August 19, 1988
Waco (AP) — A Willie Nelson concert to benefit the depositors of a failed bank is back on track and scheduled for another coliseum, after the Baylor University president canceled the original show.
Plans for the singer to perform at the Ferrell Special Events Center were abandoned after Baylor University President Herbert Reynolds, citing “concern for the health and well-being of the American people,” canceled the program.
But concert promoter Tom Gresham of Austin said Wednesday that Nelson authorized him to proceed with plans for a concert at the heart O’ Texas Coliseum to benefit the depositors of the failed Leroy Bank, a private bank northeast of Waco.
Some of the 600 depositors who lost their savings at the bank responded happily Wednesday after hearing the news.
“Knowing Willie like we do and him being a local person, we though he’d find anothe rplace to have his concert,” said Otis Richardson. “He’s a kindhearted fellow, not a greedy man.”
Nelson grew up in Abbott. Gresham estimates the concert could raise $35,000 for the depositors.
The show is scheduled for Nov. 14.