Friday, February 11, 2022

Band Mates And Check Mates

 February 11, 2022

   In my younger days, I was a drummer in several bands, mostly Rock, but also some Country and Western as it was styled in the Stone Age (as in the actual rock formation, not the rolling version). I always feel a special bond when I find out someone was a musician in a former life. I get even more of a fond-bond tug when I find out someone was a drummer, which, as you might know, is not considered a "musician" by most guitar players.

A Cowboy Orchestra
(which is practically a non sequitur)

This classic "Cowboy Orchestra" photograph, above, which I have been carrying around since the early 1970s. Looks like the 1920s or 30s and I think it was taken at a resort in Phoenix, perhaps the Westward Ho, or The Biltmore. I seem to remember that is where I found the photograph. Anybody know who these cats are?

I just recently found out that a certain Arkansas boy played in various bands back in the day. His name is William Robert Thorton. Like me, he was a drummer. When he gave up that dream and turned to acting, a friend of his suggested he modify his first two names to be a little more unique, and so he did, tweaking his name to "Billy Bob" Thorton.

And now, you know, the REST of the story.


"Most orchestras are basically 1800s cover bands."

—Old Rock Musican Check Mate Saying

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