This is part of a new series of posts I’ve entitled, “Stories From the Road.” Each week I will post a new story from Rick Sikes, a Texas musician who traveled the roads of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and out to California for well over twenty years. With hours to pass in a van full of sweaty musicians, they found ways to entertain themselves. These stories are told in Rick Sikes’ words. I’ll do my best to correct grammar, but I want to keep them in his own voice.
“I started out playing rodeos with George Sadler and the Saddle Pals. We’d go out all day on Saturdays to various little towns around the area and advertise the rodeo. They’d have an old flatbed trailer set up as a stage on the courthouse square or somewhere downtown. We would play for fifteen or twenty minutes and plug the rodeo that night, then load up and go to the next town. George was a fiddler and loved to play hoedowns. I played rhythm guitar for him and sang. Then, we’d play the rodeo dance that night. It was a good experience for me.
At one point during my time with The Saddle Pals, a guy came along named Gene Dunn. He was a tall slender fellow and a damned good lead guitar player. He worked in the oilfield (pipeline). His son is Ronnie Dunn of the famed Brooks & Dunn. Ronnie was born in Coleman during the time Gene worked with us.
We cut a record or two on King Records that never got pressed. George Sadler was quite a songwriter. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, he actually wrote, “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes,” that Slim Willett and many others had huge hits with. I say this because I heard and played that song many times before Slim ever cut it. Slim came to me and asked me to teach his guitar player the riff when they were learning it, and that’s a true story. I don’t know the deal, whether George sold it to Slim or if he just cut it and claimed to be the writer. Lots of stuff like that went on back then. No one hardly ever copyrighted their songs. It was a different time. But, that song went on to be huge and I don’t know if George ever got a dime from it. He lived very poorly.
I’ll tell one more story about George Sadler. They lived in an old run down house out in Novice. They must have had ten kids. And, they had chickens. But, they let the chickens run in and out of the house, so needless to say, it wasn’t the cleanest place I’ve been. When I’d go out to talk to George, I’d have to shoo the chickens off the couch and try not to sit in chicken shit. But, this was just the way they lived. There’d be a baby crawling around on the floor and kids in stair-step ages running around. But, he was a great songwriter and fiddle player and I learned a lot from him. I just never stayed for dinner.”
**I scoured through hundreds of photos looking for one of George Sadler, but found nothing and uncovered nothing on the internet. Another thing that was not commonplace back then was cameras.**
That makes me very happy, Tina. I’m glad you are enjoying them. I am loving sharing them.
I’m really enjoying these stories, Jan. They’re keying me in to some of my own past adventures 🙂 ♥
Thank you, sister. I am so glad you are enjoying them. I don’t think I’ll run out for a long time. These are just scratching the surface. 🙂
Another great glimpse into Rick’s amazing career. Each one just gets better and better. I don’t know how many of these you have, but I hope you don’t run out for a long time. Love you, sister!
Thank you for stopping by to comment, John. Yes, it is pretty strange the way some folks are willing to live. 🙂
Excellent story, Jan. I can imagine going to George’s house was a challenge. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Mae. 🙂 Yes, the chickens were a bit much, but true story.
Wow! That was fascinating and so authentic. From Gene Dunn to the stories about George Sadler and the rodeo playing. You get a strong feel for how different things were then, yet at the same time, it’s fun to think of simpler times. Had a good chuckle over the chickens and the sh*t on the couch. Colorful people indeed!
I cracked up when I read about the chickens running through the house and finding a safe place to sit. I think I would pass on meals there, too. Too bad George didn’t get credit on his song. Another great installment!
Thank you, D.L.. As always, I appreciate you stopping by.
Wow. One can easily picture what Rick saw. He had a lot of experiences, things he saw and witnessed but I don’t blame him for not wanting to stay for dinner. I wouldn’t either.
I know, Judy. That scene made the horrible hotel in Comfort look okay, right? 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
What a great story! I particularly liked reading Rick’s account of visiting George Sadler at his home. There must be a song about those chickens!! 😀
Lol! I have to agree, Gwen. My friend, Hayes Carll, co-wrote a song with Ray Wylie Hubbard about Chickens, but they were in the front yard, not in the house. 🙂
Jan- what a great story about Rick & Sadler. Wow, I don’t blame Rick for not wanting to stay for supper, I’d have to pass on that, too. Mentioning Gene Dunn & his son, Ronnie being born in Coleman is grand. I knew Ronnie was born close to my hometown of Stephenville, but I couldn’t remember where.
Been busy, so I’m sorry I missed the other few stories, I’ll scroll back through my emails and try to catch up. I love that you’re sharing these great memories with all of us. After reading your books I truly believe I knew you both back then. That’s how powerful those books are & how wonderful your writing is. When you have your new book released let me know so I can buy it, read it, & review it. Love you Dearly.
Oh, sweet Tonya, your comment made my day. I wake up some days thinking I have written nothing worth reading. I hate self-doubt. Your comment just blew it all out of the water! Believe me, I will let you know when I have a new book release. I’m waiting on a publisher to decide my story is worth a gamble for them. 🙂 Big hugs and I hope you have an incredibly wonderful day!
Jan- don’t ever have any doubts about your ability to deliver an outstanding book. You are phenomenal in your writing style. Love you so much, you & Linda are prizes, I cherish in my life. 💜💜💜