Jerry Jeff Walker performing at Texas Bash 2018 – Gruene Hall — Photo by Axton Deary
Reflecting on the Thursday death of Texas music leader Jerry Jeff Walker… But more reflection on his life.
Jerry Jeff Walker, or for correct journalism, “Mr. Walker,” passed away Thursday, Oct. 23, 2020. Details yet have not been released. He announced a few years ago that he had cancer, but it’s not certain if that’s what took this man who influenced and encouraged so many Texas musicians and songwriters.
Jerry Jeff was the groundbreaker in the 1970s ‘Progressive Country’ or ‘Redneck Rock’ music phenomenon, the first time country music broke from what Nashville said goes. And it took off in a hurry, with no dramatic changes until Red Dirt music traveled from north Oklahoma to Texas.
He penned such iconic and multi-covered songs as “Mr. Bojangles,” and also took songs written by his friends to the top, including the now-late Chuck Pyles’ “Jaded Lover” and several by his good pal, Guy Clark, now also deceased.
Jerry Jeff Walker and son, Django, perform Guy Clark’s “The Cape.” — Photo by Axton Deary
Jerry Jeff played the Kerrville Folk Festival several times when I worked as assistant to the producer. I do hope he and (KFF producer)
Rod Kennedy are catching up on old times in Heaven, along with so many of the others who graced that infamous stage.
The story attached was written two years ago by my buddy, Claude Webb, with photos taken by former Scene in Town writer, Axton Deary. http://sceneintown.com/?p=761717
One can download many, if not all, of Jerry Jeff’s albums on the various sites. I’ve got my albums put up for good care. He always made sure I had a copy of his latest recording.
My heart goes out not only to his Jerry Jeff’s wife, Susan, but also to their children and to all those who played with Jerry Jeff over the years, The Lost Gonzo band, which included Gary P. Nunn and Bob Livingston, plus so many others.
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