>R~

Back in our time no one was getting fat but Mama Cass. In this current time, nobody's getting fat but the bankers and wall street tycoons. Being in the advertising business (as well as hanging in there with our band, the new version of "The Strangers" from my high school days) and seeing advertising budgets shrink, I have pulled out the oils again and am having a great time painting again. So I offer for strictly selfish reasons the link to my new website, www.artbyjdean.com. and hope everyone is duly impressed. If I can find the right photograph, I intend to do a painting of our version of Beaverteeth on stage.

Had a great time picking bass on Wilbur Jr.'s new tune down at Playground Studio with David Adkins and Jim and Jill and Clayton, owners, and great musicians themselves.

JIMMY DEAN
<>

J~

So glad to see you on the money.

I tell all my preacher friends, "Lloyd, I glad I ain't gotzzzzzzzzzzz yo' job in two thousand ten. YOU GONNA EARN YO' MONEY!!!!"

Keep it up.
Turn up the juice & turn the damn thang loose!!!!

best,
r

"WELL!!! Des a few mo lef,!!! Few mo cakies lef: !! Half & half dey is..."








OLD DAN SPENCER

When, on a summer's afternoon while marching in from
drill,
Hot and tired and dusty we hear so sweetly shrill,
The cry of old Dan Spencer, with his cakies "half and
half,"
The weary step grows lighter and the sigh turns to a laugh.

For we know he's waiting for us with his wagon load of food,
Cakes, "banans" and apples and everything that's good,
That will fill our empty stomachs before the sun goes down,
We hurry to his wagon and quickly gather round.

We perch upon the whitewashed fence, and eat in calm content,
Our troubles all forgotten, our hearts on pleasure bent,
While Daniel counts the nickles that shower in his hand;
What would life be in barracks if we could not buy from Dan?

And when the day is dying, and the fiery sun sinks low,
And we all march in to supper, this much we each one know,
That whate'er is set before us be it "widow", grits or steaks,
It can never stop our hunger like one of old Dan's cakes.
M.H.J.


"You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
Too much love drives a man insane
You broke my will, oh what a thrill
Goodness gracious great balls of fire"

FROM B'HAM NEWS:

YOUR VIEWS: MUSEUM OF ART: Exhibit is masterly, perfect

By Letters from our readers

November 25, 2009, 5:30AM

The Birmingham News' visual arts critic, James Nelson, recently described the present exhibition at the Birmingham Museum of Art ("Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness") as one of the most significant exhibitions ever presented in Birmingham.
http://www.artsbma.org/exhibitions/life-liberty

That assessment is understated.

The show, about 250 paintings, furniture, silver and other works of art, is masterly in many ways and perfect for Birmingham.

The collection was mainly created during the period just before the American Revolution and ending about 1900. The pieces are invariably handsome and technically skilled or on the way to technical excellence. Their messages are easy-to-comprehend, clear descriptions of life in America.

The art captures many of the overriding themes in American history, the very themes we are debating today, including:

• The fight for freedom.
• The desire to grow.
• The unrelenting insistence on economic prosperity.
• The Civil War and its aftermath.
• The different views of women as they have grown in strength and influence.

One can spend hours, for example, tracing the changes in the renditions of women as the years move forward. The art is generally ideal for all ages, but particularly younger people, for their interest, pleasure and patriotic inspiration. People who visit the exhibit, which will close Jan. 10, will be extraordinarily richer.

Thomas N. Carruthers
Birmingham

"The time comes in the life of each of us when we realize that death awaits us as it awaits others, that we will receive at the end neither preference nor exemption. It is then, in that disturbed moment, that we know life is an adventure with an ending, not a succession of bright days that go on forever. Sometimes the knowledge come with the repudiation and quick revolt that such injustice awaits us, sometimes with fear that dries the mouth and closes the eyes for an instant, sometimes with servile weariness, an acquiescence more dreadful than fear. The knowledge that my own end was near came with pain, and afterwards astonishment, with the conventional heart attack, from which, I've been told, I've made an excellent recovery."

William March http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_March

The Crimson Tide in '96

The cat laying down on the right is Victor Hugo Friedman who was manager of the '96-'97 Crimson Tide. Well, later on he put Johnny Mack & the rest of THE TIDE on his tab for the Rose Bowl. I lived in Friedman Hall, the original jock dorm, my freshman year, '68-69.

Hey Robert,
Dad made it out of surgery this afternoon and we saw him tonight. He's still out of it but they told us he was doing better than expected. He had four bypasses and they say he'll be in the hospital for five more days. Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. I know he'll be thankful for everything. I'll let you know what's going on after they move him to a regular room.
Thank you,
Jay

Hi Robert,

Mother sent me an article from the Dothan Eagle about Coach Charlie McCall that came out right after he died recently. I graduated in 1965 and my husband, Larry graduated in 1964. I knew we had good football teams both years because I was a majorette in the DHS band and remember DHS winning lots of games. But I didn't remember that they were 9-1 both years and that no other DHS team since has had a record to equal or surpass those two years. I'm racking my brain trying to remember who beat us (and the score) and for some reason I think it was Lanier of Montgomery both years. I am wondering if I'm right. I was hoping some of your blog readers might know. Perhaps some of them were on the DHS football team those years and can tell me. So please publish my email so I can solve this mystery. By the way, marching with the DHS band those years was some of the most fun I ever had in high school. I've attached a newspaper clipping of the majorettes my junior year (1964). I ran across this clipping not too long ago.

(back row, left to right - Marcia Jones, Ritey Flowers, Gloria Bryant, Josette Joseph, me, Anne Evans, Linda Martin. front row, left to right - Cathy Crotwell (head majorette), Sonja Dismukes (drum majorette).

Aloha,

Ann (Howard) Adams

Ann Howard

Earl Register,Quarterback & the Fastest Man On Dothan High's Only Undefeated Team

FROM B'HAM NEWS:

YOUR VIEWS: MUSEUM OF ART: Exhibit is masterly, perfect

By Letters from our readers

November 25, 2009, 5:30AM

The Birmingham News' visual arts critic, James Nelson, recently described the present exhibition at the Birmingham Museum of Art ("Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness") as one of the most significant exhibitions ever presented in Birmingham.

That assessment is understated.

The show, about 250 paintings, furniture, silver and other works of art, is masterly in many ways and perfect for Birmingham.

The collection was mainly created during the period just before the American Revolution and ending about 1900. The pieces are invariably handsome and technically skilled or on the way to technical excellence. Their messages are easy-to-comprehend, clear descriptions of life in America.

The art captures many of the overriding themes in American history, the very themes we are debating today, including:

• The fight for freedom.
• The desire to grow.
• The unrelenting insistence on economic prosperity.
• The Civil War and its aftermath.
• The different views of women as they have grown in strength and influence.

One can spend hours, for example, tracing the changes in the renditions of women as the years move forward. The art is generally ideal for all ages, but particularly younger people, for their interest, pleasure and patriotic inspiration. People who visit the exhibit, which will close Jan. 10, will be extraordinarily richer.

Thomas N. Carruthers
Birmingham

Re: Status Update On Ray

Will do Robert. It looks like he's going to have the surgery some time Wednesday. I spoke with him on the phone last night and he said he felt a lot better. He's doing better than they thought he would be at this point and was moved out of ICU so that's a good sign. I'll let you know tomorrow night after they get done. The surgery is supposed to take about two hours. That's pretty amazing isn't it? Thanks for checking in!
Jay

article courtesy of http://tuscaloosanews.com

Chuck Leavell concert a huge success

My Turn | Jack Leigh

Published: Monday, November 30, 2009 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 10:42 p.m.

“Success has many fathers”

— Sir Winston Churchill

When Chuck Leavell used the classic “Stars fell on Alabama” for his encore, there was no doubt about his feelings for us and the sold out crowd left no doubt about how we feel about him. The evening wasn’t just rocking or jazzy or beautiful, it was perfect. The following people made it that way and if it was not for every one of them, the performance might not have been what we experienced. Please forgive me if I left you out of the following thank-you:

First and foremost is Ward Pearson. He was at the table at Charlane Plantation when the idea was floated about a concert at the Bama. When we walked out on the porch, he looked at me and said “we are going to make this happen.” He was fully vested from beginning to end. Pam Penick and David Allgood at the Arts Council, along with their staff and board could not have been more professional. Tim Thompson, Doug Ray, Tommy Stevenson and the staff of The Tuscaloosa News jumped on board early and the wonderful work of Tuscaloosa Magazine’s Janet Sudnik, Robert Sutton and Ashley Boyd with their cover article was the way a lot of you found out about the concert. Chuck told me he thinks it is the finest article ever written about him and his wonderful wife Rose Lane.

WTBC’s Ronnie Quarles, Wally Price, Dave McDaniel and Tiger Jack Garrett for the call-in, introduction, and setting up the interview with Paul Finebaum. Lee Foster for background on Chuck’s early years and the interview in the magazine. Sandy Clarke at Riverhill for the wonderful poster. Fred Hunter of WBRC for his two part “Absolutely Alabama” interview at Charlane. WVUA’s coverage and ads.

The Randall Bramblett Band has a lot of new Tuscaloosa fans now and was such a great group of people. Bob McTyeire and Ram Sound contributed with a great sound and in other ways only a few of us know. The legendary “Scoots” Lyndon and his son Creigh worked in the background the whole night.

Being introduced to the crowd during the second quarter at the Alabama game was a much appreciated treat for Rose Lane and Chuck. Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Witt, Mal Moore and Ronnie Robertson. Julia Stewart on Ward’s staff and Retana Montgomery and Greg Peeples on my staff all helped in many ways. Rush Smith for all the “attaboys” and Charlie Wolbach and First Federal Bank for his sponsorship of the Blue’s Project Band tickets.

And last but not least to my wonderful wife Emily, who eased into the background on her birthday, worked tirelessly to make everyone welcome, and who at last found out that everything I had said about the Leavells was true.

Oscar Wilde said that “it is absurd to divide people into good or bad. People are either charming or tedious.” I think anyone that came in contact with Rose Lane and Chuck Leavell this past weekend was charmed and it is obvious that this talented, generous man has never lost his love for his hometown.

Jack Leigh is a resident of Tuscaloosa and organized the Nov. 20 concert by Chuck Leavell at the Bama Theatre.

Ray & Diane inside Nip & Ernie's

image courtesy of Frank Tanton http://myspace.com/thebopcats
"ROBERT REGISTER POINTING THE WAY"
~carved wooden sign made by Ray Hutto~


subject: RAY HUTTO

Hey Robert,
I just wanted to drop you a line and give you some news. I know Dad has quite a few friends here. Dad had a heart attack Saturday and is in intensive care at the Medical Center. At this point, the information I have is that he will have some form of bypass surgery this week. I was told triple or quadruple bypass and it will probably be later in the week. I thought I'd pass it on and ask for you to keep him in your prayers this week.
Jay Hutto


Roberto..
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. I have finally transcribed the words to Wilbur's latest offering to the world and am including them here. The track can be heard at www.myspace.com/playgroundrecordingstudio

I am not really qualified to interpret the lyrics.. I believe that Wilbur intended for each listener to provide their own interpretation.

I can say that "The American Taliban" is one of the most original and unique chunks of music and poetry that has come through here in the last couple of years.

I really can't understand why the Wilbur fans aren't jumping with joy to hear this composition. In my opinion, this should be an anthem for all who complain about the state of power distribution in our country.. and particularly those folks who are seeking to change the status quo of those in power who are sucking the life out of the American middle class.

Although it is a poor comparison.. Wilbur was Jim Morrison before Jim had reached puberty and has lived to continue.(ed. note: obviously an exaggeration but we like it!) God Bless Wilbur...
He is a true Southern American icon

Happy Holidays
Lancaster
Playground

Wilbur Walton,Jr. & Jimmy Dean
Folk Blues #5 The American Taliban
by Wilbur Walton Jr.

Demon deacons in the pews
Blue Devils at the Ambo
Waving Flags wearing Crosses
Riding broomstick horses

After Billy beer and Johnny herb
Hearts made of stone
One would have you in jail
the other will take you to hell

Santa Claus pushers
asleep at the wheel
When all is said and done
The American Taliban

Red Shoe dancers
moths to the flame
feed to the pit
The American Taliban

Talking heads for the roaring lions
Evil minds in white hats
Liar,liar,liar
Pants, pants on fire

Snakes in ties, pigs in lipstick
dark clouds with no rain
When all is said and done
The American Taliban

Red Shoe dancers
moths to the flame
feed to the pit
The American Taliban