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| Calvin Russell We are very sad to learn of the passing of our dear friend and soul brother, Calvin Russell on Sunday, April 2, 2011. A huge talent, who was recognized abroad far more than he ever was in his own native Austin, Calvin had soul, integrity and class all the way. Despite his outlaw ways, Calvin, like his friend Blaze Foley, never compromised his artistic vision or his personal dignity. A great artist, a great and supportive fellow musician, a great person. RIP Calvin, 1949-2011. There was a Tribute to Calvin Russell Concert at Ruta Maya Coffee House, Sunday afternoon, April 16th. Check out calvinrussell.net, and Calvin's many videos online for more about our friend.
Ronald Edward Yaklich, 1948-2010
Ronnie Yaklich, great love through college, then reconnection in 1997 and engagement to marry -- always a huge part of my life and a larger-than life soul. A great joy and impossible sorrow at this time. Ronnie passed away on Christmas morning, December 25, 2010, in his sleep after a grueling battle with cancer and the side effects of his treatment. Ronnie was also the "angel" who funded my first CD ("Wild Dreams of the Shy Boys,") without which so many things would have been impossible. That was only one of hundreds of wonderful things Ronnie did for me, and with me. Love to him forever and may he shine always. Deepest condolences to Ronnie's family and countless friends in Colorado. Susan Bright Susan Bright passed away suddenly after a brief illness (December 2010.) Susan was a mentor, supporter, friend and colleague to me as she was to so many writers, musicians and artists of every kind -- and she was the champion of the "real" Austin! In particular Susan adored Barton Springs (and its trees), she was very active in civic activities including SOS. Susan was also an antiwar activist (Women in Black, organizing vigils, marches and demonstrations) and was a talented jeweler and worldwide "treasure finder" along with her artist husband, John and their 2 sons. Susan was the publisher of Plain View Press. 2009 We have lost so many this past year. Stephen Bruton an internationally acclaimed musician and a good friend; Robin Shivers also a lovely friend and incredibly generous philanthropist, Robin founded HAAM, the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians among her many other civic activities; Amy Farris who was touring with Dave Alvin, a lovely "fellow fiddler" and a truly sweet person; Bill Narum, a great poster artist (and fine artist) since the 1960-70s and a huge contributor to Texas music and culture -- including designing the ZZ Top logo. Bill was my friend since 1980; and Vic Chestnutt, a fine songwriter, among many others. Of course Rusty Wier a dear friend with whom I played many gigs and sit-ins, a Texas treasure; and the brilliant and amazing Tina Marsh. Please support health care for Austin musicians, go out and hear live music, and enjoy the wonderful Austin music scene. They would want you to.
Willy DeVille (né Billy Borsey) 1950-2009.Willy and I met when we were teenagers and were in bands (with Richard and Linda Nafey, Vinnie LaRocca, Marie Poisson, and others), and hung out as friends for many years in Connecticut and New York. His first wife, Susan ("Toots") (RIP) was a good friend as well, and went to school with my sisters at Windsor Mountain. Billy and I worked together in a little "boutique" that sold clothes, posters and other things (!) where he would sit on the counter and play guitar. We went (with our dates) to the Woodstock Festival and left early, since Willy pronounced it too uncool (after we drove all night to get there!!). We went on tour, played gigs, had rehearsals, and sat around a lot of tables and talked. Although he's lauded as "one of the bands from CBGB's," he was always an R&B and soul singer, with many diverse influences, NOT a punk artist; a true pioneer and musical genius. My sincere and deep condolences to Willie's wife, Nina, and his son, Sean.
Paul was a stunningly inventive and adaptable performer who could literally play anything. He was a devoted friend, funny, passionate, sweet, and shy with an encyclopedic knowledge of not only all kinds of music (from Brahms to "Bird" to boogie-woogie), but kind of everything else in the world as well. Paul played guitar with me a lot after Champ Hood passed away -- in fact, he called me right away to say, "Don't worry, I'll play with you if you need a guitarist." This was a guy with literally dozens of other projects, from his many years with with Cornell Hurd, to Texana Dames, Libbi Bosworth, and he's also worked with Ted Roddy, Penny Jo Pullus, Wayne "The Train" Hancock, and the Sisters Morales and countless others. Paul will be greatly missed, play on. Love to Paul's wife Annie and son, Jess. Say hi to Danny.
DANNY ROY YOUNG — Lord of the Board Danny of Texicalli Grille and Unofficial (but real) Mayor of South Austin passed away suddenly August 20th. Danny was a great friend to me, played rubboard with me many times onstage and on two live albums, and had me play at Texicalli every Friday for a long time. Danny was the most incredible, energetic and amazing person ever -- ask anyone. Danny also played with Ponty Bone, Cornell Hurd, Conni Hancock of Texana Dames and many other friends. David "Chris" Christopher Holzhaus, January 18, 1950 - July 11, 2008 Chris was one of the greatest bluesmen ever, and could also write a rockin' pop tune. I first met Chris in the early 1980s through Andy Salmon and Tommy Taylor, who do me the honor of playing in my band when they can, and Chris and I have likewise remained friends ever since those long-ago days. Chris had a tremendous amount of soul, and was generous to a fault. The last time I saw him, he spotted me the audience, got me up to sing a song or two and tried to get me a gig at the club, where he was working himself at the time. That's the kind of person he was. In addition to fronting his own band out of San Antonio where he played regularly, as well as throughout Texas, Chris was a guitarist with Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers, and Delbert McClinton among others and he also opened shows for Stevie Vaughan. My heart goes out to Chris' wife of over 20 years, Suzanne B. Holzhaus, and all of Chris' family and friends. Gary Primich, 1958 - 2007 Gone way too soon, a dear friend, and a GREAT musician.
Visit Gary's web site where you can find This true bluesman should not be forgotten. Love to Gary’s wife and soulmate, Tina Rose.
Too personal to discuss but please feel free to visit the Facebook page, via the link below, for more images of this lovely spirit and cherished family member.
Jesse "Guitar" Taylor (1951-2006) was a great friend who played gigs with me, and was a mainstay of many other great bands including Joe Ely's, with whom he shared a stage with sit-in Bruce Springsteen, in Dublin, Ireland on New Year's Eve. Always supportive and the sweetest person you could hope to meet, Jesse recommended me for, and I got to do a tour, with Billy Joe Shaver!! Clifford Antone, 1949-2006
Clifford and his legendary club established the crossoverblues scene in Austin beginning in the 70s and 80s; a great friend and supporter, dearly missed. Walter Hyatt, 1949-1996, and Champ Hood 1952-2001 Wonderful friends and two of the greatest singers,
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Paul Skelton, a great friend and incredible musician, passed away Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer. 
