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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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Billy Bob’s
By Ken Shimamoto
Billy Wade Sanders played guitar for Delbert McClinton during the singer’s most commercially successful period, including the albums Second Wind, Keeper of the Flame, Jealous Kind, and Plain from the Heart. Sanders also backed the Fort Worth love rustler when he appeared on tv’s Saturday Night Live.
The bluesy axe-slinger has served as an inspiration to legions of younger players. “He was the only white guy who could milk a note like B.B. King and mean it,” said Dave Millsap, who replaced Sanders in McClinton’s band. “His playing just oozed realism.” Sanders’ former guitar partner, James Pennebaker, put it more simply: “He’s my hero.”
Now he’s fighting inoperable cancer. And while Sanders’ veterans benefits will cover many financial costs associated with his illness, some Fort Worth musicians have come together to help their compadre meet his other expenses and establish a trust fund for his son, Billy Jr.
The list of performers reads like a who’s who of the city’s musical talent. Bruce Channel, who employed the teenage McClinton’s harmonica on his 1962 hit “Hey Baby,” will be there, as will Ray “Mr. Linda Lu” Sharpe. McClinton’s ex-partner Glen Clark will return from the left coast, as will busy producer Stephen Bruton. A reunited Juke Jumpers lineup will include saxman/lounge lizard Johnny Reno and ex-Fabulous Thunderbirds drummer Mike Buck.
Rumors of even more stellar guests abound. McClinton is playing Billy Bob’s on Saturday. Willie Nelson is sending memorabilia from his Fourth of July picnics for a silent auction. And Glen Clark has been producing the Blues Brothers, whose Dan Aykroyd has been Sanders’ friend since McClinton’s SNL appearance. Regardless of who shows up, though, it’ll be worth the $15 donation to hear some great Fort Worth musicians paying tribute to one of their own.
Sun at Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Blvd, FW. 817-624-7117.
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