Looking Back

When I think Texas music, I not only think of the current artists I listen to like W.C. Jameson, Mike Blakely, Thomas Michael Riley and Jake Martin to name a few, but the good ole boys like Willie Nelson, Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. But last week, another group came to my mind and I began searching for them. They were moderate chart artists with MCA back in the early 1980's. James and Michael Younger.

If the name doesn't ring a bell, don't feel bad. A lot of people don't recognize them. But they were two of my favorite people - well, their entire band, The Younger Brothers (until a conflict with another band came about). Nothing But the Radio On was one of their bigger songs. Country station call-letters were dubbed into the lyrics on records (remember those) sent out to radio stations across the country.

I first met the guys in Baton Rouge LA in 1982 at a little place called Texas Dance Hall. Always having a knack for getting back stage, the guys gave me a brief interview. I wrote articles on the guys for local papers where ever they were to perform and caught them on the road several times over the course of their career.

Then I put my budding freelance career on hold to be a full-time mom and the guys dropped off the recording radar soon after. Often times over the past twenty years I've wondered 'where are they now?'. I even played a couple songs of theirs to Mike Blakely because his music reminded me a lot of them. James (Williams) Younger and Mike Blakely are both extremely talented song writers and their styles are similar. I thought it would be cool if I could get them together sometime. I'm still waiting.

So last week I did the Google thing again. This time I came up with a lead. Not only did I find James and Michael but that they had a Texas music life before MCA picked them up as a country band.

For now, I'll leave you with this thought and see if it rings a bell...

The Playboys of Edinburg (Texas, not Scotland).

Country Blessings

Kelly

Crossing Fingers

I didn't think asking for higher speed internet was going to be this much trouble! Geez. After having Hughes Net try to make it my fault, we've finally put in a brand new modem and so far so good. I hope I'm not speaking too soon.

While I've been off-line, I've not been off-loop. I've been making a LONG list of people I want to bring to you. Some are new faces to the business, some have never left us and some fall more into the category of 'Where are they now?'. I'm really looking forward to bringing you some good stuff as we close out the year.

For those of you who don't know, when I'm not freelancing I'm writing novels. Right now I'm working on one for a 'Call for Submissions' by The Wild Rose Press. They are releasing a 15 book series based on my favorite people... Texans. It's for their HonkyTonk Hearts series. One key element must run through all 15 books. At least one pivotal scene must take place in the Lonesome Steer bar - just a few miles outside Amarillo off old Route 66. Sounds like the perfect setting for a romance to me. You can bet if I can sell this puppy, it will be dedicated to all my friends in the Texas music community who inspire me.

I haven't forgotten I promised you way back when an interview with a special guest. I'm still working out the details with his people but we're getting closer. In the mean time, I'll be bringing you other talented folks and what they're up to these days.

Country Blessings

Kelly