19 Comments

Michael, I knew most of this, but it's the first time so much of it was in one place. I saw Willie sit in with some friends' band when he moved to Austin after the fire. At that point, I did not know who he was, until my friends began listing songs he had written. I was shell-shocked! Then I attended two of the first four picnics and was astounded! ... You made me smile, you made me laugh, you made me cry. You da man, Michael!

Expand full comment

I had heard twisted versions of this from some twisted versions themselves. Never knew their friendship went so far back. Ray Benson told a story once about a night at the Armadillo after Mirian died when Coach came to a show. He felt like this was when the hippies and the rednecks first came together and accepted each other under the umbrella of the coach and the red-headed stranger. Also, that pic of Roger Miller looked like Bill Anderson at first. Bill wouldn’t be playing a nylon string guitar though.

Expand full comment

Photographer confirms Mickey Newbury.

Expand full comment

I'm gonna get with the photog and find out for sure. Looked like Roger to me, but I could be wrong..

Expand full comment

Great read! Do you think it is Mickey Newbury?

Expand full comment

Yes, Mickey Newbury.

Expand full comment

Could be. He's got the same chin. Mr. Henson will know for sure.

Expand full comment

I see Mickey too.

Expand full comment

This is one of the most interesting stories you’ve shared with us Michael. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

Expand full comment

I didn’t know about their friendship so many thanks for this.

Expand full comment

Corky, there won't ever be anybody who can tell Austin's story the way you did. We already miss you.

Expand full comment

Fantastic piece with a lot of great stories that need to be heard. Thanks for putting this together.

Expand full comment

Wonderfully informative and entertaining read, Michael, took me right back to the days of 25 cent longnecks and $12 ounces, which I didn't inhale, of course.

Expand full comment

Nice piece

Expand full comment

Out of sight, man! This is a wonderful story written with the greatness it deserves. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Expand full comment

I always heard that football aphorism about passing and bad things chances applied to Woody Hayes at Ohio State, but whatever. Maybe these things get passed around.

Expand full comment

That's definitely Royal. Woody had "three yards and a cloud of dust" I think.

Expand full comment

Okey-doke! I'll accept that if you've checked.

Expand full comment

Now this is a slice of Austin music history that I had no idea about! Thanks, Michael.

Expand full comment