Swelled-headedness And Cowboy Hats

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Mar 2010 4:44 pm

Chris L.,

I'm coming up short on personal preferences. I am left holding the bag. Very few if any, have admitted wearing ten gallon hats, and flashy boots like Ty, the ex-champion bull rider. He knows how to live. Somebody.. give me some confirmations of how well you've remained dedicated to western garb. The Texas Band may have set a precedence. It's beginning to appear as such.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 8 Mar 2010 5:02 pm

Bill
I don't wear Western Style Clothing, I'm Not a Cowboy. It would be an insult to my Texas and South Western Brethren. However I was Told by my parents that I was Conceived in Corsicana Texas and born in Georgia. I'm not ignorant of Western Ways, I was raised by Texan Parents. I find it insulting by you to to attempt to belittle Western ways and Dress.

A Word of Advice and Caution.
Texas People Do Travel even to the Northeast.
I would be careful, if I were you, Its a Small World made smaller by the internet and one other person in this thread has you located to the street. I sure wouldn't want some of those REAL MEN that can actually pick and make REAL MUSIC that you have insulted looking for me.

Is this a Picture of you? Looks Different than your Avatar and is that Western Style Jeans and Jacket you're wearing. Hmmmm

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Mar 2010 5:26 pm

John F.,

I have several relatives who own property in Texas. You can quit with the attachment lingo. The forum rule has instructed members to keep a civil tongue in their mouth. People should not be subjected to threats in an open forum. It's me in the photo.. I look tired .. notice the absence of boots and hat.

Stephen Silver · Post by **Stephen Silver** » 8 Mar 2010 5:29 pm

bill hankey spewed

People should not be subjected to threats in an open forum.

If that's the case, then stop posting bill. you threaten the sanity and good nature of every reader here.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 8 Mar 2010 5:38 pm

Bill
That was not a threat, Just some very good advice. You haven't insulted me personally and I have no reason to harm you.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Mar 2010 5:41 pm

Stephen,

You're complaining to the wrong person. Ask b0b to throw me out of the forum. You have my permission. Anything to get you off my back.

Ray Campbell · Post by **Ray Campbell** » 8 Mar 2010 5:49 pm

I had no intention of posting here but feel that I should point out we here in mid-Missouri are blessed with some of the best steel players in the world and that does, indeed, include Scotty Henderson, who's talents are amazing whether on steel guitar, guitar or just singing. We also have Jerry Thurmond, Keith Hilton (the one with the pedals) Vance Monday and Terry Wood and some others whose names elude me at the moment. We recently lost Red Wayne and John Daugherty to God and several more by moves to other parts of the country. I agree that I am not happy with the dress preferred by many of the new so-called country folds. Torn jeans just don't cut it with me. I've never worn a hat on stage (the only real trouble I got into while in the Army was my distaste for headgear) but have never quarreled with a band member when they did. Still, I would never walk on stage without wearing clothes that are neat and clean. Yes, I often wear tennis shoes because they don't hurt these old feet and comfort is now more important than looks. Mr. Bill, I don't know you and have no argument with you except for your put down of such as Scotty. If you know Leon Jimmy Davis from up in your country, have him contact me. I've lost touch with him but know he was once around the Boston area. I'm done.

Alvin Blaine · Post by **Alvin Blaine** » 8 Mar 2010 6:07 pm

I can't believe I just read 7 pages, of this thread, and still have no idea of what it's about.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 8 Mar 2010 6:11 pm

The first rule of a HankeyThread is that it doesn't have to make sense to anyone except Bill.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 8 Mar 2010 6:32 pm

Ray,

Your account is very misleading to the readers I'm sure. I'm here to make sure that information concerning my treatment of forum members is accurate, and never written by others that fail to keep to the facts. I've asked Scotty to e-mail me. How much friendship can another member bestow on someone whom I've never met? Please stop distorting my intentions to befriend Scotty.

admin · Post by **b0b** » 8 Mar 2010 6:48 pm

I strive to be true to myself in my music and my on-stage appearance. Sometimes I dress western because I play and love western music. I enjoy western style. I have performed with real singing cowboys. I figure I've earned the hat. Heck, by now I've probably earned a diamond horseshoe ring!

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 8 Mar 2010 8:24 pm

Bill,
Do you really think we need to further this relationship in private? I don't. I'm not trying to be mean just using common sense. Let's keep our conversations public and on the record. NO offense intended just stating facts...You a ticking time bomb on this forum!I've been posting on here for two reasons. I feel I am doing you a great service as you obviously get off on agitation and I have hope that someday you will realize people will like you if you talk normal and with consideration to others peoples feelings. Are you really that lonely??? (So sad...)
Oh and for the record when I play "Orange Blossom" I prefer to play it on violin. (Or as us hillbillies say fiddle!)

Bill Holt · Post by **Bill Holt** » 8 Mar 2010 9:34 pm

John Floyd wrote:Bill
I don't wear Western Style Clothing, I'm Not a Cowboy. It would be an insult to my Texas and South Western Brethren. However I was Told by my parents that I was Conceived in Corsicana Texas and born in Georgia. I'm not ignorant of Western Ways, I was raised by Texan Parents. I find it insulting by you to to attempt to belittle Western ways and Dress.

A Word of Advice and Caution.
Texas People Do Travel even to the Northeast.
I would be careful, if I were you, Its a Small World made smaller by the internet and one other person in this thread has you located to the street. I sure wouldn't want some of those REAL MEN that can actually pick and make REAL MUSIC that you have insulted looking for me.

It is typical of northerners, particularly those from the northeast to belittle anyone not like themselves. This is especially true when they talk about people from the south, southwest, the west, and Texas (yes, there is a distinction). We are not ignorant, drunken cowboys who pound sand up our *sses all the time. I'm not sure why hats offend our friend from MA, if he has disdain for our culture, or his posts are provocative but truly in jest. Doesn't really matter. I think we ought to take up a collection for the poor fella and send him a fine hat from a fine Texas haberdashery. Poor soul... he just needs to come spend a few weeks here and check it out. Well, he would need a few years to see it all.

Here are some hat pics:

Bass Player Convention in Ruidoso, NM.
Drew Phelps, Ronnie Ellis, Bill Holt

Ok,here is one sans fedora (pardon the pic - it's a Bob Moore Junkie thang):

Damn... et tu, Johnny? And black, no less!

Ok, this one is a shameless plug for AWA Western Swing Album of the Year. Hats all look GREAT!

And for the rest of you, some vintage hat porn:

Shane Glover · Post by **Shane Glover** » 8 Mar 2010 10:33 pm

I gotta Black Stetson 7 1/8 just gimme an address & I'll send it asap. Bill if you put on a black Stetson a black jacket and some black boots. Then have someone throw you off a train or stage coach , I do believe you have a future as Kenny Rogers stunt double !!

Just kidding around !!

Shane

Dave Manion · Post by **Dave Manion** » 8 Mar 2010 10:37 pm

Way to keep it classy b0b! I bet you have, seriously. Also, believe it or not, there are also states west of Texas that enjoy "western" wear. Now if this link would work....

http://www.haptallman.com/

Just a local shop here with a great hat blocker...
Dave

Dave Manion · Post by **Dave Manion** » 8 Mar 2010 10:42 pm

Oh yeah, I wear my grandpa's Eddy Bros 7 1/2 tan felt, and a cheap Bandera 7 5/8 straw. Both are great for hiding from the stage lights!

Mike Schwartzman · Post by **Mike Schwartzman** » 8 Mar 2010 10:54 pm

Well, I think the photo that John posted has gotten Bill busted. If you notice underneath the goatee there is a shiny object with a long black verticle line below that.

I could be wrong, but it appears to be a STRING TIE. True...no hat, no boots, but a string tie may be a true qualifier for western wear. Opinions?

Those are pretty darn stylish too.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 8 Mar 2010 10:57 pm

Hey Mr. Bill,This is the third time I've mentioned it. But can't get a responce. It's as easy as milking a brahma bull. Just post a couple of Bob Wills tunes on Mr. Tilly's site. Show those old Texas boys what you got. And I really can't understand why you posted this in the steel players section,should be in humor with the other jokes. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

Chris Lucker · Post by **Chris Lucker** » 9 Mar 2010 12:48 am

Bill Hankey wrote:Chris L.,

I'm coming up short on personal preferences. I am left holding the bag. Very few if any, have admitted wearing ten gallon hats, and flashy boots like Ty, the ex-champion bull rider. He knows how to live. Somebody.. give me some confirmations of how well you've remained dedicated to western garb. The Texas Band may have set a precedence. It's beginning to appear as such.

Sorry, Bill, but I am not from Tejas. I don't think I have ever seen a ten gallon hat other than on Hoot Gibson's head. But are these boots flashy enough for you?

The initials are for my horse to see in his peripheral vision so he remembers who is in charge.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 9 Mar 2010 2:51 am

Bama Charlie Wrote:

Hey Mr. Bill,This is the third time I've mentioned it. But can't get a responce. It's as easy as milking a brahma bull. Just post a couple of Bob Wills tunes on Mr. Tilly's site. Show those old Texas boys what you got.

Great Idea Charlie, Anybody Else Agree?

Bill, its a cruel world. You've been called out! Its Time for this Community to find out if you are actually playing that guitar shown in your avatar or if you are just resting on it.

Bill Holt Wrote:

It is typical of northerners, particularly those from the northeast to belittle anyone not like themselves. This is especially true when they talk about people from the south, southwest, the west, and Texas (yes, there is a distinction). We are not ignorant, drunken cowboys who pound sand up our *sses all the time.

When I was a Kid Growing up, I wanted to be a cowboy and a picker. I achieved one of those dreams, The Cowboy thing was a little far fetched.

Maybe rejection and failure to achieve any of his dreams has brought on Mr Hankeys agressive behavior toward our Texas and Western Brethren.
I feel Sorry for him.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 9 Mar 2010 4:02 am

Double post

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 9 Mar 2010 4:13 am

In 1973 I was on a Northeast Tour With Webb Pierce, Gordon Terry and Max Powell. Webb wanted a steel guitar in the band and the Guitar player, Frank Hobson, who was from Pascoag RI knew of a guy who he set up with the gig for an Outdoor Park in Worchester, Mass, A trip up to Woodstock New Brunswick and a couple of other jobs. Seems this guy quit his day job, went out and bought a new Emmons D 10 and Showed up for the first gig at the outdoor park. Webb wanted us to all dress alike and I had 3 Shirts, Different colors, same pattern and I loaned the steel player? and the drummer my other 2 shirts. OK , we were doing fine, ready to pick, At least I thought so. First song was "Slowly" With the steel intro made famous by Bud Issacs and The One That Started Pedal Steel music.
Well, The Steel player hit something, that I have never quite heard before, A totally untuned pedal steel guitar.
Webb Stopped the song and We went to take #2, since I was closest, I unplugged the steel guitar amp and Gordon Terry on Fiddle and Frank on Guitar Played the intro to "Slowly" in perfect harmony.

We played the rest of the show and on The First break, I asked the steel player if he had tuned his pedals, His Statement was I thought they came tuned.

Webb told Frank to get rid of him and Frank gave him a Few bucks and sent him on his way, Problem was the sucker made off with one of my shirts. He just walked off wearing it and I didn't want to cause a big scene, being in Webb's band, So I just let it go.
That was the standard joke about Ol John Losing his shirt for the rest of the tour. It wasn't the price of the shirt that was so bad, it was the ribbing I took over it. I guess that was to teach me humility.

After 38 years, I suspect I know where my Shirt went.

Alan Harrison · Post by **Alan Harrison** » 9 Mar 2010 4:14 am

Yep pardner, thats me on steel. Swing Society of the Southwest. Cape Girardeau Missouri Show. Come on over the 13th thru 15th of May and you'll not only see a bull pen full of Hats and Boots but hear some really great Western Swing and Country Music. "Y'all Come On Over".

By the way, Scotty may show up with his great band!

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Mar 2010 5:29 am

Thanks for the pictures depicting a heritage from the old west. The hats are interesting, as well as the colorful boots display by Bill Holt. I have a collection of LOUIS L'AMOUR bantam books that I've read (70 of those) and several other books that recreate the old west. Stories of tough, determined riders of the fastest horses, with a no-nonsense nonchalant concern of rough terrain. It was Boomtown, U.S.A. back during the earlier motion-pictures presentations of dressier western attire by Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Everything about them was something to behold. We can easily come to terms with the degrees of clothing influences, as playing a part in how we form a character analysis. Sterling silver buckles, spurs, flawless leather cowboy boots,
silver bullets, top of the line hats, etc. were a large part of the successes of the western heroes. Viewing their horses when matinee' tickets were priced at 12 cents was a real bargain. The absolute truth is that I am very fond of learning how the west provided the space to absorb the multiplicities of nondisciplined roughnecks, as well as the gentle souls who could only perceive of the good in mankind. I attended a jam session near Lake Onota in Pittsfield, MA. years ago. Believe it or not, I still remember Bob Gary's short-sleeved WHITE SHIRT from years ago. Bob played straight-steel, and I found myself surrounded by a very congenial group of fine musicians. There was something special about that shirt, and I can't tell you why it drew my attention; as it did. I remember Bob sitting out a fast rendition of "Under The Double Eagle" that I played on the guitar. Bob's fate became one that is more common than most realize. In the middle of a cold winter night, he was found frozen in an unheated entranceway to rental apartments in Boston.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 9 Mar 2010 6:15 am

Readers,

I have befriended a prodigy player from Central Massachusetts since 1980. He's pure dynamite playing the "Orange Blossom Special". I put a request on the web for renditions by acclaimed pickers to surface somewhere; playing their rendition of the popular instrumental. Please, refrain from suggesting existing renditions on you tube. I know it's a touchy subject, and I will steer clear of belittlements of any sort, concerning the abilities of other pickers. I was reminded by Scott that O.B.S. ("Orange Blossom Special) is a "fiddle" tune. "nuff said" We don't share that belief in the State of Massachusetts.

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