This is part of a 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.
Rick:
“There was a singer back in the sixties named Warren Smith. He was very good and charted some records. In fact, “I Don’t Believe I’ll Fall In Love Today,” got to #5 on the charts in 1960. He also did some recording for Sun records. I thought he was an excellent talent. We did a lot of backup gigs at that time and we backed him up at Round Rock, Texas at the Big G Club. Then, later on that night, we found out that after he finished the gig, he had gone into Austin and robbed a drug store for some drugs. That was the last I heard of Warren Smith.”
“Kenny Price was a musical genius. He could play almost any instrument exceptionally well and could sing at least three parts of harmony. I booked Kenny on his first gig in Texas through Jimmie Key at New Keys Talent. I booked Kenny in at Pat’s Hall in Fredericksburg, Texas. He met me in Brownwood and I drove him down to Fredericksburg. We stopped at a restaurant in Brady, Texas to eat some lunch. Well, Kenny damn near cleaned ’em out. That guy could put away some chow. We got to Pat’s Hall and they had a Lone Star sponsored band out of San Antonio to back Kenny. There were seven guys in the band. Kenny asked one of them if they would tune his guitar with them and the guy said, “What’s the matter? Can’t you tune a guitar?” Kenny said, “Damned right I can tune a guitar, you sonofabitch, and if you guys get smart-assed with me, Rick and I will take your instruments away from you and play the gig ourselves. I can play every damned instrument you’ve got on that stage and probably a damned sight better than y’all can.” The whole band looked kinda’ stunned.
We went to a table and drank a little whiskey while the band warmed up. This curvy blonde came up to the table and gushed over Kenny. She was obviously star struck. She went on and on. I remember her saying, “I can’t believe it. I just saw you on TV last night and here you are in Fredericksburg.” Kenny grinned and said, “Ain’t it a miracle, darlin’. Here, sit down.” He patted a chair beside him and she sat. “What’s your name, darlin’?”
I can’t recall what her name was, but she sat down and Kenny laid it on strong. After a couple of drinks, he told her, “Honey, I’ve got to go up and play, but I sure would like it if you’d come to the motel tonight with ol’ Uncle Kenny.” She giggled and batted her eyelashes and said, “Oh, I don’t think my husband would like that too much.” He pulled her up real close and said, “Oh hell, just tell him you’re going with me. He won’t mind.” She giggled some more and then said she had to go.
I told Kenny, “Man, these people down here are pretty clannish and they’re probably all kin in some way or another. If you fight one, you’ll have to fight them all.” He replied, “Hell, I’m from Kentucky and everyone is clannish there. I ain’t afraid of these bastards, are you?” “No,” I said, “but I don’t see any use in getting into it with ’em.” He slung back another whiskey and said, “Well, are you afraid to get an ass whipping?”
I leaned back in my chair hoping we would both get out of there without a fight. “No, I’ve had it before.” Then we both just started laughing. The old gal never came back over.
Kenny could tell a joke like nobody else. He could imitate the male and female voices and he was funny. I booked him several other gigs in Texas over the years, but I’ll never forget that first time.”
**Six-foot tall, 300-pound Kenny “The Round Mound of Sound” Price was best remembered for his work on the long-running television show Hee Haw; he was also a talented singer/songwriter and musician who never quite made it to the big-time, despite having 34 chart singles over his 15-year career.**
I can’t tell you how many times I heard Rick tell that story. He loved Kenny Price and respected him as an incredibly talented musician. You have to remember, Tina, these stories I am sharing are from the sixties. I was still in Junior High School. 🙂
Just wondered if you had the opportunity to meet them later on, Jan. They’re such colorful characters 🙂 ❤
I got to meet only a few. My time with Rick was so short before he went to prison, but we made up for it after he got out and those stories will come much later. For now, I’m lingering in the sixties for a good long while. 🙂
The sixties hold a lot of good memories for me ❤
That Kenny Price was a hoot! I hope he managed to stay out of trouble (unlike Warren Smith) 🙂 Did you meet any of these guys, Jan? ❤
How hilarious. As I recall, Rick didn’t back down from any fight. He’d take on anybody. I just love reading these. I never know where it’ll take me. You were a genius to think of posting them. Love you, sister. 🙂
Lol. I wouldn’t throw out a word like genius in my case. 🙂 I do love sharing them, though. They didn’t need to remain hidden away. Love you, sister, and thank you for your support!
Thank you, Teagan. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
You’ve captured the atmosphere so well in these posts, Jan. They’re wonderful. Hugs!
Thank you, Teagan. I love sharing them.
Thank you, Tonya. I have a wealth of stories to pull from, so they’ll keep coming for a long time. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting on each one. You are a treasure! Hugs!
That’s the best news, please keep them coming.
Will do!
Jan- I am just loving these stories. Keep them coming. They brighten my week.
Love you!!!
I love all the historical background you are sharing with us about Texas music! I grew up watching Hee Haw with my grandparents. That certainly brings back some memories:)
Thank you, D.L.! I am happy these stories are bringing back memories. I am thrilled to share them!
Super edition, Jan. These are always so interesting and reflect on Texas musical history so well. Thank you.
Thank you, John. I’m glad you are enjoying them.
🙂