I just heard on Weekend Edition Saturday that country music is big in Kenya. Who woulda thunk it? They seem to have a special fervor for the genre, and even have their own country artists. I guess the heartached-laced optimism would appeal to a country that has been through so much. This world is so, very small sometimes. I mean "Coward of the County" in Kenya?? Maybe some of my fellow Texans might have something more in common with Africans than they think. I doubt those Texans listen to much NPR though.
Billy Joe Shaver allegedly shot a man in the cheek last week, and still was able to make his Greatest Hits in-store performance at Waterloo. I haven't been blogging about the incident because I've been swamped with work, and haven't had time for much anything else. However, Linda over at Still Is Still Moving has done a great job of following the story.
I won't go into the details, but let me just emphasize that I support Billy Joe 100%. I reckon he was probably drinking, but the man he allegedly shot was reportedly drunker than him - and agressively brandished a big-ole hunting knife. Other reports differ and say that Billy Joe was the aggressor, with him saying "Where do you want it?" and "Tell me you're sorry - no one tells me to shut up."
Regardless of whatever comes out in the wash, you don't mess with Billy Joe Shaver - I don't care who you are. He is the true definition of Americana, and a national treasure. Do I think it's right to shoot people? No. Do I think he's above the law? No. But I do think he is an outlaw, and that he'd have to be awfully riled - and have a darn good reason, to pull his piece.
Billy Joe is a bit of a redneck - but so am I, so take that into consideration. As my dad said about the incident - "Aww, that dude he shot is doing just fine - he's not dead." Remember folks, this is Texas. You don't bring a knife to a gunfight.
At the beginning of his in-store at Waterloo, Billy Joe said "It's great to be anywhere". At his performance, he looked haggard, after posting $50,000 bail, but put on a heartfelt and upbeat performance. When he closed, he said "Don't forget to pray for me, and tell your kids to pray for me, too."
I bet there will be more than a few songs written about this authentic Cowboy/Outlaw/Poet.
Along with Willie Nelson and some Dead, Billy Joe Shaver is the only other person in all of music that can make me cry at the drop of a hat. You've probably heard his songs sung by Waylon and Willie, but if you reside outside of Texas, I reckon he's not on your radar at all.
Billy Joe's life has been turbulant; he's been a wrangler and a rambler. He lost his Mom and wife to cancer, only to lose his son (his best friend and guitarist) to heroin - in the same year. I implore you to listen to this interview with Terry Gross.
I guarantee you just might shed a tear.
Billy Joe Shaver is pure americana, and his songs are the epitome of the word authentic. He is an american treasure, and he is a treasure to the entire world. I am so fortunate to have seen him play at Willie's Fourth of July Picnic this past summer.
We can all learn something from this man. He's taught me that when "all you do is lose, you better find a way to win".
