Billy Tonnesen - Music Bio 1939 to 2006
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Andy Sandoval
- Posts: 5176
- Joined: 22 Jul 2004 12:01 am
- Location: Bakersfield, California, USA
- State/Province: California
- Country: United States
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Tracy Sheehan
- Posts: 1383
- Joined: 24 Sep 2003 12:01 am
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
- State/Province: Texas
- Country: United States
Horton Bros.
Thanks for the info Billy. I first started playing fiddle with the Horton Bros.about 1959 in Lubbock,Tx.
We were all from west Tx. I quit fiddle while with them and played steel only. When i last saw them at the Sky Lite club was in 1962 i believe,. You are correct,they were wonderful guys. I last saw Cooter (Norman) in Wyo) who played drums.
Sure brings back memories. thanks again. Tracy
We were all from west Tx. I quit fiddle while with them and played steel only. When i last saw them at the Sky Lite club was in 1962 i believe,. You are correct,they were wonderful guys. I last saw Cooter (Norman) in Wyo) who played drums.
Sure brings back memories. thanks again. Tracy
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Joe Goldmark
- Posts: 1116
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: San Francisco, CA 94131
- State/Province: -
- Country: United States
Hi Billy,
Interesting bio. I appreciate your comments regarding a day job too. It's obvious why even a musician of your caliber would come to the decision to work a "real" job, when one looks at all the great jobs that ended within a year or two. It's also interesting how you mentioned that some of the clubs got shut down when they became too popular (club owners get screwed coming and going, tough business), probably causing fights and noise late at night in the neighborhoods.
I've always said that music is a tough way to make an easy living. It seems so wonderful at age 21, less so at age 30, and pretty much impossible at age 40. However, the way to beat the system is to do it like you did (and I did to a lesser degree), which is to make music your hobby and not have to depend on it for your bread & butter. That way you can turn down bad gigs, and enjoy the rest.
Joe
Interesting bio. I appreciate your comments regarding a day job too. It's obvious why even a musician of your caliber would come to the decision to work a "real" job, when one looks at all the great jobs that ended within a year or two. It's also interesting how you mentioned that some of the clubs got shut down when they became too popular (club owners get screwed coming and going, tough business), probably causing fights and noise late at night in the neighborhoods.
I've always said that music is a tough way to make an easy living. It seems so wonderful at age 21, less so at age 30, and pretty much impossible at age 40. However, the way to beat the system is to do it like you did (and I did to a lesser degree), which is to make music your hobby and not have to depend on it for your bread & butter. That way you can turn down bad gigs, and enjoy the rest.
Joe