
Photo credit: Janis from Texas, taken at Abbott, Texas in 2008. (Thank you, friend.)

photo by Larry Kolvoold
Annie Nelson and Family

Photo credit: Janis from Texas, taken at Abbott, Texas in 2008. (Thank you, friend.)

photo by Larry Kolvoold
Annie Nelson and Family



How did you first start playing with Willie?
My dear friend David Zepner got picked up to play with Willie, but then he got drafted for the Vietnam War. I happened to be there when the guys were talking about finding a replacement, and one of the guys said, “Hell, let’s hire Bee. He doesn’t play worth a crap, but we can teach him what to play, and he won’t come in with any preconceived bullshit!” [Laughs.]
You play a stack-knob ’62 Fender Jazz Bass on studio sessions. What’s the history of that bass?
It belonged to Johnny Paycheck, who played it with Ray Price until Willie took over that gig and bought it off Johnny. I found it in Willie’s basement one day and asked if he wanted to sell it. He said, “Yeah—it’ll cost you two dollars.” I took it, and I still haven’t paid up! [Laughs.] It’s a real sweetheart.
Who are the bass players who have influenced you the most?
A lot of my style comes from growing up playing Mexican nightclubs in Helotis, Texas. Aside from that, I’d say “Junior” Huskey, Paul McCartney, Michael Rhodes, and Ray Brown.
After nearly 40 years with Willie, what’s something you’ve learned about this gig?
Willie is all over the place with his vocal phrasing, so I’ve learned that if you listen to him, you’re dead! He’ll take you up a creek and dump you in a minute. My main role in the band is to make sure he n come back to it.

Woody Harrelson, born July 23, 1961, in Midland Texas

Willie Nelson with John Rosenfelder, in Luck, Texas (12/2009). (Learn more about John at www.earbender.com)

Birthday Boy John Rosenfelder, of NYC, with Jeremy Tepper, Program Director for Sirius/XM Radio, Paul English and Jody Denberg, of Austin, at Carl’s Corner, Texas last year.

Willie Nelson and Jamey Johnson, Farm Aid 2009, St. Louis, MO
On July 14, 1975 Singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson was born in Enterprise, Alabama.

Darrell K. Royal and his wife Edith celebrated Coach’s birthday at the Saxon Pub on Monday, July 6th, Coach Royal turned 86.
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Several of us in Austin for Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic went by to wish Coach happy birthday and hear the bands that the Saxon had lined up to honor Coach Royal on Monday night.
Freddy Powers, Waylon Payne,Chris Newbury, Carter, Pat Vans, Sonny Throckmorton, Ricky Ray, Richie Albright, Bea Spearswere on hand to sing Coach Royal’s favorite songs. The club was packed with friends and fans and Longhorn s gathered to eat pizza and birthday cake and visit with Coach.

Freddy Powers and Coach Royal


Bee Spears played bass with ___

Bee Spears, Connie Nelson and Edith Royal

Have to say happy birthday today to friend Dallas Wayne, pictured here with some friends at Willie’s Place, at Carl’s Corner, Texas last year.
Dallas hosts on Outlaw Country on Sirius/XM radio on mornings, and in the afternoon he jumps over to Willie’s Place, and takes off where Bill Mack leaves off. (Yeah, Dallas’ really works hard, you’re right). Last year, he was named DJ of the year by the Academy of Western Artists Awards. He performs at concerts around the U.S./Europe in his spare time, and you can find out where he’s playing at his webite: www.DallasWayne.com.
You can call him and wish him happy birthday after 1:00 p.m. (Colorado time), on Willie’s Place, 877-394-5543. Also, he’s on FaceBook, look him up at the Willie’s Place page.

You can purchase Dallas’ latest album, ‘I’ll Take the Fifth,’ and all of his albums at his website, www.DallasWayne.com.


Pauline Reese, pictured here with Willie Nelson and Bill Mack (photo from www.BillMackCountry.com)

Thanks to Cherie for this picture of Willie Nelson and Bill Mack at Willie’s Place, Carl’s Corner, Texas (12/16/09)
Willie Nelson and Bill Mack perform “Drinkin’ Champagne” from Luck Films on Vimeo.

Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson, Johnny Gimble
HAPPY 77TH BIRTHDAY, RED HEADED STRANGER!!!
www.jambase.com
Willie Nelson is a treasure, pure and simple. One of the strongest, coolest voices to ever emerge from the country world, Nelson is also a ferociously talented guitarist, top notch songwriter, tireless performer and an inspired interpreter of other’s material on par with greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Yesterday, Willie turned 77-years-old and we couldn’t let the occasion pass without tipping our hat to him. In his honor, we’ve rolled up a sampling of some choice moments in his long, long career. Damn, we’re glad we’ve shared this past near-century with you, mister!
We begin with a smoking version of one of Willie’s most beloved songs.
http://www.jambase.com/Articles/Story.aspx?storyID=22589
[They've gathered up a nice collection of videos over there over there.]