Kathleen Hudson Column for February 24/25, 2001 "Willie Nelson and Pat Green: Nice Guys"

I had two wonderful Texas music moments last week. At least two! I attended the sold-out, not an empty seat left, performance of Willie Nelson on February 15, at the San Antonio Rodeo. Check out the Internet for Willie's touring schedule, and then join me in wondering where this man gets his ongoing energy. As always, I love the rodeo scene, being an ex-barrel racer myself. Nostalgic and full of stories, I waited in the alley way, dirt damp and packed, listening to the end of Willie's show. I reminded everyone around me how it felt to be standing there on a horse, both of us nervous about the upcoming 18 second dash around barrels in the arena. I did ride at this rodeo once before I hung up my spurs.  Back to Willie's moment: He and sister Bobbie rode out in the back of a truck, joined the big band on stage, the family, and began a medley of his well-known hits. "Whiskey River" led to "Hello Walls" which led to "Crazy." Nostalgic again, I had to tell people around me about standing in a huge crowd at Panther Hall in Ft. Worth and listening to these same songs--about 1964-67, college days for me. His show was predictable, but that does not lessen the enjoyment for me. The closeup cameras that project his image on huge screens above the stage enhanced the show as well. I kept noticing his long and thick red braid of hair and Bobbie's flowing tresses covering her entire back. Good genes, I guessed. I often notice hair. Jody Payne sang "Workin' Man Blues," as usual. Bobbie took a solo dancing over the ivories. Jackie King, jazzman from San Antonio, added even more jazz to Willie's jazz licks. As usual, I loved the show. Watching Willie afterwards as he sat through his millionth "Meet and Greet" moment on the bus reminded me that this is a truly generous man. I did get to present him a copy of my book, which includes an interview with him. I did get to invite him to a songwriter's circle someday here in Kerrville. Then he got off the bus and began his ritual of signing things, smiling and talking to his fans. How many years has he done this? Pat Green showed up to "meet and greet" his young fans at Schreiner University on Friday, February 16; two nice guys back to back. After signing the new Schreiner University t-shirts for a line of excited young fans, he took the stage. The blue sky had turned grey, and a cold wind began to blow. Pat still gave us a party for the new university status. It seemed that everyone around Pat was generous with time and effort. Management showed up from the Welfare office to enjoy the show. Roadhouse Transportation in Welfare, run by an outstanding musician himself--Jay Boy Adams, is part of the Green team. Jimmy Perkins knows his stuff as manager, and insisted that Pat stay and sign more "stuff" after the show. "Until we have to pull out for our gig tonight in Stephenville," he said.  Pat kept acting like he was having fun. Guess he was; he sure gave us a show of rocking Texas music. He and Cory Morrow have a new album out, "Songs We Wish We Had Written," and they cover some greats, including Billy Joe Shaver. Pat's song about Townes Van Zandt touches some major heartstrings, and I'm using some of his music in my literature class at Schreiner. Willie also performed the same Billy Joe Shaver song, "Fast Train to Georgia." Now Billy Joe is another nice guy, and we'll save that story for later. This weekend at the Cactus I'll hear Rodney Crowell and Guy Clark. Two more major Texas songwriters. If I sound excited about all this, I am. I love the stories and songs these guys tell, these guys in Texas music. Free Leonard and down the road. Kathleen kat@maverickbbs.com www.texasheritagemusic.org Click here to return to the previous page