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Home , Band of Heathens, Billy Joe Shaver, Charley Pride, David Kent (historian), Delbert McClinton, Ghost on Ghost

In each room of the performing arts center in Gainesville — about 70 miles north of the -Fort Worth metroplex — you’ll find young musicians of all types stringing their , strumming their guitars and belting out tunes. They’re all participating in the Big Aug. ‘13 Swing School, learning to play Texas extra Swing, known to some as the original Texas music. “It was a joining of two genres of swing music,” says executive director Dave Alexan- der, who founded the school. “Big band music news calendar releases q&a and cowboy music, which was based.” click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read Don’t be fooled, though: these students are Students attending the Big Texas Swing School range from no amateurs. “I can play the fiddle, guitar, 11 to 17 years old. mandolin, drums and ,” Colby Sheppard School of Swing says. “I can play a lot.” The students range in included legendary pickers Merle Travis and Up in Gainesville, Texas, apparently, age from 11 to 17, and, like Sheppard, most play . He also recorded at Motown is still the king. Texas Swing may be a genre several instruments. They work in different Records and played with and Merle that’s a century old, but now it’s gaining groups throughout the day. Then, once well re- Haggard before teaming up with Nelson from popularity with a new generation through a hearsed, they to make one big 1973 through 2008. “My role was to try and summer music camp that’s in its fourth year. sound. “It’s not an easy music to play. It’s not put something down for Willie to walk on [with a three-chord country song,” Alexander says. his guitar],” Payne told Joe Nick Patoski in “There are lots of chords and a lot of harmo- Nelson’s biography, An Epic Life. “Try to lay it ny. Everybody has lots of different jobs.” And down for him and sing a little harmony to sup- each possesses a passion to bring this clas- port his vocals.” Payne’s twangy Telecaster extra sic music to today’s generation. “I feel like it’s and gruff voice complemented Nelson’s clean my job — and others who are interested in this vocals and nylon-stringed stabbing. “We cre- music — to keep it alive and bring it back,” stu- ated musical history,” Payne said of his collab- PUBLISHER/ STEWART RAMSER dent Mikky Daniel says. Adds Shannon Hall: editor-in-chief oration with Nelson, which lasted more than “I think it’s great that the next generation three decades. “It wasn’t me, it was us. I was EDITOR TOM BUCKLEY of musicians are rising up and taking their just a small part place and making their mark in the world.” Payne (left) with . The performers’ distinct ASSOCIATE EDITOR WILLIAM MICHAEL SMITH styles complemented one another. of something people wanted Contributors KEVIN ALLEN Custom Label Loss in the Family to hear, and ALLIE EISSLER Big Bend Records, a new independent record Jody Payne, longtime guitarist for Willie Nel- we entertained ANNE HERMAN label, officially launched at the Viva Big Bend son, died Aug. 10 from cardiac complications. them.” After re- DAVID MENCONI music festival in late July. Texas Music pub- Payne woke up early feeling ill and was taken to tiring from the SARAH WHITE lisher Stewart Ramser, a partner in the new the hospital by ambulance. The musician, who stage in 2008, www.txmusic.com label, says it will focus on Texas artists, just as was 77, had a history of cardiac issues. “Sad to he moved to the quarterly magazine he launched in 2000 report that Jody Payne passes away,” stated Stapleton, Ala., mailing address po box 50273 has done for 13 years. “I’m continually inspired a post on Nelson’s Facebook page. “Our friend with his wife, austin, tx 78763 by the amazing amount of talent in this great will be missed. Seriously getting back Vicki. There SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-877-35-TEXAS state,” Ramser says. “With Big Bend Records, together in heaven now. Jody Payne with [bass he continued OFFICE: 512-638-8900 we can foster these artists and give new and player] Bee Spears and [stage manager] Pood- playing music, E-MAIL: [email protected] established musicians the attention they de- C o p yri g ht © 2 0 1 3 by T e x as M usic , L . L . C . ie [Locke].” Payne, the shaggy, Kentucky-born teaching gui- A ll ri g hts reserved . serve.” Big Bend Records is one element of a guitarist, was a skilled country and bluegrass tar at a local Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. new Texas Music partnership created by Ram- player from an early age; his first teachers music store. ser, Jon Niess and Julian Lowin. news calendar releases q&a click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read

Texas Troubadour journeys in trying to make a go of their musi- will be coming to television cal dreams, capturing them both onstage and in the fall. The legendary singer- off. Filmed mostly in Texas, the docu-reality and actor has signed on for the third season of show has won 17 Telly awards. Kristoffer- Troubadour, TX, which will begin airing in late son will serve as a weekly segment host for September. The series follows a diverse col- the 22-episode season. He’ll share personal lection of singer- on their various stories of his life as a singer-songwriter, ex- plore the influence of Texas music and artists, and offer his unique perspective on the challenging journey of

artists. The Grammy-win- ning country legend, whose songs include “Me and Bob- by McGee,” “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” will also appear in a one- hour special, Troubadour, TX Presents an Evening With Kris Kristofferson, which will air nationwide this fall on networks carrying the tele- vision series. Augie’s Time “You didn’t think we’d put Doug on display without Au- gie, did you?” Michael Ann Coker, co-founder of the South Texas Popular Culture Center (or Tex Pop), asks when discussing the cen- ter’s latest exhibit, a tribute to Augie Meyers entitled “Kep Pa So.” In May 2012, news calendar releases q&a click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read

says, “who have a strong desire to play the Road to Recovery lon Jennings-Old 97’s collaborations and guitar but don’t have the financial resources is out of the hospital but not some Old 97’s demos on a new six-track EP to be able to purchase an instrument.” out of the woods. Three weeks after suffer- that will be available in a digipack with art ing heart failure and a stroke, the country from Jon Langford (of the Mekons and Waco The Wedding Singer star was transferred to a physical therapy Brothers) and insightful and hilarious liner From “Miss Independent” to marriage mate- center for more treatment. The release and notes from the band’s Rhett Miller. rial, is having a hootenanny transfer came three weeks after Travis was in the video for her new single, “Tie It Up!” admitted to Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano Songs for West The alum shows the bride and for treatment of congestive heart failure. Central Texas musi- groom how to have a good time in her video He later suffered a stroke, which doctors cians were among the for the track that’s pop princess meets Pet- said was a complication of the heart failure. first to support efforts ticoat Junction in a throw-down barn wedding “Thanks to all the fans and friends for your to rebuild West after celebrating love of all kinds. The song is boun- continued prayers and support as Randy its devastating April cy and twangy enough to guarantee a place continues on the road to recovery,” his fian- 17 fertilizer company of honor at plenty of upcoming marriage cel- cé, Mary Davis, said in a written statement. explosion. They con- ebrations. And it’s a charming video, which Travis, 54, was initially hospitalized July 7 tinue to do so. The first splices footage of wedding singer Kelly — at Baylor Medical Center in McKinney with wave of support came in dozens of benefits flashing her own impressive engagement ring a presumptive cardiomyopathy and conges- and benefit performances raising money — with clips of actual nuptials. Clarkson proves tive heart failure. The singer transferred to rebuild homes and buildings and replace that weddings need just two things to ensure to the Heart Hospital the next day. He was firefighting and emergency equipment lost a good time: love and good music. Country eventually diagnosed with an acute viral ill- in the blast. Other help, such as the new music is hardly foreign territory to Clarkson, ness and scarring of his heart, which made Songs for West, Texas CD, took more time Doug Sahm was the subject of the first exhibit who’s performed with Martina McBride and his heart too weak to support his health to prepare but represents another part of put together by Tex Pop, a labor of love Coker Reba McEntire, among others, and last year without devices and medication. He has a the ongoing effort to support the town’s re- and longtime Austin Chronicle writer Margaret became engaged to McEntire’s stepson, Bran- family history of cardiomyopathy, and his ill- covery. Sixteen area bands and performers Moser opened at the center. Now it’s time to don Blackstock. The couple is planning a fall ness is probably related to that, his doctors contributed songs and tracks for the proj- honor Meyers, Sahm’s partner in crime in the wedding in Nashville. said. ect. Some are West-specific in their lyrics, Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados, others more general in praise of the courage and a well-established solo artist whose Vox Alt- of first-responders, sadness for the loss of organ sound is known worldwide. Those want- attended an Old 97’s gig in those who died or respect for a small town ing to experience the exhibit and see memo- 1996 and later that year joined Ken Bethea, pulling together for its own. John Dempsy’s rabilia from Meyers’ career can visit Tex Pop Murry Hammond, Rhett Miller and Philip Pee- “Heroes and Angels” leads off the CD, and on Saturdays and Sundays (noon to 4 p.m.) ples in a studio in Nashville to cut two tracks his raw emotion and pain about the tragedy through Sept. 29 and by appointment. that combine the energy of a young band sets the tone for much of the . Other with the classic delivery of an outlaw icon. performers include Chris Low, Rushin Steele, Gift of Music Sadly, Jennings Joel Wood, Casey Kelley, Common Ground, A father and daughter are bringing music to passed away , Jeremy Lynn Woodall with children in East Texas. The Chinn Guitar Proj- in 2002, and Billy Joe Shaver, Dale Dillard and Jerry Da- ect donated 10 guitars and music books to these record- vis, Jameson White, Steve Dansby, M.W.G., the Boys and Girls Club of Longview Aug. 7. ings — some of Doc Mojo and Travis Kounty. David Doran The project has also teamed up with 20 local Jennings’ last wrote “Song in the Sky,” which the Midnight guitarists to come in and give lessons to the — never saw the Trio performs, and did much of the heavy kids at the club. Started earlier this year by light of day un- lifting on the compilation in soliciting songs Ken and Tara Chinn, the project has donated til April 2013. and performers as well as handling the re- guitars to the children’s hospital in Dallas and On Oct. 1, Om- cording’s audio and mastering in his Analog area schools. “We’re involved in giving away nivore will re- Ears Mastering Facility. Waco musician Tea guitars to sick and needy children,” Ken Chinn lease the Way- Aguilar created the CD’s graphics. news calendar releases q&a click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read

Airstream Advertising It can’t be missed, the 30-foot vintage or- ange and baby-blue Airstream trailer with the words “Austin, Texas: Live Music Capi- tal of the World” sprawled across it. This Airstream is a continuously traveling music machine, and it’s all part of an Austin Con- vention and Visitors Bureau promotion to pay tribute to the city, distribute swag and information about Austin, and serve as an anchor at media events and as a VIP lounge for musicians and meeting professionals. All along the road, the refurbished trailer has received spottings that befit its celebri- ty status. “Taking the Airstream on the road gives us a unique opportunity to showcase what sets Austin apart,” says Julie Chase, vice president of marketing and tourism for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have lots of musicians who come in and do interviews in the back area. It’s a fun, inter- active way to bring a bit of Austin to the rest of the country.” Outside, the eye-catching paint job is more than a moving billboard — it’s a backdrop for sidewalk concerts and photo-ops. Pictures posted on with the hashtag ATXAirstream are eligible to win a trip to Austin. ASCAP Awards to be held Nov. 4 at the newly opened Music City Cen- ter in downtown Nashville. “ is a living legend whose revitalization of music defined a generation of coun- try singers and continues to inspire song- writers today,” said ASCAP president and chairman Paul Williams. “He’s topped the charts more often than any country artist in history, captivating millions while remaining true to his style and love of tradition.” Draw- ing from traditional honky-tonk and Western swing, Strait modernized the old styles for a new decade and in the process became one King George of the most popular and influential singers of The American Society of Composers, Au- our time. His signature sound spurred a wave thors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor of neo-traditionalist singers from Randy Tra- the King of Country, George Strait, with the vis and Dwight Yoakam to , Garth ASCAP Founders Award at the 51st annual Brooks and . news calendar releases q&a click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read calendar

AUGUST

16–24 14 new releases North Texas State Fair & Rodeo Kolache Festival Downtown Square Fairgrounds July 1 Mike Stinson Hell and Half of Georgia Self-Released Denton Caldwell www.ntfair.com www.burlesoncountytx.com July 9 Octopus Project Fever Forms Peekaboo 24 19–21 July 9 Earl Poole Ball Pianography Tin Tube Tunes Bat Fest Larry Joe Taylor’s Rhymes and Vines July 16 Colin Gilmore The Wild and Hollow Woobietown Melody Mountain Ranch Congress Avenue Bat Bridge July 16 Jason Cassidy Keep It Country A-Blake Austin Stephenville www.roadwayevents.com www.larryjoetaylor.com July 23 Sara Hickman Shine Kirtland July 23 Guy Clark My Favorite Picture of You Dualtone Margarita and Salsa Festival 19–22 Extraco Events Center Oktoberfest Aug. 1 Sam Baker Say Grace Self-Released Addison Circle Park Waco Aug. 6 Polyphonic Spree Yes, It’s True Kirtland Jason Cassidy performs on www.hotfair.com Addison Thursday, Sept. 12. www.addisontexas.net Aug. 6 Amanda Shires Down Fell the Doves Lightning Rod 30–31 Aug. 6 The Please, Please Me Shake a Little Harder Self-Released GATORFEST Summertime Bikes & Blues Fest 19–21 Fort Anahuac Park Memorial Park Utopiafest Aug. 20 Sweetheart of the Sun Darling Street Four Sisters Ranch Sept. 12–15 • Anahuac Freeport Aug. 20 Brandon Rhyder That’s Just Me Reserve www.freeportbluesfestival.com Utopia www.texasgatorfest.com www.utopiafest.com Aug. 27 Black Joe Lewis Electric Slave Vagrant 30–9/1 Spend a weekend in the alligator In Preparation for Central Texas State Fair 27–10/6 Aug. 27 Ali Holder Self-Released capitol of Texas at Anahuac’s annual Saturn’s Return Bell County Expo Center Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo Gatorfest. Expect no shortage of Belton Fort Bend County Fairgrounds Sept. 1 Hank Woji Holy Ghost Town KZ alligators at the festival, with airboat www.centraltexasstatefair.com Rosenberg ride tours, an alligator round-up, www.fbcfa.org Sept. 3 ATO fried alligator on a stick and even a SEPTEMBER Sept. 3 Reckless Kelly Long Night Moon No Big Deal Miss Gatorfest Pageant. The event 27–10/20 will feature plenty of live music, too, Sept. 10 Brian Wright Rattle Their Chains Sugar Hill 12–15 State Fair of Texas including the Josh Abbott Band, Fair Park Whiskey Myers, Stoney LaRue, Aaron GrapeFest Sept. 10 Patricia Vonne Rattle My Cage Bandolera Historic Main Street Dallas Watson and the much-buzzed-about www.bigtex.com Sept. 10 Drew Kennedy Wide Listener Atlas Aurora Fort Worth ensemble the Quaker City Grapevine www.grapevinetexasusa.com Sept. 17 Traveling Companion Yep Roc Night Hawks. Festival-goers will also 28 find enducational opportunities with Blues, Brews and BBQ Sept. 17 Aisha Burns Life in the Midwater Western Vinyl Texas Parks and Wildlife on hand to Trans-Pecos Festival Kemah Boardwalk provide alligator facts, a waterborne El Cosmico Sept. 17 Band of Heathens Sunday Morning Record Boh Kemah safety center and historic offerings Marfa www.kemahboardwalk.com Pride: A Tribute to tied to the event location, Fort www.elcosmico.com Sept. 24 Neal McCoy Slate Creek Anahuac Park. If you want to get the Kevin Fowler’s Backyard Cook Off party started early, Sept. 6 and 7 is 13–14 Sept. 24 Sarah Jarosz Build Me Up From Bones Sugar Hill Central Texas Speedway the festival kickoff weekend, complete Dia De Los Toadies Oct. 1 John David Kent Before the Sun Comes Up Thirty Tigers with the annual BBQ cook-off, washer Panther Island Pavilion Kyle and horseshoe tournament, and Fort Worth www.kevinfowler.com street dance. — SARAH WHITE www.thetoadies.com news calendar releases q&a click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read

Michael Martin Murphey Water felt almost like a formal study in the the song is nothing but “a heartfelt, silly other song is titled “I’ve Got a Brain,” which Red River Drifter ways in which two musics may merge — Red sort of bumbling tune.” “Low Light Buddy of was never in doubt. Next time out, though, a River Drifter shimmers with the joy, excite- Red River Mine” tells the story of a love triangle over little less cleverness and a little more heart. ment and experimentation of a songwriter Although best a low thrum of strings and tense thumping — DAVID MENCONI with something to say. This is masterful, known for his bass, the wistful “Winter Prayers” offers a nuanced songwriting from one of the best. 1975 mega-hit momentary return to the sparse, acoustic “Wildfire” and — KEVIN ALLEN sound of old, and the fiery, full-bodied, film- Texas Jamm Band his contributions noir-like “Lovers’ Revolution” takes apathy Texas Jamm Band to the outlaw to task with lyrics on par with Beam’s best: GLAD/MDM country move- Iron & Wine “But now it’s come to pass / That every eye Now that George ment, by the ‘80s Ghost on Ghost beneath the mountain saw the smoke, but no Strait has an- one heard the blast / That no one knew the the cosmic cow- Nonesuch nounced his re- arm was broken, although everybody signed boy had aban- In the opening tirement, several the cast.” — ALLIE EISSLER doned Austin’s lines of “Grass members of his country scene Widows,” Sam backing band, to seek new musical frontiers, first gener- Beam sings, “We Ace in the Hole, ating a string of chart-topping country-pop found each other Chase Hamblin and the are putting their ballads (“What’s Forever For,” “Don’t Count blown between Roustabouts stock in another the Rainy Days”), then defying the record the trees / Waning Vaudeville project, the Texas execs’ wishes and releasing several moons wanting to Self-Released Jamm Band of traditional and original cowboy music, be swallowed by Your feelings — and they’re singlehandedly reviving a genre virtually the sea / Like we toward this re- anything but shy about their connections no one had paid much attention to since the fi na lly s aw th e co l - cord will prob- to the King of Country. In fact, they sound ‘60s. Tall Grass and Cool Water (2011) found ors of the world.” ably depend on just like you’d expect people who’ve been him taking a more experimental approach No words could more perfectly characterize your taste for backing George Strait for years to sound: to cowboy music, merging its rhythms and the troubadour’s transition from hushed, lo- highly theatri- a lot like George Strait. (Think the best of chord progressions with bluegrass licks fi folk singer to glittering jazz spectacle.The cal performance Strait’s B-sides, sans Strait.) In a music and instrumentation. On Red River Drifter, Shepherd’s Dog offered the first intimations art. Start with scene where the spotlight tends to falls on Murphey augments this cowboy-bluegrass of this surprising evolution in 2007, but this, the earnest lin- a solitary frontman, TJB is something of an hybrid by introducing musical strains from Beam’s fifth studio release, is the most col- er notes on the oddity; of their eight members, four trade his own past. The group-sung chorus of cow- orful addition yet to a musical palette that origins of the al- off lead vocal responsibilities. These guys boy waltz “Hardscrabble Mountain” reflects was once decidedly more monochrome. The bum’s title (“an feel more like a songwriters’ aggregate the sing-along refrain of his outlaw anthem result is as lush, textured and hypnotic as American appropriation thought to originate than a textbook country band. The clear “Cosmic Cowboy Pt. 1.” And on “Under a ever — an artful assimilation of lyrical po- from the French phrase ‘voix de ville,’ or standout track is the irresistible “Drinkin’ Rolling Sky,” his soaring country-pop melo- etry and pulsing drums, horns, trumpets ‘voice of the town’”) and the self-conscious- Doubles.” Guitarist Benny McArthur takes dies glossed up with choral woo-ooo-ooohs and guitar set to smooth ‘70s-esque soul ly stylized structure. There’s a halfway- lead on this one, recounting a familiar coun- channel the grandeur and emotion of his grooves. Ghost On Ghost opens exuberantly point instrumental called “(Intermission),” try trope: our protagonist’s love interest ‘80s Nashville work. Perhaps most striking with “Caught in the Briars,” a conflicted ode which sounds like a warped player piano, has “found somebody new,” but he’s doing about this album, however, is his reignited to a prostitute that sparkles with rustling and a circus-music “(Reprise)” toward the alright because he’s been “drinkin’ doubles knack for writing infectious songs. Whereas cymbals and tinkling piano. Meanwhile, the end. But get past the cutesy touches, and / ain’t got no troubles.” Also notable: “Can’t his recent albums, being somewhat preser- warm, loungey echoes of “Joy” prove Beam Vaudeville shows off some decent and eclec- You Hear Me Callin’,” a driving honky-tonk vationist in attitude, have put respect for still has a knack for crafting effortless love tic tunesmithing, including the classic power strut, “Wishful Drinkin’,” a pun-heavy their source material above all else — though songs that aren’t the slightest bit cheesy, pop of “Beautiful Things” and the countri- lament and “Language of Love,” a Latin- intriguing and enjoyable, Tall Grass and Cool despite his self-deprecating insistence that fied bar-band swing of “Leaving Town.” An- tinged two-stepper. — KEVIN ALLEN news calendar releases q&a click here to read click here to read click here to read click here to read q&a Glen Clark What made you record another Delbert and So you guys did a couple of records and then Glen album at this stage of your career? what happened? We’ve been talking about doing this for years, We did okay, but the scene was changing. And and we both just finally said let’s find the time. Austin was taking off. So when Delbert decid- We both wanted it. ed to head back to Texas and then Nashville, and I were lucky enough to How do you think it turned out? hook up with Kris [Kristofferson]. Of course, We set a standard for ourselves, and I think we I didn’t know it at the time, but that was an met it. Delbert and I are both pretty well off incredible stroke of luck. financially, so we did this on our own so no one would come in and tell us, “Do this” or “You What was it like working for Kristofferson? can’t spend that much.” It was an itch we both I’ve always heard he took great care of his Clark (left) and Delbert McClinton have recorded three albums had, and we wanted to scratch it. It’s not like together, including this year’s Blind, Crippled & Crazy. band? we have to put food on the table for the kids. A dream job. And for a songwriter like me, it Now I’m having fun instead of looking at the Why leave Fort Worth in the late ‘60s? was like getting your Ph.D. at the feet of a mas- bottom line. I’d been playing professionally for 10 years ter. I can’t begin to calculate what I learned and didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Delbert from Kris as far as songwriting. Or living. Will you be doing shows together? and I were both aspiring songwriters — he‘d We’ve got some shows, but nothing like a full written some songs that were recorded as B- Delbert’s been pretty disparaging of the “new tour supporting the album. But we’ll be team- sides by the Rondells — but we were trapped Texas music” stuff. What’s your take? ing up when it fits the schedule. What’s really in these blues and R&B cover bands. At that Now it’s more about what you see rather than cool, I think, is that we don’t need to do this in time, it was all about dancing and The Push. If what you hear. It’s a different format, and we some big hall — we can do this on a level where they couldn’t Push to it, you didn’t play it. I got have to accept that. Some people are willing (Michael Heeschen) we can go out and connect with people. sick of it. A friend who’d been in the Straight- to change their art for the biggest pay day, Texas hasn’t always been Ground Zero for the jackets called and said I should come out to but some aren’t willing to do that. Today so singer-songwriter movement. In fact, many So you’re thinking smaller venues? L.A. because that scene valued new, original many artists are trying to create something of the state’s most talented writers and per- That’s what I like to do now rather than those songs. So I went out, got me a job in a veteri- with a tool instead of being truly creative from formers moved to Los Angeles, New York or massive festival shows. I think a lot of people nary warehouse, played music at night, wrote within. Most of that stuff is dictated by radio Nashville in the ’60s and ’70s to establish can relate to these songs, and we don’t have songs and did the whole Topanga Canyon hip- programmers. I guess somebody has to do it, themselves in the music business. Fort Worth to be real loud to get them across. pie scene. We’d run into Neil Young at the gro- but I’m glad it’s not me. native Glen Clark is one such Texan. cery store. That’s part of the beauty of Delbert. But in spite of what can only be called You’ve had what most would call a very suc- He’s lived the life. He might be white, but it’s a highly successful career — he’s had songs cessful career, yet your public visibility is And Delbert followed you out? kind of like having Muddy [Waters] around. recorded by a veritable who’s who of roots, minimal. There isn’t even a bio for you on All- An old girlfriend of his got divorced, and he Delbert has walked the walk and he talks the country, R&B, blues and pop singers — Clark, Music.com. convinced her to come out to California. That talk. unlike Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Rodney [Laughs] You know, I think a lot of that comes didn’t last more than a month, and she was A lot of artists want desperately to Crowell, Steve Earle and literally hundreds of from being around Kris Kristofferson for so gone. But by then we had a little band going. cross over, to reach that pop audience, but Del- others, remains largely unknown outside the long. We’d go out and do those Highwaymen He got the song “Two More Bottles of Wine” bert is true to his roots. Hell, he was already cognoscenti. Few outside the music business shows, and the second the show was over Kris out of that little period. Delbert when I met him when he was 7 years recall the two albums he made with Delbert would bolt to safety, whereas Willie Nelson old, the blackest white boy in town. He could McClinton in the early ’70s, Delbert & Glen would be out there 45 minutes later still sign- So that song is pretty biographical? sing “Wake Up, Baby” by Sonny Boy William- (1972) and Subject To Change (1973). What’s ing autographs and shaking hands. It takes a Oh, yeah. [Laughs] Too much, maybe. But that son or “Two Steps From the Blues.” It didn’t charming is that Clark doesn’t seem to mind lot of mental effort to be in the spotlight. It’s song came along at a real good time for Del- matter that he was some cracker, he could sell his relative anonymity. definitely not for me. I prefer the background. bert. it. — WILLIAM MICHAEL SMITH