Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain

For two or three decades a small stack of my great-grandfather's old 78 records sat in a trunk among old newspapers and a decaying blanket. I had never paid those post-war country records any mind, and then one day, out of curiosity, I took them into the house, cleaned them in the sink with tap water and a microfiber towel, and let them dry in the dish rack. 

The next day I played some of the records only to discover that although I hardly knew my great-grandfather, we had very similar taste in music. I remember the moment the needle met the groove on Roy Acuff's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." My jaw dropped, for I had always thought the song was first recorded by Willie Nelson at Autumn Sound Studio in Garland, Texas, in 1975. That day of listening to those crackling old records turned my curiosity into a passion.

Here is another version of "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," sung by none other than the Lovesick Blues Boy, Hank Williams. 

A Country Legend in Cleats

Although I don't remember a great deal of my childhood, I remember seeing Charley Pride in a Texas Rangers uniform playing catch and chasing pop flies before a game in Arlington Stadium. Then when batting practice was over, the country music great, who was once a pitcher in the Negro Leagues, stepped up to the microphone and sang the national anthem.

Once I was older, I had the opportunity to see Charley Pride perform at a couple of Willie's Picnics. I always liked his rich voice and easy-going stage presence. When I think about it, I guess I have been entertained by Charley Pride for most of my life. And I imagine there are many folks here in North Texas who would say the same.

Here is Charley Pride singing Brownsville native Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee."

Making Bets on Kentucky Derby Day

Not being a gambling man, I don't usually pay the Kentucky Derby much mind, but every time I hear mention of it, the song "Dead Flowers" starts running through my head. However, the Rolling Stones' version is not the one I think of. I think of the cover by Texas' own Steve Earle, which I first heard while rolling down Highway 16 near Enchanted Rock many moons ago. 

For your listening pleasure, here is the Steve Earle version of "Dead Flowers." Keep your ears open for the "Kentucky Derby Day" reference. 

 

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Y'all!

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army's win against the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862, though, ironically, the holiday is not widely observed in Mexico. Interestingly enough, the Fifth of May is actually more of a Mexican-American phenomenon and was popularized by the Chicano movement of the 1940s and 1950s.

Here in Texas, Cinco de Mayo is a big event. And it should be, considering that Texas was actually part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas from the founding of Mexico until 1836. Today, I believe, is a good day to note that Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," was not only a Mexican citizen but a strong supporter of bilingual education. Yes, indeed, good ol' Stephen F. Austin was a holder of a Mexican passport, and he truly believed that bilingualism would help the Old Three Hundred better assimilate to life in Mexico (See: Carlos Kevin Blanton's The Strange Career of Bilingual Education in Texas, 1836-1981).   

Speaking of Austin, here is Alejandro Escovedo playing "Heartbeat Smile."

Where is Limburg, Texas?

Between 1844 and 1847, many German immigrants settled in Central Texas in what is now called the "German Belt." These immigrants, who primarily came from West Central Germany, settled towns such as New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Mason.

In order to add a bit of geographical authenticity to Waylon County, I dubbed one of the towns Limburg, after the town in the German state of Hesse, where many of the Texas Germans originated. Since Texas did not have a Limburg, I decided to give it one. 

Below you will find a picture of the package of Limburger cheese that Martina bought recently. Let's just say that it has a rather interesting bouquet. I'm sure my dear ol' dad can attest since a high school buddy once hid a package under the seat of his car. 

Here is a link to Waylon County: Texas Stories in case you don't yet have a copy.

https://www.amazon.com/Waylon-County-Stories-Heath-Dollar/dp/0998066141

Texas Musicians Museum Evicted?

I was alarmed to see that the Texas Musicians Museum in Irving has been ordered to vacate the premises. Martina and I visited the museum the day it first opened, and I was thrilled to see a recording device used for the Lomax field recordings for the Smithsonian Institution as well as an old Stella parlor guitar like the one that Blind Lemon Jefferson would have played. I do not claim to know the circumstances, but I do hope that something gets worked out with the City of Irving and that the museum will be able to stay.

Here is an article from the Dallas Observer about the situation.

http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/texas-musicians-museum-may-be-on-its-way-out-in-irving-10647662

Basketball and Tube Socks

On May 1, 1980, tube socks with stripes across the top were in fashion and the Dallas Mavericks officially joined the NBA. Although the popularity of tube socks later waned, the popularity of the Mavericks increased.

I personally was a proud wearer of tall tube socks in the early 80s, and I was most definitely wearing such hosiery when I tried out for basketball in the seventh grade. I imagine that I would have eventually been drafted by the Mavericks were I able to shoot or dribble, but since I lacked those minor skills, I got cut from the junior high team.

I was hardly devastated when I was given the boot, and considering that the coach just shook his head and smiled when he saw me trying to play basketball like it was football, I saw it coming. Considering that my basketball experience to that point consisted of the occasional game of HORSE, my getting cut from the team was surprising to no one. I just laughed and moved on.