Old Fools Journal: Nostalgia-you can't have it if you don't have a memory. I guess I have one.

I took this picture in 1959 with one of those little brown boxes that Kodak called a "Brownie". At least I think I did. I was 20 years old. The band is the "Texas Trailblazers" and I ran around with these guys when I was in high school as some of them I was in school with. They were a very good western swing band and I believe as good or better than some who made the big time. Some have passed on to the big band in the sky.

I saw Ray Price and Willy Nelson on TV a few nights ago. I know Willy has had his up's and downs but talent always wins out. I thought Ray had disappeared. He has been one of my favorite singers since 1964 when I saw him sing in a dive in Dallas. I was there with my employer on a business trip and we were hopped up on whites and beer but I was aware when Ray Price started singing that I was in the presence of Greatness. This man put his whole self into his performance. In fact I believe that it was not a performance but a true outpouring of himself. The place was a dive so there couldn't have been much money in it. I was observing people even at that young age and I noticed when the dancing, groping and slurring conversation stopped and all faces were turned toward this man's performance. I guess I wasn't the only one impressed.

Willy looks like an old hippy (but then so do I) and Ray looks like a congressman. Both had the “Voice” and it was in good form.

Here is the URL if you are interested. Embedding is not allowed on this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KES-GjdOaY8

It was on Huckabee's program and I only stumbled onto it as I am not a fan of that preacher. It is not a very good reproduction so do look around on utube at some of Ray Price's music. I think he is still a top notch singer in the United States country field. Steampunk it ain't.

Mike Huckabee, Willy Nelson and Ray Price together is an example of music transcending all differences.



Bear in mind that Ray Price was born in 1926. He will be 84 years old his next birthday.
He has seen a lot of history.