Comments on: Rolling Stone from Texas

Rolling Stone from Texas

NemesisVex — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:05:32 -0800

In 1957, Don Walser stopped recording country music and became a National Guardsman, just as rock 'n' roll took over the airwaves. He stayed with the Guard for 39 years, but around 1990, his performances at Henry's in Austin, Texas developed a following. By the end of the decade, he would sign to Sire Records, open for Ministry and the Butthole Surfers, collaborate with Kronos Quartet and be honored with a National Heritage Award. Walser retired from his music career in 2001 because of ill health. He passed away on Wednesday at age 72.

By: katillathehun

katillathehun — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:14:49 -0800

This is uncanny timing. I just recently heard his, "Whose Heart Are You Breaking Now" and purchased it on the spot (and I'm no fan of country. That's how awesome I think the song is). He'll be missed. :(

By: keswick

keswick — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:16:43 -0800

I first heard Don Walsner here. He'll be missed. .

By: dios

dios — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 11:45:33 -0800

I love Big Don Walser and was privileged enough to see him several times. I love his yodeling and the life he brought into every room he entered. What a showman.

By: dios

dios — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 11:52:22 -0800

For those unfamiliar with him, Big Daddy has a website with music clips. Try to hear him yodeling.

By: realcountrymusic

realcountrymusic — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:41:25 -0800

I knew him well, once, and performed with him several times. I've heard him a hundred or more times, and interviewed him twice. Don was what he seemed to be, and a truly nice guy as well as a hell of an entertainer and an uncanny singer. Happy trails, big guy. There's still a lot of love in San Antone (and Austin, and Seattle, and everywhere else you ever graced with your presence). Back to retirement.

By: realcountrymusic

realcountrymusic — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:42:42 -0800

And Don's scene at Henry's on Burnet Road was the Sopa Creek Saloon of the 1990s.

By: realcountrymusic

realcountrymusic — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:42:59 -0800

Soap . . . jeez, it's been a long time.

By: space2k

space2k — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:52:59 -0800

Loved Don Walser since I saw him open for the Butthole Surfers (yes - you read that right) at the opry house in the late eighties. He was a great talent, a true original and loveable as hell... .

By: jam_pony

jam_pony — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:02:21 -0800

Saw him at Jovita's in Austin where he used to play one night a week for a while in the 90's. Yodeling and some fine guitar and country music. A unique performer.

By: Smart Dalek

Smart Dalek — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:21:32 -0800

By: turbodog

turbodog — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:57:44 -0800

By: nola

nola — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:20:46 -0800

By: suki

suki — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:31:25 -0800

I had the pleasure of seeing him in Austin about 10 years ago. His voice was like heaven and he struck me as a true gentleman. This makes me very sad.

By: green herring

green herring — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 14:45:34 -0800

Gosh, this is sad news, but not totally unexpected, he'd been quite ill for some time. I, too, was lucky enough to see him at Jovita's on Tuesdays up until he retired. This must've been 3 or 4 years ago. His health was rapidly declining, but his eyes still twinkled. He loved to see folks dancing and would talk with us afterwards. I dare say his voice is transcendent. The world is a poorer place for his passing.

By: neuron

neuron — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:15:04 -0800

On NPR's All Things Considered today.

By: chipr

chipr — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:20:36 -0800

I've never been much of a Western swing fan, so I didn't have the great appreciation for Walser that many do. But he sure seemed like one of the hardest working, nicest, best liked musicians in Austin. Condolences to his family and many fans and friends.

By: effwerd

effwerd — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:53:24 -0800