of the Year - Marvin OrsquoDell
Song of the Year - Jesus amp Roy - Marvin ODell
Traditional DuoGroup - Sons Of The San Joaquin
Traditional Album of the Year - Gone For Colorado - Juni
Fisher
Western Swing DuoGroup - Asleep At The Wheel
ralphsbackporchcom
Terry FitzwaterPublisher terryruidosofreepress
com
wswinghometexasnet
waynettawwraolcom
radiokseycom
sblackwell Comcastnet
4
Western Swing Album of the Year - Hang-N-Rattle - Wylie amp
The Wild West
Instrumentalist of the Year - Curly Musgrave
Crescendo Award - Horse Crazy
Radio Station of the Year - Ralphs Back Porch
Radio DJ of the Year - Barbara Richhart
Male Poet of the Year - Waddie Mitchell
Female Poet of the Year - Doris Daley
Best Collaboration - The Mourning Dove - Les Buffham amp
Judy Coder
Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year - Beneath A Western Sky -
Doris Daley
Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year - Trail Mix - Diane Tribitt
Presidentrsquos Award - Silver Screen Cowboy Project
Sunday brought the 2009 21st Annual WMA Awards Show and
Showcase to a close with a Cowboy Church There were many
comments made as to the smooth running and enjoyment of the
four-day event I was thrilled to renew old acquaintances and
meet many new artists along with people who Ilsquove only had con-
tact with via email or who had sent their products for inclusion in
my radio shows in England Joe Baker had set-up a box for each
DJ attending so that artists could leave their CDs to be played at
the various radio stations I will certainly be introducing new art-
ists to my listeners over the coming months Just to close Ilsquod like
to thank my friends Ann amp Jim Anderson (Amarillo Texas) and
Betty amp Doug Carter (Albuquerque) for their kindness and hospi-
tality during my stay in the USA Look forward to seeing every-
one again soon
-Graham Lees Nov 2009
grahamgrahamleescouk
Cowgirl Sass amp Savvy
By Julie Carter
Here it comes ready or not
Only a limited number of shopping
days until Christmas and then its
almost time to file your income taxes
Right after I looked up from the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day
I realized that the following week brought the first day of Decem-
ber and with it a landslide of ideas lists projects events com-
mitments and deadlines
As soon as I recovered from that particular mental avalanche
which was days later I realized the first week of December was
almost gone As usual Im behind before I even start
Ive had my eye out for clever Christmas gifts all year but like
most years I either forgot about it if I thought of it in March or I
bought it hid it and dont remember where
Early gift buying has its disadvantages While spreading the cost
of the holiday throughout the year it also increases the odds of
you paying more for the same thing that will be on sale later
Or in my case you find out that perfect gift is no longer perfect
because the recipient proudly bought it for herself about the same
time you did
Useful gifts never go out of style and every year they take on a
facet that makes them a little different from last year but still very
utilitarian
Fad colors embroidered phrases and rhinestones turn a regular
cap into something that makes a fashion statement While the
market for gimme caps from feed seed and implement dealers
is still quite viable nothing says cutting edge like a cap that an-
nounces Jesus ropes here
Spur straps once just a piece of leather with a function now
come in colors animal print and of course more bling Some of
them are so fashionable that the livestock will need sunglasses to
stop the glare
A favorite gift among the working cowboy set is the thoughtful
offering of the cowboys favorite beverage usually in aluminum
cans but sometimes upgraded to a glass bottle The ropers refer
to it as aiming fluid and have determined that the proper amount
not only improves their roping but makes pastures greener and
girls prettier
This years twist is the camouflage container that convincingly
offers to those that imbibe the ability to become invisible if enough
is consumed
Then there is the never-ending list of new ideas for gifts de-
signed to entice the giver to give to the guy that already has eve-
rything
My choice this season is a giant beach-type umbrella with a base
that attaches over the gooseneck trailer ball in the bed of the
pickup This allows spectators to sit in the shade next to the bev-
erage cooler and watch the roping from the back of the truck
In these days and times I sometimes spot something that just
wont compute in my cowgirl brain With decades of thinking Ive
seen it all always something proves me wrong
Recently it was seeing a big black Hummer pulling an aluminum
horse trailer going south through town The oddity of that combi-
nation left me speechless As my son would say ―Thatlsquos messed
up
Maybe I just need to get out more
Julie can be reached for comment at jcartertularosanet
LEE SWING TOP 12 CDs Lillies Ohlsson Kountry Korral Magazine Bennerstigen 120 SE-73395 SALA SWEDEN Top 12 CDs Augie Meyers - Country Bill Dessens - Iacuteve Waited A Lifetime Bonebrake Syncopators - That Da Da Strain
Cream Of The Crop Band - I Still Cry Gaylynn Robinson - Love amp Heartache Kelli Grant - Softer Side of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - Shades of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - A Sentimental Journey Old West Trio - Ridinacute Back to Yesterday Rod Moag - AH-HAA Goes Grass Stephanie Davis - Western Bling Texas Swing Band - Welcome to Texas TOP 12 SONGS Convict and the Rose - Rod Moag amp Dayna Wills Coyote Serenade - Old West Trio Hang Your Head in Shame - Texas Swing Band wJerome Stubbs Honeysuckle Rose - Joaquin Murphey wThe Plainsmen I Still Cry - Cream Of The Crop Band Keeper of the Flame - Gaylynn Robinson Little Red Wagon - Back At The Ranch Mr Record Man - Heybale wRedd Volkaert No Disappointment in Heaven - Road Moag amp Dayna Wills Silver Lake Blues - Bill Dessens Stranger - Elizabeth McQueen amp Jason Roberts Texas Drummer Boy - Herb Steiner amp Johnny Cuviello Band
LeeSwing88se
123minsidasecowswing
5
Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D
Ranch
by Margo Metegrano Editor
CowboyPoetrycom
January brings the top cowboy po-
etry event of the year the Western Folklife Centerlsquos 26th annual
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada January 23-
30 2010 ( wwwwesternfolklifeorg) Along with the best in cow-
boy poetry and Western music there are workshops seminars
exhibits and other special events
Colorado poet Jane Morton whose work often focuses on her
familys ranching roots makes a return invited appearance to the
2010 Gathering Shes participated previously as a poet and sev-
eral of her short films about her familys ranch have become a
part of the WFCs Deep West Video project
Her forthcoming book In This Land of Little Rain includes over
fifty poems and many photographs that span her nearly eighty
years of Western living on the high plains of northeastern Colo-
rado The book takes its title from this included poem
When the Grass Greens Up This Spring
Let me be in Colorado
when the grass greens up this spring
Let me see blue sky above me
and the hawks acircling
Let me ride out through the pastures
and across the low-slung hills
Let me see sand lilies blooming
thrill to hear lark buntings trills
Let me find an Easter daisy
near as pretty as its name
Let me see the orange-red paintbrush
light the prairie like a flame
Let me smell the rain-drenched sagebrush
breathe in air thats clear of smog
Let me see the white-faced babies
with their amber eyes agog
Let me watch a herd of pronghorn
flowing over sunlit plains
Let me listen for the swallows
and the cries of sandhill cranes
In a world of many wonders
nothing beats spring on the plain
And the greening of the grasslands
in this land of little rain
copy 2008 Jane Morton All rights reserved
Jane Mortons previous book Cowboy Poetry Turning to Face
the Wind (winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award) includes
stories poems and photos about her pioneering family It is avail-
able from $1995 plus $450 shipping and handling from Jane
Morton 12710 Abert Way Colorado Springs CO 80908
Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi-
cians at CowboyPoetrycom Its an on-going gathering with con-
tinuous news features poetry lyrics gathering reports and an
extensive event calendar Come on by and stay a while
margocowpoetrycom
Pappy Dave Stone November 11 1913 - February 18 2004
PAPPY DAVE STONE always an innova-
tor and creator of the very first full time
Country Music Format at KDAV in Lubbock
Texas in 1953 Pappy made his home in
Colorado Springs where he managed his
small but very powerful country music chain
of radio stations for many years KDAV Lubbock Texas KPEP
San Angelo KPIK AMFM Colorado Springs and the second sta-
tion that would be full time country music KZIP Amarillo Texas
He was born Dave Pinkston November 11 1913 in Post Texas
His family moved to a farm in Lubbock County Texas in 1916
Dave graduated from high school in Slaton and attended Texas
Tech University He and Violet Martin of Plainview Texas were
married October 11 1933 and have two children James Pinkston
of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Graves of Portland Oregon
Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren round out the
family
Pappy Dave worked on a farm in 1934-1935 was a teacher at
Draughons Business College 1936 - 1938 and was employed as
an Office Manager for a chemical plant in Brownfield Texas from
1939 - 1945 Still searching for a career I suppose he joined the
staff of KSEL a new station just getting started in Lubbock as
traffic manager In 1947 he became a Disc Jockey for the
Western Roundup a daily 30 minute program This experience
no doubt let him know he had finally discovered what it was in life
he was supposed to do
In 1949 Pappy was named General Manager of KSEL and in-
creased his 30 minute show to several hours The owners of the
radio station let him know they thought it was beneath the dignity
of a General Manager to be a disc jockey on a hillbilly radio sta-
tion He took that advice for awhile but soon realized how silly it
was and went back on the air where he stayed even as he began
buying stations in conjunction with real estate friend Leroy El-
more
In 1953 Pappy Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a life long
dream to put on the air for listeners a radio station that pro-
grammed nothing but country music Working with his partner
they received licenses for and built the following radio stations
KDAV known as K-DAVE Lubbock 1953 - 1979 KPEP San An-
gelo 1954 - 1978 KZIP Amarillo 1955 - 1977 KPIK-AM Colorado
Springs 1957-1978 KPIK-FM 1966-1978 In 1962 Pappy Dave
bought out his partner and took sole ownership of all the Dave
Stone Stations
Pappy Dave started the very first Country Music Club com-
plete with membership card and all the perks that go along with it
Membership at K-DAVE alone was over 8000 A full time secre-
tary had to be hired to oversee the Country ClubPappy Dave
was also one of the very first to use window decals to promote his
call letters He was one of the very first radio station owners who
began booking country music shows booking all the major stars
into the Lubbock Texas area He was also a mentor to new talent
and helped many young stars who would become major super-
By Dugg Collins
6
stars in the music business People like Buddy Holly Elvis
Presley Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his ca-
reer as one of Pappylsquos deejays
PAPPY DAVE STONE because of his innovative ideas in
Country Music Radio soon became the most copied programmer
owner in Country Music history It didnt take long for the story to
circulate that this man in Lubbock Texas saw the potential of a
full time country format and acted on it It just simply wasnlsquot done
in those days of radio Most stations relied on block programming
to fill their broadcast day
His on air style soon became the thing with those who copied
what he did His voice was as welcome and familiar as a member
of the family This is substantiated by the thousands of letters he
received each month In content they range from a record request
to those seeking advice on personal matters Pappy Dave had
tremendous loyalty to his beliefs and principles plus an unfailing
abundance of energy He was Mr Country Music to the thou-
sands of radio listeners in the great plains area of Texas and an
inspiration to hundreds of radio programmers who followed his
lead
Pappy Dave Stone was inducted into the Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 2000 His name has been on the ballot
many times for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and I
hope one day soon his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with
all the other country music greats He set the standard for country
music programming My dear friend Ollsquo Mike Oatman admitted to
me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed
many many ideas from Pappy Dave Stone which he used to
create his Great Empire Broadcasting He smiled when he said
If youlsquore gonna steal in this business steal from the best
I met Pappy Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the
process of selling KZIP in Amarillo I was on a competing station
but he didnlsquot treat me like a competitor he treated me like a friend
he had known for thirty years That big smile of his could put any-
one at ease from the very first meeting He must have been one
hell of a salesman in his day I doubt any advertiser could say no
to that personality
He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999 I
called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my
voice Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my
business I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K-
DAVE in Lubbock which he was happy to do
In 1999 when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame the first thing that caught my attention was
the absence of his name from the list of inductees When I re-
turned home I called back to find out why to discover that there
had been a mistake They thought because he lived in Colorado
Springs he didnlsquot qualify That problem got fixed and his plaque
now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage
Texas
I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I
have ever had in radio and music Thatlsquos one of the perks of this
business My friendship with Pappy Dave Stone has been one
of the highlights of my many years in show-business I will miss
him for sure but his influence on country music radio will live on
forever
duggcollinscom
RockinBoy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on lyonpremierecom Eddy Ray Cooper ndash France - Parce que cest Noeumll Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico Ivy Raye - Living On Credit Sister Girl - Its A Lonely Place Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat George Ducas - Walk Through This World Clay Underwood - Behind These walls Christen Sawyer - Austin Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues Karling Abbeygate - Ive Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon ndash Ireland - Restless Ramblin Man Kim Dickinson ndash UK - Somewhere Between Rusty Legs ndash France - If Youre Going Through Hell Nashville Airplane ndash France -The Letter Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Heather MylesBrantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Kenny Seratt - Hank amp Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon Rootlsquonlsquotootlsquon - UK-Wabash Cannonball Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams Merci pour leacutecoute - Thanks for listening Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1egravere - Country Web Bulletin Comments or requests countrylyonpremiereinfo
A-10 Etcheverry Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboycom
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
2
Ruidoso New Mexico mountainanniescom
nwwsmsorg
westernswingsocietyorg
ifcoorg
swinginwestcom
demingradiocom
cowboypoetrycom
kalhlpearthlinknet
cowboysymposiumorg
awaawardsorg
I remember how our friend and fellow DJ Joe Baker sent
me names and contact info almost daily These were the
people writing and performing CowboyWestern Poetry
and Swing music If I had a question about our genre Joe
was the man who I turned to I would like to thank him for
his help in getting me started on my journey as a DJ
Thank You Joe I will
always be grateful for
your help
I am thankful for the
fans who support the
Cow Trails Show
Many of these people
were there in Albu-
querque to cheer me
on and show their
support I would like
to thank the folks
who have been com-
ing to my venues and
house con-
certs I will
continue to
bring these artists into my home to share this awesome
genre What I do on the radio is out of love for the western
music and I will continue to do so as long as you will allow
me to do this for you
With all my heartfelt blessings to you all
Your Western Belle
Barb
WMA 2009 DJ of the Year
bfbostonfonenet
Heart of Texas Recording Artist Amber Digby will
make her Grand Ole Opry debut
on Saturday December 19 at
the Ryman Auditorium in down-
town Nashville
Ronnie Milsap will introduce Am-
ber and she is scheduled to sing
Silent Night (After The Fight)
off of her latest project Another
Way To Live
With Ambers deep history in Country Music and her
dedication to preserving the music she definitely de-
serves a guest spot on the Grand Ole Opry Heart of
Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox said As a mat-
ter of fact they should just go ahead and induct her that
night as well I guess first things are first
Amber Digby has three very successful projects on
Heart of Texas Records-Music From The Honkytonks
Here Come The Teardrops and Pride Passion and
What Might Have Been Her latest album Another
Way To Live will be released on December 8
For more information about Amber Digby and her band Midnight Flyer log on to wwwamberdigbycom or wwwheartoftexascountrycom
3 Herdinlsquo Cats- The Saddle Cats
4 This is Tommy Duncan- Billy Mata amp Texas
Tradition
5 Now Playing Willie and the Wheel- Willie
Nelson amp Asleep at the Wheel
6 Digginlsquo Up Bones- Buck Pizzarelli amp West
Texas Tumbleweeds
7 Lost Along the Way- Jake Hooker
8 Oklahoma- 1955- Les Gilliam
9 Last Call for Heartaches- Price Porter
10 Open That Gate- John England amp Western
Swingers
swinginwestcom
Graham Lees Top Ten CDs and Songs
HWD Radio - United Kingdom
Top Ten CDs
1 Dave Stamey - Come Ride With
Me
2 Cornel Hurd Band - American
Shadows
3 Ian Tyson - Yellowhead to Yel-
lowstone And other Love Songs
4 Wendell Sollis and The Sidekicks - The Sidekicks
5 Various Artists - Hillside Records Country Song
Roundup
6 Various Artists - Oklahoma Swing Project
7 Sweethearts In Carhartts - Ranch Life 101
8 Tom Hiatt - Appaloosa Moon
9 Jeanne amp Jerome - You Are The Rose of My
Heart
10 Stephanie Davis - Western Bling
Top Ten Songs
1 Elana James - One More Night
2 Hurshul Clothier - I Need Your Love
3 Justin Trevino - Bright Lights amp Country Music
4 Cornell Hurd Band - Keep A Light In The Window
5 Johnny Gimble - I Needed You
6 The Texas Trailhands - Lights Of Old Santa Fe
7 Jean Prescott - Dining Out
8 Bryan Ragsdale - Modern Day Mountain Man
9 The Flying W Wranglers - Stampede
10 Bob Flesher and the Spanish Rose - The Banjo
Hangs Silent on the Door
grahamgrahamleescouk
On Nov 21 2009 the Western Music Associa-
tion awarded me the title of WMA 2009 Disc Jockey
of the Year What a night to remember I remember all
the artists who for the last five years have been trusting
me to play their music on the airways of KSJD Dryland
Community Radio Thank You for trusting me to give
your music to the world through radio I am honored
and humbled by you all
WMA DJ of the Year 2009 Barbara Richhart amp AWA DJ of the Year Joe Baker
3
21st
WMA Award Show
By Graham Lees
The 21st Annual Western
Music Association Showcase and Awards
Show took place over November 18th ndash 22nd
2009 at the Marriott Hotel Albuquerque
New Mexico This was my second time at
this event the first being in 2006
Ilsquove been visiting the USA annually since
2000 and have made many good friends in
the Western and Western Swing music
scene When I decided to attend this yearlsquos
event my good friend Jim Anderson (Palo
Duro Trio) suggested that I should travel
over a week earlier as the Working Ranch
Rodeo finals were taking place that week in
Amarillo Texas The Working Ranch Cow-
boy Association World Championship Ranch
Rodeo took place over November 12 - 15th
2009 at Amarillo Civic Center The founda-
tion has been helping people for 13 years
including scholarships providing school fund-
ing support for Working Ranch Cowboys and
their children with 27 Students currently in
their program The Wednesday kicked it all
off with a performance by cowboy poet and
humorist Baxter Black giving a highly enter-
taining performance in the Heritage Room
during the evening Along with the Ranch
Rodeo competition taking place in the main
arena showcases took place with perform-
ances from western singers and cowboy
poets in the Heritage Room along with sev-
eral rooms of exhibits and trade stands sell-
ing a multitude of cowboy trappings During
the four days the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales gave a
thrilling demonstration of the brewery day wagons that delivered
the beer in years gone by Once all eight horses are hitched to
the famous red beer wagon the driver begins to adjust the reins
Driving the 12 tons of wagon and horses requires strength ex-
perience and stamina The 40 pounds of reins the driver holds
plus the tension on the reins equals 75 pounds
The rodeo finals concluded on the Sunday with an award presen-
tation taking place during the evening The group Palo Duro con-
sisting of Jim and Cody Anderson and fiddle player Teresa
Stephens has been playing this celebrated event for several
years and have become fondly known as the unofficial resident
band for the WRCA rodeo finals Jim and Cody also opened
Cowboy Gelato an ice-cream parlour and restaurant (featuring
Italian gelato ice-cream and cowboy cuisine) during the summer
of 2009 on 6th Avenue which is part of the historic Route 66 in
Amarillo and has already garnered rave reviews
The Wednesday following saw me travelling back to Albuquerque
with singer and radio DJ Judy James and her friend Pam who
were travelling through Amarillo on their way to the WMA event
and graciously offered to give me a ride
Wednesday was essentially a day to set everything up and check
into your hotel though Donnie Blanz ran a workshop for Re-
cording Producing and Packaging your own CD Thursday
started the showcases off on three stages giving artists a chance
to show just what a grand array of talent there is within the WMA
Thursday evening also saw the Crises Fund Benefit Dinner amp
Show featuring the Diamond W Wranglers
Over the four days Shannon Wrango of Kansas Saddlery ran the
Swap Shop along with helpers Betty Carter Jean Prescott Joyce
Woodson and Judi Anderson They did a ―sterling job as per-
formers and fans brought in cloths and musical items for sale A
portion of the money realised was donated to the WMA with over
$950 being raised for the association
Friday started with workshops ―Are You getting Paid For Your
Music followed by ―Soundscan Listing amp Bar Coding I sat in on
the harmonica workshop ran by Gary Allegretto who gave basic
instruction to beginners who wanted to start playing campfire har-
monica Gary was nominated for the WMA ―Best Instrumentalist
at the Awards and is also under consideration for two Grammy
Awards ―Best Traditional Folk Album and ―Best Contemporary
Blues Album Gary runs Harmonikids a non-profit organization
dedicated to providing harmonicas amp the joy of music to special
needs children The program gives harmonicas to children with a
wide range of physical or emotional disadvantages and teaches
them to play simple songs through easy instruction and gentle
encouragement
I had to cut the workshop a little early as I was to sit on the DJ
Panel Workshop organised by New Mexicolsquos Joe Baker The
panel consisted of Joe Baker Rick Huff Barbara Richhart
Tamara Boatright Ralph Hampton Totsie Slover Dallas McCord
and myself
This workshop drew a good crowd with artists eager to see how
best to obtain radio airtime for their music Much was said regard-
ing PRS and royalties for airplay and the inclusion of the encoding
of information (such as the songwriter details etc) into the CD it-
self
There were plenty of showcases to keep everyone happy through-
out the day on all three stages Three artists did three numbers
over a fifty minute period each hour from 100pm until 450pm So
many great bands and artists to see it was impossible to catch
everyone Friday evening continued with a Chuckwagon Dinner amp
Opry performance hosted by Marvin amp Theresa OlsquoDell introducing
a horde of entertainers performing for the large crowd assembled
Saturday morning got underway with the memberlsquos Annual Gen-
eral Meeting During the morning the Yodeling and Harmony con-
tests took place with winners in both categories receiving certifi-
cates Showcases started at 1100am running through until
450pm At 7pm the WMA Award Show took place presided over
by WMA President Jon Messenger The list of winners below all
received a handsome trophy Winner of the Female and Male
Performer of The Year categories also received a Taylor guitar
Entertainer of the Year - Dave Stamey
Male Performer of the Year - Bill Barwick
Female Performer of the Year - Juni Fisher
Songwriter of the Year - Marvin OrsquoDell
Song of the Year - Jesus amp Roy - Marvin ODell
Traditional DuoGroup - Sons Of The San Joaquin
Traditional Album of the Year - Gone For Colorado - Juni
Fisher
Western Swing DuoGroup - Asleep At The Wheel
ralphsbackporchcom
Terry FitzwaterPublisher terryruidosofreepress
com
wswinghometexasnet
waynettawwraolcom
radiokseycom
sblackwell Comcastnet
4
Western Swing Album of the Year - Hang-N-Rattle - Wylie amp
The Wild West
Instrumentalist of the Year - Curly Musgrave
Crescendo Award - Horse Crazy
Radio Station of the Year - Ralphs Back Porch
Radio DJ of the Year - Barbara Richhart
Male Poet of the Year - Waddie Mitchell
Female Poet of the Year - Doris Daley
Best Collaboration - The Mourning Dove - Les Buffham amp
Judy Coder
Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year - Beneath A Western Sky -
Doris Daley
Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year - Trail Mix - Diane Tribitt
Presidentrsquos Award - Silver Screen Cowboy Project
Sunday brought the 2009 21st Annual WMA Awards Show and
Showcase to a close with a Cowboy Church There were many
comments made as to the smooth running and enjoyment of the
four-day event I was thrilled to renew old acquaintances and
meet many new artists along with people who Ilsquove only had con-
tact with via email or who had sent their products for inclusion in
my radio shows in England Joe Baker had set-up a box for each
DJ attending so that artists could leave their CDs to be played at
the various radio stations I will certainly be introducing new art-
ists to my listeners over the coming months Just to close Ilsquod like
to thank my friends Ann amp Jim Anderson (Amarillo Texas) and
Betty amp Doug Carter (Albuquerque) for their kindness and hospi-
tality during my stay in the USA Look forward to seeing every-
one again soon
-Graham Lees Nov 2009
grahamgrahamleescouk
Cowgirl Sass amp Savvy
By Julie Carter
Here it comes ready or not
Only a limited number of shopping
days until Christmas and then its
almost time to file your income taxes
Right after I looked up from the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day
I realized that the following week brought the first day of Decem-
ber and with it a landslide of ideas lists projects events com-
mitments and deadlines
As soon as I recovered from that particular mental avalanche
which was days later I realized the first week of December was
almost gone As usual Im behind before I even start
Ive had my eye out for clever Christmas gifts all year but like
most years I either forgot about it if I thought of it in March or I
bought it hid it and dont remember where
Early gift buying has its disadvantages While spreading the cost
of the holiday throughout the year it also increases the odds of
you paying more for the same thing that will be on sale later
Or in my case you find out that perfect gift is no longer perfect
because the recipient proudly bought it for herself about the same
time you did
Useful gifts never go out of style and every year they take on a
facet that makes them a little different from last year but still very
utilitarian
Fad colors embroidered phrases and rhinestones turn a regular
cap into something that makes a fashion statement While the
market for gimme caps from feed seed and implement dealers
is still quite viable nothing says cutting edge like a cap that an-
nounces Jesus ropes here
Spur straps once just a piece of leather with a function now
come in colors animal print and of course more bling Some of
them are so fashionable that the livestock will need sunglasses to
stop the glare
A favorite gift among the working cowboy set is the thoughtful
offering of the cowboys favorite beverage usually in aluminum
cans but sometimes upgraded to a glass bottle The ropers refer
to it as aiming fluid and have determined that the proper amount
not only improves their roping but makes pastures greener and
girls prettier
This years twist is the camouflage container that convincingly
offers to those that imbibe the ability to become invisible if enough
is consumed
Then there is the never-ending list of new ideas for gifts de-
signed to entice the giver to give to the guy that already has eve-
rything
My choice this season is a giant beach-type umbrella with a base
that attaches over the gooseneck trailer ball in the bed of the
pickup This allows spectators to sit in the shade next to the bev-
erage cooler and watch the roping from the back of the truck
In these days and times I sometimes spot something that just
wont compute in my cowgirl brain With decades of thinking Ive
seen it all always something proves me wrong
Recently it was seeing a big black Hummer pulling an aluminum
horse trailer going south through town The oddity of that combi-
nation left me speechless As my son would say ―Thatlsquos messed
up
Maybe I just need to get out more
Julie can be reached for comment at jcartertularosanet
LEE SWING TOP 12 CDs Lillies Ohlsson Kountry Korral Magazine Bennerstigen 120 SE-73395 SALA SWEDEN Top 12 CDs Augie Meyers - Country Bill Dessens - Iacuteve Waited A Lifetime Bonebrake Syncopators - That Da Da Strain
Cream Of The Crop Band - I Still Cry Gaylynn Robinson - Love amp Heartache Kelli Grant - Softer Side of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - Shades of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - A Sentimental Journey Old West Trio - Ridinacute Back to Yesterday Rod Moag - AH-HAA Goes Grass Stephanie Davis - Western Bling Texas Swing Band - Welcome to Texas TOP 12 SONGS Convict and the Rose - Rod Moag amp Dayna Wills Coyote Serenade - Old West Trio Hang Your Head in Shame - Texas Swing Band wJerome Stubbs Honeysuckle Rose - Joaquin Murphey wThe Plainsmen I Still Cry - Cream Of The Crop Band Keeper of the Flame - Gaylynn Robinson Little Red Wagon - Back At The Ranch Mr Record Man - Heybale wRedd Volkaert No Disappointment in Heaven - Road Moag amp Dayna Wills Silver Lake Blues - Bill Dessens Stranger - Elizabeth McQueen amp Jason Roberts Texas Drummer Boy - Herb Steiner amp Johnny Cuviello Band
LeeSwing88se
123minsidasecowswing
5
Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D
Ranch
by Margo Metegrano Editor
CowboyPoetrycom
January brings the top cowboy po-
etry event of the year the Western Folklife Centerlsquos 26th annual
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada January 23-
30 2010 ( wwwwesternfolklifeorg) Along with the best in cow-
boy poetry and Western music there are workshops seminars
exhibits and other special events
Colorado poet Jane Morton whose work often focuses on her
familys ranching roots makes a return invited appearance to the
2010 Gathering Shes participated previously as a poet and sev-
eral of her short films about her familys ranch have become a
part of the WFCs Deep West Video project
Her forthcoming book In This Land of Little Rain includes over
fifty poems and many photographs that span her nearly eighty
years of Western living on the high plains of northeastern Colo-
rado The book takes its title from this included poem
When the Grass Greens Up This Spring
Let me be in Colorado
when the grass greens up this spring
Let me see blue sky above me
and the hawks acircling
Let me ride out through the pastures
and across the low-slung hills
Let me see sand lilies blooming
thrill to hear lark buntings trills
Let me find an Easter daisy
near as pretty as its name
Let me see the orange-red paintbrush
light the prairie like a flame
Let me smell the rain-drenched sagebrush
breathe in air thats clear of smog
Let me see the white-faced babies
with their amber eyes agog
Let me watch a herd of pronghorn
flowing over sunlit plains
Let me listen for the swallows
and the cries of sandhill cranes
In a world of many wonders
nothing beats spring on the plain
And the greening of the grasslands
in this land of little rain
copy 2008 Jane Morton All rights reserved
Jane Mortons previous book Cowboy Poetry Turning to Face
the Wind (winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award) includes
stories poems and photos about her pioneering family It is avail-
able from $1995 plus $450 shipping and handling from Jane
Morton 12710 Abert Way Colorado Springs CO 80908
Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi-
cians at CowboyPoetrycom Its an on-going gathering with con-
tinuous news features poetry lyrics gathering reports and an
extensive event calendar Come on by and stay a while
margocowpoetrycom
Pappy Dave Stone November 11 1913 - February 18 2004
PAPPY DAVE STONE always an innova-
tor and creator of the very first full time
Country Music Format at KDAV in Lubbock
Texas in 1953 Pappy made his home in
Colorado Springs where he managed his
small but very powerful country music chain
of radio stations for many years KDAV Lubbock Texas KPEP
San Angelo KPIK AMFM Colorado Springs and the second sta-
tion that would be full time country music KZIP Amarillo Texas
He was born Dave Pinkston November 11 1913 in Post Texas
His family moved to a farm in Lubbock County Texas in 1916
Dave graduated from high school in Slaton and attended Texas
Tech University He and Violet Martin of Plainview Texas were
married October 11 1933 and have two children James Pinkston
of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Graves of Portland Oregon
Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren round out the
family
Pappy Dave worked on a farm in 1934-1935 was a teacher at
Draughons Business College 1936 - 1938 and was employed as
an Office Manager for a chemical plant in Brownfield Texas from
1939 - 1945 Still searching for a career I suppose he joined the
staff of KSEL a new station just getting started in Lubbock as
traffic manager In 1947 he became a Disc Jockey for the
Western Roundup a daily 30 minute program This experience
no doubt let him know he had finally discovered what it was in life
he was supposed to do
In 1949 Pappy was named General Manager of KSEL and in-
creased his 30 minute show to several hours The owners of the
radio station let him know they thought it was beneath the dignity
of a General Manager to be a disc jockey on a hillbilly radio sta-
tion He took that advice for awhile but soon realized how silly it
was and went back on the air where he stayed even as he began
buying stations in conjunction with real estate friend Leroy El-
more
In 1953 Pappy Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a life long
dream to put on the air for listeners a radio station that pro-
grammed nothing but country music Working with his partner
they received licenses for and built the following radio stations
KDAV known as K-DAVE Lubbock 1953 - 1979 KPEP San An-
gelo 1954 - 1978 KZIP Amarillo 1955 - 1977 KPIK-AM Colorado
Springs 1957-1978 KPIK-FM 1966-1978 In 1962 Pappy Dave
bought out his partner and took sole ownership of all the Dave
Stone Stations
Pappy Dave started the very first Country Music Club com-
plete with membership card and all the perks that go along with it
Membership at K-DAVE alone was over 8000 A full time secre-
tary had to be hired to oversee the Country ClubPappy Dave
was also one of the very first to use window decals to promote his
call letters He was one of the very first radio station owners who
began booking country music shows booking all the major stars
into the Lubbock Texas area He was also a mentor to new talent
and helped many young stars who would become major super-
By Dugg Collins
6
stars in the music business People like Buddy Holly Elvis
Presley Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his ca-
reer as one of Pappylsquos deejays
PAPPY DAVE STONE because of his innovative ideas in
Country Music Radio soon became the most copied programmer
owner in Country Music history It didnt take long for the story to
circulate that this man in Lubbock Texas saw the potential of a
full time country format and acted on it It just simply wasnlsquot done
in those days of radio Most stations relied on block programming
to fill their broadcast day
His on air style soon became the thing with those who copied
what he did His voice was as welcome and familiar as a member
of the family This is substantiated by the thousands of letters he
received each month In content they range from a record request
to those seeking advice on personal matters Pappy Dave had
tremendous loyalty to his beliefs and principles plus an unfailing
abundance of energy He was Mr Country Music to the thou-
sands of radio listeners in the great plains area of Texas and an
inspiration to hundreds of radio programmers who followed his
lead
Pappy Dave Stone was inducted into the Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 2000 His name has been on the ballot
many times for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and I
hope one day soon his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with
all the other country music greats He set the standard for country
music programming My dear friend Ollsquo Mike Oatman admitted to
me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed
many many ideas from Pappy Dave Stone which he used to
create his Great Empire Broadcasting He smiled when he said
If youlsquore gonna steal in this business steal from the best
I met Pappy Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the
process of selling KZIP in Amarillo I was on a competing station
but he didnlsquot treat me like a competitor he treated me like a friend
he had known for thirty years That big smile of his could put any-
one at ease from the very first meeting He must have been one
hell of a salesman in his day I doubt any advertiser could say no
to that personality
He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999 I
called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my
voice Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my
business I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K-
DAVE in Lubbock which he was happy to do
In 1999 when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame the first thing that caught my attention was
the absence of his name from the list of inductees When I re-
turned home I called back to find out why to discover that there
had been a mistake They thought because he lived in Colorado
Springs he didnlsquot qualify That problem got fixed and his plaque
now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage
Texas
I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I
have ever had in radio and music Thatlsquos one of the perks of this
business My friendship with Pappy Dave Stone has been one
of the highlights of my many years in show-business I will miss
him for sure but his influence on country music radio will live on
forever
duggcollinscom
RockinBoy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on lyonpremierecom Eddy Ray Cooper ndash France - Parce que cest Noeumll Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico Ivy Raye - Living On Credit Sister Girl - Its A Lonely Place Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat George Ducas - Walk Through This World Clay Underwood - Behind These walls Christen Sawyer - Austin Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues Karling Abbeygate - Ive Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon ndash Ireland - Restless Ramblin Man Kim Dickinson ndash UK - Somewhere Between Rusty Legs ndash France - If Youre Going Through Hell Nashville Airplane ndash France -The Letter Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Heather MylesBrantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Kenny Seratt - Hank amp Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon Rootlsquonlsquotootlsquon - UK-Wabash Cannonball Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams Merci pour leacutecoute - Thanks for listening Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1egravere - Country Web Bulletin Comments or requests countrylyonpremiereinfo
A-10 Etcheverry Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboycom
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
3
21st
WMA Award Show
By Graham Lees
The 21st Annual Western
Music Association Showcase and Awards
Show took place over November 18th ndash 22nd
2009 at the Marriott Hotel Albuquerque
New Mexico This was my second time at
this event the first being in 2006
Ilsquove been visiting the USA annually since
2000 and have made many good friends in
the Western and Western Swing music
scene When I decided to attend this yearlsquos
event my good friend Jim Anderson (Palo
Duro Trio) suggested that I should travel
over a week earlier as the Working Ranch
Rodeo finals were taking place that week in
Amarillo Texas The Working Ranch Cow-
boy Association World Championship Ranch
Rodeo took place over November 12 - 15th
2009 at Amarillo Civic Center The founda-
tion has been helping people for 13 years
including scholarships providing school fund-
ing support for Working Ranch Cowboys and
their children with 27 Students currently in
their program The Wednesday kicked it all
off with a performance by cowboy poet and
humorist Baxter Black giving a highly enter-
taining performance in the Heritage Room
during the evening Along with the Ranch
Rodeo competition taking place in the main
arena showcases took place with perform-
ances from western singers and cowboy
poets in the Heritage Room along with sev-
eral rooms of exhibits and trade stands sell-
ing a multitude of cowboy trappings During
the four days the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales gave a
thrilling demonstration of the brewery day wagons that delivered
the beer in years gone by Once all eight horses are hitched to
the famous red beer wagon the driver begins to adjust the reins
Driving the 12 tons of wagon and horses requires strength ex-
perience and stamina The 40 pounds of reins the driver holds
plus the tension on the reins equals 75 pounds
The rodeo finals concluded on the Sunday with an award presen-
tation taking place during the evening The group Palo Duro con-
sisting of Jim and Cody Anderson and fiddle player Teresa
Stephens has been playing this celebrated event for several
years and have become fondly known as the unofficial resident
band for the WRCA rodeo finals Jim and Cody also opened
Cowboy Gelato an ice-cream parlour and restaurant (featuring
Italian gelato ice-cream and cowboy cuisine) during the summer
of 2009 on 6th Avenue which is part of the historic Route 66 in
Amarillo and has already garnered rave reviews
The Wednesday following saw me travelling back to Albuquerque
with singer and radio DJ Judy James and her friend Pam who
were travelling through Amarillo on their way to the WMA event
and graciously offered to give me a ride
Wednesday was essentially a day to set everything up and check
into your hotel though Donnie Blanz ran a workshop for Re-
cording Producing and Packaging your own CD Thursday
started the showcases off on three stages giving artists a chance
to show just what a grand array of talent there is within the WMA
Thursday evening also saw the Crises Fund Benefit Dinner amp
Show featuring the Diamond W Wranglers
Over the four days Shannon Wrango of Kansas Saddlery ran the
Swap Shop along with helpers Betty Carter Jean Prescott Joyce
Woodson and Judi Anderson They did a ―sterling job as per-
formers and fans brought in cloths and musical items for sale A
portion of the money realised was donated to the WMA with over
$950 being raised for the association
Friday started with workshops ―Are You getting Paid For Your
Music followed by ―Soundscan Listing amp Bar Coding I sat in on
the harmonica workshop ran by Gary Allegretto who gave basic
instruction to beginners who wanted to start playing campfire har-
monica Gary was nominated for the WMA ―Best Instrumentalist
at the Awards and is also under consideration for two Grammy
Awards ―Best Traditional Folk Album and ―Best Contemporary
Blues Album Gary runs Harmonikids a non-profit organization
dedicated to providing harmonicas amp the joy of music to special
needs children The program gives harmonicas to children with a
wide range of physical or emotional disadvantages and teaches
them to play simple songs through easy instruction and gentle
encouragement
I had to cut the workshop a little early as I was to sit on the DJ
Panel Workshop organised by New Mexicolsquos Joe Baker The
panel consisted of Joe Baker Rick Huff Barbara Richhart
Tamara Boatright Ralph Hampton Totsie Slover Dallas McCord
and myself
This workshop drew a good crowd with artists eager to see how
best to obtain radio airtime for their music Much was said regard-
ing PRS and royalties for airplay and the inclusion of the encoding
of information (such as the songwriter details etc) into the CD it-
self
There were plenty of showcases to keep everyone happy through-
out the day on all three stages Three artists did three numbers
over a fifty minute period each hour from 100pm until 450pm So
many great bands and artists to see it was impossible to catch
everyone Friday evening continued with a Chuckwagon Dinner amp
Opry performance hosted by Marvin amp Theresa OlsquoDell introducing
a horde of entertainers performing for the large crowd assembled
Saturday morning got underway with the memberlsquos Annual Gen-
eral Meeting During the morning the Yodeling and Harmony con-
tests took place with winners in both categories receiving certifi-
cates Showcases started at 1100am running through until
450pm At 7pm the WMA Award Show took place presided over
by WMA President Jon Messenger The list of winners below all
received a handsome trophy Winner of the Female and Male
Performer of The Year categories also received a Taylor guitar
Entertainer of the Year - Dave Stamey
Male Performer of the Year - Bill Barwick
Female Performer of the Year - Juni Fisher
Songwriter of the Year - Marvin OrsquoDell
Song of the Year - Jesus amp Roy - Marvin ODell
Traditional DuoGroup - Sons Of The San Joaquin
Traditional Album of the Year - Gone For Colorado - Juni
Fisher
Western Swing DuoGroup - Asleep At The Wheel
ralphsbackporchcom
Terry FitzwaterPublisher terryruidosofreepress
com
wswinghometexasnet
waynettawwraolcom
radiokseycom
sblackwell Comcastnet
4
Western Swing Album of the Year - Hang-N-Rattle - Wylie amp
The Wild West
Instrumentalist of the Year - Curly Musgrave
Crescendo Award - Horse Crazy
Radio Station of the Year - Ralphs Back Porch
Radio DJ of the Year - Barbara Richhart
Male Poet of the Year - Waddie Mitchell
Female Poet of the Year - Doris Daley
Best Collaboration - The Mourning Dove - Les Buffham amp
Judy Coder
Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year - Beneath A Western Sky -
Doris Daley
Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year - Trail Mix - Diane Tribitt
Presidentrsquos Award - Silver Screen Cowboy Project
Sunday brought the 2009 21st Annual WMA Awards Show and
Showcase to a close with a Cowboy Church There were many
comments made as to the smooth running and enjoyment of the
four-day event I was thrilled to renew old acquaintances and
meet many new artists along with people who Ilsquove only had con-
tact with via email or who had sent their products for inclusion in
my radio shows in England Joe Baker had set-up a box for each
DJ attending so that artists could leave their CDs to be played at
the various radio stations I will certainly be introducing new art-
ists to my listeners over the coming months Just to close Ilsquod like
to thank my friends Ann amp Jim Anderson (Amarillo Texas) and
Betty amp Doug Carter (Albuquerque) for their kindness and hospi-
tality during my stay in the USA Look forward to seeing every-
one again soon
-Graham Lees Nov 2009
grahamgrahamleescouk
Cowgirl Sass amp Savvy
By Julie Carter
Here it comes ready or not
Only a limited number of shopping
days until Christmas and then its
almost time to file your income taxes
Right after I looked up from the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day
I realized that the following week brought the first day of Decem-
ber and with it a landslide of ideas lists projects events com-
mitments and deadlines
As soon as I recovered from that particular mental avalanche
which was days later I realized the first week of December was
almost gone As usual Im behind before I even start
Ive had my eye out for clever Christmas gifts all year but like
most years I either forgot about it if I thought of it in March or I
bought it hid it and dont remember where
Early gift buying has its disadvantages While spreading the cost
of the holiday throughout the year it also increases the odds of
you paying more for the same thing that will be on sale later
Or in my case you find out that perfect gift is no longer perfect
because the recipient proudly bought it for herself about the same
time you did
Useful gifts never go out of style and every year they take on a
facet that makes them a little different from last year but still very
utilitarian
Fad colors embroidered phrases and rhinestones turn a regular
cap into something that makes a fashion statement While the
market for gimme caps from feed seed and implement dealers
is still quite viable nothing says cutting edge like a cap that an-
nounces Jesus ropes here
Spur straps once just a piece of leather with a function now
come in colors animal print and of course more bling Some of
them are so fashionable that the livestock will need sunglasses to
stop the glare
A favorite gift among the working cowboy set is the thoughtful
offering of the cowboys favorite beverage usually in aluminum
cans but sometimes upgraded to a glass bottle The ropers refer
to it as aiming fluid and have determined that the proper amount
not only improves their roping but makes pastures greener and
girls prettier
This years twist is the camouflage container that convincingly
offers to those that imbibe the ability to become invisible if enough
is consumed
Then there is the never-ending list of new ideas for gifts de-
signed to entice the giver to give to the guy that already has eve-
rything
My choice this season is a giant beach-type umbrella with a base
that attaches over the gooseneck trailer ball in the bed of the
pickup This allows spectators to sit in the shade next to the bev-
erage cooler and watch the roping from the back of the truck
In these days and times I sometimes spot something that just
wont compute in my cowgirl brain With decades of thinking Ive
seen it all always something proves me wrong
Recently it was seeing a big black Hummer pulling an aluminum
horse trailer going south through town The oddity of that combi-
nation left me speechless As my son would say ―Thatlsquos messed
up
Maybe I just need to get out more
Julie can be reached for comment at jcartertularosanet
LEE SWING TOP 12 CDs Lillies Ohlsson Kountry Korral Magazine Bennerstigen 120 SE-73395 SALA SWEDEN Top 12 CDs Augie Meyers - Country Bill Dessens - Iacuteve Waited A Lifetime Bonebrake Syncopators - That Da Da Strain
Cream Of The Crop Band - I Still Cry Gaylynn Robinson - Love amp Heartache Kelli Grant - Softer Side of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - Shades of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - A Sentimental Journey Old West Trio - Ridinacute Back to Yesterday Rod Moag - AH-HAA Goes Grass Stephanie Davis - Western Bling Texas Swing Band - Welcome to Texas TOP 12 SONGS Convict and the Rose - Rod Moag amp Dayna Wills Coyote Serenade - Old West Trio Hang Your Head in Shame - Texas Swing Band wJerome Stubbs Honeysuckle Rose - Joaquin Murphey wThe Plainsmen I Still Cry - Cream Of The Crop Band Keeper of the Flame - Gaylynn Robinson Little Red Wagon - Back At The Ranch Mr Record Man - Heybale wRedd Volkaert No Disappointment in Heaven - Road Moag amp Dayna Wills Silver Lake Blues - Bill Dessens Stranger - Elizabeth McQueen amp Jason Roberts Texas Drummer Boy - Herb Steiner amp Johnny Cuviello Band
LeeSwing88se
123minsidasecowswing
5
Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D
Ranch
by Margo Metegrano Editor
CowboyPoetrycom
January brings the top cowboy po-
etry event of the year the Western Folklife Centerlsquos 26th annual
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada January 23-
30 2010 ( wwwwesternfolklifeorg) Along with the best in cow-
boy poetry and Western music there are workshops seminars
exhibits and other special events
Colorado poet Jane Morton whose work often focuses on her
familys ranching roots makes a return invited appearance to the
2010 Gathering Shes participated previously as a poet and sev-
eral of her short films about her familys ranch have become a
part of the WFCs Deep West Video project
Her forthcoming book In This Land of Little Rain includes over
fifty poems and many photographs that span her nearly eighty
years of Western living on the high plains of northeastern Colo-
rado The book takes its title from this included poem
When the Grass Greens Up This Spring
Let me be in Colorado
when the grass greens up this spring
Let me see blue sky above me
and the hawks acircling
Let me ride out through the pastures
and across the low-slung hills
Let me see sand lilies blooming
thrill to hear lark buntings trills
Let me find an Easter daisy
near as pretty as its name
Let me see the orange-red paintbrush
light the prairie like a flame
Let me smell the rain-drenched sagebrush
breathe in air thats clear of smog
Let me see the white-faced babies
with their amber eyes agog
Let me watch a herd of pronghorn
flowing over sunlit plains
Let me listen for the swallows
and the cries of sandhill cranes
In a world of many wonders
nothing beats spring on the plain
And the greening of the grasslands
in this land of little rain
copy 2008 Jane Morton All rights reserved
Jane Mortons previous book Cowboy Poetry Turning to Face
the Wind (winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award) includes
stories poems and photos about her pioneering family It is avail-
able from $1995 plus $450 shipping and handling from Jane
Morton 12710 Abert Way Colorado Springs CO 80908
Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi-
cians at CowboyPoetrycom Its an on-going gathering with con-
tinuous news features poetry lyrics gathering reports and an
extensive event calendar Come on by and stay a while
margocowpoetrycom
Pappy Dave Stone November 11 1913 - February 18 2004
PAPPY DAVE STONE always an innova-
tor and creator of the very first full time
Country Music Format at KDAV in Lubbock
Texas in 1953 Pappy made his home in
Colorado Springs where he managed his
small but very powerful country music chain
of radio stations for many years KDAV Lubbock Texas KPEP
San Angelo KPIK AMFM Colorado Springs and the second sta-
tion that would be full time country music KZIP Amarillo Texas
He was born Dave Pinkston November 11 1913 in Post Texas
His family moved to a farm in Lubbock County Texas in 1916
Dave graduated from high school in Slaton and attended Texas
Tech University He and Violet Martin of Plainview Texas were
married October 11 1933 and have two children James Pinkston
of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Graves of Portland Oregon
Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren round out the
family
Pappy Dave worked on a farm in 1934-1935 was a teacher at
Draughons Business College 1936 - 1938 and was employed as
an Office Manager for a chemical plant in Brownfield Texas from
1939 - 1945 Still searching for a career I suppose he joined the
staff of KSEL a new station just getting started in Lubbock as
traffic manager In 1947 he became a Disc Jockey for the
Western Roundup a daily 30 minute program This experience
no doubt let him know he had finally discovered what it was in life
he was supposed to do
In 1949 Pappy was named General Manager of KSEL and in-
creased his 30 minute show to several hours The owners of the
radio station let him know they thought it was beneath the dignity
of a General Manager to be a disc jockey on a hillbilly radio sta-
tion He took that advice for awhile but soon realized how silly it
was and went back on the air where he stayed even as he began
buying stations in conjunction with real estate friend Leroy El-
more
In 1953 Pappy Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a life long
dream to put on the air for listeners a radio station that pro-
grammed nothing but country music Working with his partner
they received licenses for and built the following radio stations
KDAV known as K-DAVE Lubbock 1953 - 1979 KPEP San An-
gelo 1954 - 1978 KZIP Amarillo 1955 - 1977 KPIK-AM Colorado
Springs 1957-1978 KPIK-FM 1966-1978 In 1962 Pappy Dave
bought out his partner and took sole ownership of all the Dave
Stone Stations
Pappy Dave started the very first Country Music Club com-
plete with membership card and all the perks that go along with it
Membership at K-DAVE alone was over 8000 A full time secre-
tary had to be hired to oversee the Country ClubPappy Dave
was also one of the very first to use window decals to promote his
call letters He was one of the very first radio station owners who
began booking country music shows booking all the major stars
into the Lubbock Texas area He was also a mentor to new talent
and helped many young stars who would become major super-
By Dugg Collins
6
stars in the music business People like Buddy Holly Elvis
Presley Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his ca-
reer as one of Pappylsquos deejays
PAPPY DAVE STONE because of his innovative ideas in
Country Music Radio soon became the most copied programmer
owner in Country Music history It didnt take long for the story to
circulate that this man in Lubbock Texas saw the potential of a
full time country format and acted on it It just simply wasnlsquot done
in those days of radio Most stations relied on block programming
to fill their broadcast day
His on air style soon became the thing with those who copied
what he did His voice was as welcome and familiar as a member
of the family This is substantiated by the thousands of letters he
received each month In content they range from a record request
to those seeking advice on personal matters Pappy Dave had
tremendous loyalty to his beliefs and principles plus an unfailing
abundance of energy He was Mr Country Music to the thou-
sands of radio listeners in the great plains area of Texas and an
inspiration to hundreds of radio programmers who followed his
lead
Pappy Dave Stone was inducted into the Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 2000 His name has been on the ballot
many times for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and I
hope one day soon his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with
all the other country music greats He set the standard for country
music programming My dear friend Ollsquo Mike Oatman admitted to
me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed
many many ideas from Pappy Dave Stone which he used to
create his Great Empire Broadcasting He smiled when he said
If youlsquore gonna steal in this business steal from the best
I met Pappy Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the
process of selling KZIP in Amarillo I was on a competing station
but he didnlsquot treat me like a competitor he treated me like a friend
he had known for thirty years That big smile of his could put any-
one at ease from the very first meeting He must have been one
hell of a salesman in his day I doubt any advertiser could say no
to that personality
He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999 I
called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my
voice Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my
business I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K-
DAVE in Lubbock which he was happy to do
In 1999 when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame the first thing that caught my attention was
the absence of his name from the list of inductees When I re-
turned home I called back to find out why to discover that there
had been a mistake They thought because he lived in Colorado
Springs he didnlsquot qualify That problem got fixed and his plaque
now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage
Texas
I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I
have ever had in radio and music Thatlsquos one of the perks of this
business My friendship with Pappy Dave Stone has been one
of the highlights of my many years in show-business I will miss
him for sure but his influence on country music radio will live on
forever
duggcollinscom
RockinBoy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on lyonpremierecom Eddy Ray Cooper ndash France - Parce que cest Noeumll Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico Ivy Raye - Living On Credit Sister Girl - Its A Lonely Place Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat George Ducas - Walk Through This World Clay Underwood - Behind These walls Christen Sawyer - Austin Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues Karling Abbeygate - Ive Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon ndash Ireland - Restless Ramblin Man Kim Dickinson ndash UK - Somewhere Between Rusty Legs ndash France - If Youre Going Through Hell Nashville Airplane ndash France -The Letter Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Heather MylesBrantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Kenny Seratt - Hank amp Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon Rootlsquonlsquotootlsquon - UK-Wabash Cannonball Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams Merci pour leacutecoute - Thanks for listening Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1egravere - Country Web Bulletin Comments or requests countrylyonpremiereinfo
A-10 Etcheverry Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboycom
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
4
Western Swing Album of the Year - Hang-N-Rattle - Wylie amp
The Wild West
Instrumentalist of the Year - Curly Musgrave
Crescendo Award - Horse Crazy
Radio Station of the Year - Ralphs Back Porch
Radio DJ of the Year - Barbara Richhart
Male Poet of the Year - Waddie Mitchell
Female Poet of the Year - Doris Daley
Best Collaboration - The Mourning Dove - Les Buffham amp
Judy Coder
Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year - Beneath A Western Sky -
Doris Daley
Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year - Trail Mix - Diane Tribitt
Presidentrsquos Award - Silver Screen Cowboy Project
Sunday brought the 2009 21st Annual WMA Awards Show and
Showcase to a close with a Cowboy Church There were many
comments made as to the smooth running and enjoyment of the
four-day event I was thrilled to renew old acquaintances and
meet many new artists along with people who Ilsquove only had con-
tact with via email or who had sent their products for inclusion in
my radio shows in England Joe Baker had set-up a box for each
DJ attending so that artists could leave their CDs to be played at
the various radio stations I will certainly be introducing new art-
ists to my listeners over the coming months Just to close Ilsquod like
to thank my friends Ann amp Jim Anderson (Amarillo Texas) and
Betty amp Doug Carter (Albuquerque) for their kindness and hospi-
tality during my stay in the USA Look forward to seeing every-
one again soon
-Graham Lees Nov 2009
grahamgrahamleescouk
Cowgirl Sass amp Savvy
By Julie Carter
Here it comes ready or not
Only a limited number of shopping
days until Christmas and then its
almost time to file your income taxes
Right after I looked up from the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day
I realized that the following week brought the first day of Decem-
ber and with it a landslide of ideas lists projects events com-
mitments and deadlines
As soon as I recovered from that particular mental avalanche
which was days later I realized the first week of December was
almost gone As usual Im behind before I even start
Ive had my eye out for clever Christmas gifts all year but like
most years I either forgot about it if I thought of it in March or I
bought it hid it and dont remember where
Early gift buying has its disadvantages While spreading the cost
of the holiday throughout the year it also increases the odds of
you paying more for the same thing that will be on sale later
Or in my case you find out that perfect gift is no longer perfect
because the recipient proudly bought it for herself about the same
time you did
Useful gifts never go out of style and every year they take on a
facet that makes them a little different from last year but still very
utilitarian
Fad colors embroidered phrases and rhinestones turn a regular
cap into something that makes a fashion statement While the
market for gimme caps from feed seed and implement dealers
is still quite viable nothing says cutting edge like a cap that an-
nounces Jesus ropes here
Spur straps once just a piece of leather with a function now
come in colors animal print and of course more bling Some of
them are so fashionable that the livestock will need sunglasses to
stop the glare
A favorite gift among the working cowboy set is the thoughtful
offering of the cowboys favorite beverage usually in aluminum
cans but sometimes upgraded to a glass bottle The ropers refer
to it as aiming fluid and have determined that the proper amount
not only improves their roping but makes pastures greener and
girls prettier
This years twist is the camouflage container that convincingly
offers to those that imbibe the ability to become invisible if enough
is consumed
Then there is the never-ending list of new ideas for gifts de-
signed to entice the giver to give to the guy that already has eve-
rything
My choice this season is a giant beach-type umbrella with a base
that attaches over the gooseneck trailer ball in the bed of the
pickup This allows spectators to sit in the shade next to the bev-
erage cooler and watch the roping from the back of the truck
In these days and times I sometimes spot something that just
wont compute in my cowgirl brain With decades of thinking Ive
seen it all always something proves me wrong
Recently it was seeing a big black Hummer pulling an aluminum
horse trailer going south through town The oddity of that combi-
nation left me speechless As my son would say ―Thatlsquos messed
up
Maybe I just need to get out more
Julie can be reached for comment at jcartertularosanet
LEE SWING TOP 12 CDs Lillies Ohlsson Kountry Korral Magazine Bennerstigen 120 SE-73395 SALA SWEDEN Top 12 CDs Augie Meyers - Country Bill Dessens - Iacuteve Waited A Lifetime Bonebrake Syncopators - That Da Da Strain
Cream Of The Crop Band - I Still Cry Gaylynn Robinson - Love amp Heartache Kelli Grant - Softer Side of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - Shades of Swing Louise Roweacutes Reunion Band - A Sentimental Journey Old West Trio - Ridinacute Back to Yesterday Rod Moag - AH-HAA Goes Grass Stephanie Davis - Western Bling Texas Swing Band - Welcome to Texas TOP 12 SONGS Convict and the Rose - Rod Moag amp Dayna Wills Coyote Serenade - Old West Trio Hang Your Head in Shame - Texas Swing Band wJerome Stubbs Honeysuckle Rose - Joaquin Murphey wThe Plainsmen I Still Cry - Cream Of The Crop Band Keeper of the Flame - Gaylynn Robinson Little Red Wagon - Back At The Ranch Mr Record Man - Heybale wRedd Volkaert No Disappointment in Heaven - Road Moag amp Dayna Wills Silver Lake Blues - Bill Dessens Stranger - Elizabeth McQueen amp Jason Roberts Texas Drummer Boy - Herb Steiner amp Johnny Cuviello Band
LeeSwing88se
123minsidasecowswing
5
Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D
Ranch
by Margo Metegrano Editor
CowboyPoetrycom
January brings the top cowboy po-
etry event of the year the Western Folklife Centerlsquos 26th annual
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada January 23-
30 2010 ( wwwwesternfolklifeorg) Along with the best in cow-
boy poetry and Western music there are workshops seminars
exhibits and other special events
Colorado poet Jane Morton whose work often focuses on her
familys ranching roots makes a return invited appearance to the
2010 Gathering Shes participated previously as a poet and sev-
eral of her short films about her familys ranch have become a
part of the WFCs Deep West Video project
Her forthcoming book In This Land of Little Rain includes over
fifty poems and many photographs that span her nearly eighty
years of Western living on the high plains of northeastern Colo-
rado The book takes its title from this included poem
When the Grass Greens Up This Spring
Let me be in Colorado
when the grass greens up this spring
Let me see blue sky above me
and the hawks acircling
Let me ride out through the pastures
and across the low-slung hills
Let me see sand lilies blooming
thrill to hear lark buntings trills
Let me find an Easter daisy
near as pretty as its name
Let me see the orange-red paintbrush
light the prairie like a flame
Let me smell the rain-drenched sagebrush
breathe in air thats clear of smog
Let me see the white-faced babies
with their amber eyes agog
Let me watch a herd of pronghorn
flowing over sunlit plains
Let me listen for the swallows
and the cries of sandhill cranes
In a world of many wonders
nothing beats spring on the plain
And the greening of the grasslands
in this land of little rain
copy 2008 Jane Morton All rights reserved
Jane Mortons previous book Cowboy Poetry Turning to Face
the Wind (winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award) includes
stories poems and photos about her pioneering family It is avail-
able from $1995 plus $450 shipping and handling from Jane
Morton 12710 Abert Way Colorado Springs CO 80908
Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi-
cians at CowboyPoetrycom Its an on-going gathering with con-
tinuous news features poetry lyrics gathering reports and an
extensive event calendar Come on by and stay a while
margocowpoetrycom
Pappy Dave Stone November 11 1913 - February 18 2004
PAPPY DAVE STONE always an innova-
tor and creator of the very first full time
Country Music Format at KDAV in Lubbock
Texas in 1953 Pappy made his home in
Colorado Springs where he managed his
small but very powerful country music chain
of radio stations for many years KDAV Lubbock Texas KPEP
San Angelo KPIK AMFM Colorado Springs and the second sta-
tion that would be full time country music KZIP Amarillo Texas
He was born Dave Pinkston November 11 1913 in Post Texas
His family moved to a farm in Lubbock County Texas in 1916
Dave graduated from high school in Slaton and attended Texas
Tech University He and Violet Martin of Plainview Texas were
married October 11 1933 and have two children James Pinkston
of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Graves of Portland Oregon
Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren round out the
family
Pappy Dave worked on a farm in 1934-1935 was a teacher at
Draughons Business College 1936 - 1938 and was employed as
an Office Manager for a chemical plant in Brownfield Texas from
1939 - 1945 Still searching for a career I suppose he joined the
staff of KSEL a new station just getting started in Lubbock as
traffic manager In 1947 he became a Disc Jockey for the
Western Roundup a daily 30 minute program This experience
no doubt let him know he had finally discovered what it was in life
he was supposed to do
In 1949 Pappy was named General Manager of KSEL and in-
creased his 30 minute show to several hours The owners of the
radio station let him know they thought it was beneath the dignity
of a General Manager to be a disc jockey on a hillbilly radio sta-
tion He took that advice for awhile but soon realized how silly it
was and went back on the air where he stayed even as he began
buying stations in conjunction with real estate friend Leroy El-
more
In 1953 Pappy Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a life long
dream to put on the air for listeners a radio station that pro-
grammed nothing but country music Working with his partner
they received licenses for and built the following radio stations
KDAV known as K-DAVE Lubbock 1953 - 1979 KPEP San An-
gelo 1954 - 1978 KZIP Amarillo 1955 - 1977 KPIK-AM Colorado
Springs 1957-1978 KPIK-FM 1966-1978 In 1962 Pappy Dave
bought out his partner and took sole ownership of all the Dave
Stone Stations
Pappy Dave started the very first Country Music Club com-
plete with membership card and all the perks that go along with it
Membership at K-DAVE alone was over 8000 A full time secre-
tary had to be hired to oversee the Country ClubPappy Dave
was also one of the very first to use window decals to promote his
call letters He was one of the very first radio station owners who
began booking country music shows booking all the major stars
into the Lubbock Texas area He was also a mentor to new talent
and helped many young stars who would become major super-
By Dugg Collins
6
stars in the music business People like Buddy Holly Elvis
Presley Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his ca-
reer as one of Pappylsquos deejays
PAPPY DAVE STONE because of his innovative ideas in
Country Music Radio soon became the most copied programmer
owner in Country Music history It didnt take long for the story to
circulate that this man in Lubbock Texas saw the potential of a
full time country format and acted on it It just simply wasnlsquot done
in those days of radio Most stations relied on block programming
to fill their broadcast day
His on air style soon became the thing with those who copied
what he did His voice was as welcome and familiar as a member
of the family This is substantiated by the thousands of letters he
received each month In content they range from a record request
to those seeking advice on personal matters Pappy Dave had
tremendous loyalty to his beliefs and principles plus an unfailing
abundance of energy He was Mr Country Music to the thou-
sands of radio listeners in the great plains area of Texas and an
inspiration to hundreds of radio programmers who followed his
lead
Pappy Dave Stone was inducted into the Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 2000 His name has been on the ballot
many times for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and I
hope one day soon his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with
all the other country music greats He set the standard for country
music programming My dear friend Ollsquo Mike Oatman admitted to
me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed
many many ideas from Pappy Dave Stone which he used to
create his Great Empire Broadcasting He smiled when he said
If youlsquore gonna steal in this business steal from the best
I met Pappy Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the
process of selling KZIP in Amarillo I was on a competing station
but he didnlsquot treat me like a competitor he treated me like a friend
he had known for thirty years That big smile of his could put any-
one at ease from the very first meeting He must have been one
hell of a salesman in his day I doubt any advertiser could say no
to that personality
He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999 I
called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my
voice Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my
business I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K-
DAVE in Lubbock which he was happy to do
In 1999 when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame the first thing that caught my attention was
the absence of his name from the list of inductees When I re-
turned home I called back to find out why to discover that there
had been a mistake They thought because he lived in Colorado
Springs he didnlsquot qualify That problem got fixed and his plaque
now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage
Texas
I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I
have ever had in radio and music Thatlsquos one of the perks of this
business My friendship with Pappy Dave Stone has been one
of the highlights of my many years in show-business I will miss
him for sure but his influence on country music radio will live on
forever
duggcollinscom
RockinBoy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on lyonpremierecom Eddy Ray Cooper ndash France - Parce que cest Noeumll Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico Ivy Raye - Living On Credit Sister Girl - Its A Lonely Place Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat George Ducas - Walk Through This World Clay Underwood - Behind These walls Christen Sawyer - Austin Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues Karling Abbeygate - Ive Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon ndash Ireland - Restless Ramblin Man Kim Dickinson ndash UK - Somewhere Between Rusty Legs ndash France - If Youre Going Through Hell Nashville Airplane ndash France -The Letter Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Heather MylesBrantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Kenny Seratt - Hank amp Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon Rootlsquonlsquotootlsquon - UK-Wabash Cannonball Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams Merci pour leacutecoute - Thanks for listening Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1egravere - Country Web Bulletin Comments or requests countrylyonpremiereinfo
A-10 Etcheverry Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboycom
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
5
Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D
Ranch
by Margo Metegrano Editor
CowboyPoetrycom
January brings the top cowboy po-
etry event of the year the Western Folklife Centerlsquos 26th annual
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko Nevada January 23-
30 2010 ( wwwwesternfolklifeorg) Along with the best in cow-
boy poetry and Western music there are workshops seminars
exhibits and other special events
Colorado poet Jane Morton whose work often focuses on her
familys ranching roots makes a return invited appearance to the
2010 Gathering Shes participated previously as a poet and sev-
eral of her short films about her familys ranch have become a
part of the WFCs Deep West Video project
Her forthcoming book In This Land of Little Rain includes over
fifty poems and many photographs that span her nearly eighty
years of Western living on the high plains of northeastern Colo-
rado The book takes its title from this included poem
When the Grass Greens Up This Spring
Let me be in Colorado
when the grass greens up this spring
Let me see blue sky above me
and the hawks acircling
Let me ride out through the pastures
and across the low-slung hills
Let me see sand lilies blooming
thrill to hear lark buntings trills
Let me find an Easter daisy
near as pretty as its name
Let me see the orange-red paintbrush
light the prairie like a flame
Let me smell the rain-drenched sagebrush
breathe in air thats clear of smog
Let me see the white-faced babies
with their amber eyes agog
Let me watch a herd of pronghorn
flowing over sunlit plains
Let me listen for the swallows
and the cries of sandhill cranes
In a world of many wonders
nothing beats spring on the plain
And the greening of the grasslands
in this land of little rain
copy 2008 Jane Morton All rights reserved
Jane Mortons previous book Cowboy Poetry Turning to Face
the Wind (winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award) includes
stories poems and photos about her pioneering family It is avail-
able from $1995 plus $450 shipping and handling from Jane
Morton 12710 Abert Way Colorado Springs CO 80908
Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi-
cians at CowboyPoetrycom Its an on-going gathering with con-
tinuous news features poetry lyrics gathering reports and an
extensive event calendar Come on by and stay a while
margocowpoetrycom
Pappy Dave Stone November 11 1913 - February 18 2004
PAPPY DAVE STONE always an innova-
tor and creator of the very first full time
Country Music Format at KDAV in Lubbock
Texas in 1953 Pappy made his home in
Colorado Springs where he managed his
small but very powerful country music chain
of radio stations for many years KDAV Lubbock Texas KPEP
San Angelo KPIK AMFM Colorado Springs and the second sta-
tion that would be full time country music KZIP Amarillo Texas
He was born Dave Pinkston November 11 1913 in Post Texas
His family moved to a farm in Lubbock County Texas in 1916
Dave graduated from high school in Slaton and attended Texas
Tech University He and Violet Martin of Plainview Texas were
married October 11 1933 and have two children James Pinkston
of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Graves of Portland Oregon
Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren round out the
family
Pappy Dave worked on a farm in 1934-1935 was a teacher at
Draughons Business College 1936 - 1938 and was employed as
an Office Manager for a chemical plant in Brownfield Texas from
1939 - 1945 Still searching for a career I suppose he joined the
staff of KSEL a new station just getting started in Lubbock as
traffic manager In 1947 he became a Disc Jockey for the
Western Roundup a daily 30 minute program This experience
no doubt let him know he had finally discovered what it was in life
he was supposed to do
In 1949 Pappy was named General Manager of KSEL and in-
creased his 30 minute show to several hours The owners of the
radio station let him know they thought it was beneath the dignity
of a General Manager to be a disc jockey on a hillbilly radio sta-
tion He took that advice for awhile but soon realized how silly it
was and went back on the air where he stayed even as he began
buying stations in conjunction with real estate friend Leroy El-
more
In 1953 Pappy Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a life long
dream to put on the air for listeners a radio station that pro-
grammed nothing but country music Working with his partner
they received licenses for and built the following radio stations
KDAV known as K-DAVE Lubbock 1953 - 1979 KPEP San An-
gelo 1954 - 1978 KZIP Amarillo 1955 - 1977 KPIK-AM Colorado
Springs 1957-1978 KPIK-FM 1966-1978 In 1962 Pappy Dave
bought out his partner and took sole ownership of all the Dave
Stone Stations
Pappy Dave started the very first Country Music Club com-
plete with membership card and all the perks that go along with it
Membership at K-DAVE alone was over 8000 A full time secre-
tary had to be hired to oversee the Country ClubPappy Dave
was also one of the very first to use window decals to promote his
call letters He was one of the very first radio station owners who
began booking country music shows booking all the major stars
into the Lubbock Texas area He was also a mentor to new talent
and helped many young stars who would become major super-
By Dugg Collins
6
stars in the music business People like Buddy Holly Elvis
Presley Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his ca-
reer as one of Pappylsquos deejays
PAPPY DAVE STONE because of his innovative ideas in
Country Music Radio soon became the most copied programmer
owner in Country Music history It didnt take long for the story to
circulate that this man in Lubbock Texas saw the potential of a
full time country format and acted on it It just simply wasnlsquot done
in those days of radio Most stations relied on block programming
to fill their broadcast day
His on air style soon became the thing with those who copied
what he did His voice was as welcome and familiar as a member
of the family This is substantiated by the thousands of letters he
received each month In content they range from a record request
to those seeking advice on personal matters Pappy Dave had
tremendous loyalty to his beliefs and principles plus an unfailing
abundance of energy He was Mr Country Music to the thou-
sands of radio listeners in the great plains area of Texas and an
inspiration to hundreds of radio programmers who followed his
lead
Pappy Dave Stone was inducted into the Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 2000 His name has been on the ballot
many times for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and I
hope one day soon his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with
all the other country music greats He set the standard for country
music programming My dear friend Ollsquo Mike Oatman admitted to
me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed
many many ideas from Pappy Dave Stone which he used to
create his Great Empire Broadcasting He smiled when he said
If youlsquore gonna steal in this business steal from the best
I met Pappy Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the
process of selling KZIP in Amarillo I was on a competing station
but he didnlsquot treat me like a competitor he treated me like a friend
he had known for thirty years That big smile of his could put any-
one at ease from the very first meeting He must have been one
hell of a salesman in his day I doubt any advertiser could say no
to that personality
He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999 I
called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my
voice Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my
business I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K-
DAVE in Lubbock which he was happy to do
In 1999 when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame the first thing that caught my attention was
the absence of his name from the list of inductees When I re-
turned home I called back to find out why to discover that there
had been a mistake They thought because he lived in Colorado
Springs he didnlsquot qualify That problem got fixed and his plaque
now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage
Texas
I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I
have ever had in radio and music Thatlsquos one of the perks of this
business My friendship with Pappy Dave Stone has been one
of the highlights of my many years in show-business I will miss
him for sure but his influence on country music radio will live on
forever
duggcollinscom
RockinBoy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on lyonpremierecom Eddy Ray Cooper ndash France - Parce que cest Noeumll Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico Ivy Raye - Living On Credit Sister Girl - Its A Lonely Place Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat George Ducas - Walk Through This World Clay Underwood - Behind These walls Christen Sawyer - Austin Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues Karling Abbeygate - Ive Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon ndash Ireland - Restless Ramblin Man Kim Dickinson ndash UK - Somewhere Between Rusty Legs ndash France - If Youre Going Through Hell Nashville Airplane ndash France -The Letter Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Heather MylesBrantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Kenny Seratt - Hank amp Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon Rootlsquonlsquotootlsquon - UK-Wabash Cannonball Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams Merci pour leacutecoute - Thanks for listening Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1egravere - Country Web Bulletin Comments or requests countrylyonpremiereinfo
A-10 Etcheverry Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboycom
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
6
stars in the music business People like Buddy Holly Elvis
Presley Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his ca-
reer as one of Pappylsquos deejays
PAPPY DAVE STONE because of his innovative ideas in
Country Music Radio soon became the most copied programmer
owner in Country Music history It didnt take long for the story to
circulate that this man in Lubbock Texas saw the potential of a
full time country format and acted on it It just simply wasnlsquot done
in those days of radio Most stations relied on block programming
to fill their broadcast day
His on air style soon became the thing with those who copied
what he did His voice was as welcome and familiar as a member
of the family This is substantiated by the thousands of letters he
received each month In content they range from a record request
to those seeking advice on personal matters Pappy Dave had
tremendous loyalty to his beliefs and principles plus an unfailing
abundance of energy He was Mr Country Music to the thou-
sands of radio listeners in the great plains area of Texas and an
inspiration to hundreds of radio programmers who followed his
lead
Pappy Dave Stone was inducted into the Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame in 2000 His name has been on the ballot
many times for the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and I
hope one day soon his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with
all the other country music greats He set the standard for country
music programming My dear friend Ollsquo Mike Oatman admitted to
me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed
many many ideas from Pappy Dave Stone which he used to
create his Great Empire Broadcasting He smiled when he said
If youlsquore gonna steal in this business steal from the best
I met Pappy Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the
process of selling KZIP in Amarillo I was on a competing station
but he didnlsquot treat me like a competitor he treated me like a friend
he had known for thirty years That big smile of his could put any-
one at ease from the very first meeting He must have been one
hell of a salesman in his day I doubt any advertiser could say no
to that personality
He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999 I
called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my
voice Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my
business I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K-
DAVE in Lubbock which he was happy to do
In 1999 when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc
Jockey Hall of Fame the first thing that caught my attention was
the absence of his name from the list of inductees When I re-
turned home I called back to find out why to discover that there
had been a mistake They thought because he lived in Colorado
Springs he didnlsquot qualify That problem got fixed and his plaque
now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage
Texas
I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I
have ever had in radio and music Thatlsquos one of the perks of this
business My friendship with Pappy Dave Stone has been one
of the highlights of my many years in show-business I will miss
him for sure but his influence on country music radio will live on
forever
duggcollinscom
RockinBoy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on lyonpremierecom Eddy Ray Cooper ndash France - Parce que cest Noeumll Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico Ivy Raye - Living On Credit Sister Girl - Its A Lonely Place Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat George Ducas - Walk Through This World Clay Underwood - Behind These walls Christen Sawyer - Austin Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues Karling Abbeygate - Ive Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon ndash Ireland - Restless Ramblin Man Kim Dickinson ndash UK - Somewhere Between Rusty Legs ndash France - If Youre Going Through Hell Nashville Airplane ndash France -The Letter Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Heather MylesBrantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Kenny Seratt - Hank amp Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon Rootlsquonlsquotootlsquon - UK-Wabash Cannonball Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams Merci pour leacutecoute - Thanks for listening Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1egravere - Country Web Bulletin Comments or requests countrylyonpremiereinfo
A-10 Etcheverry Creative Achievement Award Winner Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboycom
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
7
May 7 2010 Friday Night 700 Barn in Winthrop WA
Laughter country charm wonderful music and something unex-pected make the Dollar Watch Cowboy Jamboree a hit show Beginning the 8thconsecutive year the Dollar Watch Jamboree will be presented Friday May 7 2010 at 700 PM in the Winthrop Auditorium sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market Tim Hus Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop Washington Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw a wit that is sharper than rusty barbed wire and a list of songs longer than a Saskatchewan fence line Tim has already taken Canada by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickinlsquo Horse Line Visit Timlsquos web site wwwtimhusca This is an artist you can brag about having seen in years to come Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band nationally recognized by the Western
Music Association as the best Trio of the year and win-ners of The Cres-cendo Award for most promising talent in 2009 will be on hand to showcase Horse Crazy performing for the largest cow-boy gathering in Canada with Tim
Hus recently and came away saying People in the Methow must see and hear this man While Horse Crazy is a local group they bring pure iron pyritehellipwe mean gold to the program Dave McClure cowboy poet and author will be back because he is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River Davelsquos zany humor and original wit are always the talk of the town For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop visit the wwwwithropwashingtoncom for more information Or go
to wwwWOGAorg to learn about all the packing events taking
place during the event
Tickets are $1000 and available at Red Apple Market in Win-throp and the Winthrop Inn For more information call (509) 996 2404
horsecrazycowgirlbandcom
Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 951 FM Serving
Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB amp Tularosa NM
CHRISTMAS LIST 2009
01 Ricochet - My Christmas List 02 Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa 03 Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby 04 Ill Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy amp Starla Queen 05 Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me 06 Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas 07 David Parmley amp Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Homeplace 08 Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas 09 Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About 10 Billy ORourke - Me And Uncle Sam 11 Kacey Jones - Im Down To My Christmas Underwear 12 Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas 13 John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause 14 Jim Hurst amp Missy Raines - Heavens Light 15 Charlie Daniels amp Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song 16 Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells 17 Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas 18 Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (Its Christmas Eve) 20 Larry Stephenson - Good Ol Country Christmas Nov 30 2009 01 Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle 02 Johnny Lyon - Big City 03 Albert amp Gage - Hell Or High Water 04 Rio Grand - Painted Pony 05 JB amp Moonshine Band - Im Broke 06 Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On 07 Josh Turner - Why Dont We Just Dance 08 The Right Five amp Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds 10 Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk 11 Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again 12 Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13 Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin You 14 Liz Talley - You Cant Take The Texas Out Of Me 15 Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door 16 Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy 17 Billy Mata amp Texas Tradition - Dinah 18 Travis Andrews - Just Passin Through 19 Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20 Smokey Wilson - Blazin Texas Sun
kalhlpearthlinknet
Around The Campfire In no particular order here are 10 really fine cowboywestern CDs that I believe would make excellent Christmas gifts 1 Frontier Cowboy Songs - Vol 1 - Syd Mas-ters 2 Sixth Generation - Allan Chapman 3 Appaloosa Moon - Tom Hiatt
4 Cowgirl II - Lynn Anderson 5 Clean Outta Luck - Mary Kaye 6 Chasin Th Years - Dave Watson 7 Southwestern Serenade - Patty Parker 8 Western Bliss - Stephanie Davis 9 My Sacred Ground - Fred Hargrove 10 Come Ride With Me - Dave Stamey
Marvin ODell Around the Campfire
HeartlandPublicRadioorg
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
8
Waynettarsquos Roundup on LIVE365
Waynetta Ausmus
KJIM 1500AM ShermanDennison TX
11-1-09
Ragtime Cowboy Joe ndash Rod Nichols
Timber Trail ndash Larry Wlder
Outlaw ndash David Comstock
If I Hadnlsquot Seen The West ndash Joyce
Woodson
Let My Pony Run ndash Due West Trio
Purt Near ndash Larry Maurice
Hoppy Gene and Me ndash Roy Rogers
Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands
Texas in Your Swing ndash Liz Talley
I Rode In As a Stranger ndash Lynn Anderson
11-8-09
Old Town ndash John England And The Western Swingers
Bring Her Back To The Home Range ndash Ken Cook
Hometown Queen ndash Jim Reader
The Staff Of Life ndash Rod Miller
Joe Texas Saying ndash RJ Vandergriff
Those City Lights ndash Tammy Gislason
Come And Dine ndash Rich OlsquoBrien
The Scottlsquos Bluff County Fair ndash Missouri Matador
Wind Blow the Blues Away ndash Chuck Cusimano
The Flag Out On The Range ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
I Want To Live Out West ndash The Old West Trio
Idalsquos Bread ndash Jo Lynne Kirkwood
11-15-09
From Town ndash Ken Cook
Pipelinerlsquos Blues ndash River Road Boys
When The Cactus Is In Bloom ndash Liz Masterson
Pecos Bill ndash Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Waddie Git Your Boots On ndash Joyce Woodson
1984ndash Doc Mayer ndash
In America ndash TJ Casey
On The Border ndash Royal Wade Kimes
Across The Alley From the Alamo ndash Les Gilliam
Plano Man ndash E Flat Porch Band
The Wealthy Texan ndash Jerry Clower
Ilsquove Got A Woman Crazy For Me ndash Saddle Cats
Man in the Moon ndash Mike Puhallo
11-22-09
Sleepinlsquo Out Under the Stars ndash TJ Casey
Wringle Wrangle ndash Keeter Stuart
Stackinlsquo Hay ndash Jerry Schleicher
The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder ndash Michael Martin Murphey
Woman of the Wind ndash Paul Hendel
Little Girllsquos Heroes ndashTom and Donna Hatton
Crack WL and Rover ndash Jerry Clower
Freedomlsquos Getting Harder to Find ndash Jim Jones
Geronimolsquos Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey
City Folks ndash Jane Morton
I Didnlsquot Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton
A Soft Spoken Man ndash AK Moss
Homeward Bound ndash RW Hampton
11-29-09
The Old Felt Hat ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
Jesus Cowboy ndash Larry Wilder
A Cowboylsquos Prayer ndash Dick Morton
Two Seated Saddle ndash Belinda Gail
Christmas In Alberta ndash Doris Daley
Ilsquoll Be Home For Christmas ndash Dave Alexander
Old Fashioned Christmas ndash Yvonne Hollenbeck
If Santa Was A Cowboy ndash Sisters Of The Silver Sage
Christmas for Cowboys ndash Wylie Gustafson
Dragginlsquo in the Christmas Treendash Michael Martin Murphy
Mistletoe ndash Royal Wade Kimes
waynettawwraolcom
The Real West from the Old West ndash KOTS AM1230 Totsie Slover
Swing CDs
Cornell Hurd Band ndash Songs Of Moon
Mullican
Willie Nelson amp Asleep At The Wheel ndash
Willie amp The Wheel
Carolyn Martin ndash Swing
Brady Bowen ndash In My Spare Time Vol 5
Bobby Flores ndash Festival Favorites
Asleep At The Wheel ndash Reinventing The Wheel
Pat Jacobs amp The Over The Hill Gang ndash Legendary Western
Swing
Tommy Thomsen amp The Wills Point Playboys ndash Western Jazz
Billy Mata ndash This Is Tommy Duncan Vol 1
Cowboy CDs
Dave Stamey ndash Come Ride With Me
Call Of The West ndash You Are The Rose Of My Heart
Bar-D Roundup Vol 4
Juni Fisher ndash Gone For Colorado
Horse Crazy ndash Daughters Of The West
Patty Parker ndash Southwestern Seranade
Bill Barwick ndash Cowboy Bill And Other Stories
Ian Tyson ndash Yellowhead To Yellowstone
realwestoldwestlivecom
Andy and Jim Nelsonrsquos C O W Radio
4 - Week Playlist
112809 Thanksgiving
Dan Roberts Cant Change Horses
Jean Prescott Hes Courtin Annie
Chris LeDoux Night Riders Lament
Kevin Davis Every Horse I Ever Rode
Rolf Flake Thanksgiving Prayer
Sons and Brothers Measure Of A Man
112109 Salute to Utah
Sons Of The San Joaquin Utah
Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave Red Rock Moon
Don Edwards Cowboys Prayer
Michael Martin Murphy Utah Carroll
Brenn Hill Cottonwood
Curly Musgrave Esclante Adios
111409 Veterans Day Tribute
Asa Alycean Smack Dab
RW Hampton For The Freedom
Marine Corp Marching Band Armed Forces Medley
Statler Brothers More Than A Name On A Wall
Yvonne Hollenbeck Christmas Quilt
Singing Sergeants Cowboy Song Medley
11709 Cowboy Nicknames
Bill Barwick The Wagon Tongue
Wyoming Red Night Hawk Hollered Horses
Rex AllenDon Edwards Cow Poke
Joe Merrick Sold the Wagon
Red Steagall The Bell on Old Blue
Call Of The West Red Wing
cowboypoetwyomingcom
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
9
Hello Fellow Western SwingWestern Music Fans
CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest
Heroes of Western Music
Our Swing Fest is held every year on
the first Saturday in May in Mineral
Wells Texas This spring on May 1st
will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest
Each year we induct Heroes of West-
ern Music These inductees are hon-
ored for their efforts in promoting pre-
serving and perpetuating western
swing and western music If you would like to nominate someone
as a Hero please send a short biography and a photo (either
blackwhite or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to
Joyce Miller ndash Board of Directors
SecretaryTreasurer
3709 East Highway 67
Cleburne TX 76031
joyceaccentwholesalecom
wwwcowtown-swmorg
817-558-7580
or send to Joe Baker ndash Board of DirectorsMembership Director
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
106 Roswell Street
Ruidoso NM 88345
joebackfortybunkhousecom
wwwbackfortybunkhousecom
575-808-4111
Deadline for nominations is January 25 2010 Induc-
tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified Only a limited
number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of
CSWM each year for this honor Please get your nominations to
us as soon as possible
HERO CATEGORIES
Living Hero
Posthumous Hero
Disc Jockey of the Year
Fan(s) of the Year
Presidentlsquos Choice
Rising Star of Western Music
Publication of the Year
Venue of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Creative Achievement Award
Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions
Thank you
Joyce
The Big Fred Walker Show WOES 913 FM Mid-Michigan
TOP TEN Songs 01 Bobby Flores ndash Are You Teasing Me 02 Hank Stone ndash Texas Music
03 James Hand ndash In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox 04 Lonnie Burkhart ndash Mother Nature And Father Time 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash Gallivantinlsquo Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say They Say 07 Dottie Jack ndash Today is Not The Day 08 Joe Paul Nichols ndash Heartaches by the Number 09 Jody Nix ndash Ilsquove Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand 10 Belinda Gail ndash Amigo TOP TEN CDrsquos 01 Bobby Flores ndash Eleven Roses 02 Hank Stone ndash Somewhere in Texas 03 James Hand ndash The Truth Will Set You Free 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road 05 Belinda Gail amp Curly Musgrave ndash When Trails Meet 06 Dusty Owens ndash Sings Once More 07 Wylie Gustafson ndash Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson ndash Roads to Colorado 09 Jody Nix ndash The Fiddle Man 10 Randy Brown ndash Hard Face To Face Happy Holidays Big Fred
djcountryonecharternet
All Things Country Top 10 CDs
Rowena Muldavin
1 Ron Williams - The Longer Youre Gone 2 Tanya Tucker - My Turn 3 Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall
4 Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied 5 Johnny Rodriguez amp Johnny Bush - Texas Legends 6 Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin ODell Producer 7 Jamie Richards - Drive 8 The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co) 9 Martina McBride - Timeless
10 Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II
rowenahprorg
badbob1026aolcom
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
10
21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught ―Singinlsquo In The Rainhellipwell maybe not
quite But there was a gentle albeit cool rain falling while the cowboy musicians and poets were doing their thing in the old Community Hall at Alzada Montana Some welcome moisture to say the least The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead 21st An-nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry Music and Art Show Artists have been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around This small ranching community puts on a big gathering with fes-tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose from Marge Waterland chairperson for the kitchen and her help-ers do a great job of feeding the crowd The dinner is the only fees charged at this event and the proceeds go for upkeep on this hall Built in 1919 this hall is maintained solely by volunteer efforts and they have been doing a remarkable job By 1100 am the crowd is gathering with folks browsing the art displays visiting and looking forward to the festivities By noon everyone was anticipating the chow line the aroma from the kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour and now was the time The lunch room was packed as usual as folks took on a heapinlsquo helpinlsquo of delicious food and good conversations At 100 pm the program got underway with Randy Arpan emcee intro-ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin organizers of this event They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous to Bob Petermann for the sound system Randy Arpan for emcee-ing the event Kaye Sperblsquos drawing ―Ridinlsquo for the Brand boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for the noon meal
Randy then began introducing the performers with the first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming followed by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka Montana then Slim McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett Wyoming Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood South Dakota Brandy Dalton of Hulett Wyoming Onalee Hoffman of Belle Fourche South Dakota Mary French of Hulett Wyo-ming Bill Stearns of Newcastle Wyoming Peggy Howard of Sun-dance Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport Nebraska
Then it was time to stand up and take a break The after-noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes After several door prizes were awarded and with coffee and soft drinks in hand the audience settled back into their seats to enjoy the next round of entertainers This one began with George Watts of Hulett Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of Hulett Wyoming Jim Carrol of Ekalaka Montana Dipper Brunson of Aladdin Wyoming Jack Owen of Alzada Mon-tana Rena Tauck of Hammond Montana JoAn Marshall of Ekalaka Montana John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche South Da-kota Robert Dennis of Red Owl South Dakota Bruce Rose-land of Senica South Dakota Milo Daily of Belle Fourche South Dakota Francie Davis of Kadoka South Dakota and Bob Peter-mann of Wibaux Montana
At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had their work displayed on the walls Featured Artists were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett Wyoming Thirty five artists displayed approximately 71 pieces Several more door prizes were awarded much to the delight of the folks attending this event
The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain-ers Mary Smith of Miles City Montana Norman Turnbough of Broadus Montana Celia Yates of Hammond Montana Kip Sor-lie of Viborg South Dakota Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker Montana There were about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the folks some great entertainment
This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset to the community For more information contact Gay Ar-pan at kgarpanrangewebnet or Chris Maupin at PO Box 252 Hulett WY 82720 We are all looking forward to this gathering next year because as someone once said ―Itlsquos just like a big family reunion except we all like each other
slimscustomleathercom
Rick Huffrsquos - Best Of The West Reviews
Barbara Nelson Round Up Ready
Barbara Nelsons standard presentation of her swinging songs is done with a straightforward jazzy guitar This time shes added a friend on a second guitar
Nelsons smooth Jo StaffordRosemary Clooney-type vocal stylings are intact here and finely honed as ever She hails from Pendleton Oregon a long haul north from the Time Jumpers in Tennessee and the swing groups in Texas I bring that up because Ive got to say Id love to hear her sit in with a bigger swing outfit True part of her act is the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric guitar Still gotta say Im ready to hear more
Whats here is very good as always Pick tracks among the fif-teen include a slower bluesy take of Cow Cow Boogie a West-ern loping Accentuate The Positive Ol Buttermilk Sky Dont Get Around Much Anymore and a novel slow version of I Walk The Line Ok you California and Oregon swing groupsinvite Barbara for a recorded sit-in I bet well all be the richer for it
CDs $1299 ppd from Barbara Nelson 72521 Tutuilla Creek Road Pendleton OR 97801 or through wwwbarbaranelsonmusiccom
by Rick Huff
bestofthewestswpccom
1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report By Cade Schalla Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit I knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off the road The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas Carol
also operates the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at the ranch and chose her show barn to be the setting for the event The entertainment was top notch and everyone there left know-ing they had seen a great show Many of the guest had never heard cowboy poetry and had never experi-enced western entertainment but before the night was over they were all fans Scott Bumgardner started us off with some of his poetry and stories or should I say Lies I followed Scott and performed several of my poems along with one I recently wrote titled Corporate Cowboy which I think
spoke to most of the audience We then took a break and enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket sausage an all the fixins not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob-
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
11
bler and brownies The entertainment resumed with a perform-ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they do best The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank Linda and Joe and played some authentic cowboy music and western swing We had a cash bar on site and folks were able to have a drink enjoy the night and even do a little dancing I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to having it again next year Cade Schalla
cadecadeschallacowboypoetry
A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010
honoring Living Leg-
ends presented by
Backforty Bunkhouse
Productions in coop-
eration with the Cow-
town Society Of West-
ern Music These
awards will be given at
the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral
Wells Texas on May 1st 2010
Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with
the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February 2010
Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of
Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi-
nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing
and promoting the western swing ndash western industry
―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal
says Joe Baker owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
After discussing this project with CSWM President Gary Beaver
and weighing our ideas Living Legends seemed to please both
of us ―The Living Legends is a new addition to the CSWM An-
nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty
Bunkhouse Productions For more information on the ―Living Leg-
ends Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music
please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at
joebackfortybunkhousecom
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the
Radio Station of the Year
award from the Western Mu-
sic Association The award
was announced at the annual
Awards Show in Albuquerque
New Mexico on November 21
Hampton and Boatright were
on hand to accept the award
The Western Music Associa-
tion is comprised of fans
western music artists and DJs The awards are nominated and
granted based on the voting membership
Hampton and Boatright started the Ralphs Backporch show 2
years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX Using an
internet website they broadcast western music cowboy po-
etry and interviews to a global audience over the internet three
times a week On Monday Wednesday and Friday evenings they
can be found sitting at their desks with headphones talking and
joking it up for a growing western music audience
Western Music is on the rise Ralphs Back Porch is at the fore-
front of making that happen said Paul Harris western music per-
former and member of the Western Music Association They do
things their own way not following the lines of traditional radio
their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west-
ern artists it brings the artists to the audience through live inter-
views and special live performances
Hampton defines the music that they play as anything a cowboy
will play sing or dance too giving the show a range of music on
any given night Often you will hear rodeo rock a buckle polishing
tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem Western music
and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s with sing-
ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry Bands such as the
Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi-
nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys That genera-
tion is now grown but remembers those days the cowboy code
and the romance of the cowboy Hampton credits part of the suc-
cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated
people want to go back to the simpler cowboy way The classic
and modern western tunes of horses open spaces and family
values touches all of us whether welsquore sitting at a desk on wall
street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming
The show registers thousands of listeners each month many of
them live while on air more in the archived version of the shows
One of the small town aspects of the show includes a chat room
where regular listeners congregate Everyday people such as Slim
McNaught of New Underwood South Dakota and locals such as
Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen fellowship and add color
and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of
the comments The live audience becomes part of the show
Others credit their success to the music that they play and their
relaxed interviews It balances the classic western and western
swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often
break the traditional rules Western music encompasses a broad
spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those
seamlessly at times other times contrasting them to show its di-
versity The interviews always live are relaxed and give listeners
a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music
itself Ralph often tells a guest sit back and relax were just visit-
ing here on the back porch Whether itlsquos talking about horses
bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug-
gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist Ralphs Back
Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a
glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that
they love
Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your
home computer and tune in to Ralphs Back Porch each Monday
Wednesday and Friday night 7 until 9 pm cst
at wwwblogtalkradiocomralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara
invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun
Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright
ralphsbackporchcom
Western Music Associations Radio Station of the Year 2009
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
12
Album Diggin Up Bones
Artist Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds
Label Arbors
It has been over 30
years since legendary
Jazz guitarist Bucky
Pizzarelli recorded a
duet album with Steel
Guitar icon Doug
Jernigan It has been a
long time waiting but
well worth it as he not
only has steel guitarist
Tommy White on this
new simply awesome
CD of 17 tunes but also
an incredible grouping
of family members and
other super musicians and vocalists In addition to Buck on
rhythm guitar and Tommy on steel the album features Bucks two
very talented sons superstar John Pizzarelli lead guitar and Mar-
tin Pizzarelli bass Young Aaron Weinstein is the fiddle player
and also is featured on mandolin on one of the instrumentals
Stage Fright Also heard is Danny Coots playing drums and a
myriad of tremendous vocalists
The vocalists heard on the album include Becky Kilgore on six of
the cuts Andy Levas on five cuts and long time major league
umpire Cowboy Joe West on two cuts There are three instru-
mentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Aint Oklahoma Pretty
John and his wife Jessica Molaskey are known as The West
Texas Two and are heard on two tunes behind Andy on Stan
Jones Ghost Riders in the Sky from Vaughn Monroe Peggy Lee
and the Sons of the Pioneers and behind Becky on Jessica and
Johns own Cowboy Lullaby
Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles-
pies Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills Cindy
Walkers Youre from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank
Loessers Jingle Jangle Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene
Autry The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencers
Over Nevada also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel
TormeRobert Wells gem Tacos Enchiladas and Beans Andy is
also heard on vocal on Harlan Howards Pick Me Up on Your Way
Down from Charlie Walker Your Cheating Heart from both Hank
Williams and Joni James Nat Stuckeys Diggin Up Bones from
Randy Travis and Johnny Russells Act Naturally from Buck
Owens and the Buckaroos Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on
Chuck Berrys Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of
Salt The remaining instrumentals are both Johns originals Tur-
key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home
The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s amp h from
wwwarborsrecordscom or by mail from Arbors Records Inc
2189 Cleveland Street Suite 225 Clearwater FL 33765
Mike Gross WVOF-FM Fairfield CT
swinginwestcom
The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards By Marvin Hodge
November 2009 has been a busy month First we got Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas to look forward to We are thankful for so many things including the freedom to choose to live the cowboy life and to be able to perform as a cowboy We are so blessed to be able to live in a country where we can choose For this we are grateful
to all those who came before us and served in our military and for those who still serve On November 28th we were honored to once again host The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame Awards The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists including cowboy and cowgirl singers inspirational songs poetry and lots of fun Cowboy Bill presented a Jr Cowboy Ambassa-dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin Jr There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came to see the cowboys Check out the photo of the award presenta-tion
L-R Cowboy Bill award recipient Joshua Paul Martin J Joshualsquos granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv
Until then we want all you pards out there to stay warm keep your powder dry and keep it cowboy Just remember Therelsquos the right way the wrong way and the helliphellipCowboy Way As always we continue to get CDs from many artists and groups and we welcome them all If you want to send us your CD we are at The Cowboy Way Show 146 Hwy 139 230 Monroe Georgia 30565 Our top ten playlist for November 2009 is 1 Cowboylsquos SweethearthellipGreta Hopkins 2 Doinlsquo Withouthelliphelliphellip Lamar Hunter 3 Trail BosshellipDevon Dawson 4 The Last Cowboy SonghelliphellipEd Bruce 5 Cross the Brazos at WacohellipBilly Walker 6 Waitinlsquo In Your Welfare LinehellipBuck Owens 7 Christmas As I Knew Ithellip Johnny Cash 8 Here Comes Santa ClaushellipGene Autry 9 Bitter CreekhellipMarvin OlsquoDell
10 The Farmer and the LordhelliphellipCowboy Bill amp Rhonda Carrier
wilrandcomcastnet
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
13
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
14
The Canton Chamber of
Commerce amp Tourism
Invites You to the Second
Annual
Western Swing Valentine Party
3 Big days of Western Swing Fun
February 11-12 amp 13 2010
Shows start at noon each daymdashin the Spacious
Canton Civic Center Down Town Canton Texas
Thursday Feb11
Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys
The Round Up Boys
Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band
Friday Feb 12
Dave Alexander amp his Big Western Swing Band
Jake Hooker amp the Outsiders
The Lone Star Troubadours
Saturday Feb 13
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
The Quebe Sisters
Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks
Admissions
$3000 any single day --- $2000 after 5 pm any day --- $7500 all 3 days
Full Camper hookups $2500 per day
Call Canton Chamber of Commerce amp Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets amp Information
wwwchambercantontxcom
We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
15
Cadersquos Cadence (Watch yet step)
Giving and Receiving
Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a
gift I think most people prefer to give
and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving
Notice the two key words here are give and receive Now bear
with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way
on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving
are Give and receive are opposites You cannot receive some-
thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if
there is nobody to receive it When there is no giving - there is no
receiving With giving there is receiving and receiving enables
giving By receiving what is given the ability to give increases
further When you give what you have - you receive more You
get all what you give and much more
Itlsquos actually a simple concept You have to be willing to give but
you also have to be willing to receive If you want knowledge than
give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others If
love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re-
ceive it in return If you want wealth then increase the wealth of
others and receive all the wealth that comes your way
Ilsquom reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers one
was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo-
ming They became good friends but one day after a bloody en-
gagement the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field He
reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop-
erty and gave it to his city friend ―I have no kin but I have this
this is my land the land Ilsquove been fighting for and the land I am
dying for take it and make it your dream in place of mine
The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he
scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the
land his friend had given him He didnlsquot know anything about
ranching and cows but he learned Through hard work and with
the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into
ranch and he turned it into a home He married that pretty girl
who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own Now
as you may have guessed and although he didnlsquot know it at the
time that girl was his friendlsquos fianceacutee and the boy was his friendlsquos
son But wait there is still one more twist to this story the city
boy as I refer to him for medical reason could not father a child
of his own
Funny how God works isnlsquot it Just imagine if the cowboy would
have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast
just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted By giving
the cowboylsquos dream didnlsquot die there with him on the battlefield
and in turn his son received a father By receiving the city boy
gave of himself to live out his friendlsquos dream and he in turn re-
ceived a son
This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to
receive for as it says in Luke 638―Give and it shall be given unto
you
cadecadeschallacowboypoetrycom
Bill McCalliersquos Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show Classical 905 WSMC-FM Chattanooga TN
Well we really rolled back the clock this month
with an old radio transcription of the Gabby
Hayes Show The original airing of this show
was between 1950 and 1956 some on NBC
and some on ABC Everybody remembers
Gabby Hayes He has a star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per-
formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri-
tage Museum in Oklahoma City I kicked off the Western
swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and Lets
Put The Western Back In The Country and We Work It Out Bill
Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama-
rillo Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS
affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar Best
kept secret in town Id say I did a segment on train songs again
this month They are some of my favorites Kate McKenzie with
―Pan American BoogieAsleep At The Wheel did the
―Chattanooga Choo ChooSteve Goodmans great song Ridin
On The City Of New Orleans is always a hit with public radio lis-
teners ―Golden Rocket from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can-
non Ball from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment Bill and
Bonnie Hearn graced us with Every Drop Of Water Shapes The
Stone Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all
instrumental Vince Gill songs called Up To The Gills Really
nice treatment of Ill Take Texas Dont Come Crying To Me
and Take Your Memory With You Luke Reed songs were in the
spotlight with Blue Mesa and Cowboy Is His Name and David
Johns honored us with Calico and Comanche Buddy Greene
provided some gospel favorites with Bringing In The Sheaves
and Power In The Blood Buck White joined Buddy on the piano
on Power In The Blood Hot Club of Cowtown were on deck for
a set of western swing with Draggin The Bow Polka Dots And
Moonbeams and Bonapartes Retreat I tried to get out to Red
Steagalllsquos big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar
on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and
had to change my plans but Im gonna try again next year to get
out and see Red Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red
called The Wind The Wire And The Rail I did a couple of seg-
ments of the show on that CD and its got some really nice songs
on it Red is so consistent in the quality of his work I played his
Wind In The Wheel The Code Of The West Hasnt Changed
Muley Was A Railroad Man and How Green Was The Grazinlsquo
Back Then We also played Reds McCorkle And The Wire and
his Silver Zepher On November 22nd while everyone was at
the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show we
were doing our 16th annual Live Cowboy Jubilee Radio
Show The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole
standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro-
viding the entertainment for that show We are now in our 17th
year with the show and its been a real pleasure bringing Western
music cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi-
ence We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only
entertainment but also information and history and inspirational
music Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the
show
Next month Ive got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee
Recording Michael Martin Murphy and Wylie and the Wild West
are both on the play list for December If you need to get in touch
with us at The Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show just go
to wwwcowboyjubileecom or you can now catch us on Face
Book Bill McCallies Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can
get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book We usually list the songs
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
16
well have on the next weeks show
We stream to the net at wwwwsmcorg every Sunday evening at
6pm and were locally at 905FM on the dial here in Chattanooga
and 90 miles out with 100000 watts of power We broadcast
from beautiful downtown Collegedale Tennesseewhere the air
always smells like a big oatmeal cookie
I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New
Year brings you good health and happiness and if youre ever in
Joe Bakers office and he doesnt offer you a Little Debbie Zebra
Cakeshame on him Ride Safe and well see you next time
billmccalliegmailcom
Sundays at 600 pm - wsmcorgwebstreamhtml
WMA Showcase and Awards Show
By Dallas McCord
My wife PJ and I just returned home two days ago from a two
week road trip to Albuquerque New Mexico
We went to the show without a showcase We went there without
a real game plan except to meet and greet people
PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends
the Criddles and our new friends Nels Nelson Nevada Slim and
Cimeron Sue
We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio
show and many of my music and poetry idols
I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again Said hey to my
old pard RW Hampton Had a private concert by
Donnie Blanz Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton
guitar Got to hear Stampede The Diamond W Wranglers Three
Trails West Trails And Rails and so many more Saw and talked
to my hero RJ Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle
This was an expensive trip for PJ and me However it was worth
every penny We can hardly wait till next year Where can an old
over weight balding man like me go and be surrounded by
beauty like Eli Barsi Juni Fisher Horse Crazy Mary Kaye Jenni-
fer Lind Kathy Criddle PJ McCord Paula of Trails and Rails
Sam DeLeeuw Terry Taylor Liz Masterson Jean Prescott and
Lindalee Green Ill think of more later tonight because there were
a lot of pretty ladies there
I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never
knew about the broadcasting world If youve never gone to this
event but youre thinking about itstop thinking about it and go
Youll be so happy you did However dont expect very much
sleep The jam sessions are legendary
Take a couple hundred business cards some CDs to sell some
CDs to give to us DJs and the WMA will supply the smiles and
memories
In harmony
Dallas McCord
AWA Disc Jockey of the Year
KNND 1400AM Sundays 1PM to 4PM
Cowboy Culture Corner
Keep out of the wire
A Style All His Own - Musician Doesnrsquot Let Loss Of
Fingers Slow Him Down
Like most professional musi-
cians Ray Pack has a unique
style His however was born out
of necessity
Pack 69 strikes notes of classic
country tunes on an electric guitar
using a pick in his right hand that
has only three nubs for a thumb
and index and middle fingers Si-
multaneously his left hand which
at first glance looks like a small
tightly balled fist moves deftly up
and down the fretboard
Closer inspection of the left hand
reveals no digits Skin grafts from
his knuckles to his palm enclose
what little digits remained after he
burned his hands at 11 months old
when he fell into a fireplace
―Music was the biggest influence
in my life Pack said ―My life took
off when I knew I could play mu-
sic
Packlsquos lead guitar version of the
fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange
Blossom Special mdash with its driv-
ing rhythm to simulate the engine
chug of a speeding train mdash dem-
onstrates his virtuosity He is profi-
cient on lead guitar mandolin
banjo pedal steel and other
stringed instruments He also
plays harmonica piano and key-
board and sings when he per-
forms as a one-man band using a
karaoke-like sound system
―You can ask any musician in
Texas and theylsquoll tell you Ray
Pack is as good as any musician
with 10 fingerslsquo Pack said
Pack performs country songs
made famous by Ray Price Merle
Haggard Lefty Frizzell George
Jones and others from the 1920s
to the 1970s
Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing
it makes you not want to complain
about anything said Micki Carey
a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse
in Hawley where Pack performed
recently
―I think helsquos outstanding and I
admire him said Gary Rust who
has heard Pack perform several
times over the years ―He had a
situation that gave him a handi-
cap and he rose above it Ilsquom not sure I or many of my friends
could have done that
In a musical career that spans six decades Pack has played
across Texas and the Southwest The gigs have ranged from a
rough bar in the copper mining town Morenci Ariz where the
stage was fronted with chicken wire to protect the musicians from
Ray Pack 69 has been
playing the guitar since he
was 10 years old Pack who
lost his fingers after an acci-
dent resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
Ray Pack plays all stringed
instruments from the guitar
to the mandolin
Thomas MettheReporter-
News Ray Pack 69 has
been playing the guitar since
he was 10 years old Pack
who lost his fingers after an
accident resulting in severe
burns when he was a child
is a self-taught musician He
plays the instruments with
only the nubs on his hands
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
17
flying beer bottles to Nashvillelsquos storied Ryman Auditorium when
it was home to the Grand Ole Opry
―I donlsquot think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I havenlsquot
played Pack said
He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the
Nashville icon Tootsielsquos Orchid Lounge where Roger Miller Willie
Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they
became famous
Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the
Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff
(1903-1992) who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music
The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking
into Acufflsquos gift shop on Lower Broadway Pack followed the
sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover
Acuff jamming with musicians from other country starslsquo bands
Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen He
later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui-
tar
―I started to play with them Pack said ―They just stared at me
They were amazed I played with them all evening
Three years ago Pack played with Roy Clark one of his favorite
musicians during the West Texas Rehabilitation Centerlsquos annual
dinner show in Abilene A signed photo of Clark hangs in Packlsquos
living room
Talented musicians have been a part of Packlsquos life since he was
born in Stephenville in 1940
―My daddy played fiddle and guitar He had four brothers and
they could play any stringed instrument They could play the
necks off them Pack said
His motherlsquos brother now 87 still plays guitar as well Pack said
Carrying on the familylsquos musical talent seemed unlikely after
Packlsquos accident He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital Pack
said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted
in losing most of his fingers
―I got so weak I couldnlsquot cry The doctor told my dad to take me
home and let me die Pack said
Instead the elder Pack drove his son mdash against doctorlsquos advice
mdash to Baylor Hospital in Dallas
―They gave me blood transfusions at first Pack said
He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in-
cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what
remained of his hands
His early childhood years were difficult in part because of chil-
drenlsquos cruel taunts
―Ilsquove had many a fist fight over these Pack said as he raised a
hand
The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three
siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their
parents in 1950
―My parents didnlsquot think I could play a stringed instrument so I got
a harmonica I still have it Pack said
He mastered the instrument in two weeks He then took an inter-
est in his brother Dickylsquos mandolin secretly learning to pluck out
tunes
One day when brother Danny was practicing the guitar Pack
started playing the mandolin That evening the two boys sang and
played for their parents who were astonished Pack said
Pack first made money at music at the age of 12 when he and
some school buddies including fiddler Gene Stephens per-
formed as the Rambling Nine at a musical in Divide near Nolan
The stage was a flatbed trailer parked at the gas station
The band originally played for free but one man in the audience
took up a collection just for Pack
―He was so fascinated with me playing mandolin that he took off
his big hat and passed it around He got $1750 and said it was
just for me Pack said
He offered to split the money with his band mates he said but
they told him to keep it
―That was a lot of money then I had candy and soda pop money
for six months Pack said
After graduating from Noodle High School Pack settled in Abilene
in 1957 At the age of 17 Pack and friend Billy Light formed the
Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing-
ers over the years
One was Packlsquos brother Danny who worked as a singer and
picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998
Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack He worked many
jobs including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man
cab driver and disc jockey
―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing
music than in five days of DJ-inglsquo Pack said
Packlsquos musical career has enriched him personally as well
―I imagine Ilsquove got more friends in this world because of music he
said
He met his wife Kathy while performing at the Twilight Zone in
San Angelo They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary Her
career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed
well with the musicianlsquos late hours
Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear-
ances in the area including at Abilenelsquos now defunct Clover Club
He also played many weddings and other private parties
Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple
that had hired Packlsquos band for their wedding the year before and
the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his
four favorite country songs at the memorial service
The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building They wouldnlsquot let
me play old country songs only hymns So I played hymns I
improvised Pack said
When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other
engagement in the area he enjoys woodworking His specialty is
crafting cars trucks and other toys He also builds miniature
towns and other small-scale structures such as an old-fashioned
gas station outfitted with lights He first learned the craft in a high
school Ag class he said
But music remains his first love
―My job of playing music is one I love Pack said ―My job is to
shine in front of people And the more people there are the better
it is
Article was reproduced from the following website
reporternews - Your Abilene Online
httpwwwreporternewscomnews2009nov28a-style-all-his-
own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
18
Meet Jody Nix
By Joe Baker The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy
plains of West Texas A legendary style created in the 1940s and
50s by two great talents BOB WILLS amp HOYLE NIX continues to
excite audiences Hoyles son Jody Nix inherited his fatherlsquos love
of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in
life At age eight when most children were learning music scales
Jody began his professional career playing five nights a week for
his fathers band The West Texas Cowboys He learned the soft
swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided
by Hoyle Nix amp Bob Wills Jodys years of music education were
rewarded In 1973 at the age of twenty-one Jody had performed
on Bob Wills FOR THE LAST TIME album The young star had
indeed learned his profession well
After the death of
his father Jody
moved from the
drums to the fiddle
from back of the
stage to the front -
a move he was
destined to make
His natural talents
total dedication to
western swing fid-
dle have dazzled
audiences ever
since As a band
leader Jody created a mix of pure traditional western swing and
pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that
appeals to the educated listener of today His high energy stage
shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the
band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages
Realizing the importance of his band Jody carefully chose mem-
bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own The style
and experience blend to form a unique family Larry Nixs ex-
traordinary bass playing compliments his polished harmony sing-
ing making him a very special talent in the band Robert Weeks
is one of the finest young fiddle players in the business and
along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in
Texas Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional
career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel
players in the world Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band
as a great drummerkeeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys
Each musician understands and abides by Jodys policy (for both
him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use
Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the
finest professional music organizations anywhere They travel
across the country playing major rodeos clubs and conventions
to large audiences Jody received a special honor in 1989 when
he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci-
ety Black Tie amp Boots Ball for George Bush the President Of The
United States This was quite an honor and a cherished memory
Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest
artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the Tribute To Bob Wills
album This album was a Country Music Association nominee for
Album Of The Year honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994 In
1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in
Sacramento CA
Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small friendly West
Texas town of Big Spring He has a daughter Brooke and a son
and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil-
dren Reagan amp Jessica Jody believes success is due to hard
work determination and the use of a God-given talent He plans
to continue offering good clean family entertainment in concerts
and solid Texas dance music a combination he feels will become
only more popular in the years to come The tradition continues as
people of all ages come to dance listen and enjoy a man and his
music played the way it should be played
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The
Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the
Lincoln County Sheriffs Posse on Saturday December 12th at
Mountain Annielsquos Dinner Theater Doors open at 6pm dinner at
7pm and dance to Jody Nix amp The Texas Cowboys beginning at
8pm Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any
LCSP member
Cowboy Ball amp Mountain Annies scores a 10
By Joe Baker The Lincoln
County Sheriffs
Posse held the
5th Annual
Cowboy Ball at
Mountain An-
nies Dinner
Theater last
Saturday night
to a sold out
crowd of folks
who love to
dance to the
finest country
and western
swing music Big Spring TX Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow-
boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years pre-
sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions
Jim amp Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annies did all they
could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home from the
fabulous dinner and decorations Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has
found a new home
This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson
made a sur-
prise visit to
Mountain
Annies to
see what the
Lincoln
County
Sheriffs
Posses
Cowboy Ball
was all
about Its a
Lincoln
County Tra-
dition
Mark your calendars for December 11th 2010 for the 6th annual
Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annies Dinner Theater as
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix amp
The Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys
Jody Nix and NM Gov Bill Richardson
Joe Baker and NM Gov Bill Richardson
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
19
News from BobWillscom
Well Western Swing Fans itrsquos
hard to believe but welsquove almost
finished another year Itlsquos even
harder to believe that welsquove been
producing programs for Bob Wills
Radio since last July
Itlsquos time to thank all you fans around
the globe wholsquove supported our
programs and continue to listen in
Welsquore proud of the many great mu-
sicians wholsquove allowed us to inter-
view and talk to them about Bob
Willslsquo influence on their careers As I promised when we began
this series we
will continue
to do our best
to bring you
interesting
and informa-
tive programs
in the new
year
This past
month we
enjoyed a visit
at The Spoke
with the tal-
ented Floyd
Domino (See
pix) We
warmed up a
couple of old
classic inter-
views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley As you
know these are all archived so if you missed any they are still
available 247 We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas
Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys We
have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New
Year Folks like Mary Ann price Bert Rivera Howard Kalish Rick
McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few
As the old year draws to a close Dwight Adair and I want to wish
you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas
ever
Jim Gough
jimgoughrmrtexasaolcom
The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the 1950s It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke in South Austin Standing in front of the bus from left to right Floyd Domino your radio host Jim Gough and Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus Lone Star Band)
True Story of Rudolph
A man named Bob May depressed and brokenhearted stared
out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night
His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing
Boblsquos wife Evelyn was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldnt
understand why her mommy could never come home Barbara
looked up into her dads eyes and asked Why isnt Mommy just
like everybody elses Mommy Bobs jaw tightened and his eyes
welled with tears Her question brought waves of grief but also of
anger It had been the story of Bobs life Life always had to be
different for Bob
Small when he was a kid Bob was often bullied by other boys
He was too little at the time to compete in sports He was often
called names hed rather not remember From childhood Bob was
different and never seemed to fit in Bob did complete college
married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy-
writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression Then he
was blessed with his little girl But it was all short-lived Evelyns
bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob
and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in
the Chicago slums Evelyn died just days before Christmas in
1938
Bob struggled to give hope to his child for whom he couldnt
even afford to buy a Christmas gift But if he couldnt buy a gift
he was determined a make one - a storybook Bob had created an
animal character in his own mind and told the animals story to
little Barbara to give her comfort and hope Again and again Bob
told the story embellishing it more with each telling Who was the
character What was the story all about The story Bob May cre-
ated was his own autobiography in fable form The character he
created was a misfit outcast like he was
The name of the character A little reindeer named Rudolph with
a big shiny nose Bob finished the book just in time to give it to
his little girl on Christmas Day But the story doesnt end there
The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the
little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase
the rights to print the book Wards went on to print ―Rudolph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer and distribute it to children visiting Santa
Claus in their stores By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed
more than six million copies of Rudolph That same year a major
publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an
updated version of the book In an unprecedented gesture of
kindness the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May
The book became a best seller Many toy and marketing deals
followed and Bob May now remarried with a growing family be-
came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving
daughter But the story doesnt end there either
Bobs brother-in-law Johnny Marks made a song adaptation to
Rudolph Though the song was turned down by such popular vo-
calists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore it was recorded by the
singing cowboy Gene Autry Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success sell-
ing more records than any other Christmas song with the excep-
tion of White Christmas
The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago
kept on returning back to bless him again and again And Bob
May learned the lesson just like his dear friend Rudolph that be-
ing different isnt so bad In fact being different can be a blessing
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow-
boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer Jay
Riley West Sacramento CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru-
dolph
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
20
Lynn Ward Lynn Ward son of the
late Sidney Ward and
Lorene Cartwright
Ward was born March
18 1949 in Batesville
Arkansas He departed
this life on December
13 2009 at Calico
Rock Arkansas at the
age of 60 years 8
months and 25 days In 1968 Lynn was drafted into the United
States Army He spent a little less than two years in Germany
Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army
and then relocated to Cashmere Washington It was there he met
his wife Michelle Parsons They were united in marriage on De-
cember 29 1971 in Cashmere Washington Lynn has had sev-
eral bands over the years and has toured throughout the USA
Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Musiclsquos
Halls of Fame He was also a member of the area American Le-
gion Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge He was of the Christian faith
Lynn is survived by his wife of 38 years Michelle Ward of the
home two sons Kevin Ward and wife Shelia of Auburn Washing-
ton and Tom Ward of the home one daughter Heather Mag-
gunson and husband Todd of Bellingham Washington four
brothers Danny Ward of Mtn Home Jackie Ward of Mtn Home
Randy Ward of Marshfield Missouri and David Ward of Siloam
Springs Arkansas one sister Janice Ward of Hunt Texas six
grandchildren Drew Maggunson Taylor Ward Collin Mag-
gunson Bryn Maggunson Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host
of other relatives and many good friends He was preceded in
death by his parents
Cowboy Singer Mus-grave Dies Jim ―Curly Musgrave a multi-
award-winning western singer
songwriter poet and musician
who lived in Lake Arrowhead
died Sunday De 13 2009 of a
malignant brain tumor He was
66
Musgrave who performed tradi-
tional cowboy and western songs
across America with this musical
partner Belinda Gail of Crestline
died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi-
tal in Fontana
―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill-
nesses in the past few years and on Monday Dec 7 was diag-
nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor said his close
friend Gene Wright of Blue Jay
Norma Austin Fred Berry Jimal Bible Tom Burgess Rosie Carberry Mary Corley Dugg and Joyce Collins Gwen Cox Glynn Fairburn Jim Cox and Family Mark Giles Joann Gillean Paige Haas Darci Hahn Lelsie Harris Chuck Hayes Briggs Hill and his family Earl Hill Bud House Marian Howell Mary Hunter Ray Hunter Dennis Ivey
Odis James Norma Johnson Rick Langford Big Bill Lister Family Millie Mack Mel McDaniel Carl McDonald Curly Musgrave Family Bob Nible Joe Paul Nichols Beverly and Joel North Rich OlsquoBrien Walter Pate Johnny Patterson Lyall and Donna Paulson Jim Quisenberry Louise Rowe Connie Stom Jimmy Tomlinson Lynn Ward Family Mike Ward Charlie Watkins Ed White
One morning I was reading the internet posts on
the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name
Joe Baker appeared along with a website The
post mentioned western swing music so that
automatically peaked my curiosity As a result of
the internet post I was introduced to the Back-
forty Bunkhouse Radio Show from Ruidoso NM
I have not been the same since After checking
out the website I found the show is on each Sat-
urday morning and is also achieved in case one
missed a show Most importantly I found a radio
station that plays my kind of music The show is
filled with straight forward traditional country
western swing and cowboy music I still cannot
get over the show format and the featured artists
I now hear artists that I have not heard for years
or some I have never heard This show has
changed my outlook on radio I keep telling my
friends ldquoThere is still hope Thanks to Joe Baker
and The Backforty Bunkhouse Showrdquo
Your fan
Tom Burgess
burgesstsbcglobalnet
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
21
Moore Martha Dean (McKinney) Peacefully passed away in her home on
Monday November 9 2009 in Sacra-
mento California She was preceded in
death by her beloved husband Billie M
(Tiny) Moore parents Dewey and Margaret
McKinney sister Helen V Ridge and her
loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet
She is survived by her children daughters
Debra M Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of
Sacramento son Richard D Moore wife Patti and their sons
Jarod and Danny of Auburn California She also leaves her sister
and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills of
North Highlands California
Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the
McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in
Birmingham Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12
years old During their early career they were also known as ―The
Jim Dandy Sweethearts ―The Song Twins ―The Double Cola
Twins and ―The Coeds They appeared with the Sons of the Pio-
neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee with
Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody the Banjo King After working in
Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys Their first work with Bob Wills
was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short
film for Universal Studios A long and successful career with Bob
Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM Columbia and The
Tiffany Transcriptions During this time Dean met her husband
and musical collaborator Tiny Moore who played the electric
mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys Dean and Tiny set-
tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on
Auburn Boulevard Western Swing Music was the attraction for
dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tinylsquos band that
included Evelynlsquos husband Billy Jack Wills
Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God Dean and Tiny were
among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car-
michael Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by
frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise
Two LPlsquos of sacred music were produced ―Softly and Tenderly
and ―Heavenlsquos Harmony Dean was an unwavering presence in
her childrenlsquos lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations
throughout their early school years She enthusiastically sup-
ported every activity that interested her children She was a won-
derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners
for friends and family They performed as a duo frequently joined
by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap-
pear at concerts and private gatherings
After Tinylsquos death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento
Western Swing Society serving as their President for many years
During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing
with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show
case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing
Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char-
acter and wisdom unfailing support and abiding love She will be
remembered by all for her talent her grace her kindness and her
sweet humor
Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady
Services were held on Friday November 20 2009 at 200 pm at
the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane Sacra-
mento California 95841
―He was so dearly loved and respected a man whose grace and
goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him
Wright said
Musgravelsquos ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong In addition to
living here he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice
locally and performed along with Belinda Gail as part of the Ar-
rowhead Arts Associationlsquos 2008 summer concert series at Tav-
ern Bay Beach
Musgrave a native of Calgary Alberta Canada died just six days
before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit
concert in Apple Valley called ―Curlylsquos Cowboy Christmas for
Roy and Dale Rogerslsquo Happy Trails Childrenlsquos Foundation for
abused children
―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda-
tion for the past several years said Nancy Wright another close
friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen
At the time of his death Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon-
terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival keeping the duolsquos com-
mitment The event had been dedicated to him
―His concerts were very spiritual Nancy Wright said ―They
touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us
Curly Musgravelsquos talents as a singer and songwriter have been
widely recognized by his professional peers He was named the
Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso-
ciation (WMA) In 2003 he was the WMAlsquos Male Performer of the
Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also
named the organizationlsquos Top Male Western Musician
In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year
and Songwriter of the Year He and Belinda Gail were named the
Traditional DuoGroup of the Year by WMA in 2005
Musgravelsquos career is well summarized at wwwchilcotincom
where he ―cowboyography says of him ―For over three decades
helsquos performed for royal prime ministers presidents and poten-
tatesfor grandkids on his kneesfriends in the living roomand
pool players hi honky tonks
Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years
and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD Mus-
grave also released four solo albums Their music is available
online at wwwcdbabycom
Both had successful solo careers before they met Belinda said
but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together Synergy was a
word that was often attached to our relationship It was like one
plus one equaled six
Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest
friend He went out of his way to help others He was an incredi-
bly giving person and so nonjudgmental He made it safe to just
be you in his presence A beautiful light has gone out on this
earth
Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career ―I think
Curly would come back and haunt me if I didnlsquot she said ―Every
time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly She and Musgrave
were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death In lieu of
flowers Curlylsquos family asks for contributions to pay for the com-
pletion and release of that album To contribute go to
wwwcowboypoetrycom and look for ―quiet fund
Musgrave is survived by his wire Kathi sons Jim Jr of Victorville
and Jon of Lake Arrowhead six grandchildren and one great-
grandchild A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve-
ning of Jan 9 at a place to be determined
Taken from ―Mountain News by Glenn Barr Reporter
Dec 172009 Issue
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
22
While preparing for another recording session Lister told Williams
that he needed a good beer drinking song Williams said Dont
worry about it big un I got you covered I got one thats hottern a
pistol The following morning Williams dropped by Listers house
with an acetate of Theres A Tear In My Beer
Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk
to be forgotten for the next thirty five years Lister later gave the
acetate to Hank Williams Jr and it become a million selling duet
between father and son
In 1952 Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded
the Drifting Cowboys band Lister remained in Nashville until July
of 1952 He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas hosted an
Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Rubys Carou-
sel Club each Sunday night He would then drive back to San
Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend
throughout 1953 and 1954
Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasnt doing too
good anywhere so I just kind of drifted out of the business
Lister recalled
He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought
after engraves man in the Texas industry He continued to play
opry shows school houses and the occasional concert with some
of his friends but did not record again until the 1980s His Sho
Nuff Country Stuff album was released on the Salt Lick label
based in Ft Worth
The rediscovery of Theres A Tear In My Beer and its subse-
quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr brought a sub-
stantial amount of publicity for Lister He appeared on radio sta-
tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on
Nashville Now with Ralph Emery
In 1998 Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to
raise money to build a country music museum in Brady Texas
The song Take Me Back was part of a compilation album that
helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum
Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of
his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap-
pearances at the museum throughout the years
Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in
1999 with Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through
Story and Song It was a live project that mixed Listers memo-
ries of his years with Williams It also featured him performing
some of Williams hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister
Williams daughter Jett performed for Listers 86th birthday cele-
bration in Llano Texas earlier this year
In the book Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk
Jockey Lister said he wanted to be remembered as someone
who stood tall for Traditional Country Music
Big Bill Listers wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart
of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge Brady
TX 76825
Tracy Pitcox Heart of Texas Records
heartoftexascountrycom
Joe Bakerrsquos Recognition and Honors
Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear
Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame Membership DirectormdashCowtown Society of Western Music
Board of DirectorsmdashCowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame
Backforty NewslettermdashCSWMrsquos Publication of the Year 2009 The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame
KNMB Western Music Assn 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW Western Music Assn 2007 Radio Station Of The Year
Country Music Associa-
tion of Texas Hall of
Famer Big Bill Lister
passed away Tuesday
December 1 2009 at
1035 pm in San Antonio
TX He was 86
During October Big Bill
entertained 310 people on
a seven day cruise out of
Galveston Texas for
Country Cruisin 2009
Heart of Texas Records
President Tracy Pitcox said He received a standing ovation
every night He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU
for thirty days with a severe lung infection He was just too weak
to overcome the illness
Lister was born on January 5 1923 in Kenedy Texas Lister
grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers He made his radio
debut over KNEL in Brady Texas in 1938 playing a Sears Roe-
buck $398 guitar
Lister made some transcriptions for XEG in Mexico before mov-
ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio After World War II
Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him
on guitar With Tommy and Kenny Hill Lister formed Bill Lister
and the Texas Hillbillies Lister was hosting two shows each day
on the powerful 50000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti-
cal
At 6 foot 7 12 inches Lister was tagged with Radios Tallest
Singing Cowboy during this time
Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in
San Antonio His release of This Time Sweetheart and Local
Yokel became regional hits in Texas
Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951
I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for
down through South Texas Lister recalled And Tex suggested
that if I really wanted to do anything that I needed to either go to
the West Coast or Nashville
Ritter told Capitol A amp R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a
recording contract With a contract in his hand Lister went to the
Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on
the historic show Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a
front man He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru-
ary of 1951
Hank and I became real good friends Lister said We had an
awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the
same people growing up When I originally went out there I was-
nt supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out But be-
fore the first week was over Hank asked me if Id mind playing
second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical
rhythm
Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13
1961 at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville
Grady Martin Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister
on Beer Drinkin Blues and RC Cola And A Moon Pie
During his time with Williams Lister was a part of the Hadacol
Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope Milton Berle and
Minnie Pearl He was also featured on the Mothers Best Radio
shows from Nashville
