Johnny Bush Biography

David Tunnell · Post by **David Tunnell** » 22 Feb 2007 6:19 am

I just want to give everybody a heads-up about a new Johnny Bush biography. It is called Whiskey River (Take My Mind): The True Story of Texas Honky-Tonk.

Here is a link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-River-Tak ... F8&s=books

According to the Amazon website, it is supposed to be released on March 1. But I ordered it as soon as I noticed it, and they already sent it to me. I have only read about 50 pages, but I can already tell that it is very well written.

I know there are a lot of people out there who like Johnny Bush as much as I do, so I thought you might like to know about it.

Andy Jones · Post by **Andy Jones** » 22 Feb 2007 6:52 pm

Johnny Bush has been one of my favorites ever since I first heard him.He has been true to country music and has stayed the course.If Books-a-Million can get the book,I'll have it ordered tomorrow.
Andy

Roger Miller · Post by **Roger Miller** » 22 Feb 2007 9:07 pm

Bruce Brooks and I about went to work for Johnny in the '70s but we were skepticle about leaving Nashville for the glamour of Texas. Wish we would have done it now.

Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 22 Feb 2007 9:44 pm

Was just listening to Charlie Louvin on Eddie Stubbs. He stated
that the Louvins are more popular today and sell more records than during their active career days. The paralel is that though
Johnny Bush recorded many great records in his heyday as an
artist on a major label, he is an even more important figure
today in terms of rallying folks around the banner of music
that deserves to be heard.

David Tunnell · Post by **David Tunnell** » 23 Feb 2007 2:55 pm

I have never had the chance to play behind somebody like Johnny Bush; I would think that would be a very neat experience. Maybe someday I'll get an opportunity like that. I'm only 30 years old. I hope I have plenty of time left.

It is a shame that the music from Mr. Bush's heyday isn't available anymore. I have collected every vinyl album that I know of through eBay. I would think there would be a pretty good market for CD reissues of those classic albums, or maybe a boxed set like the ones Bear Family Records puts out. I had always heard of Johnny Bush growing up, but I didn't really know what he sounded like till I sought out one of his records 6 or 7 years ago. After I heard it, I couldn't get enough of his music. Anybody who likes Ray Price would love Johnny Bush.

Dayna Wills · Post by **Dayna Wills** » 23 Feb 2007 11:37 pm

Braggin' rights: A gal outta Texas named Dottie Jack recorded a tune called Texan in a Stetson that I wrote with Norma-Lee. Not only did she record it, she titled her CD with it. And not only that, but Johnny Bush is singing with her on the tune. I am thrilled silly. They do a great job on it. The CD was produced by Bobby Flores. Ralph Mooney is playing steel. You can go to www.dottiejack.com and check it out. She's having her CD release party tonight at Pearl's in Ft Worth.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 24 Feb 2007 8:44 am

Johnny and Rick (Mitchell, a noted Houston journalist and co-writer of the book) have been working on this project for probably 5 years now or more, and I was privileged to read advance copies of the manuscript... before editing...

. Trust me, there's some great stuff in this book!

Johnny and his wife Lynda are among our...Kathy and me... dearest friends, and I cherish the 14 years I spent in the Bandoleros' steel chair. Well, actually it was my pack-a-seat, but you get the picture. Of course, there's not really a picture, per se, though there might be one in the book. You'll have to get it to find out.

Johnny is still recording very prolifically, just about an album a year in fact, and I think there's one in the can ready to go. A great amount of his old material is still available from Johnny himself, remastered for CD. Go to JohnnyBush.com and you can get some great stuff.

I'm not sure who's playing predominantly with JB on the live gigs nowadays, since I'm with Gary P. Nunn now. But I know that the excellent Don Sowersby has been doing some gigs, and Johnny Cox also. Since Justin Griffith drives the bus for JB occasionally, he could probably fill in that information.

John Parker · Post by **John Parker** » 24 Feb 2007 10:05 am

Herb,

At the Dallas show a couple of years ago I remember Johnny was wearing a name tag that read "Herb Steiner's Front Man."
Sorry to hear Johnny isn't fronting for you anymore

Guess good help is hard to find,

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 24 Feb 2007 10:36 am

John
Yes, Johnny WAS a good front man for me, one of the best I've had, in fact.

Maybe I'll be able to hire him in the future.

This year at the Jamboree, he'll be fronting for another steel player. Some cat named Edmonds... I hear he's pretty accomplished on steel.

Larry Schoppe · Post by **Larry Schoppe** » 24 Feb 2007 10:45 am

David, thanks for the heads up. I've been waiting on this since I heard Johnny talk about it at a concert a couple of years ago. I ordered mine from Amazon yesterday!

Michael Garnett · Post by **Michael Garnett** » 27 Feb 2007 11:13 pm

Don Sowersby now lives in Corpus Christi and plays mostly with Johnny Rodriguez, although he has filled in with Bush some.

Tommy Minniear · Post by **Tommy Minniear** » 3 Mar 2007 8:46 am

I don't know whats up at Amazon, but I ordered this book right after seeing this thread. My original order was supposed to be delivered between March 5th and 7th. I received an email stating there was going to be a delay. I went to Amazon and checked my order. It now states that it won't be delivered until between April 4th and April 20th. If I knew someplace else to order it I would cancel my order at Amazon.
Guess, I'll just have to let it ride.

*****As A Footnote*****
Out of curiousity, I went to eBay and sure enough......I found it available "new" from a seller there. I purchased it with a Buy Now button then went to Amazon and canceled my order.

Tommy Minniear[/b]

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 3 Mar 2007 5:26 pm

Johnny Bush and Justin Travino just finished a CD on The Heart of Texas record label. It can be found at hillbillyhits.com--click on merchandise..

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 5 Mar 2007 10:28 am

There was a real nice article in Sundays Houston Chronicle about Johnny and his new book. Can hardly wait to get one. Just the pictures will be priceless. Jody.

Larry Schoppe · Post by **Larry Schoppe** » 5 Mar 2007 2:09 pm

Jody, I got mine in the mail today from Amazon. I can't wait to get into it!!!

Jason Longoria · Post by **Jason Longoria** » 5 Mar 2007 3:03 pm

I got the book from Johnny Bush in town, I am loving it.. so many references to places around here like Helotes, Bandera and old San Antone ... too cool