L-R Top; Richard Porter, Eddie Williams; L-R Bottom; Bob Hardwick, Ronnie Smith, Carl Bunch

Richard Porter, a student at Odessa High School, began his early music career by singing with a local country band led by Hank Telford during the summer of 1955. After getting some professional experience with Hank's band Richard began the process of putting together a group with his friend and steel guitar player Eddie Williams. After playing a few gigs with local musicians Bob Caudle (lead guitar) and Ben Bevers (drums) they met Carl Bunch. Carl was playing drums for a dance with the Hood Junior High Orchestra when Richard and Eddie decided to drop by for a listen. They were impressed with his performance offering him the chance to be a part of their new group. Carl Bunch became the drummer and Carl's friend, Bob Hardwick, became the up-right bass player. The group became popular around the area and when Elvis Presley's film debut "Love Me Tender" began showing across West Texas in 1956 Richard decided to named the band 'The Poor Boys" the title of one of the songs. Like many other groups across West Texas during this period "The Poor Boys" quickly moved into rockabilly with Eddie moving from steel to lead guitar. Ronnie Smith (vocalist) joined the group after they backed him at telethon held at the County Park Auditorium. As the band began getting more and bigger bookings Brent Clark (sax) and Roy Licon (trumpet) were added. When Roy Orbison and The Teen Kings began touring The Poor Boys replaced them on their weekly KOSA-TV show sponsored by Pioneer furniture along with performing once a week on KJBC in Midland. The group recorded in Ft. Worth and again in Clovis at Norman Petty Studios. Carl Bunch (drums) went on to become a member of Buddy Holly's band on the ill-fated tour, worked with Roy Orbison, Hank Williams Jr. and Bob Osborn's band. Ronnie Smith joined the Winter Dance Party tour as vocalist after Buddy Holly's death. Richard Porter went on to play football at S.M.U. graduating in1966 from S.M.U. in Dallas then earned a law degree at the University of Florida.

Tommy Overstreet as he is today.

Tommy Began His Music Career At 13 When His Parents Purchased Him A $12.50 Harmony Guitar.  His Early Influence Was His Cousin, Nationally Known Singer, Gene Austin.  At 14 He Replaced Tommy Sands On An Early Morning Show In Houston As A Singer/Personality.  Tommy Overstreet Appeared As An Artist On The Slim Willet Show In Abilene, Texas Plus Working Part Time As A Cameraman...In Addition To Keeping With Up His School Work.  Forming A Band He Played Air Bases, Clubs And Shows In The Abilene Area.  After Returning To Houston Finishing High School He Returned Back To Abilene.  In 1956 He Studied Radio/TV Production At University Of Texas And In 1957 Toured With Gene Austin.  In The Sixties He Managed The Dot Records Nashville Office.  In 1969 He Had His first Charted Record On The Dot Label "Rocking A Memory" That Reached #73 In The Country Charts. The Following Year Another Release That Reached #56.  Then From 1973 to 1979 He Had A String Of 24 Top 40 Country Hits With 11 Making The Top 10.