DailySentinel.com Sunday, February 7, 2021 • The Daily Sentinel • 5B

THINGS HISTORICAL Te father of Texas honky-tonk: Ernest Tubb Over the last weekend my wife soothed his soul more than Many people consider “Walking and I re-watched Ken Burn’s anything else, particularly the the Floor Over You” as the frst excellent documentary series soulful, bluesy-based stylings of major release of a “honky-tonk” “Country Music.” It the biggest country star of the era song, a style that would take over was a delight to learn Jimmie Rodgers. Ernest set his and dominate country music about the person- sights on becoming a musician, for more than the next decade, alities, foibles and and was helped by a family friend, a genre that Hank Williams and triumphs of so many Merwyn Buffngton, who taught Lefty Frizzell — among others of the icons of “Amer- him the guitar and also began to — would also use to meteoric ica’s music.” allow Ernest to play in his group success. So many of them Dr. Scott the Castleman Brothers on local Tubb’s career yielded felded Sosebee — particularly the radio, frst in Waco and then in a 15 year streak of at least one — early stars — were brought up in San Antonio, where the teenaged and usually multiple — Top Ten diffcult conditions, often poor and Tubb — who had left his relative’s country hits. One year — 1949 — with very few outlets of escaping farm — worked as a soda jerk in a he charted an amazing 13 songs. their circumstances. The very drugstore to make ends meet. He also became a regular on the fact that they did overcome their Tubb was strictly an instrumen- “Grand Ole Opry” radio show on environments and forge success- talist in those early years, playing WSM every Saturday night. ful careers was amazing, granted guitar in the traditional “string He also opened the enormously though many continued to strug- band” of the Castleman Broth- successful “Ernest Tubb Record gle with demons even after their ers, but he pestered the leaders Shop” in Nashville that he pro- success. to allow him to sing so he could moted with his “Midnight Jam- One man that came from such emulate his idol Rodgers. They boree” broadcast every Saturday a background, and also did seem had continually rebuffed him be- after the Opry show. Tubb would to at least subdue whatever of cause his voice was unimpressive usually convince Opry regulars those troubles that rose from such with little range or style, but his or guests to come across the street an upbringing was the man often persistence paid off and he began with him and do the show. He also known as the “Texas Trouba- to sing on some shows. had a relentless touring schedule, dour” — also the name of his The opportunity had an instant one that was designed to be back backing band — was Ernest Dale affect. The audience seemed to in Nashville every Saturday for Tubb, the frst nationally known enjoy Tubb’s attempts to yodel the Opry and Jamboree. It was not of the Texas “honky-tonk” band like Rodgers, and one day, while uncommon for he and the Trou- leaders and singers. in town, Carrie Rodgers, Jimmie badours to rack up 15,000 driving Born in the tiny Ellis County Rodgers’s widow, heard him sing miles in one week. town of Crisp on Feb. 9, 1914, Tubb and asked to meet the tall Texan. Tubb continued his hectic tour was the youngest of fve chil- She convinced him to tour as basi- Ernest Tubb circa 1964. schedule into the 1960s, even after dren in a share-cropping family cally a Rodgers imitator, and she his recording success lessened. that constantly struggled just also helped him get a recording and had to have them removed. Still, Tubb could not break When he was diagnosed with to survive. When he was six his contract with RCA. The operation rendered Tubb’s through to major triumph. The emphysema in 1966 he ignored his parents, who had a tumultuous He had only mediocre success voice even more “unspectacular,” U.S.’s entry into World War II had doctor’s advice to rest and set out marriage, followed the patterns in his early career. He recorded and also made it impossible for opened up a number of defense on the road, which took a toll on of many poor Texans on marginal obvious tributes to Rodgers and him to yodel. So, he changed his jobs around the country and Tubb his health. He was inducted into land in the years after World War his singles went nowhere. He style and began to develop the was prepared to end his music the Country Music Hall of Fame I and moved farther west to little toured constantly just to maintain iconic Tubb nasally-tinged twang. dream and go to work in a factory. in 1965 as the sixth member. He Benjamin just below the Caprock an income, which barely paid his It was a style that Tubb had often But again, fate had a different did slow down some in the 1970s Escarpment in Knox County. expenses. heard in Texas “beer joints,” a plan. and recorded no solo singles after The relocation could not save RCA dropped him from the label sub-genre that would become One of the songs that Tubb had 1975. He died in September 1984 at the elder Tubbs’ marriage and in 1938 after just two years, which known as “honky-tonk.” recorded in late 1941 was a song he 70 years old and was later hailed they divorced when Ernest was meant Tubb had to go back to Tubb’s change in direction had written after one of his club as one of the 40 “Greatest Men of nine. The separation devastated working small clubs, still singing caused his career to take off, but it concerts when he heard a man Country Music” in 2003. the family and caused young Er- and “imitating” the “Blue Yodel- still took some time and luck. He telling a story about his girlfriend nest to be raised by his mother’s er,” Jimmie Rodgers. Fate then signed with Decca Records in 1940 leaving him. He titled it “Walking East Texas Historical Assn. relatives back in Ellis County. dealt Tubb a step-up from a seem- and had a string of minor hits, the Floor Over You” and when provides this column. Scott Sosebee Lonely and feeling abandoned, ingly unlikely source. The young just enough for Decca to give him Decca released it in the spring of is executive director,sosebeem@ young Tubb found that music singer developed tonsilitis in 1939 an extension through 1942. 1942 it made Ernest Tubb a star. sfasu.edu.

SERVING OUR SAVIOR Love INC hosting You are LOVED fundraiser for Valentine’s Day The 2021 Board of Directors had to be accountable and obedient any details about In Honor or In REQUESTS their frst meeting of the year last to you in all that we do and say. Memory and we will respond. You Contact Love INC Minor home repair is becoming week. They are a dynamic group Thank you today for the people can also leave any details on the Love INC a common request and mostly of folks representing who have committed to serve on memo line of your check. Thank P.O. Box 630423 from the elderly. Sofas, crock pots, a dozen different our Board of Directors. I know you for your continued support of Nacogdoches, TX 75963 new linens, new pillows, gently churches. these folks are chosen especially our ministries. 569-8555 used blankets and bedspreads are Our new presi- for this season in the growth and Media: To receive the weekly [email protected] always in great demand. We have dent of the board is development of this organization online newsletter, or our hard Physical address: 917 Ruby St. received several new pillows and Linda Green, First in your Name. We have done noth- copy newsletter, please email Nacogdoches, TX 75961 linen. Thank you so very much. Christian Church; ing to deserve your love and pro- [email protected]. We have vice president George Patti tection. Oh Father, we are grateful an exciting event in February. Goodrum MISSION Barham IV, Grace for this life you have provided and We have our You are LOVED! The sermon series in progress is To mobilize local churches to Bible Church; secretary Cindy we live for you. Fundraiser up and running. Look “Disciple Making.” Another high- transform lives and communities Hancock, First United Methodist for links on our website, loveinc- light is the pre-school sign up for In the Name of Christ. Sharing Church; treasurer Brigid Pitts, UPDATES nacorg, on our Facebook page the fall semester beginning Feb. the Gospel is our ultimate mis- Oak Grove Baptist Church; others Case management: We want to facebook.com/Love-INC-of-Na- 22-25. If you need further informa- sion. Therefore go and make disci- are; Rev. John Davis, Nacogdoches thank the community for your cogdoches, and in our online tion call First United Methodist ples of all nations, baptizing them Bible Fellowship; David Fears, response to our request last week newsletter which is sent out every Church at 564-8308. Love INC is in the name of the Father and of North Street Church of Christ; about an extra large wheelchair. Wednesday via email. thankful for the partnership we the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Scott Hoey, Sacred Heart Catholic We received two different gently Executive Director: We are have with First United Methodist Matthew 28:19 NIV Church; Terry Kline, Westminster used wheelchairs, and we received usually fnalizing our Chairished Church. Presbyterian Church; Jonathan fnancial donations toward the Blessings event this time of year, HOW TO DONATE Landrum, Grace Covenant Pres- purchase of wheelchairs. We were but we regretfully had to cancel FUNDRAISING ■ Using our post offce box is byterian Church; Randy Legler, able to fll multiple wheel chair re- that this year. We will miss visit- February is love Month: the safer and most secure way to North Street Church of Christ; quests because of your generosity. ing with each of you, and wanted Surprise your loved ones for send us a check. P.O. Box 630423, Mike Liebrum, First Baptist Volunteers: Please go on our to come up with another way of Valentine’s this year, or their Nacogdoches, Texas 75963. Church; Stephanie VanDyke, website and fll out the Volunteer connecting during Love Month, birthday or just because you want ■ Another very secure way is Holly Springs Baptist Church; and Application and join us. We always February. You will see below in them to know you love them. Our by PayPal on our website www. Patty Welborn, Christ Episcopal need more folks and would love to the Fundraising section below, fundraiser lets you rent a sign for loveincnac.org Church. We are overjoyed to serve serve our Savior with you. Please an idea that we are very excited one week for $25, or purchase a ■ www.facebook.com/ alongside these men and women review the volunteer opportuni- about. I hope you will participate. beautifully designed yard sign for Love-INC-of-Nacogdoches of God. ties. If you have any questions $35. Each corrugated sign comes ■ It is also helpful for you to please call Debbie. MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT with a yard stake, and is printed designate your gifts. Writing on BLESSINGS Warehouse: The warehouse sale First United Methodist Church on both sides. Look for samples the memo line will designate Lord Jesus, thank you for that was going to be on Thursday is located at 201 E. Hospital St. Dr. and more details on our website. your wishes. Write: “wherever always loving us, seeking us and and Friday has been postponed Nathan Hodge and Rev. Lorraine Please support our neighbors in needed most” will allow us to giving us the comfort only you can due to weather. Brown are leading the confrma- need through this year’s fundrais- decide. This is just helpful to us, provide. We are grateful for this Financial: If you donate online tion classes being held presently. er. To rent or purchase, look for not required. community and for so many of in PayPal, you are able to des- Also happening is a Bible Study the Fundraiser Page at loveinc- your loving children serving you ignate where you want your from the series “Disciple” and nac.org. For more information call Patti Goodrum is executive direc- through Love INC. May we strive contribution used. Please leave the class is beginning number IV. 569-8555. tor of Love INC.

AROUND THE NATION ASTROGRAPH If today is your birthday — Look TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Don’t discover the truth and a path that will “Midnight Train to NFL Hall of Fame for opportunities, and you shall receive put your plans in motion without lead to a better life. Make a change for Georgia’ songwriter coach Bill Cowher has them. Do your due diligence, ask plenty the proper authorization. If you can’t the right reasons. of questions and forge ahead with manage the fallout, don’t shake things LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A Jim Weatherly dies memoir out in June optimism. Take pride in what you do, up. Go about your business behind discussion with a friend or relative will NASHVILLE, TENN. (AP) — Hall of Fame song- NEW YORK (AP) — Hall of Fame coach and then reap the rewards. Take control and closed doors. make you question what you are doing. writer Jim Weatherly, who wrote “Mid- NFL analyst Bill Cowher has a book make decisions that will ensure your GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — Before you make a change, consider night Train to Georgia” and other hits for coming out in June that his publisher is happiness and success. Romance is in Above all else, be honest about your what you want and what you might lose. Gladys Knight, Glen Campbell and Ray calling “more than just a football story.” the stars. expectations, feelings and plans. Failure Open your mind and see what happens. Price, has died. He was 77. The former Pittsburgh Steelers coach, AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — to honor your commitments will lead to SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — The Nashville Songwriters Hall of who led his team to a Super Bowl title Take the plunge and do something that a loss of respect and status. Say what Domestic issues will arise if you fall Fame said in a release on Friday that at the end of the 2005 season, has a deal makes you happy. A creative outlet will you mean. behind with your responsibilities. Take Weatherly’s family confrmed his death with Atria Books for the memoir “Heart help you fnd solutions. Plan something CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Look care of unfnished business before you on Wednesday at his home in Brent- and Steel.” Cowher, inducted into the special for a loved one. Romance will over contracts and agreements, and try something new. A disagreement will wood, Tennessee. NFL Hall of Fame, will look back not just enhance your life. make adjustments. Offer suggestions to unfold if you aren’t careful. Weatherly, who was also a star quar- on his career, but on his private struggles. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Keep a cause or group you want to help, but SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) terback for Ole Miss in the 1960s, wrote In 2010, he lost his wife and father within your thoughts to yourself, and you’ll don’t make a cash donation. Keep your — You’ve got the edge, so stop letting a number of hits for Gladys Knight & three months of each other. avoid getting into an emotional situation promises. others interfere in your decisions. Use The Pips, including “(You’re the) Best “As I went through the beginning of that leads to uncertainty. Focus on LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Maintain your wiles to outmaneuver anyone who Thing That Ever Happened To Me,” 2020 and I received the Hall of Fame helping others and making a difference. the upper hand; don’t give in to gets in your way. Pay more attention to “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the honor, it allowed me to be refective ARIES (March 21-April 19) — You someone putting pressure on you. the people you love. First to Say Goodbye)” and “Where upon my football career,” Cowher said can pull things together and connect Recognize false information by doing CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Peaceful Waters Flow.” in a statement issued through Atria, a with people who will be of great your research, reading and listening to Don’t be fooled by hidden costs. Set a “We were just made for each other. Simon and Schuster imprint. “When help. Don’t let a last-minute decision all sides of a situation. budget, get quotes in writing and seek We grew our lives together. I’m gonna the pandemic hit, it was a great oppor- someone makes alter your objective. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Live, out a second opinion. Handle shared miss him terribly and love him always,” tunity to write this book and refect Spend some quality time with a loved learn and grow. Don’t take someone’s expenses with care to avoid unexpected Knight said in a post on Twitter. upon my life.” one. word as gospel. Dig deep, and you’ll expenses.