Let's see I was in Uvalde on Thursday, for A Singing Men of South Texas Concert. It is a group of around 50 men who are music ministers that serve in Baptist churches in South Texas. We did a concert at the First Baptist Church in the evening, and did a mini concert at the First State Bank there. Here's the twist, the bank's primary stock holder is former governor Dolph Biscoe. He had requested we sing at his bank. It turned out to be a really big deal. Lot's of government types and bigwigs. The bank is not your typical small town bank. It speaks of money, lots of money. I found out that Dolph is the largest land owner in the state of Texas.( over 1 million acres) In the lobby of the bank there are hanging 2 original Rembrant etchings. The bank itself speaks of an elegance found years ago. You know the kind I'm speaking about, old Texas money.
Here's the turn. 3 week ago, Dolph Briscoe's twenty year old grand daughter was killed while riding a horse on his ranch. He was very close to her, and this was his first public appearance since that happened. He came into the bank using a walker looking very weak and frail. He was very attentive during the concert and very gracious. Towards the end of the concert, as we were singing Texas, Our Texas, I was close enough to see a change his facial expression. As we started the song, he sat up a little straighter, and about half way through the first verse, he pulled himself up, using his walker, and stood straight as an arrow, until the song was over. It made the hair stand on the back of my neck. Afterwards, he spoke with us. You could see the fire in his eyes and hear it in his voice. I don't remember to much about him as a governor, but he impressed me that day. Man oh man, I'll bet 30 years a ago, he was a force to reckon with.
Here is picture of me with him and one of the other Singing Men.
2 comments:
Let me guess, you are the one that needs to shave!! Right-o!!
The current governor wouldn't amount to a pimple on Gov. Briscoe's backside!
Gov. Briscoe and wife Janie, I believe, were classy folks when in Austin. They did things because it was the right thing to do. Family was important to them as was RESPECT i.e. standing straight and the fire in the eye reference.
I got to visit with Elmer Kelton, best western fiction writer of all time in Colorado City Monday. There is an aura of greatness about great people. You know it when you see it.
Also met Bill Stinson, who was the champion rattlesnake collector at the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-Up----916 #. But, you have to get off the interstate to meet these kind of folks!
I need the shave because we have our big Easter production coming up easter week end. I think I have worked everyday now for the last two weeks trying to get it ready to go. I'll shoot you some pictures friday or saturday of the stage and such so you can see what I've been up to.
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