Bobby played with JJ Cale at the Mucky Duck in Houston several years ago, obviously before he and Cale passed. It's a small club and I counted 9 people in the band. What a gift to see that show. Also saw an early incarnation of Amy Helm's blues band there. Levon was on drums not 10 feet away from where we were sitting. He didn't sing because he was still recovering from cancer, but what a treat.
Oh Michael, what a great story! As a former working musician in the 60-70s I did and saw lots of things. Not to the levels of these guys, but still, reading your stories take me back while helping me to remember the energy and the good times we had back then.
Excellent, thanks, and not a Texan but coming to enjoy this blog quite a bit. Didn't know the story of Bobby Keys at all. In fact, I'd thought he was a black dude who cut his teeth at Stax before stumbling into The Stones one Memphis TNday. Sounds like the reality was much better than my poorly-imagined backfill.
So serendipitous to read this and remembering my own “Rock and roll was calling- Here I am” moment exactly 60 years ago- to the hour- when I sat on the first row at the opening (afternoon) show of Rolling Stones at Joe Freeman in SA.
And just this last weekend I wandered down the block to the local fairgrounds where the annual Polish Festival was happening and listened to a brash classic 4 piece rock band deliver some absolutely kick ass rock and roll. The feeling NEVER Ends!
A couple notes: filling the bathtub with Dom was what got him fired from the stones in the first place, because they had to pay for the champagne. Also, Jagger had no idea that Keys was back to "audition" and when the band was playing brown sugar keys jumped in with his solo and despite his back being turned Jagger recognized it instantly. At the end of the song Jagger looked at Keef and said, "Fine, he's in. But he's *your* problem" and walked away.
Another great write up Michael! I was lucky enough to see Bobby playing with Joe Elys band in the late 80s; check out "Lord of the Highway" for an example. We once booked Joe into a gig at Buffalo Gap (outside of Abilene TX, where I lived at the time) but Bobby didnt make that gig. Joe & the boys, including David Grissom on lead, rocked the house, but Bobby was missed by those who knew what he brought to Joe's music. RIP Bobby! Thanks for all those great riffs.
Bobby played with JJ Cale at the Mucky Duck in Houston several years ago, obviously before he and Cale passed. It's a small club and I counted 9 people in the band. What a gift to see that show. Also saw an early incarnation of Amy Helm's blues band there. Levon was on drums not 10 feet away from where we were sitting. He didn't sing because he was still recovering from cancer, but what a treat.
Great story, BTW!
Oh Michael, what a great story! As a former working musician in the 60-70s I did and saw lots of things. Not to the levels of these guys, but still, reading your stories take me back while helping me to remember the energy and the good times we had back then.
Excellent, thanks, and not a Texan but coming to enjoy this blog quite a bit. Didn't know the story of Bobby Keys at all. In fact, I'd thought he was a black dude who cut his teeth at Stax before stumbling into The Stones one Memphis TNday. Sounds like the reality was much better than my poorly-imagined backfill.
So serendipitous to read this and remembering my own “Rock and roll was calling- Here I am” moment exactly 60 years ago- to the hour- when I sat on the first row at the opening (afternoon) show of Rolling Stones at Joe Freeman in SA.
And just this last weekend I wandered down the block to the local fairgrounds where the annual Polish Festival was happening and listened to a brash classic 4 piece rock band deliver some absolutely kick ass rock and roll. The feeling NEVER Ends!
What an interesting “look back” into the origins and outgrowths of the music that defines our lives. Fantastic historical journey Michael
This is the stuff right here.
What a life. Probably a dream scenario for most musicians.
For many of us, Bobby Keys had the best sax sound ever, unmistakably exuberant.
Bravo, Michael, another Home Run, straight outta the park!
Great research on this one. So many years after Exile, Bobby's presence just keeps on giving.
A couple notes: filling the bathtub with Dom was what got him fired from the stones in the first place, because they had to pay for the champagne. Also, Jagger had no idea that Keys was back to "audition" and when the band was playing brown sugar keys jumped in with his solo and despite his back being turned Jagger recognized it instantly. At the end of the song Jagger looked at Keef and said, "Fine, he's in. But he's *your* problem" and walked away.
Delaney and Bonnie gave us Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Leon Russell knew how to build a band .
Beauty eh.
Fan-tastic
Another great write up Michael! I was lucky enough to see Bobby playing with Joe Elys band in the late 80s; check out "Lord of the Highway" for an example. We once booked Joe into a gig at Buffalo Gap (outside of Abilene TX, where I lived at the time) but Bobby didnt make that gig. Joe & the boys, including David Grissom on lead, rocked the house, but Bobby was missed by those who knew what he brought to Joe's music. RIP Bobby! Thanks for all those great riffs.