NBA's
biggest musical influence, the great and legendary Bob
Wills unfortunately passed away before he had the privilege
of meeting him. He has met several original members of
Bob's super Texas Playboy Bands and his daughter Rosetta
who NBA says is a classy lady with a very appealing nature
which he thinks may have been inherited from her famous
father. From Rosetta's book "The King of Western Swing"
and other sources NBA was astounded to learn about the
great many coincidental similarities he shared with Bob.
To highlight a few:
-
 Both
came from large farm families, plowed mules, picked
cotton & played with other poor kids.
- Both
are one of ten children.
- Both
had Fathers who were contest-winning fiddlers.
- Bob
wanted to be a Baptist Preacher. NBA's father was
a Baptist Preacher.
- Both
served their country in the Army.
- Both
have two brothers who also had bands.
- Bob's
brother Luke sang with his Texas Playboys. NBA's sister
Betty sang with his Lone Star Band.
- Both
spotlight band members by calling their names while
performing.
- Both
often help out their band members, friends and fans.
- Bob
was the oldest of ten kids. NBA's brother, named Bob
- was the oldest of ten.
And the greatest similarity of all...both overcame humble
beginnings and became immensely successful in their own
way.
I met
NBA at a Western Swing event in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Knowing him now for several years convinces me that he
is a sincere, compassionate and upstanding man. Performing
on and contributing to his recording projects is a real
pleasure but most of all it is an honor to be one of his
many friends. I share his love of Western Swing music
and it does my heart good to see it in New York under
his fine stewardship!
Mark
Abbott, Bassist
Bob Wills Texas Playboys |
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