West Texas Spotlight - April 19, 2010

"Do You Remember These?"

West Texas Spotlight - March 30, 2010

Merkel Area Historical Museum

West Texas Spotlight - March 15, 2010

Historic Murals of San Angelo

Official Guiness World Record

A few days ago, my husband, Charlie Dalton, received his Official Guiness World Record Certificate for being one of the 1867 Guitar Pickers who met at Luckenbach, Texas on August 23, 2009. They joined together under the trees to help raise money for "The Welcome Home Project", a nonprofit organization that puts out albums to raise awareness about veteran issues and uses music to help injured Vets recover while finding a creative outlet for them (if you were there and would like a certificate,go to their website thewelcomehomeproject.org). The Guiness World Record Officials were on hand in Luckenbach as Charlie and 1866 other Guitar Pickers joined together and played in unison, "Luckenbach Texas" and "This Land Is Your Land" (written by a West Texan, Woody Guthrie) for 5 minutes each to break the world record. The previous record was 1,803 held by Germany. I guess you could say, America has another Gold Medal, of which we are very proud. It all was for a good cause. The West Texas Music Hall Of Fame even has an official guitar signed by a lot of the pickers. This was also a very patriotic event.

While we're on that subject, my brother Armando Cantu has just finished his fourth Music Video which concerns the American flag. Go to youtube.com and in search put in americantu then click on "Indignity Of Freedom". It is a very touching video and features Charlie's 90 year old uncle Gordon Dalton, who is a Vet and lives in San Angelo, Tx. He is also in the video Armando did with Charlie. I guess you could call this a "REAL WEST TEXAS MUSIC VIDEO. It has the dance hall, country music, and the boots. To see this video go to Pioneers, click on Charlie's name or go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKDpWkB9Aww

Charlie wrote and sang the song, "The Old Man In His Tennis Shoes" . Charlie's 90 year old uncle is the star in this video. The music recording session was done at Patrick McGuire's Studio in Arlington with Buddy O'Bannon's help on the guitar. The video was all filmed exclusively in San Angelo, Texas. You will see the park on the Concho River, West Texas railroad tracks, and the familiar "Twin Mountains". Charlie used an old Martin guitar that he borrowed from Lewis Elliott. The dancing scenes were at the VFW while Snake Atkinson and The Country Showmen band were playing. Let us know if you see any more youtube videos that have West Texas connections.

See you next time--Rosie Dalton

Susan Gibson

February 19, 2009

Songwriter Susan Gibson (“Wide Open Spaces”), was in a car accident last Saturday February 13th.

Susan broke her arm in three places, including her wrist. She had surgery on February 18th. She is looking at a four to six-month expected recovery time. Unfortunately, like most musicians she doesn't have any insurance.

If you would like more information on how to help SUSAN out with her medical expenses, visit http://www.susangibson.com/donate.html.

Graceland & Sun

February 2, 2010

In 2009, Charlie and I went to a family reunion in Jonesboro, Arkansas. We stayed with a good friend of mine (who also lives in Jonesboro), who does some singing with Charlie at the Canton Flea Market "First Monday" each month. They asked Charlie to bring his guitar so they could do some jamming. One of the side trips we made was to Elvis' Graceland in Memphis. The first thing that struck us about Memphis was the size of the Mississippi River as we crossed the bridge coming into town. It looked more like an ocean than a river. As we drove downtown Memphis, to the corner of Marshall and Sam Phillips Ave, Charlie saw something that caused him to yell out loud--"Sun Records". There on the right was a extra large guitar hanging from a sign. On the windows of the building it said "Sun Records". Charlie said" we've got to stop!". We did and what a thrill! This was where it all started for Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and a bunch of other big Rock & Roll entertainers. There were pictures and vinyl records by the original artists covering the walls. Most were autographed. Charlie felt he was on "hollowed ground". We left with some advertising along with some Sun guitar picks...a great start to a big memory. But the biggest memory will always be Graceland. Charlie was especially taken by the original 1955 pink Caddy. He remembers when Elvis drove it to San Angelo in 1955 for his appearance at the City Auditorium, where he sat on the hood and watched Elvis sign autographs for all the "frenzy & crazed" girls. I think this was when all us were teenagers, including Charlie, became indoctrinated into Rock & Roll music. What an entertainer! There will never be another one like ELVIS.

Until next time,

Rosie Dalton (WTMHOF roaming reporter)

West Texas Spotlight - January 28, 2010

Elvis in West Texas 1955-1956

January 19, 2010

Just a reminder of how big a roll West Texas played in the 50's & 60's concerning Rock & Roll music? I recently read an article in which they had rated the Top 100 Rock & Roll Ballads of All-Time. The list was chosen for their lasting popularity. West Texas singers held down 6 spots with #4 Crying by Roy Orbison,#6 Only The Lonely by Roy O, #26 Last Kiss by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers, #27 Running Scared by Roy O, #54 It's Over by Roy O and #73 True Love Ways by Buddy Holly. Not only Rock & Roll but there are many country music hitmakers from West Texas.

Charlie Dalton says he feels fortunate having grown up in West Texas where both Country and Rock & Roll was big. In 1955 Charlie got to see Elvis live at the San Angelo Municipal Auditorium. Also in attendence, that same night, was Carroll Smith who would help form The "Legendary" Cavaliers the following year. Charlie also tells about the night he and his band were playing a small "gig" in San Angelo in which Slim Willet (lived in Abilene) came up and introduced himself in which Charlie then invited him to sing a number or two. He obliged singing his #1 hit "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes".

Speaking of West Texas Charlie & I just recently drove to San Angelo from Lewisville visiting friends and relatives. While there, we visited with Lewis Elliott bass player on the 1964 hit recording "Last Kiss". Lewis said he doesn't play music much anymore but still dabbles in Farm & Ranch Real Estate in the San Angelo area. After visiting with Lewis we drove over and visited with "Snake" Atkinson, the drummer on "Last Kiss" at his transmission shop on North Cadbourne Street. Snake said he still plays music locally from time to time.

When Saturday rolled around Charlie & I decided to go dancing at the VFW in San Angelo that featured live music. We didn't learn until later that "Snake" Adkinson just happened to be the bass player and one of the singers in the band that night. Charlie didn't recognize him since he was wearing a cowboy hat and not his usual "mechanic's cap". We had a good time dancing to a good ole West Texas band and just like old times live music appears to be still going strong across West Texas.

Until next time, Rosie Dalton

(roving reporter for The WTMHOF web site)

January 6, 2010

Hi Everybody,

We finally got the pictures from the Country Music Hall of Fame showing Weldon being entered into the "Nashville Cats Series" this past August. If you would like to see them, go to www.weldonmyrick.com and click on the Gallery and you will see the Nashville Cats Album, click on that and all of the photos will come up.

Hope you enjoy seeing the photos....it was a special day for a special guy.

Thanks,

Judi Myrick

January 1, 2010

Waylon Jenninings Museum

December 14, 2009 12:12 pm

My name is Rosie Dalton. My husband, Charlie Dalton, had the privilege of being inducted into the West Texas Music Hall Of Fame Pioneer/Sidemen Section along with other West Texas music talents such as Sonny West. Charlie and Sonny are Board Members of the WTMHOF. Sid Holmes, the director, has asked me to write some articles for the NEWS section for the website.

Not long ago, Charlie & I had met with Sonny West, at the temporary WTMHOF-Museum located in Abilene, where Charlie presented Sonny with his 2007 Entertainer of the Year plaque. Sonny is best known for writing two hit songs for Buddy Holly- OH BOY and RAVE ON. While there, Charlie and his guitar-playing friend, Buddy O'Bannon jammed with Sonny and they did both his songs and what a fun time!

Sonny's "still got it". He has several albums, "West Texas Wind" and "Sonny West Rave On". Visit his website: jsonnywest@suddenlink.net While talking to Sonny, we learned he still travels around the world performing at concerts that includes the UK and Europe. Sonny says 50's style Rock & Roll is still "alive and rockin" as in August 2009 he performed before a sold-out crowd in Senigallia, Italy at their "10th Annual Jamboree" that was held inside an ancient castle. Some of the other Rock & Roll All Stars that appeared included Hayden Thompson (Love You Baby), Ray Sharpe (Linda Lu) and Dale Hawkins (Suzie Q). Sonny performed his early recordings of Oh Boy, Rave On, Rock-Ola Ruby and Sweet Rockin Baby. According to Sonny of the thousands that attended many were in their 20's. Quoting Sonny: "While not actively seeking out these gigs..I suppose we all should stay in the game as long as we are able"--AMEN!

For many years Charlie and I have set up a booth, once a month, at the world's largest flea mart located in Canton, Texas near Dallas. We are located on Row 55 selling toys. On Thur, Fri, Sat nites, several musicians including Charlie, get together from 7 til 10 for a jam session. Bring your guitar and join us. "stay in the game". For more info on the flea mart: www.cantonfleamarket.com. Everyone have a good Holiday!!

Rosie

Congratulations

Congratualtions to Tony "Ham" Guerrero & Tortilla Factory for receving a 2008 Grammy nomination in the category of "Best Tejano Albium" (for his web site go to the Pioneer section clicking on Tony.

Jerry Reed

I was shocked to learn that Jerry Reed had died (2008)? Just recently, I had been wondering why we haven’t been seeing any music news on Jerry?

Although he seemed to have gotten caught-up in the movie thing much like Elvis…I was hoping he would find the time to get back in the recording studio. What a unique guitar player, songwriter and performer. “When You’re Hot You’re Hot” (Grammy) “Amos Moses” etc. Seems great guitarist start young and Jerry not being the exception began playing at 8 years old when his mother bought him a $2.00 kid guitar. The CMA voted him “The Instrumentalist of the Year” in 1970. In 1992 he and Chet Atkins got together in the studio on “Sneaking Around” winning another Grammy. In the 90’s he was doing over 90 shows a year. In 1999 he had quadruple by-pass surgery. A life of cigarette smoking took its toll on another great talent.

WTMHOF Home

The “Baby Boomers” returning home to retire in San Angelo & Abilene are making it almost impossible for the WTMHOF to find a permanent building for the museum. With their retirement along with selling their homes in California they return home with big bucks in which they then get involved with local activities. Some of these activities include purchasing/renting buildings in prime areas in order for them or their wives to have something to do. This not only creates a shortage on choice historical buildings but also runs up the price.

Sad to say the only thing Americans seem to relate to is…money.

Eddy Arnold

Eddy Arnold, Country Music Hall of Fame singer, died on May 9th 2008 just a few months shy of his 90th birthday. After receiving encouragement from friends and fans he recorded his 100th album just a couple of years ago. Before he decided to record this LP he responded to these folks by saying he didn’t know if he could sing any more? After singing in the shower practicing up he decided he sounded pretty good for his age.

Eddy Arnold was extremely popular in the 40’s when country wasn’t cool. With first-rate pop-oriented material and a friendly smooth voice, much like Bing Crosby, he won approval from listeners around the world. For starters here are some examples: “I’ll Hold You In My Arms” #1 for 21 weeks staying on the charts 46 weeks. “Anytime” #1 for 9 weeks staying on the charts 39 weeks. “Bouquet Of Roses” #1 for 19 weeks staying on the charts for 54 weeks. It’s no wonder he’s the #1 singer in Country music history.

One of his many fan favorites was “The Cattle Call” #1 in 1955 in which he later sang on Le Ann Rimes “Blue” LP. He was doing pretty well health-wise until he fell. Eddy invested his money wisely purchasing property around Nashville now worth millions. He’s survived by a son and a daughter.

The West Texas Music Hall of Fame Annual Awards Thanks to our new web-designer, Dani Shaw from Garland (www.galiper.com), we are now able to pick up where we last left off in 2005…concerning annual recognition awards. We hope the recipients, who will be receiving these award plaques, will understand the delay.

The Catching-Up List:

2005 Pioneer Award:

Richard Porter/Eddie Williams & The Poor Boys (Odessa)

2006 Pioneer Award: The Picks (John Pickering, Bill Pickering & Bob Lapham)

2007 Pioneer Award: Junior Pelzel (San Angelo)

2005 Entertainer of the Year: The Sundown High School Band (State Champs)

2006 Entertainer of the Year: The Tim Kreitz Band (Midland)

Entertainer of the Year: Joe “Sonny” West (Abilene)

2008 Entertainer of the Year: Cory Bevins Band (Abilene)

Special Recognition Award:Paul Davidson (Levelland)

Special Recognition Award: William “Bill” Griggs (Lubbock)

Special Recognition Award: Maggie Scales (Amarillo)

Special Recognition Award: Lynn Massey (San Angelo)

Special Recognition Award: Michael Henry Martin (Abilene)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Mack (Shamrock)

Since we’ve made every effort to contact the above recipients including sending them e-mails…if we fail to receive a response (needing an address) their award plaque will be put on hold.

Jodie Nix & The Texas Cowboys

Jody & band continue to amaze as they travel all over West Texas week after week, month after month and year after year performing in clubs and for special events. Be sure and check-out www.jodynix.com and while you are there click on their Schedule. From Big Spring to Lubbock, San Angelo, Snyder, Midland, and then all the way to Amarillo and back to Big Spring then for good measure throwing in Wichita Falls and Ft. Worth? You would think that schedule would warrant a break for Jody possibly basking in the sun in Hawaii? Guess not, as he’s now scheduled to play in Washington, DC for almost a week. When you go to his site be sure and listen to the opening song before you click on “Enter” as bands work very hard making records and always appreciate you taking a listen. For some of you who don’t know…Jody is the son of Hoyle Nix (The West Texas Cowboys from Big Spring 50’s 60’s). Hoyle was not only a friend of Bob Wills but patterned his music after Bob & The Texas Playboys. Jodie & The Texas Cowboys continue carrying on the Bob & Hoyle tradition…out there preserving Western Swing. Jody Nix was the WTMHOF’s 2001 “Entertainer of the Year” and continues to perform at the Stampede in Big Spring…the club his dad made famous. At one time a young and inexperienced singer, named Lefty Frizzell, was across town at the Ace of Clubs on Highway 80 doing his thing. The discovery of oil, along with a refinery being in Big Spring, was a big factor in these two historical clubs attracting some big crowds.

Buddy Holly Street Sign on e-Bay

After finally “waking up” with only 2 minutes remaining on an e-Bay auction we jumped in bidding $100.00 in which other bidders had run it up to $46.00. After bidding $100.00 others came back the last 2 minutes trying to outbid me but time ran out on them. The final bid was $76.00 + shipping. The BH street sign is an original and had gotten broken during installation in which the city let one of the employees have it.. Had I bid $100.00 earlier most likely we would have been out-bid. Go to e-Bay searching #330234986386 if you might want to view it. If it had not been for the small crack (damage) we would never have gotten a shot at this one-of-a-kind piece of WT music history.

Oil Prices and Tourism in 2008

The high price of crude oil has caused a boom in housing and business development in Midland (read early HISTORY on this site). Abilene has been on a tare for some years now having 5 foundations who have shared their kindness and money with many area non-profit organizations in order to preserve historic downtown. Behind this was the idea that historic Abilene, along with other local attractions, would rate high on the list of Texas tourist attractions. The high price of gas will surely throw cold water on that plan.

Disappearing e-mails addresses & Web Sites

Quite a few from the Honor Roll & Songwriter section have just up and disappeared? Yes, it’s true as time continues to march on no one can stay young forever. The highest per cent of folks now living in West Texas are in their middle 40’s. Since time is of the essence we have been doing everything we can in order to have a permanent WTMHOF-Museum building in Abilene. We won’t be depending on others as our motto has always been: “If you want something done you gotta do it yourself”.

Rolling Stone Magazine Top 100 Albums

Out of all of Elvis’s albums you might be surprised which one was rated the highest? “The Sun Sessions” #11. John Lennon was quoted saying: “Before Elvis There Was Nothing” Later Lennon said: “The Sun sessions were Elvis’ best work”

The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum

We visited the National Cowgil Hall of Fame's multimillion dollar facility ($8.00 person) located near the Will Rogers Coliseum on a Sunday afternoon in May. This all-new brick building is about ¾ of a block long and possibly 3 stories high with 33,000 sq ft. of space. Out front is a life-size bronze statue of a gal on a horse along with a large painted mural on the side of the building of 5 gals on horses. I was overwhelmed by the expensive door handles, glass cases, carpet, the interior, stair cases, railings etc. The place is a prime example of too many people with too much money spending it foolishly…the blind leading the blind. Instead of concentrating on the cowgirls and their memorabilia they put most of their efforts on trying to impress people. There were a few Roy & Dale items such as a lunch kit, a kid miniature guitar, afew historical cowgirl boots, chaps, saddles & hats that are displayed in high-dollar glass cases. All in all the National Cowgirl HOF is a joke when it comes to being a museum. If you want to see a list of the Hall of Fame inductees (you won’t find it on any wall) just ask one of the folks at the reception booth and they will hand you one on paper. Want to hear a song from the past by Dale Evans (Uvalde) or Louise Massey (Midland)? No problema as you can drop a quarter in miniature juke box putting on a pair of ear phones. This is one of those places, much like Frontier Texas, where you go one time never to return.