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Backforty Bunkhouse Newsletter Cowtown Society of Western Music ‘2009 Publication of the Year’ 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 www.Backforty Bunkhouse.com [email protected] www.MySpace.com/BackfortyBunkhouse Twitter.com/backfortyBH

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.

Est. January, 2007 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Joe Baker, Publisher Totsie Slover, Editor Howard Higgins, Joe Baker's Top 20 – December, 2009 5. Stardust Cowboys, Ridin‘ Back To You Advisor 6. Flying J Wranglers, My Adobe Hacienda Western Swing 7. Stephanie Davis, Western Bliss 8. Rich Flanders, Ride Away 1. Shorty Joe & Red Rock Canyon Cowboys, 9. Chuck Woller, (Deborah Liv Johnson Vocals) Best Of Desert Moon 2. Rebecca Linda Smith, True Love 10. Lynn Anderson, Cowgirl II 3. Dugg Collins, Looking Back-1977 11. Fred Hargrove, My Sacred Ground 4. Wendell Sollis, The Sidekicks 12. Gil Prather, Last Of The Border Cowboys mtdradio.com 5. Cornell Hurd, American Shadows 13. The Buckarettes, Cowgirl Serenade backfortybunkhouse.com 6. The Desperados, Lucky Seven 14. Prescott/Masterson/Hollenbeck Ranchlife101 7. Jerry Webb, There‘s A Song In That 15. Linda Lee Filener, One Life To Live 8. Saddle Cats, Herdin‘ Cats 16. Backforty Roundup Vol. #43 9. Johnny Lyon, Wynn Stewart Favorites Vol.#2 17. Gary McMahan, Goin‘ My Way 10. Brady Bowen In My Spare Time, Vol.#5 18. Bob & Johnny Boatright, Lost Trails mtdradio.com 11. Liz Talley, More Than Satisfied 19. Chuck Cusimano, Wind Blow My Blues Away backfortybunkhouse.com 12. Hank Stone, Somewhere In Texas 20. Texas Gypsies, Texas Gypsies 13. Willie Nelson, Willie & The Wheel 14. Les Gilliam, Oklahoma-1955 "Swingin' West"- Mike Gross 15. 15. Ron Knuth/Chris Reeves, Things That WVOF-FM Swing December 1, 2009 texascountyline.tv 16. Tony Grasso, Doin‘ It My Way 17. Stephanie Davis, Western Bling Songs 18. Billy Mata, This Is Tommy Duncan Vol.#1 1. Over the Hill- River Road Boys 19. Dave Caley, It‘s A Long way Back 2. California Mountains- The Stardust Cowboys 20. Darrell McCall, Keeping With Tradition 3. Brownsville- John England & Western Swing- westernmusic.com 21. Johnny Rodriguez/Johnny Bush, Texas Leg- ers ends 4. Tacos, Enchiladas and Beans- Buck Pizzarelli & West Texas Tumbleweeds 5. Are You Teasing Me- Bobby Flores 6. Night Coach Out of Dallas- Jake Hooker wsmss.com Western Music/Cowboy Poetry 7. Oklahoma - 1955- Les Gilliam 8. Southern Hospitality- Cornell Hurd Band 1. Charming Billy, Frank Fara-Patty Parker 9. Feelin‘ Blue for Texas- Marshall Ford Swing 2. Ken Cook, Cowboys Are Like That (Poetry) Band 3. Bar D roundup, Vol.#4,Various Poets 10. Crystal Canyon- Patty Parker (Cowboy Poetry.com) Albums 4. Jeanne & Jerome, You Are The Rose Of My 1. Houston- River Road Boys Heart 2. Western Bling- Stephanie Davis cowtown-swm.org

Joe Baker‟s Backforty Bunkhouse Show is broadcast on 100,000 watt KNMB, 96.7FM “New Mexico Bear” & 100,000 watt KWMW, 105.1FM, “Regional Radio W-105” every Saturday morning 6 am to 10 am in Ruidoso, New Mexico covering New Mexico & West Texas. Member: Western Music Broadcast- ers Association (WMBA). Also available „Streaming live‟ 24/7 on the internet at W-105

1 3. Herdin‘ Cats- The Saddle Cats I remember how our friend and fellow DJ, Joe Baker sent 4. This is Tommy Duncan- Billy Mata & Texas me names and contact info almost daily. These were the Tradition people writing and performing Cowboy/Western, Poetry 5. Now Playing! Willie and the Wheel- Willie and Swing music. If I had a question about our genre, Joe awaawards.org Nelson & Asleep at the Wheel was the man who I turned to. I would like to thank him for 6. Diggin‘ Up Bones- Buck Pizzarelli & West his help in getting me started on my journey as a DJ. Texas Tumbleweeds Thank You Joe! I will 7. Lost Along the Way- Jake Hooker always be grateful for 8. Oklahoma- 1955- Les Gilliam your help.

9. Last Call for Heartaches- Price Porter I am thankful for the

10. Open That Gate- John England & Western fans who support the Swingers nwwsms.org "Cow Trails Show!" swinginwest.com Many of these people

were there in Albu- Graham Lees Top Ten CDs and Songs querque to cheer me HWD Radio - United Kingdom on and show their

support. I would like Top Ten CDs to thank the folks 1. Dave Stamey - Come Ride With who have been com- westernswingsociety.org Me ing to my venues and 2. Cornel Hurd Band - American house con- Shadows WMA DJ of the Year 2009 Barbara Richhart & AWA DJ of the Year Joe Baker certs. I will 3. Ian Tyson - Yellowhead to Yel- continue to lowstone And other Love Songs bring these artists into my home to share this awesome 4. Wendell Sollis and The Sidekicks - The Sidekicks genre. What I do on the radio is out of love for the western 5. Various Artists - Hillside Records Country Song music and I will continue to do so as long as you will allow Roundup me to do this for you. ifco.org 6. Various Artists - Oklahoma Swing Project With all my heartfelt blessings to you all. 7. Sweethearts In Carhartts - Ranch Life 101 Your Western Belle, 8. Tom Hiatt - Appaloosa Moon Barb 9. Jeanne & Jerome - You Are The Rose of My WMA 2009 DJ of the Year Heart 10. Stephanie Davis - Western Bling [email protected] Top Ten Songs swinginwest.com Heart of Texas Recording Artist Amber Digby will 1. Elana James - One More Night make her Grand Ole Opry debut 2. Hurshul Clothier - I Need Your Love on Saturday, December 19, at 3. Justin Trevino - Bright Lights & Country Music the Ryman Auditorium in down- 4. Cornell Hurd Band - Keep A Light In The Window town Nashville. 5. Johnny Gimble - I Needed You Ronnie Milsap will introduce Am- 6. The Texas Trailhands - Lights Of Old Santa Fe ber and she is scheduled to sing "Silent Night (After The Fight)" demingradio.com 7. Jean Prescott - Dining Out 8. Bryan Ragsdale - Modern Day Mountain Man off of her latest project "Another

9. The Flying W Wranglers - Stampede Way To Live."

10. Bob Flesher and the Spanish Rose - The Banjo "With Amber's deep history in Country Music and her dedication to preserving the music, she definitely de- Hangs Silent on the Door serves a guest spot on the Grand Ole Opry," Heart of [email protected] Texas Records President Tracy Pitcox said. "As a mat- ter of fact, they should just go ahead and induct her that cowboypoetry.com night as well. I guess first things are first!" On Nov. 21, 2009 the Western Music Associa- Amber Digby has three very successful projects on Heart of Texas Records-"Music From The Honkytonks" tion awarded me the title of WMA 2009 Disc Jockey "Here Come The Teardrops" and "Pride Passion and of the Year! What a night to remember! I remember all What Might Have Been." Her latest album "Another the artists who, for the last five years, have been trusting Way To Live" will be released on December 8. me to play their music on the airways of KSJD Dryland For more information about Amber Digby and her band Community Radio. Thank You, for trusting me to give Midnight Flyer, log on to www.amberdigby.com or your music to the world through radio! I am honored www.heartoftexascountry.com. [email protected] and humbled by you all.

cowboysymposium.org Ruidoso, New Mexico mountainannies.com 2 cording, Producing and Packaging your own CD. Thursday 21st WMA Award Show 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. By Graham Lees Thursday evening also saw the Crises Fund Benefit Dinner & Show featuring the Diamond W Wranglers. radioksey.com The 21st Annual Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Over the four days Shannon Wrango of Kansas Saddlery ran the Show took place over November 18th – 22nd Swap Shop along with helpers Betty Carter, Jean Prescott, Joyce 2009 at the Marriott Hotel, Albuquerque, Woodson and Judi Anderson. They did a ―sterling job‖ as per- New Mexico. This was my second time at formers and fans brought in cloths and musical items for sale. A portion of the money realised was donated to the WMA with over ralphsbackporch.com this event, the first being in 2006. $950 being raised for the association.

I‘ve been visiting the USA annually since 2000 and have made many good friends in Friday started with workshops ―Are You getting Paid For Your the Western and Western Swing music Music‖ followed by ―Soundscan Listing & Bar Coding‖. I sat in on scene. When I decided to attend this year‘s the harmonica workshop ran by Gary Allegretto who gave basic event, my good friend Jim Anderson (Palo instruction to beginners who wanted to start playing campfire har- Duro Trio) suggested that I should travel monica. Gary was nominated for the WMA ―Best Instrumentalist‖ over a week earlier as the Working Ranch at the Awards and is also under consideration for two Grammy [email protected] Rodeo finals were taking place that week in Awards ,―Best Traditional Folk Album‖ and ―Best Contemporary Amarillo, Texas. The Working Ranch Cow- Blues Album‖. Gary runs Harmonikids, a non-profit organization boy Association World Championship Ranch dedicated to providing harmonicas & the joy of music to special Rodeo took place over November 12 - 15th needs children. The program gives harmonicas to children with a 2009 at Amarillo Civic Center. The founda- wide range of physical or emotional disadvantages and teaches wswing.home.texas.net tion has been helping people for 13 years them to play simple songs through easy instruction and gentle including scholarships providing school fund- encouragement. ing support for Working Ranch Cowboys and their children with 27 Students currently in I had to cut the workshop a little early as I was to sit on the D.J. their program. The Wednesday kicked it all Panel Workshop organised by New Mexico‘s Joe Baker. The off with a performance by cowboy poet and panel consisted of Joe Baker, Rick Huff, Barbara Richhart, Terry Fitzwater,Publisher humorist Baxter Black giving a highly enter- Tamara Boatright, Ralph Hampton, Totsie Slover, Dallas McCord terry@ruidosofreepress. and myself. com taining performance in the Heritage Room during the evening. Along with the Ranch Rodeo competition taking place in the main This workshop drew a good crowd with artists eager to see how arena, showcases took place with perform- best to obtain radio airtime for their music. Much was said regard- sblackwell@ ances from western singers and cowboy ing PRS and royalties for airplay and the inclusion of the encoding Comcast.net poets in the Heritage Room along with sev- of information (such as the songwriter details etc) into the CD it- eral rooms of exhibits and trade stands sell- self. ing a multitude of cowboy trappings. During the four days the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales gave a There were plenty of showcases to keep everyone happy through- thrilling demonstration of the brewery day wagons that delivered out the day on all three stages. Three artists did three numbers the beer in years gone by. Once all eight horses are hitched to over a fifty minute period each hour from 1.00pm until 4.50pm. So the famous red beer wagon, the driver begins to adjust the reins. many great bands and artists to see, it was impossible to catch Driving the 12 tons of wagon and horses requires strength, ex- everyone. Friday evening continued with a Chuckwagon Dinner & perience and stamina. The 40 pounds of reins the driver holds, Opry performance hosted by Marvin & Theresa O‘Dell introducing plus the tension on the reins, equals 75 pounds. a horde of entertainers performing for the large crowd assembled.

The rodeo finals concluded on the Sunday with an award presen- Saturday morning got underway with the member‘s Annual Gen- tation taking place during the evening. The group Palo Duro con- eral Meeting. During the morning the Yodeling and Harmony con- sisting of Jim and Cody Anderson and fiddle player Teresa tests took place with winners in both categories receiving certifi- Stephens has been playing this celebrated event for several cates. Showcases started at 11.00am running through until years and have become fondly known as the unofficial resident 4.50pm. At 7pm the WMA Award Show took place presided over band for the WRCA rodeo finals. Jim and Cody also opened by WMA President Jon Messenger. The list of winners below all Cowboy Gelato an ice-cream parlour and restaurant (featuring received a handsome trophy. Winner of the Female and Male Italian gelato ice-cream and cowboy cuisine) during the summer Performer of The Year categories also received a Taylor guitar. of 2009 on 6th Avenue which is part of the historic Route 66 in Amarillo and has already garnered rave reviews. Entertainer of the Year - Dave Stamey Male Performer of the Year - Bill Barwick The Wednesday following saw me travelling back to Albuquerque Female Performer of the Year - Juni Fisher with singer and radio D.J. Judy James and her friend Pam who Songwriter of the Year - Marvin O’Dell were travelling through Amarillo on their way to the WMA event Song of the Year - Jesus & Roy - Marvin O'Dell and graciously offered to give me a ride. Traditional Duo/Group - Sons Of The San Joaquin Traditional Album of the Year - Gone For Colorado - Juni Wednesday was essentially a day to set everything up and check Fisher into your hotel, though Donnie Blanz ran a workshop for Re- Western Swing Duo/Group - Asleep At The Wheel

3 Western Swing Album of the Year - Hang-N-Rattle - Wylie & is still quite viable, nothing says cutting edge like a cap that an- The Wild West nounces, "Jesus ropes here." Instrumentalist of the Year - Curly Musgrave Spur straps, once just a piece of leather with a function, now Crescendo Award - Horse Crazy come in colors, animal print and of course, more bling. Some of Radio Station of the Year - Ralph's Back Porch them are so fashionable that the livestock will need sunglasses to Radio DJ of the Year - Barbara Richhart stop the glare. Male Poet of the Year - Waddie Mitchell A favorite gift among the working cowboy set is the thoughtful Female Poet of the Year - Doris Daley offering of the cowboys' favorite beverage, usually in aluminum Best Collaboration - The Mourning Dove - Les Buffham & cans but sometimes upgraded to a glass bottle. The ropers refer Judy Coder to it as "aiming fluid," and have determined that the proper amount Cowboy Poetry CD of the Year - Beneath A Western Sky - not only improves their roping but makes pastures greener and Doris Daley girls prettier. Cowboy Poetry Book of the Year - Trail Mix - Diane Tribitt This year's twist is the camouflage container that convincingly President’s Award - Silver Screen Cowboy Project offers to those that imbibe the ability to become invisible if enough is consumed. Sunday brought the 2009, 21st Annual WMA Awards Show and Then there is the never-ending list of "new" ideas for gifts de- Showcase to a close with a Cowboy Church. There were many signed to entice the giver to give to the guy that already has eve- comments made as to the smooth running and enjoyment of the rything. four-day event. I was thrilled to renew old acquaintances and My choice this season is a giant beach-type umbrella with a base meet many new artists along with people who I‘ve only had con- that attaches over the gooseneck trailer ball in the bed of the tact with via email or who had sent their products for inclusion in pickup. This allows spectators to sit in the shade next to the bev- my radio shows in England. Joe Baker had set-up a box for each erage cooler, and watch the roping from the back of the truck. D.J attending, so that artists could leave their CDs to be played at In these days and times, I sometimes spot something that just the various radio stations. I will certainly be introducing new art- won't compute in my cowgirl brain. With decades of thinking I've ists to my listeners over the coming months. Just to close I‘d like seen it all, always, something proves me wrong. to thank my friends Ann & Jim Anderson (Amarillo Texas) and Recently it was seeing a big black Hummer pulling an aluminum Betty & Doug Carter (Albuquerque) for their kindness and hospi- horse trailer going south through town. The oddity of that combi- tality during my stay in the USA. Look forward to seeing every- nation left me speechless. As my son would say, ―That‘s messed one again soon!!!! up.‖ -Graham Lees Nov 2009 Maybe I just need to get out more.

[email protected] Julie can be reached for comment at [email protected]

LEE SWING TOP 12 CDs Cowgirl Sass & Savvy Lillies Ohlsson Kountry Korral Magazine, By Julie Carter Bennerstigen 120, SE-73395 SALA * SWEDEN Here it comes, ready or not Top 12 CDs

Augie Meyers - Country Only a limited number of shopping Bill Dessens - I´ve Waited A Lifetime days until Christmas and then it's Bonebrake Syncopators - That Da Da Strain almost time to file your income taxes. Cream Of The Crop Band - I Still Cry Right after I looked up from the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day, Gaylynn Robinson - Love & Heartache I realized that the following week brought the first day of Decem- Kelli Grant - Softer Side of Swing ber and with it, a landslide of ideas, lists, projects, events, com- Louise Rowe´s Reunion Band - Shades of Swing Louise Rowe´s Reunion Band - A Sentimental Journey mitments and deadlines. Old West Trio - Ridin´ Back to Yesterday As soon as I recovered from that particular mental avalanche, Rod Moag - AH-HAA! Goes Grass! which was days later, I realized the first week of December was Stephanie Davis - Western Bling almost gone. As usual, I'm behind before I even start. Texas Swing Band - Welcome to Texas I've 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 TOP 12 SONGS bought it, hid it and don't remember where. Convict and the Rose - Rod Moag & Dayna Wills Early gift buying has its disadvantages. While spreading the cost Coyote Serenade - Old West Trio of the holiday throughout the year, it also increases the odds of Hang Your Head in Shame - Texas Swing Band w/Jerome Stubbs you paying more for the same thing that will be on sale later. Honeysuckle Rose - Joaquin Murphey w/The Plainsmen Or, in my case, you find out that perfect gift is no longer perfect I Still Cry - Cream Of The Crop Band because the recipient proudly bought it for herself about the same Keeper of the Flame - Gaylynn Robinson time you did. Little Red Wagon - Back At The Ranch Mr. Record Man - Heybale w/Redd Volkaert Useful gifts never go out of style and every year they take on a No Disappointment in Heaven - Road Moag & Dayna Wills facet that makes them a little different from last year, but still very Silver Lake Blues - Bill Dessens utilitarian. Stranger - Elizabeth McQueen & Jason Roberts Fad colors, embroidered phrases and rhinestones turn a regular Texas Drummer Boy - Herb Steiner & Johnny Cuviello Band cap into something that makes a fashion statement. While the market for "gimme" caps from feed, seed and implement dealers LeeSwing88.se 123minsida.se/cowswing 4 Cowboy Poetry at the BAR-D tinuous news, features, poetry, lyrics, gathering reports, and an Ranch extensive event calendar. Come on by and stay a while. by Margo Metegrano, Editor [email protected] CowboyPoetry.com January brings the top cowboy poetry event of the year: the Western Folklife Center‘s 26th annual "Pappy" Dave Stone November 11, 1913 - February 18, 2004 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, January 23-

30, 2010 ( www.westernfolklife.org). Along with the best in cow- "PAPPY DAVE STONE", always an innova- boy poetry and Western music, there are workshops, seminars, tor and creator of the very first full time exhibits, and other special events. Country Music Format at KDAV in Lubbock, Colorado poet Jane Morton, whose work often focuses on her Texas in 1953. "Pappy" made his home in Colorado Springs where he managed his family's ranching roots, makes a return invited appearance to the By Dugg Collins 2010 Gathering. She's participated previously as a poet, and sev- small, but very powerful country music chain eral of her short films about her family's ranch have become a of radio stations for many years. KDAV Lubbock, Texas, KPEP San Angelo, KPIK AM/FM Colorado Springs and the second sta- part of the WFC's Deep West Video project. tion that would be full time country music, KZIP Amarillo, Texas.

Her forthcoming book, In This Land of Little Rain, includes over fifty poems and many photographs that span her nearly eighty He was born Dave Pinkston November 11, 1913 in Post, Texas. years of Western living on the high plains of northeastern Colo- His family moved to a farm in Lubbock County, Texas in 1916. rado. The book takes its title from this included poem: 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 When the Grass Greens Up This Spring of Colorado Springs and Carolyn Graves of Portland, Oregon. Let me be in Colorado Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren round out the when the grass greens up this spring. family. Let me see blue sky above me "Pappy" Dave worked on a farm in 1934-1935, was a teacher at and the hawks a'circling. Draughons Business College 1936 - 1938 and was employed as Let me ride out through the pastures an Office Manager for a chemical plant in Brownfield, Texas from and across the low-slung hills. 1939 - 1945. Still searching for a career I suppose, he joined the Let me see sand lilies blooming, staff of KSEL, a new station just getting started in Lubbock, as traffic manager. In 1947 he became a Disc Jockey for the thrill to hear lark buntings' trills. "Western Roundup," a daily 30 minute program. This experience

Let me find an Easter daisy no doubt let him know he had finally discovered what it was in life near as pretty as its name. he was supposed to do. Let me see the orange-red paintbrush light the prairie like a flame. In 1949 "Pappy" was named General Manager of KSEL and in- creased his 30 minute show to several hours. The owners of the

Let me smell the rain-drenched sagebrush, radio station let him know they thought it was beneath the dignity breathe in air that's clear of smog. of a General Manager to be a disc jockey on a hillbilly radio sta- Let me see the white-faced babies tion. He took that advice for awhile but soon realized how silly it with their amber eyes agog. 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. Let me watch a herd of pronghorn flowing over sunlit plains. Let me listen for the swallows In 1953 "Pappy" Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a life long and the cries of sandhill cranes. 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. In a world of many wonders, KDAV, known as K-DAVE Lubbock 1953 - 1979, KPEP San An- nothing beats spring on the plain And the greening of the grasslands gelo 1954 - 1978, KZIP Amarillo 1955 - 1977, KPIK-AM Colorado in this land of little rain. Springs 1957-1978, KPIK-FM 1966-1978. In 1962, "Pappy" Dave bought out his partner and took sole ownership of all the Dave © 2008, Jane Morton, All rights reserved Stone Stations.

Jane Morton's previous book, Cowboy Poetry: Turning to Face "Pappy" Dave started the very first "Country Music Club," com- the Wind (winner of the Will Rogers Medallion Award) includes plete with membership card and all the perks that go along with it. stories, poems, and photos about her pioneering family. It is avail- Membership at K-DAVE alone was over 8,000. A full time secre- able from $19.95 plus $4.50 shipping and handling from Jane tary had to be hired to oversee the Country Club."Pappy" Dave was also one of the very first to use window decals to promote his Morton, 12710 Abert Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80908. call letters. He was one of the very first radio station owners who Find more about hundreds of cowboy poets and Western musi- began booking country music shows, booking all the major stars cians at CowboyPoetry.com. It's an on-going gathering, with con- into the Lubbock, Texas area. He was also a mentor to new talent and helped many young stars who would become major super-

5 stars in the music business. People like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings who started his career as one of "Pappy‘s" 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 didn't 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 wasn‘t 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 thousands 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 A-10 Etcheverry, Creative Achievement Award Winner hope one day soon, his plaque will hang in that hallowed hall with Cowtown Society of Western Music 2009 - CrayolaCowboy.com all the other country music greats. He set the standard for country music programming. My dear friend Ol‘ Mike Oatman admitted to Rockin'Boy Saloon Issue 903 Every Sunday on me upon my arrival in Wichita in 1999 that he had borrowed lyonpremiere.com many, many ideas from "Pappy" Dave Stone which he used to create his Great Empire Broadcasting. He smiled when he said, Eddy Ray Cooper – France - Parce "If you‘re gonna steal in this business, steal from the best." que c'est Noël Michelle Wright - Jingle Bell Rock I met "Pappy" Dave for the first time in 1977 when he was in the Jerry Audley - Blue Christmas process of selling KZIP in Amarillo. I was on a competing station, Alan Jackson - Good Time RW Roldan - Misery To Mexico but he didn‘t treat me like a competitor, he treated me like a friend Ivy Raye - Living On Credit he had known for thirty years. That big smile of his could put any- Sister Girl - It's A Lonely Place one at ease from the very first meeting. He must have been one Danni Leigh - Damned If I Do hell of a salesman in his day. I doubt any advertiser could say no Jennifer Bruce - Why Must I Cry For to that personality. You Sherry Kennedy - Sweet Is Between Dan Tyler - Pussycat He and I really started talking a lot via the telephone in 1999. I George Ducas - Walk Through This called just to say hello and he was always happy to hear my World voice. Being someone who really appreciates the pioneers in my Clay Underwood - Behind These walls business, I asked him to re-live those glory days on radio at K- Christen Sawyer - Austin DAVE in Lubbock, which he was happy to do. Patty Loveless - Color Of The Blues Jack Barlow -Tennessee River Blues In 1999, when I was inducted into the Texas Country Music Disc Karling Abbeygate - I've Got You On My Mind Chris Mc Lernon – Ireland - Restless Ramblin' Man Jockey Hall of Fame, the first thing that caught my attention was Kim Dickinson – UK - Somewhere Between the absence of his name from the list of inductees. When I re- Rusty Legs – France - If You're Going Through Hell turned home, I called back to find out why to discover that there Nashville Airplane – France -The Letter had been a mistake. They thought because he lived in Colorado Rockincher- France-Seminole Wind Springs, he didn‘t qualify. That problem got fixed and his plaque Heather Myles/Brantley Kearns - No One Will Ever Know now graces the wall in the brand new building in Carthage, Trailerparkidlers -To Cross The Mighty River Texas. Kenny Seratt - Hank & Lefty Raised My Country Soul Eli Barsi - Chrstmas In The Canyon I have been so very lucky to have known just about every hero I Root‘n‘toot‘n - UK-Wabash Cannonball have ever had in radio and music. That‘s one of the perks of this Keith Cochran - Love On A Rainy Day business. My friendship with "Pappy" Dave Stone has been one Sugerland - City Of Silver Dreams 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 Merci pour l'écoute - Thanks for listening forever. Jacques DUFOUR Lyon 1ère - Country Web Bulletin duggcollins.com Comments or requests [email protected]

6 May 7, 2010 Friday Night 7:00 Ken Bass - KALH - Variety 95.1 FM "Barn" in Winthrop, WA Serving Alamogordo - La Luz - Holloman AFB & Laughter, country charm, wonderful music and something unex- Tularosa, NM 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 7:00 PM in the Winthrop CHRISTMAS LIST 2009 Auditorium, sponsored by Winthrop Red Apple Market. Tim Hus, Canadian Cowboy Phenomenon will join the Dollar 01. Ricochet - My Christmas List Watch gang Friday Night kicking off 49er Weekend in Winthrop, 02. Song Trust - Bring Him Home Santa Washington. 03. Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby Tim Hus has a voice sweeter than a Husqvarna chainsaw, a wit 04. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Jimmy & Starla Queen that is sharper than rusty barbed wire, and a list of songs longer 05. Joline Carl - Santa Claus Will Bring You Home To Me than a Saskatchewan fence line! Tim has already taken Canada 06. Jeremy Craby - Sleigh Me Back To Texas by storm and has set his sights south of the Kickin‘ Horse Line! 07. David Parmley & Continental Divide - Christmas At The Old Visit Tim‘s web site: www.timhus.ca This is an artist you can brag Homeplace about having seen in years to come! 08. Gwen Sebastian - I Just Need You For Christmas Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band, nationally recognized by the Western 09. Lizard Tom Case - What Christmas Is About Music Association 10. Billy O'Rourke - Me And Uncle Sam as the best "Trio" of 11. Kacey Jones - I'm Down To My Christmas Underwear the year, and win- 12. Darius Rucker - Candy Cane Christmas ners of The Cres- 13. John Anderson - Here Comes Santa Clause cendo Award for 14. Jim Hurst & Missy Raines - Heavens Light most promising 15. Charlie Daniels & Dan Tyminski - The Christmas Song talent in 2009, will 16. Kenny Chesney - Silver Bells be on hand to 17. Daryl Singletary - Swinging Into Christmas showcase. Horse 18. Patty Parker - La Noche Buena (It's Christmas Eve) Crazy performing 20. Larry Stephenson - Good Ol' Country Christmas for the largest cowboy gathering in Canada with Tim Nov 30, 2009 Hus recently, and came away saying, "People in the Methow 01. Red River Mudcats - Texas Eagle must see and hear this man!" While Horse Crazy is a local group, 02. Johnny Lyon - Big City they bring pure iron pyrite…we mean gold, to the program. 03. Albert & Gage - Hell Or High Water Dave McClure, cowboy poet and author will be back, because he 04. Rio Grand - Painted Pony is the best announcer this side of the Missouri River! Dave‘s zany 05. JB & Moonshine Band - I'm Broke humor and original wit are always the talk of the town. 06. Curtis Potter - When The Neon Lights Come On For all the exciting details about this gala weekend in Winthrop, 07. Josh Turner - Why Don't We Just Dance visit the 08. The Right Five & Billy Martin - Big Blue Diamonds www.withropwashington.com for more information. Or go 10. Patty Parker - She Rode a Horse Called Buttermilk to www.WOGA.org to learn about all the packing events taking 11. Wild Oats - Back In The Saddle Again place during the event. 12. Dave Caley - It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do 13. Rhonda Vincent - Last Time Lovin' You Tickets are $10.00 and available at Red Apple Market in Win- 14. Liz Talley - You Can't Take The Texas Out Of Me throp, and the Winthrop Inn. 15. Kate Russell - Kick Down The Door For more information call (509) 996 2404 16. Gringo Kings - Did I Go Crazy

17. Billy Mata & Texas Tradition - Dinah horsecrazycowgirlband.com 18. Travis Andrews - Just Passin' Through 19. Manning-Dixon - Cold As Her Heart 20. Smokey Wilson - Blazin' Texas Sun

[email protected]

Around The Campfire

In no particular order, here are 10 really fine cowboy/western CD's 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 O'Dell Around the Campfire HeartlandPublicRadio.org

7 Waynetta’s Roundup on LIVE365 If Santa Was A Cowboy – Sisters Of The Silver Sage Waynetta Ausmus Christmas for Cowboys – Wylie Gustafson KJIM, 1500AM Sherman/Dennison, TX Draggin‘ in the Christmas Tree– Michael Martin Murphy Mistletoe – Royal Wade Kimes 11-1-09 [email protected] Ragtime Cowboy Joe – Rod Nichols Timber Trail – Larry Wlder Outlaw – David Comstock The Real West from the Old West – If I Hadn‘t Seen The West – Joyce KOTS AM1230 Woodson Totsie Slover Let My Pony Run – Due West Trio Swing CDs Cornell Hurd Band – Songs Of Moon Purt Near! – Larry Maurice Mullican Hoppy, Gene and Me – Roy Rogers Willie Nelson & Asleep At The Wheel – Wild Horse - Scotty And The Ranch Hands Willie & The Wheel Texas in Your Swing – Liz Talley Carolyn Martin – Swing I Rode In As a Stranger – Lynn Anderson Brady Bowen – In My Spare Time Vol. 5 11-8-09 Bobby Flores – Festival Favorites Old Town – John England And The Western Swingers Asleep At The Wheel – Reinventing The Wheel Bring Her Back To The Home Range – Ken Cook Pat Jacobs & The Over The Hill Gang – Legendary Western Hometown Queen – Jim Reader Swing The Staff Of Life – Rod Miller Tommy Thomsen & The Wills Point Playboys – Western Jazz Joe Texas Saying – RJ Vandergriff Billy Mata – This Is Tommy Duncan Vol. 1 Those City Lights – Tammy Gislason Come And Dine – Rich O‘Brien Cowboy CDs Dave Stamey – Come Ride With Me The Scott‘s Bluff County Fair – Missouri Matador Call Of The West – You Are The Rose Of My Heart Wind Blow the Blues Away – Chuck Cusimano Bar-D Roundup Vol. 4 The Flag Out On The Range – Yvonne Hollenbeck Juni Fisher – Gone For Colorado I Want To Live Out West – The Old West Trio Horse Crazy – Daughters Of The West Ida‘s Bread – Jo Lynne Kirkwood Patty Parker – Southwestern Seranade 11-15-09 Bill Barwick – Cowboy Bill And Other Stories From Town – Ken Cook Ian Tyson – Yellowhead To Yellowstone Pipeliner‘s Blues – River Road Boys [email protected] When The Cactus Is In Bloom – Liz Masterson

Pecos Bill – Tumbling Tumbleweeds Waddie Git Your Boots On – Joyce Woodson Andy and Jim Nelson’s C. O. W. Radio 1984– Doc Mayer – 4 - Week Playlist In America – TJ Casey On The Border – Royal Wade Kimes 11/28/09, Thanksgiving Dan Roberts: Can't Change Horses Across The Alley From the Alamo – Les Gilliam Jean Prescott: He's Courtin' Annie Plano Man – E Flat Porch Band Chris LeDoux: Night Rider's Lament The Wealthy Texan – Jerry Clower Kevin Davis: Every Horse I Ever Rode I‘ve Got A Woman Crazy For Me – Saddle Cats Rolf Flake: Thanksgiving Prayer Man in the Moon – Mike Puhallo Sons and Brothers: Measure Of A Man 11-22-09 Sleepin‘ Out Under the Stars – TJ Casey 11/21/09, Salute to Utah Sons Of The San Joaquin: Utah Wringle Wrangle – Keeter Stuart Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave: Red Rock Moon Stackin‘ Hay – Jerry Schleicher Don Edwards: Cowboy's Prayer The Wild West is Going to Get Wilder – Michael Martin Murphey Michael Martin Murphy: Utah Carroll Woman of the Wind – Paul Hendel Brenn Hill: Cottonwood Little Girl‘s Heroes –Tom and Donna Hatton Curly Musgrave: Esclante Adios Crack, W.L. and Rover – Jerry Clower Freedom‘s Getting Harder to Find – Jim Jones 11/14/09, Veteran's Day Tribute Asa Alycean: Smack Dab Geronimo‘s Cadillac - Michael Martin Murphey R.W. Hampton: For The Freedom City Folks – Jane Morton Marine Corp Marching Band: Armed Forces Medley I Didn‘t Know The Gun Was Loaded - Patty Clayton Statler Brothers: More Than A Name On A Wall A Soft Spoken Man – AK Moss Yvonne Hollenbeck: Christmas Quilt Homeward Bound – RW Hampton Singing Sergeants: Cowboy Song Medley 11-29-09 The Old Felt Hat – Yvonne Hollenbeck 11/7/09, Cowboy Nicknames Bill Barwick: The Wagon Tongue Jesus Cowboy – Larry Wilder Wyoming Red: Night Hawk Hollered Horses A Cowboy‘s Prayer – Dick Morton Rex Allen/Don Edwards: Cow Poke Two Seated Saddle – Belinda Gail Joe Merrick: Sold the Wagon Christmas In Alberta – Doris Daley Red Steagall: The Bell on Old Blue I‘ll Be Home For Christmas – Dave Alexander Call Of The West: Red Wing Old Fashioned Christmas – Yvonne Hollenbeck [email protected] 8 Hello Fellow Western Swing/Western Music Fans! The Big Fred Walker Show CSWM is accepting nominations for 2010 Swing Fest WOES 91.3 FM Mid-Michigan Heroes of Western Music. TOP TEN Songs

Our Swing Fest is held every year on 01 Bobby Flores – Are You Teasing Me the first Saturday in May in Mineral 02 Hank Stone – Texas Music Wells, Texas. This spring on May 1st 03 James Hand – In The Corner At The Table By The Jukebox will be our 12th Annual Swing Fest. 04 Lonnie Burkhart – Mother Nature And Father Time Each year we induct Heroes of West- 05 Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave – Gallivantin‘ Galveston Gal 06 Dusty Owens - You Say, They Say ern Music. These inductees are hon- 07 Dottie Jack – Today is Not The Day ored for their efforts in promoting, pre- 08 Joe Paul Nichols – Heartaches by the Number serving and perpetuating western 09 Jody Nix – I‘ve Enjoyed As Much Of This As I Can Stand swing and western music. If you would like to nominate someone 10 Belinda Gail – Amigo as a Hero, please send a short biography and a photo (either black/white or color - 8 x 10 preferred) of your nominee to: TOP TEN CD’s Joyce Miller – Board of Directors 01 Bobby Flores – Eleven Roses Secretary/Treasurer 02 Hank Stone – Somewhere in Texas 3709 East Highway 67 03 James Hand – The Truth Will Set You Free! Cleburne, TX 76031 04 Lonnie Burkhart - Back Down A Country Road [email protected] 05 Belinda Gail & Curly Musgrave – When Trails Meet www.cowtown-swm.org 06 Dusty Owens – Sings Once More 817-558-7580 07 Wylie Gustafson – Christmas for Cowboys 08 Liz Masterson – Roads to Colorado or send to : Joe Baker – Board of Directors/Membership Director 09 Jody Nix – The Fiddle Man Backforty Bunkhouse Productions 10 Randy Brown – Hard Face To Face 106 Roswell Street Ruidoso, NM 88345 Happy Holidays [email protected] Big Fred! www.backfortybunkhouse.com [email protected] 575-808-4111 Deadline for nominations is January 25, 2010. Induc- tees will be chosen shortly thereafter and notified. Only a limited All Things Country Top 10 CDs number of inductees are chosen by the Board of Directors of Rowena Muldavin CSWM each year for this honor. Please get your nominations to us as soon as possible. 1. Ron Williams - The Longer You're Gone HERO CATEGORIES: 2. Tanya Tucker - My Turn Living Hero 3. Darrell McCall - The Essential Darrell McCall Posthumous Hero 4. Liz Talley - More Than Satisfied Disc Jockey of the Year 5. Johnny Rodriguez & Johnny Bush - Texas Legends Fan(s) of the Year 6. Silver Screen Cowboy Project - Marvin O'Dell, Producer 7. Jamie Richards - Drive President‘s Choice 8. The Bob Wills Texas Playgirls (Glad Music Co.) Rising Star of Western Music 9. Martina McBride - Timeless Publication of the Year 10. Patty Loveless - Mountain Soul II Venue of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award [email protected] Creative Achievement Award Living Legend Award Presented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions Thank you, Joyce

[email protected] 9 21st ANNUAL ALZADA COWBOY POETRY, Rick Huff’s - Best Of The West Reviews MUSIC and ART SHOW by Slim McNaught Barbara Nelson "Round Up Ready" ―Singin‘ In The Rain‖….well, 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 Barbara Nelson's standard presentation of her Community Hall at Alzada, Montana. Some welcome moisture, to swinging songs is done with a straightforward, say the least. The occasion was the ―Spurring Ahead‖ 21st An- jazzy guitar. This time she's added a friend on a nual Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show. Artists have second guitar! been hanging their art work all morning and the four walls are covered as the dinner hour (lunch to you city folk) rolls around. Nelson's smooth Jo This small ranching community puts on a big gathering, with fes- Stafford/Rosemary tivities starting with a delicious array of food to choose Clooney-type vocal from. Marge Waterland, chairperson for the kitchen, and her help- stylings are intact here ers, do a great job of feeding the crowd. The dinner is the only and finely honed as fees charged at this event, and the proceeds go for upkeep on ever. She hails from this hall. Built in 1919, this hall is maintained solely by volunteer Pendleton, Oregon, a efforts, and they have been doing a remarkable job. long haul north from By 11:00 a.m. the crowd is gathering, with folks browsing the Time Jumpers in the art displays, visiting, and looking forward to the festivities. By Tennessee and the noon everyone was anticipating the chow line, the aroma from the swing groups in Texas. kitchen had been enticing folks for the last hour, and now was the I bring that up because time. The lunch room was packed, as usual, as folks took on a I've got to say I'd love heapin‘ helpin‘ of delicious food and good conversations. At 1:00 to hear her sit in with a p.m. the program got underway with Randy Arpan, emcee, intro- bigger swing outfit. ducing Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin, organizers of this event. True, part of her act is They welcomed the crowd and extended special ―Thank Yous‖ the scope of the sound she gets from just herself and her electric to Bob Petermann for the sound system, Randy Arpan for emcee- guitar. Still, 'gotta say I'm ready to hear more. ing the event, Kaye Sperb‘s drawing, ―Ridin‘ for the Brand‖ boot picture on the brochure and Marge Waterland and her helpers for What's here is very good, as always. Pick tracks among the fif- the noon meal. teen include a slower bluesy take of "Cow Cow Boogie," a West- Randy then began introducing the performers with the ern loping "Accentuate The Positive," "Ol' Buttermilk Sky," "Don't first being Rhonda Stearns of Newcastle, Wyoming, followed Get Around Much Anymore" and a novel slow version of "I Walk by Barb Peabody of Ekalaka, Montana, then Slim McNaught of The Line." Ok, you California and Oregon swing groups...invite New Underwood, South Dakota, Lily Anne Hansen of Hulett, Barbara for a recorded sit-in! I bet we'll all be the richer for it... Wyoming, Troy McNaught-Westby of New Underwood, South Dakota, Brandy Dalton of Hulett, Wyoming, Onalee Hoffman of CDs: $12.99 ppd from Barbara Nelson, 72521 Tutuilla Creek Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Mary French of Hulett, Wyo- Road, Pendleton, OR 97801 or through ming, Bill Stearns of Newcastle, Wyoming, Peggy Howard of Sun- www.barbaranelsonmusic.com dance, Wyoming and Kidd McKillop of Bridgeport, Nebraska. Then it was time to stand up and take a break. The after-  by Rick Huff noon entertainment was interspersed with drawing door prizes. [email protected] 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 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering report Watts of Hulett, Wyoming followed by Shirley Snook Andersen of By Cade Schalla Hulett, Wyoming, Jim Carrol of Ekalaka, Montana, Dipper Brunson of Aladdin, Wyoming, Jack Owen of Alzada, Mon- Well it may have been a little off the beaten path and to find it you tana, Rena Tauck of Hammond, Montana, JoAn Marshall of had to make a few critical turns on some back country roads but Ekalaka, Montana, John Swetcoff of Belle Fourche, South Da- the 1st Annual Cat Spring Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a hit! I kota, Robert Dennis of Red Owl, South Dakota, Bruce Rose- knew it was going to be good when I crossed the cattle guard and land of Senica, South Dakota, Milo Daily of Belle Fourche, South pulled into the ranch and had to honk my horn to get the cattle off Dakota, Francie Davis of Kadoka, South Dakota and Bob Peter- the road. The gathering was held at the Lehmann Legacy Ranch mann of Wibaux, Montana. which is owned by Miss Carol Davis of Cat Spring Texas. Carol At this time Randy Arpan introduced the artists who had also operates the Blisswood Bed and their work displayed on the walls. Featured Artists Breakfast at the ranch and chose her were Kelly and Scott Waugh of Hulett, Wyoming. Thirty five artists show barn to be the setting for the displayed approximately 71 pieces. Several more door prizes event. The entertainment was top were awarded, much to the delight of the folks attending this notch and everyone there left know- event. ing they had seen a great show. The afternoon program was rounded out with entertain- Many of the guest had never heard ers Mary Smith of Miles City, Montana, Norman Turnbough of cowboy poetry and had never experi- Broadus, Montana, Celia Yates of Hammond, Montana, Kip Sor- enced western entertainment, but lie of Viborg, South Dakota, Dave and Jared Wagner of Hulett, before the night was over they were Wyoming and Jim Hamilton of Decker, Montana. There were all fans. about thirty performers (if my count was right) and they gave the Scott Bumgardner started us off with folks some great entertainment. some of his poetry and stories or This Alzada event is always well attended and an asset should I say "Lies". I followed Scott to the community. For more information contact Gay Ar- and performed several of my poems pan at [email protected], or Chris Maupin at P.O. Box 252, along with one I recently wrote titled Hulett, WY 82720. We are all looking forward to this gathering "Corporate Cowboy" which I think next year because, as someone once said, ―It‘s just like a big spoke to most of the audience. We then took a break and enjoyed family reunion, except we all like each other‖. a delicious BBQ dinner complete with brisket, sausage, an all the slimscustomleather.com fixin's not to mention some assorted deserts which included cob- 10 bler and brownies. The entertainment resumed with a perform- things their own way, not following the lines of traditional radio, ance by local cowboy poet Joe Mingus and then Frank Roberts, their show not only showcases the music and poetry of the west- Linda Kirkpatrick and Joe Wells took the stage and did what they ern artists, it brings the artists to the audience, through live inter- do best. The Prairie Moon Band came on after Frank, Linda and views, and special live performances." 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. Hampton defines the music that they play as "anything a cowboy I was pleased with the talent and the turn out and look forward to will play, sing or dance too" giving the show a range of music on having it again next year. any given night. Often you will hear rodeo rock, a buckle polishing Cade Schalla tune followed up by a thoughtful cowboy poem. Western music cade@cadeschallacowboypoetry and poetry gained popularity during the 1930s and 40's with sing-

ing cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Bands such as the

A New Western Swing Award debuts in 2010 Sons of the Pioneers were touring the country capturing the imagi- nation and hearts of children longing to be cowboys. That genera- honoring Living Leg- tion is now grown, but remembers those days, the cowboy code ends, presented by and the romance of the cowboy. Hampton credits part of the suc- Backforty Bunkhouse cess of the show to the fact that as life gets more complicated, Productions in coop- people want to go back to the simpler, cowboy way. The classic eration with the Cow- and modern western tunes of horses, open spaces and family town Society Of West- values touches all of us whether we‘re sitting at a desk on wall ern Music. These street or the computer in the living room of the ranch in Wyoming. awards will be given at

the 12th Annual CSWM Swing Fest in Mineral The show registers thousands of listeners each month, many of Wells, Texas on May 1st, 2010. them live, while on air, more in the archived version of the shows. Recipients of the Living Legends Award will be notified along with One of the small town aspects of the show includes a "chat room" the CSWM Heroes Of Western Swing Music in February, 2010. where regular listeners congregate. Everyday people such as Slim Anyone who is a current member of the Cowtown Society Of McNaught of New Underwood, South Dakota and locals such as Western Music can nominate a living legend as long as the nomi- Kathy Brittian of Shelby County listen, fellowship and add color nee has near 80 plus years of age and still active in performing and character to the show as Boatright and Hampton feed off of and promoting the western swing – western industry. the comments. The live audience becomes part of the show. ―The creation of this prestigious award has been longtime goal says,‖ Joe Baker, owner of Backforty Bunkhouse Productions. Others credit their success to the music that they play and their After discussing this project with CSWM President, Gary Beaver relaxed interviews. It balances the classic western and western and weighing our ideas, "Living Legends" seemed to please both swing with the up and coming cowboy singers of today who often of us. ―The Living Legends‖ is a new addition to the CSWM An- break the "traditional" rules. Western music encompasses a broad nual Swing Fest and every year will be presented by Backforty spectrum of influences and styles and the show blends those Bunkhouse Productions. For more information on the ―Living Leg- seamlessly at times, other times contrasting them to show its di- ends‖ Awards or to join the Cowtown Society Of Western Music, versity. The interviews, always live, are relaxed and give listeners please contact Joe Baker at 575-808-4111 or email at: a glimpse into the lives of people who are as diverse as the music [email protected] itself. Ralph often tells a guest, "sit back and relax, were just visit-

ing here on the back porch." Whether it‘s talking about horses

bloodlines with someone like Michael Martin Murphy to the strug- Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright were awarded the gles of a relatively unknown New Mexico artist, Ralph's Back "Radio Station of the Year" Porch is allowing a growing international audience to get a award from the Western Mu- glimpse into the lives and minds of those creating the music that sic Association. The award they love. was announced at the annual

Awards Show in Albuquerque, Along with a world-wide listening audience you can log on to your New Mexico on November 21. home computer and tune in to Ralph's Back Porch each Monday, Hampton and Boatright were Wednesday and Friday night, 7 until 9 pm cst on hand to accept the award. at www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch Ralph and Tamara The Western Music Associa- invite you all to tune in for some good old Western fun! tion is comprised of fans, western music artists and DJs. The awards are nominated and Ralph Hampton and Tamara Boatright granted based on the voting membership. ralphsbackporch.com

Western Music Association's Radio Station of the Year 2009 Hampton and Boatright started the Ralph's Backporch show, 2 years ago from their home office in San Augustine TX. Using an internet website, they broadcast western music, cowboy poetry 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, Ralph's Back Porch is at the fore- front of making that happen" said Paul Harris, western music performer and member of the Western Music Association. "They do 11 Album: Diggin' Up Bones to all those who came before us and served in our military and for Artist: Buck Pizzarelli and the West Texas Tumbleweeds those who still serve. Label: Arbors On November 28th, we were honored to once again host The It has been over 30 Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame years since legendary Awards. The Cowboy Showcase included many Cowboy Artists Jazz guitarist Bucky including cowboy and cowgirl singers, inspirational songs, poetry Pizzarelli recorded a and lots of fun. Cowboy Bill presented a Jr. Cowboy Ambassa- duet album with Steel dor appointment for the State of Georgia to Joshua Paul Martin, Guitar icon Doug Jr. There were cowboys everywhere and lots of folks who came Jernigan. It has been a to see the cowboys. Check out the photo of the award presentation. 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 Buck's 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 instrumentals and John Pizzarelli on his own Ain't 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 John's own Cowboy Lullaby. Other tunes on the album with Becky on vocal are Haven Gilles- pie's Right or Wrong from Emmett Miller and Bob Wills, Cindy L-R Cowboy Bill, award recipient Joshua Paul Martin, J., Walker's You're from Texas also from Bob Wills and Frank Joshua‘s granddad Ron Bellamy and Wrangler Marv

Loesser's Jingle, Jangle, Jingle from both Tex Ritter and Gene Until then, we want all you pards out there to stay warm, keep Autry. The remaining two with Becky on vocal are Tim Spencer's your powder dry and keep it cowboy. Just remember, There‘s Over Nevada, also from the Sons of the Pioneers and the Mel the right way, the wrong way and the …….Cowboy Way!!!! Torme/Robert Wells gem Tacos, Enchiladas and Beans. Andy is also heard on vocal on Harlan Howard's Pick Me Up on Your Way Down from Charlie Walker, Your Cheating Heart from both Hank 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 Williams and Joni James, Nat Stuckey's Diggin' Up Bones from at: Randy Travis and Johnny Russell's Act Naturally, from Buck The Cowboy Way Show Owens and the Buckaroos. Cowboy Joe West gives us vocals on 146 Hwy 139 #230 Chuck Berry's Promised Land and the country oriented Grain of Monroe, Georgia 30565 Salt. The remaining instrumentals are both John's originals, Tur- key in the Raw and Tommy in the spotlight on Steeling Home. The album can be obtained for $15 plus $2 s & h from Our top ten playlist for November, 2009 is: 1. Cowboy‘s Sweetheart….Greta Hopkins www.arborsrecords.com or by mail from Arbors Records. Inc., 2. Doin‘ Without……… Lamar Hunter 2189 Cleveland Street, Suite 225, Clearwater, FL 33765. 3. Trail Boss….Devon Dawson Mike Gross, WVOF-FM, Fairfield, CT 4. The Last Cowboy Song……..Ed Bruce swinginwest.com 5. Cross the Brazos at Waco…Billy Walker 6. Waitin‘ In Your Welfare Line….Buck Owens 7. Christmas As I Knew It… Johnny Cash 8. Here Comes Santa Claus…Gene Autry The Cowboy Showcase at The Atlanta Country Music 9. Bitter Creek…Marvin O‘Dell 10. The Farmer and the Lord……Cowboy Bill & Rhonda Carrier Hall of Fame Awards. By Marvin Hodge [email protected] 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

The Canton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Invites You to the Second Annual Western Swing Valentine Party

3 Big days of Western Swing Fun February 11-12 & 13 2010 Shows start at noon each day—in the Spacious Canton Civic Center !!! Down Town Canton, Texas. Thursday Feb.11 Clyde Brewer and the River Road Boys The Round Up Boys Bobby Flores and the Yellow Rose Band

Friday Feb. 12 Dave Alexander & his Big Western Swing Band Jake Hooker & the Outsiders The Lone Star Troubadours

Saturday Feb. 13 Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys The Quebe Sisters Eddie McAlvain and the Mavricks

Admissions

$30.00 any single day --- $20.00 after 5 pm any day --- $75.00 all 3 days

Full Camper hookups $25.00 per day.

Call Canton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism 903 567 2991 for tickets & Information

www.chambercantontx.com

We are happy to accept checks and all major credit cards

14 Cade’s Cadence Bill McCallie’s Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show (Watch yet step!) Classical 90.5 WSMC-FM Chattanooga, TN

Giving and Receiving Well, we really rolled back the clock this month with an old radio transcription of the Gabby Do you prefer to give a gift or receive a Hayes Show. The original airing of this show gift? I think most people prefer to give was between 1950 and 1956, some on NBC and actually receive more pleasure from giving than receiving. and some on ABC. Everybody remembers Notice the two key words here are give and receive. Now bear Gabby Hayes. He has a star on the Hollywood with me because this gets a little confusing but I state it this way Walk of Fame and in 2000 he was inducted into the Western Per- on purpose to show how intermingled both giving and receiving formers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heri- are. Give and receive are opposites. You cannot receive some- tage Museum in Oklahoma City. I kicked off the Western thing unless it is given to you and you cannot give something if swing portion of the show this month with Joni Harms and "Let's there is nobody to receive it. When there is no giving - there is no Put The Western Back In The Country" and '' We Work It Out." Bill receiving. With giving there is receiving and receiving enables Mitchell played his steel guitar to a track of ―Midnight In Ama- giving. By receiving what is given, the ability to give increases rillo.‖ Bill has been doing the weekend news at the local CBS further. When you give what you have - you receive more. You affiliate here and none of us knew he played the steel guitar. Best get all what you give and much more. kept secret in town I'd say. I did a segment on train songs again this month. They are some of my favorites. Kate McKenzie with It‘s actually a simple concept. You have to be willing to give but ―Pan American Boogie‖...Asleep At The Wheel did the you also have to be willing to receive. If you want knowledge than ―Chattanooga Choo Choo‖...Steve Goodman's great song "Ridin give it and allow yourself to receive the knowledge from others. If On The City Of New Orleans‖ is always a hit with public radio lis- love is what you desire than give of your heart and you will re- teners. ―Golden Rocket‖ from Old Hank Snow and ―Wabash Can- ceive it in return. If you want wealth then increase the wealth of non Ball‖ from Roy Acuff rounded out the train segment. Bill and others and receive all the wealth that comes your way. Bonnie Hearn graced us with "Every Drop Of Water Shapes The Stone." Local steel guitar legend Mike Headrick cut a CD of all I‘m reminded of a story I heard one time about two soldiers, one instrumental Vince Gill songs called "Up To The Gills." Really was a city boy from back east and one was a cowboy from Wyo- nice treatment of "I'll Take Texas," "Don't Come Crying To Me" ming. They became good friends but one day after a bloody en- and "Take Your Memory With You." Luke Reed songs were in the gagement, the cowboy lay there dying on the battle field. He spotlight with "Blue Mesa" and "Cowboy Is His Name" and David reached into his pocket and pulled out a deed to a piece of prop- Johns honored us with "Calico" and "Comanche." Buddy Greene erty and gave it to his city friend. ―I have no kin but I have this, provided some gospel favorites with "Bringing In The Sheaves" this is my land, the land I‘ve been fighting for and the land I am and "Power In The Blood." Buck White joined Buddy on the piano dying for, take it and make it your dream in place of mine.‖ 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 The city boy survived the war and when he returned home he Moonbeams" and "Bonaparte's Retreat." I tried to get out to Red scraped up every dollar he had and moved out west and to the Steagall‘s big festival in late October but got tied up playing guitar land his friend had given him. He didn‘t know anything about on the Southern Belle Riverboat for three weekends straight and ranching and cows but he learned. Through hard work and with had to change my plans but I'm gonna try again next year to get the help of a pretty country girl he met in town he turned it into out and see Red. Debbie sent me a brand new CD from Red ranch, and he turned it into a home. He married that pretty girl called "The Wind, The Wire And The Rail." I did a couple of seg- who had a son and he raised that boy like he was his own. Now ments of the show on that CD and it's got some really nice songs as you may have guessed, and although he didn‘t know it at the on it. Red is so consistent in the quality of his work. I played his time, that girl was his friend‘s fiancée and the boy was his friend‘s "Wind In The Wheel," "The Code Of The West Hasn't Changed," son. But wait, there is still one more twist to this story the city "Muley Was A Railroad Man" and "How Green Was The Grazin‘ boy, as I refer to him, for medical reason could not father a child Back Then." We also played Red's "McCorkle And The Wire" and of his own. his "Silver Zepher." On November 22nd, while everyone was at the Western Music Association Showcase and Awards Show, we Funny how God works isn‘t it? Just imagine if the cowboy would were doing our 16th annual "Live" Cowboy Jubilee Radio have never thought to give his land to his friend and by contrast Show. The show went great with In Cahoots Band and the ole just imagine if the city boy would have never accepted. By giving standby Fletcher Bright and the Dismembered Tennesseans pro- the cowboy‘s dream didn‘t die there with him on the battlefield viding the entertainment for that show. We are now in our 17th and in turn his son received a father. By receiving the city boy year with the show and it's been a real pleasure bringing Western gave of himself to live out his friend‘s dream and he in turn re- music, cowboy poems and stories about the west to our audi- ceived a son. ence. We strive to put together a nice show and provide not only entertainment but also information and history and inspirational This is the giving season folks be sure to give but also be ready to music. Thanks to all of you folks who have sent music to the receive for as it says in Luke 6:38―Give and it shall be given unto show. you.‖ Next month I've got two brand new CDs from Western Jubilee [email protected] 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 www.cowboyjubilee.com or you can now catch us on Face Book @ Bill McCallie's Cowboy Jubilee Radio Show or you can get me at Bill McCallie on Face Book. We usually list the songs

15 we'll have on the next week's show. A Style All His Own - Musician Doesn’t Let Loss Of We stream to the net at www.wsmc.org every Sunday evening at Fingers Slow Him Down 6pm and we're locally at 90.5FM on the dial here in Chattanooga and 90 miles out with 100,000 watts of power. We broadcast Like most professional musi- from "beautiful downtown Collegedale, Tennessee...where the air cians, Ray Pack has a unique always smells like a big oatmeal cookie. style. His, however, was born out I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and the New of necessity. Year brings you good health and happiness and if you're ever in Pack, 69, strikes notes of classic Joe Baker's office and he doesn't offer you a "Little Debbie Zebra country tunes on an electric guitar Cake"...shame on him! Ride Safe and we'll see you next time. using a pick in his right hand that [email protected] has only three nubs for a thumb Ray Pack, 69, has been Sundays at 6:00 pm - wsmc.org/webstream.html and index and middle fingers. Si- playing the guitar since he multaneously, his left hand, which was 10 years old. Pack, who WMA Showcase and Awards Show at first glance looks like a small, lost his fingers after an acci- By Dallas McCord tightly balled fist, moves deftly up dent resulting in severe and down the fretboard. burns when he was a child, Closer inspection of the left hand is a self-taught musician. He My wife, PJ, and I just returned home two days ago from a two reveals no digits. Skin grafts from plays the instruments with week road trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. his knuckles to his palm enclose only the nubs on his hands. We went to the show without a showcase. We went there without what little digits remained after he a real game plan except to meet and greet people. burned his hands at 11 months old PJ and I both got to work the CD sales table with our best friends when he fell into a fireplace. the Criddle's and our new friends Nels Nelson, Nevada Slim and ―Music was the biggest influence Cimeron Sue. in my life,‖ Pack said. ―My life took We got to meet many of the performers we feature on our radio off when I knew I could play mu- show and many of my music and poetry idols. sic.‖ I got to see Les Buffham and Horse Crazy again. Said hey to my Pack‘s lead guitar version of the old pard R.W. Hampton. Had a private concert by fast-paced fiddle anthem ―Orange Ray Pack plays all stringed Donnie Blanz. Bill Barwick played my new (handmade) Paxton Blossom Special‖ — with its driv- instruments, from the guitar guitar. Got to hear Stampede!, The Diamond W Wranglers, Three ing rhythm to simulate the engine to the mandolin. Trails West, Trails And Rails, and so many more. Saw and talked chug of a speeding train — dem- to my hero R.J. Vandygriff and performed with Van Criddle. onstrates his virtuosity. He is profi- This was an expensive trip for PJ and me. However, it was worth cient on lead guitar, mandolin, every penny. We can hardly wait till next year. Where can an old banjo, pedal steel and other over weight, balding man like me go and be surrounded by stringed instruments. He also beauty like Eli Barsi, Juni Fisher, Horse Crazy, Mary Kaye, Jenni- plays harmonica, piano and key- fer Lind, Kathy Criddle, PJ McCord, Paula of Trails and Rails, board and sings when he per- Sam DeLeeuw, Terry Taylor, Liz Masterson, Jean Prescott, and forms as a one-man band using a Lindalee Green? I'll think of more later tonight because there were karaoke-like sound system. a lot of pretty ladies there. ―You can ask any musician in I got to sit in on a DJ panel and learned a butt load things I never Texas, and they‘ll tell you, ‗Ray knew about the broadcasting world. If you've never gone to this Pack is as good as any musician event but you're thinking about it...stop thinking about it and go. with 10 fingers,‘‖ Pack said. You'll be so happy you did. However, don't expect very much Pack performs country songs sleep. The jam sessions are legendary. made famous by Ray Price, Merle Take a couple hundred business cards, some CDs to sell, some Haggard, Lefty Frizzell, George CDs to give to us DJs, and the WMA will supply the smiles and Jones and others from the 1920s memories. to the 1970s. In harmony, Thomas Metthe/Reporter- Seeing Pack perform ―is amazing; Dallas McCord News. Ray Pack, 69, has it makes you not want to complain been playing the guitar since about anything,‖ said Micki Carey, AWA Disc Jockey of the Year he was 10 years old. Pack, a waitress at the TRP Steakhouse KNND 1400AM Sunday's 1PM to 4PM who lost his fingers after an in Hawley where Pack performed Cowboy Culture Corner accident resulting in severe recently. "Keep out of the wire!" burns when he was a child, ―I think he‘s outstanding, and I is a self-taught musician. He admire him,‖ said Gary Rust, who plays the instruments with has heard Pack perform several only the nubs on his hands. times over the years. ―He had a situation that gave him a handi- cap, and he rose above it. I‘m 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

16 flying beer bottles, to Nashville‘s storied Ryman Auditorium when just for me,‖ Pack said. it was home to the Grand Ole Opry. He offered to split the money with his band mates, he said, but ―I don‘t think there is a honky tonk or club in Texas I haven‘t they told him to keep it. played,‖ Pack said. ―That was a lot of money then. I had candy and soda pop money He once had a regular five-nights-a-week engagement at the for six months,‖ Pack said. Nashville icon Tootsie‘s Orchid Lounge, where Roger Miller, Willie After graduating from Noodle High School, Pack settled in Abilene Nelson and other country music legends congregated before they in 1957. At the age of 17, Pack and friend Billy Light formed the became famous. Texas Drifters Band that has included other musicians and sing- Pack said his career highlight was when he performed during the ers over the years. Grand Ole Opry one Saturday in 1969 as a guest of Roy Acuff One was Pack‘s brother Danny, who worked as a singer and (1903-1992), who was once dubbed the ―King of Country Music.‖ picker with the band off and on until his death in 1998. The Abilene resident had met Acuff the previous day after walking Music initially was a part-time vocation for Pack. He worked many into Acuff‘s gift shop on Lower Broadway. Pack followed the jobs, including in a bakery and as a road construction flag man, sound of music coming from the back of the store to discover cab driver and disc jockey. Acuff jamming with musicians from other country stars‘ bands. ―I found out that I could make more money in one night of playing Pack said he introduced himself and stood around to listen. He music than in five days of ‗DJ-ing,‘‖ Pack said. later asked if he could pick up an unused Fender Telecaster gui- Pack‘s musical career has enriched him personally as well. tar. ―I imagine I‘ve got more friends in this world because of music,‖ he ―I started to play with them,‖ Pack said. ―They just stared at me. said. They were amazed. I played with them all evening.‖ He met his wife, Kathy, while performing at the Twilight Zone in Three years ago, Pack played with Roy Clark, one of his favorite San Angelo. They recently celebrated their 45th anniversary. Her musicians, during the West Texas Rehabilitation Center‘s annual career as a licensed vocational nurse on the night shift dovetailed dinner show in Abilene. A signed photo of Clark, hangs in Pack‘s well with the musician‘s late hours. living room. Pack developed a loyal local following from his regular appear- Talented musicians have been a part of Pack‘s life since he was ances in the area, including at Abilene‘s now defunct Clover Club. born in Stephenville in 1940. He also played many weddings and other private parties. ―My daddy played fiddle and guitar. He had four brothers, and Two of his more unusual gigs were a divorce party for a couple they could play any stringed instrument. They could play the that had hired Pack‘s band for their wedding the year before and necks off them,‖ Pack said. the funeral of a long-time fan who requested that Pack play his His mother‘s brother, now 87, still plays guitar as well, Pack said. four favorite country songs at the memorial service. Carrying on the family‘s musical talent seemed unlikely after The funeral ―was at a Church of Christ building. They wouldn‘t let Pack‘s accident. He spent weeks in a Stephenville hospital. Pack me play old country songs, only hymns. So, I played hymns. I said the misapplication of salve and bandage wrappings resulted improvised,‖ Pack said. in losing most of his fingers. When the semi-retired Pack is not playing a private party or other ―I got so weak I couldn‘t cry. The doctor told my dad to take me engagement in the area, he enjoys woodworking. His specialty is home and let me die,‖ Pack said. crafting cars, trucks and other toys. He also builds miniature Instead, the elder Pack drove his son — against doctor‘s advice towns and other small-scale structures, such as an old-fashioned — to Baylor Hospital in Dallas. gas station outfitted with lights. He first learned the craft in a high ―They gave me blood transfusions at first,‖ Pack said. school Ag. class, he said. He eventually grew stronger and underwent surgeries that in- But music remains his first love. cluded taking skin grafts from his leg and stomach to repair what ―My job of playing music is one I love,‖ Pack said. ―My job is to remained of his hands. shine in front of people. And the more people there are, the better His early childhood years were difficult, in part because of chil- it is.‖ dren‘s cruel taunts. ―I‘ve had many a fist fight over these,‖ Pack said as he raised a Article was reproduced from the following website: hand. The ridicule would give way to admiration after Pack and his three reporternews - Your Abilene Online siblings received musical instruments for Christmas from their parents in 1950. http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/nov/28/a-style-all-his- ―My parents didn‘t think I could play a stringed instrument, so I got own-n-musician-doesnt-let-loss/ a harmonica. I still have it,‖ Pack said. He mastered the instrument in two weeks. He then took an interest in his brother Dicky‘s 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, performed 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 $17.50 and said it was

17 Meet Jody Nix Jody Nix is a family man who lives in the small, friendly West By Joe Baker Texas town of Big Spring. He has a daughter, Brooke, and a son and daughter-in-law James and Nicky Henderson and grand chil- The pure lyrical strains of country swing drift from the sandy dren Reagan & Jessica. Jody believes success is due to hard plains of West Texas. A legendary style created in the 1940's and work, determination and the use of a God-given talent. He plans 50's by two great talents, BOB WILLS & HOYLE NIX, continues to to continue offering good, clean family entertainment in concerts excite audiences. Hoyle's son, Jody Nix, inherited his father‘s love and solid Texas dance music, a combination he feels will become of music and his talent - a combination that was shown early in only more popular in the years to come. The tradition continues as life. At age eight, when most children were learning music scales, people of all ages come to dance, listen and enjoy a man and his Jody began his professional career, playing five nights a week for music, played the way it should be played. his fathers band, The West Texas Cowboys. He learned the soft swing of country music as only an insider can - an insider guided Backforty Bunkhouse Productions presents Jody Nix and The by Hoyle Nix & Bob Wills! Jody's years of music education were Texas Cowboys for the 5th Annual Cowboy Ball sponsored by the rewarded. In 1973, at the age of twenty-one, Jody had performed Lincoln County Sheriff's Posse on Saturday, December 12th at on Bob Wills' "FOR THE LAST TIME" album. The young star had Mountain Annie‘s Dinner Theater. Doors open at 6pm, dinner at indeed learned his profession well. 7pm and dance to Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys beginning at

8pm. Tickets are $55 per person by calling 575-354-0115 or any After the death of LCSP member. his father, Jody

moved from the drums to the fiddle; Cowboy Ball & Mountain Annie's scores a 10 from back of the By Joe Baker stage to the front - The Lincoln a move he was County Sheriff's destined to make. Posse held the His natural talents, 5th Annual total dedication to Cowboy Ball at western swing fid- Mountain An- dle have dazzled nie's Dinner Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys audiences ever Theater last since. As a band Saturday night leader, Jody created a mix of pure, traditional western swing and to a sold out pure country music which blends to produce a unique sound that crowd of folks appeals to the educated listener of today. His high energy stage who love to shows and easy dance music have excited audiences and the dance to the band has developed a loyal following of fans of all ages. Jody Nix and NM Gov. Bill Richardson finest country and western Realizing the importance of his band, Jody carefully chose mem- swing music. Big Spring, TX, Native Jody Nix and his Texas Cow- bers whose music philosophy and talent mirror his own. The style boys have played the Cowboy Ball for the past five years, pre- and experience blend to form a unique "family." Larry Nix's ex- sented by Backforty Bunkhouse Productions. traordinary bass playing, compliments his polished harmony sing- Jim & Phyllis Strathman their staff at Mountain Annie's did all they ing, making him a very special talent in the band. Robert Weeks could do to make everyone welcome and feel at home, from the is one of the finest, young fiddle players in the business, and fabulous dinner and decorations, Phyllis said the Cowboy Ball has along with Jody makes up one of the best twin fiddle teams in found a new home. Texas! Johnny Cox was only 15 when he started his professional This year was a special year as New Mexico Governor Bill career on the steel and is unquestionably one of the best steel Richardson players in the world. Dixie Hankins brings her talent to the band made a sur- as a great drummer...keeping the beat for the Texas Cowboys. prise visit to Each musician understands and abides by Jody's policy (for both Mountain him and his band members) of no alcohol or drug use. Annie's to see what the Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys are well known as one of the Lincoln finest professional music organizations anywhere. They travel County across the country playing major rodeos, clubs and conventions Sheriff's to large audiences. Jody received a special honor in 1989 when Posse's he and his band were asked to perform at the Texas State Soci- Cowboy Ball ety Black Tie & Boots Ball for George Bush, the President Of The was all United States. This was quite an honor and a cherished memory. about. It's a Lincoln Jody has recorded seven albums to his credit and was a guest County Tra- Joe Baker and NM Gov. Bill Richardson artist with Asleep At The Wheel on the "Tribute To Bob Wills" dition. album. This album was a Country Music Association nominee for Mark your calendars for December 11th, 2010 for the 6th annual "Album Of The Year" honors at the CMA awards Show in 1994. In Cowboy Ball to be held at Mountain Annie's Dinner Theater as 1996 Jody was inducted in to the Western Swing Hall Of Fame in Backforty Bunkhouse Productions will again present Jody Nix & Sacramento, CA. The Texas Cowboys.

18 News from BobWills.com welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be Well, Western Swing Fans, it’s different for Bob. hard to believe but we‘ve almost finished another year. It‘s even Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. harder to believe that we‘ve been He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often producing programs for Bob Wills called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was Radio since last July! different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, It‘s time to thank all you fans around married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copy- the globe who‘ve supported our writer at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he programs and continue to listen in. was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's We‘re proud of the many great mu- bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob sicians who‘ve allowed us to inter- and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in view and talk to them about Bob the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in Wills‘ influence on their careers. As I promised when we began 1938. this series, we will continue Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't to do our best even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, to bring you he was determined a make one - a storybook! Bob had created an interesting animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to and informa- little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob tive programs told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the in the new character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May cre- year. ated was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he This past created was a misfit outcast like he was. month we enjoyed a visit The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with at The Spoke a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to with the tal- his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The old band bus used by the Texas Tophands in the ented Floyd The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the 1950's. It stands in front of the legendary Broken Spoke Domino. (See little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase in South Austin. Standing in front of the bus, from left to right: Floyd Domino, your radio host, Jim Gough and pix) We the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print, ―Rudolph the Wayne Wood (Hall of Fame steel-player who rode the warmed up a Red-Nosed Reindeer‖ and distribute it to children visiting Santa bus to gigs with Walter Kleypus' Lone Star Band) couple of old Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed classic inter- more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major views with swing fiddle giants Cliff Bruner and Joe Holley. As you publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an know these are all archived so if you missed any, they are still updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of available 24/7. We hope you enjoyed our special Christmas kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. Show featuring a rare album by the Original Texas Playboys. We The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals have many great musicians to bring to the website in the New followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, be- Year. Folks like Mary Ann price, Bert Rivera, Howard Kalish, Rick came wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving McRae and Bill Dessens to name a few. daughter. But the story doesn't end there either. As the old year draws to a close, Dwight Adair and I want to wish you and yours the Happiest Holidays and Merriest Christmas Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to ever. Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the Jim Gough singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" [email protected] was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling 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 being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing. True Story of Rudolph MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared Backforty Bunkhouse Productions would like to send out a Cow- out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. boy Christmas tip of the hat to Western Swing Hall Of Famer, Jay

Riley, West Sacramento, CA for sharing the ―True Story Of Ru- His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. dolph.‖ Bob‘s wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes 19 Norma Austin Odis James Fred Berry Norma Johnson Lynn Ward Jimal Bible Rick Langford Tom Burgess Big Bill Lister Family Lynn Ward, son of the Rosie Carberry Millie Mack late Sidney Ward and Mary Corley Mel McDaniel Lorene Cartwright Dugg and Joyce Collins Carl McDonald Ward, was born March Gwen Cox Curly Musgrave Family 18, 1949 in Batesville, Glynn Fairburn Bob Nible Arkansas. He departed Jim Cox and Family Joe Paul Nichols this life on December Mark Giles Beverly and Joel North Joann Gillean Rich O‘Brien 13, 2009 at Calico Paige Haas Walter Pate Rock, Arkansas at the Darci Hahn Johnny Patterson age of 60 years, 8 Lelsie Harris Lyall and Donna Paulson months and 25 days. In 1968, Lynn was drafted into the United Chuck Hayes Jim Quisenberry States Army. He spent a little less than two years in Germany. Briggs Hill and his family Louise Rowe Lynn stayed in Arkansas for a short time after leaving the Army, Earl Hill Connie Stom Bud House Jimmy Tomlinson and then relocated to Cashmere, Washington. It was there he met Marian Howell Lynn Ward Family his wife Michelle Parsons. They were united in marriage on De- Mary Hunter Mike Ward cember 29, 1971 in Cashmere, Washington. Lynn has had sev- Ray Hunter Charlie Watkins eral bands over the years, and has toured throughout the USA. Dennis Ivey Ed White Lynn has been inducted into several of Western Swing Music‘s 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, One morning I was reading the internet posts, on Randy Ward of Marshfield, Missouri and David Ward of Siloam the Bob Wills Discussion group when the name, Springs, Arkansas; one sister: Janice Ward of Hunt, Texas; six Joe Baker, appeared along with a website. The grandchildren: Drew Maggunson, Taylor Ward, Collin Mag- gunson, Bryn Maggunson, Paul Ward and Peter Ward and a host post mentioned western swing music, so that of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in automatically peaked my curiosity. As a result of death by his parents. 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 Cowboy Singer Mus- missed a show. Most importantly, I found a radio grave Dies station that plays my kind of music. The show is Jim ―Curly‖ Musgrave, a multi- filled with straight forward traditional country, award-winning western singer, western swing and cowboy music. I still cannot songwriter, poet and musician get over the show format and the featured artists. who lived in Lake Arrowhead, died Sunday De. 13, 2009 of a I now hear artists that I have not heard for years malignant brain tumor. He was or some I have never heard. This show has 66. Musgrave, who performed tradi- changed my outlook on radio. I keep telling my tional cowboy and western songs friends “There is still hope! Thanks to Joe Baker across America with this musical partner, Belinda Gail of Crestline, and The Backforty Bunkhouse Show!” died at Kaiser Foundation Hospi- Your fan, tal in Fontana. ―Curly has been challenged by a number of undiagnosed ill- Tom Burgess nesses in the past few years, and on Monday, Dec. 7, was diag- nosed with a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor,‖ said his close [email protected] friend, Gene Wright of Blue Jay.

20 ―He was so dearly loved and respected, a man whose grace and goodness touched all who had the privilege of knowing him,‖ Wright said. Musgrave‘s ties with Lake Arrowhead were strong. In addition to living here, he maintained a marriage and family therapy practice Moore, Martha Dean (McKinney) locally and performed, along with Belinda Gail, as part of the Ar- rowhead Arts Association‘s 2008 summer concert series at Tav- Peacefully passed away in her home on ern Bay Beach. Monday, November 9, 2009 in Sacra- Musgrave, a native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada died just six days mento, California. She was preceded in before he and Belinda Gail were scheduled to perform a benefit death by her beloved husband Billie M. concert in Apple Valley, called ―Curly‘s Cowboy Christmas,‖ for (Tiny) Moore, parents Dewey and Margaret Roy and Dale Rogers‘ Happy Trails Children‘s Foundation for McKinney, sister Helen V. Ridge and her abused children. loving son-in-law William (Skip) Van Vliet. ―Musgrave had performed the Christmas concert for the founda- She is survived by her children: daughters tion for the past several years,‖ said Nancy Wright, another close Debra M. Moore and Kimberly Van Vliet of friend of Musgrave and his wife Kathleen. Sacramento, son Richard D. Moore, wife Patti and their sons At the time of his death, Belinda Gail was performing at the Mon- Jarod and Danny of Auburn, California. She also leaves her sister terey Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival, keeping the duo‘s com- and singing partner Evelyn and her daughter Billie (Jaki) Wills, of mitment. The event had been dedicated to him. North Highlands, California. ―His concerts were very spiritual,‖ Nancy Wright said. ―They Dean and her sister Evelyn were known professionally as the touched on God and family and all the gifts God has given us.‖ McKinney Sisters and began singing on radio station WBRC in Curly Musgrave‘s talents as a singer and songwriter have been Birmingham, Alabama when Dean was 14 and Evelyn was 12 widely recognized by his professional peers. He was named the years old. During their early career they were also known as ―The Instrumentalist of the Year for 2009 by the Western Music Asso- Jim Dandy Sweethearts,‖ ―The Song Twins,‖ ―The Double Cola ciation (WMA). In 2003 he was the WMA‘s Male Performer of the Twins‖ and ―The Coeds.‖ They appeared with the Sons of the Pio- Year and Songwriter of the Year award winner and was also neers and on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee with named the organization‘s Top Male Western Musician. Eddie Arnold and Eddy Peabody, the Banjo King. After working in In 2002 the WMA chose him as its Male performer of the Year Chicago with the Ted Weems Orchestra they were contacted by and Songwriter of the Year. He and Belinda Gail were named the Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Their first work with Bob Wills Traditional Duo/Group of the Year by WMA in 2005. was an ABC radio program and to participate in a musical short Musgrave‘s career is well summarized at www.chilcotin.com, film for Universal Studios. A long and successful career with Bob where he ―cowboyography‖ says of him, ―For over three decades Wills resulted in classic recordings for MGM, Columbia and The he‘s performed for royal, prime ministers, presidents and poten- Tiffany Transcriptions. During this time Dean met her husband tates...for grandkids on his knees...friends in the living room...and and musical collaborator Tiny Moore, who played the electric pool players hi honky tonks.‖ mandolin and fiddle as one of The Playboys. Dean and Tiny set- Belinda Gail said the two have performed together for 10 years tled in Sacramento and Tiny managed the Wills Point Ballroom on and have released three duet albums and a Christmas CD. Mus- Auburn Boulevard. Western Swing Music was the attraction for grave also released four solo albums. Their music is available dances and concerts held at the Ballroom with Tiny‘s band that online at www.cdbaby.com. included Evelyn‘s husband, Billy Jack Wills. Both had successful solo careers before they met, Belinda said Fulfilling the needs of their faith in God, Dean and Tiny were but ―we really feel like the Lord got us together. Synergy was a among the founding members of the First Baptist Church of Car- word that was often attached to our relationship. It was like one michael. Dean and Evelyn shared their love of faith and music by plus one equaled six.‖ frequently ministering to the congregation with songs of praise. Belinda praised Musgrave as ―my big brother and the dearest Two LP‘s of sacred music were produced: ―Softly and Tenderly‖ friend. He went out of his way to help others. He was an incredi- and ―Heaven‘s Harmony.‖ Dean was an unwavering presence in bly giving person and so nonjudgmental. He made it safe to just her children‘s lives and was active in Parent Teacher Associations be you in his presence. A beautiful light has gone out on this throughout their early school years. She enthusiastically sup- earth.‖ ported every activity that interested her children. She was a won- Belinda Gail said she intends to continue her solo career. ―I think derful cook and she and Tiny entertained often with lavish dinners Curly would come back and haunt me if I didn‘t,‖ she said. ―Every for friends and family. They performed as a duo frequently joined time I take the stage will be a tribute to Curly.‖ She and Musgrave by their daughter Kimberly and were constantly in demand to ap- were working on a gospel CD at the time of his death. In lieu of pear at concerts and private gatherings. flowers, Curly‘s family asks for contributions to pay for the com- After Tiny‘s death in 1987 Dean became active in the Sacramento pletion and release of that album. To contribute, go to Western Swing Society, serving as their President for many years. www.cowboypoetry.com and look for ―quiet fund.‖ During this time Dean traveled extensively and continued to sing Musgrave is survived by his wire, Kathi, sons Jim Jr. of Victorville with Evelyn at musical festivals across the United States to show and Jon of Lake Arrowhead, six grandchildren and one great- case the unique style of music known as ―Western Swing.‖ grandchild. A memorial service will be held in Ontario on the eve- Her children will remember her as an example of strength of char- ning of Jan. 9 at a place to be determined. acter and wisdom, unfailing support and abiding love. She will be remembered by all for her talent, her grace, her kindness and her Taken from ―Mountain News‖ by Glenn Barr, Reporter sweet humor. Dec. 17,2009 Issue Martha Dean Moore was in all situations an impeccable lady. Services were held on Friday, November 20, 2009, at 2:00 pm at the East Lawn Mortuary located at 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacra- mento, California, 95841.

21 While preparing for another recording session, Lister told Williams that he needed a good "beer drinking song." Williams said "Don't worry about it big un, I got you covered. I got one that's hotter'n a pistol". The following morning Williams dropped by Lister's house Country Music Associa- with an acetate of "There's A Tear In My Beer." tion of Texas Hall of Lister recorded the song and then tossed the acetate into a trunk Famer Big Bill Lister to be forgotten for the next thirty five years. Lister later gave the passed away Tuesday, acetate to Hank Williams Jr. and it become a million selling duet December 1, 2009 at between father and son. 10:35 pm in San Antonio, In 1952, Williams and his wife Audrey divorced and he disbanded TX. He was 86. the Drifting Cowboys band. Lister remained in Nashville until July of 1952. He then joined the Big D Jamboree in Dallas, hosted an "During October, Big Bill Sunday afternoon show on KRLD and worked Jack Ruby's Carou- entertained 310 people on sel Club each Sunday night. He would then drive back to San a seven day cruise out of Antonio during the week before returning to Dallas each weekend Galveston, Texas, for throughout 1953 and 1954. Country Cruisin' 2009," "Elvis was coming on might strong and hillbillies wasn't doing too Heart of Texas Records good anywhere, so I just kind of drifted out of the business," President Tracy Pitcox said. "He received a standing ovation Lister recalled. every night. He became ill after the cruise and remained in ICU He took up gun engraving and became one of the most sought for thirty days with a severe lung infection. He was just too weak after engraves man in the Texas industry. He continued to play to overcome the illness." opry shows, school houses and the occasional concert with some Lister was born on January 5, 1923, in Kenedy, Texas. Lister of his friends, but did not record again until the 1980's. His "Sho grew up listening to his idol Jimmie Rodgers. He made his radio Nuff Country Stuff" album was released on the Salt Lick label debut over KNEL in Brady, Texas, in 1938, playing a Sears Roe- based in Ft. Worth. buck $3.98 guitar. Lister made some transcriptions for XEG, in Mexico, before mov- The rediscovery of "There's A Tear In My Beer" and its subse- ing to WOAI and then KMAC in San Antonio. After World War II, quent recording by Hank Williams and Hank Jr. brought a sub- Lister moved to KTSA and hired Tommy Hill to accompany him stantial amount of publicity for Lister. He appeared on radio sta- on guitar. With Tommy and Kenny Hill, Lister formed Bill Lister tions throughout the country and even was given a gold record on and the Texas Hillbillies. Lister was hosting two shows each day Nashville Now with Ralph Emery. on the powerful 50,000 watt station and sponsored by Luck Opti- In 1998, Lister lent his vocals and songwriting skills to a project to cal. raise money to build a country music museum in Brady, Texas. At 6 foot 7 1/2 inches, Lister was tagged with "Radio's Tallest The song "Take Me Back" was part of a compilation album that Singing Cowboy" during this time. helped to create the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum. Lister made his first recording for the Everstate Label based in Lister became very involved in the project even donating much of San Antonio. His release of "This Time Sweetheart" and "Local his memorabilia to the museum along with making numerous ap- Yokel" became regional hits in Texas. pearances at the museum throughout the years. Lister moved to Nashville in January of 1951. Lister made his final recording for Heart of Texas Records in "I got acquainted with Tex Ritter-I opened a number of shows for 1999, with "Big Bill Lister Remembering Hank Williams Through down through South Texas," Lister recalled. "And Tex suggested Story and Song." It was a live project that mixed Lister's memo- that if I really wanted to do anything, that I needed to either go to ries of his years with Williams. It also featured him performing the West Coast or Nashville." some of Williams' hits and songs that Williams wrote for Lister. Ritter told Capitol A & R leader Dee Kilpatrick to sign Lister to a Williams' daughter Jett performed for Lister's 86th birthday cele- recording contract. With a contract in his hand, Lister went to the bration in Llano, Texas, earlier this year. Grand Ole Opry and approached Jim Denny about appearing on In the book "Legendary Conversations With A Texas Disk the historic show. Denny teamed Lister with Hank Williams as a Jockey", Lister said he wanted "to be remembered as someone front man. He joined the Drifting Cowboys organization in Febru- who stood tall for Traditional Country Music." ary of 1951. Big Bill Lister's wishes were that memorials be made to the Heart "Hank and I became real good friends," Lister said. We had an of Texas Country Music Association 1701 South Bridge, Brady, awful lot in common being born the same year and listening to the TX 76825 same people growing up. When I originally went out there, I was- Tracy Pitcox, Heart of Texas Records n't supposed to stay on the stage when Hank came out. But be- heartoftexascountry.com fore the first week was over, Hank asked me if I'd mind playing Joe Baker’s Recognition and Honors second rhythm with him because he and I played almost identical rhythm." Cowtown Society of Western Music Heroes Lister made his first recordings for Capitol Records on March 13, Academy of Western Artists Disc Jockey of the Y ear 1961, at the Castle Studios at the Tulane Hotel in Nashville. Cowtown Society of Western Music Disc Jockey of the Year Grady Martin, Ernie Newton and a young Chet Atkins back Lister Western Swing Music Society of the Southwest Hall of Fame on "Beer Drinkin' Blues" and "RC Cola And A Moon Pie." Membership Director—Cowtown Society of Western Music During his time with Williams, Lister was a part of the Hadacol Board of Directors—Cowtown Society of Western Music Seattle Western Swing Music Society POWS Hall of Fame Caravan touring 18 states with Bob Hope, Milton Berle and Backforty Newsletter—CSWM’s Publication of the Year 2009 Minnie Pearl. He was also featured on the Mother's Best Radio The Western Swing Society Sacramento CA Hall of Fame shows from Nashville. KNMB, Western Music Assn. 2006 Radio Station Of The Year KWMW, Western Music Assn. 2007 Radio Station Of The Year