JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Success Stories Forum Playing With Legends

Wow. I got to play bass with some true legends of songwriting and music yesterday. It was a special show for the Nashville Shriners, called the "Rock to Country."

It started with Freddy Weller. Freddy was the lead guitar player for Paul Revere and the Raiders. He is also a mega-hit songwriter. We did "Promised Land," his Elvis hit, "Dizzy," the song he wrote for Tommy Roe. Freddy told us that through all that, he really wanted to be writing country music, so in the midst of all that rock, he wrote a huge country hit, "The Games People Play." Then his wonderful hit, "Lonely Women."

After Freddy was Dickey Lee. We did "I Saw Linda Yesterday," "Patches," and "9,999,999 tears," which was written by my buddy Razzy Bailey. After that, Dickey played a song he wrote that became a country classic, "She Thinks I Still Care."


Dallas Frasier has written an amazing number of hits. He played his four favorites, including one of my all time favorite country songs, "So Afraid of Losing You Again," which was a hit for Charley Pride. Mr. Frasier also sang "There Goes My Everything," his Elvis hit, "14 Carat Mind" his great song made popular by Johnny Paycheck, and the monster song, "Elvira," that dominated the charts for the Oak Ridge Boys and became a crossover hit...oom poppa mow mow.

After a break for the fundraising auction, we played for Jett Williams, daughter of Hank Williams. She sang her daddy's songs "Jambalaya," "Hey Good Looking," "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Kaw-Li-ga," and his gospel anthem, "I Saw the Light." She is obviously her daddy's girl, a terrific entertainer.

Then came Ferlin Husky and Leona Williams. Leona played her songs "Don't Sing Me a Song About Texas," and "Yes, Ma'am," then the song she wrote for Merle Haggard, "You Take Me for Granted." They sang a duet on "Dear John," and Mr. Husky, who is suffering from health problems, still sang a strong version of "On the Wings of a Dove."

What a thrill it was to play for such an amazing group of people who were part of today's musical heritage!

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EDIT: Mr. Weller recorded and had a hit with, but did not write "The Games People Play" which was written by Joe South.

Also, it was Gene Watson, not Johnny Paycheck who recorded "14 Carat Mind." Thanks to Eb for pointing these out.

That's awesome Mike, the array of talent you've played with over the years is STAGGERING! {And a testament to your OWN considerable talent!}

A great personal success event for you, for sure! Congrats for being asked, and for saying YES!

I second Bob's take on it too.

Real cool Mike,

John

Thanks guys. I just get those jobs because I don't overplay on the bass, don't complain much, work cheap, and know a lot of jokes.

Well,
I did just order a Don Gibson CD. Sometimes I also "Play with the Legends". There aren't many left. The three that I know of are Ray Price, not sure if he is still doing anything, Carl Smith, retired, Slim Whitman, as well as Little Jimmy Dickens and a few that are later in the list. I have a Video Tape of Marty Robbins and Ernest Tubb. I play it once in a while. Such great performances from the early days.

Ray,

Ray Price is still touring, mostly in Texas where he is practically King. I was offered a bass gig with him in my younger days, it's one of my few regrets in life that I turned it down, I wanted to stay in Nashville to pursue studio work. Ironically, I probably would have gotten a lot more studio work if I played a few years with him.

Carl Smith. "Loose Talk," "Deep Water," "Take My Ring Off Your Finger," truly great recordings. They called him Mr. Country, though he got some flak for being too rock and roll with the drums on his records. He had a good dose of bluegrass influence too. There should be a Carl Smith revival.

Dickens is still playing. He's palling around with Brad Paisley and Marty Stuart some.

My buddy Robert Thames toured with Slim Whitman in the 70's. He shared guitar duties with Harold Bradley (ex-president of the Nashville musician's union, and considered the most recorded guitarist of all time. Mr. Bradley played on all the Patsy Cline hits among many, many others). Robert said that when Mr. Whitman's tv ads for his records got popular they got a lot of work at colleges. The stoned kids went to see him as a joke, but soon became fans. Whitman's second career was bigger than his first.

I would have loved to play with Marty Robbins, a real idol of mine, as well as E.T. I do play with members of E.T.'s old band, the Texas Troubadors, from time to time. I'd also love to play with "'Tater," maybe some day I will. His songs have been a real inspiration to me.

Yes, there are fewer legends from our day. It's kind of funny, I remember George Jones' record of "Who's Going to Fill Their Shoes" playing at a meat and three here in Madison where Roy Acuff was having lunch. When he heard the song mention him, one of the folks with him had to tell him who was singing it. Now we wonder who's going to fill Jones' shoes. Soon, those younger than us will be wondering who's going to fill Vince Gill's, Alan Jackson's, or Brad Paisley's shoes. It goes ever on. In the meantime, I want to play with them all. Maybe some day I will.

Mike

Thanks to eb for correcting me on a couple of facts. The original post has been edited.

Mike

I forgot to mention that I also ordered a CD by T. Texas Tyler, Composer of DECK OF CARDS. Also the song COURTIN' IN THE RAIN and others.

I always loved "Deck of Cards," a buddy of mine used to do that one a lot. Not real good at the dance clubs, though.

I beg to differ Mike

I think its your unique footwear-i.e The ORIGINAL EARTH SHOES-that get ya all the gigs

Tom

Heck, I'd have been happy just to be in the audience...

Being on the stage? Must have been a real thrill. Congrats, Mike!

Scott

Im in loss of words about those people you get to play with, Mike! Family of Hank, songwriters of Elvis and Merle. That is as close you get to the holy grail for me.

I gotta clean up my bass playing, and free brain space for those jokes! Hell I'll even pay to play with those guys...Lol

I remember "The Games People Play" from my childhood days. It was a huge hit in my radio too, and as close you get to the "Achy Brachy Heart" of that time.

You gotta be one of the coolest foottappers around JPF, EVER! (hey, you could even reduce the cost for a bass if you could have the root in one foot and the fifth in the other, and just tap along? Might even get you gigs with Alan Jackson :-))

Thanks Magne,

If I weren't so darn humble, I'd tell you some of the other folks I've been blessed to play with. Oh what the heck

A short list of folks I've gotten to play bass with includes Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Razzy Bailey, John Prine, Bobby Bare, Connie Smith, Billy Joe Royal, Jo Dee Messina, Jack Greene, Leroy Van Dyke, Kathy Mattea, Townes Van Zandt, Jim Ed Brown, the Gatlin Brothers, Nanci Griffith, Dobie Grey, Delbert McClinton, and Donna Fargo. There are many others including several hit songwriters.

I never played with Alan Jackson, but I'd love to.

Most of my work is with package shows such as the one in this post, radio shows, or substituting for someone's regular bass player. I've only worked as a regular band bass player for Razzy, Donna Fargo, and Leroy Van Dyke, as well as some bluegrass, blues and country bands who might be less familiar. I just don't want to be on the road all the time, I value my family life and want to pursue session work. Most of my road work currently is with Razzy (over 20 years on and off working the road and recording with him) he's a good friend, we write together and work at his studio.

Sometimes it seems unreal to be able to work with such amazing folks. In all seriousness, I'm not a great bass player, just a fairly good groover who reads well. It's been a blessing.

Miles and miles of textual advice on this site, and here you've just revealed the keys to success in one sentence!

What a night, Mike...some amazing songwriters and players there. High five!

I work cheap and tell a lot of jokes. I am still poor. It wasn't planed that way.

A formula for success!

Congrats, Mike. You deserve to be recognized.
Even if it's in someone's 'famous' shadow.

Mike,

You are giving me goosebumps, lol. It humbles me to be in the company of people like you. Please don't stop letting us be a little part of something that good, just keep telling us ok? I would read a book if you wrote about your experiences.

I started to tell you a little story about me and Cub Koda, lol, then I deleted it because my story is like a one verse nursery rhyme and yours is an Epic lovestory of musical accomplishments.

Thank you Mike, I am honored to be able to listen to you, not only your music, but the wonderful experiences you share with us.

Letha

I think this is also known as the Donald "Duck" Dunn recipe for getting gigs. You sure are a clever strategist, Mike :-)

No you just nail what playing bass is all about. Keep it simple an' know your stuff, it's all about discipline and supporting music as a team effort.

Wish I learned those things back when I was playing. I never believed I could make it as a session player, allthough that's what I always wanted. Today, I think I would have, if I was smart enough to stick with it. But noo, I was going fancy with smart education and stuff.. I regret I ever listened to that well meaning advice. It's not about doing it better than everybody else, it's just about doing it.

Like JJ and Eric sings "You'll be big, if you don't quit" (Cale and Clapton in "It's Easy" from Road to Escondido).

Wow, what a Great Gig, Mike!

And..ya know..that Legend Dust does Rub Off on ya!

Congrats Amigo...Of the Batch, I've only met Leona..out in Branson...& she's one Sweet Lady & a Heckova Fine Fine Singer/Songwriter.

Oh What a Night! Hope ya continue having 'em..you deserve it!

Congrats to The Bare Foot Boy on Bass,
Big Guy-Hug,
Stan

I wish I could have been there.

Mike, I suspect that some of them would say "I got to peform with Mike Dunbar."

Tom

You folks are all too kind.

Yeah, it's a way to get gigs as a bass player, unless you're playing bebop or fusion jazz. I've got friends who flat smoke me on the bass but don't get as many jobs. Duck Dunn is one of my heroes. I love to listen to the bass virtuosos, but my real heroes are guys like Henry Strzelecki, James Jamerson, Bob Moore, Rocco Prestia, Lance Hoppen, Michael Rhodes, Leland Sklar, Timothy B. Schmidt, Bob Babbit, and Mr. Duck.

When I hear the two-note beginning of "My Girl" or the one-five bass and drum groove that starts "Good Hearted Woman" I'm ready to dance. That's what turns me on and keeps me thumpin'

Wow Mike ! You are truly a rich man, albiet not necessarily monetary ! ! ! I can't even imagine how cool it would be to play with those people ! Hanks daughter ! !

That must have been a great show!! Wish I'd been there to see it.

How cool is it to play with so many awesome folk!!! You got video???

Thanks Herbie, Jett is a wonderful entertainer and an all around nice person. I've worked with her in the past.

Caroline,

No, no video. I hardly ever get video or tapes. I've got a picture and a recording from playing with Willie Nelson, and there are recordings from when I played with Johnny Cash, but I never got one. Here are some pictures from the Rockabilly Hall of Fame website of several friends and family of Johnny Cash's. I'm playing bass here with Mr. Cash's old band: http://www.rockabillyhall.com/cashbook05.html

Mike,

I honestly have to say I am not surprised you get these gigs. I think you may have left out one, perhaps the most important, reason you get gigs like these: You're one of the most decent men in Nashville and the Country Music business. Folks who have never had the opportunity to sit down with you and spend a little time in your company cannot appreciate Mike, the man. Anytime anyone asks me if I know anyone big in Nashville worth knowing, the first thing out of my mouth is "Mike Dunbar".

You mentioned Henry Strzlecki. Man, that guy could play. How many sessions do you think he was on? It would take a good calculator to figure out out!

And yeah, thye Ray Price gig wouldn't have hurt ya too much! I played lead for him on two shows here in St. Louis back in the 60s. As far as I am concerned, there are few, if any, pure country albums better than "Night Life". Having Buddy Emmons on it with him didn't hurt, either!

I think I mentioned to you several months ago the story about having been offered a job playing lead for Ernest Tubb, but had to turn it down because I had just reenlisted in the Army. I don't think there's been another time where I had the biggest thrill and the biggest disappointment in my life at the same time. I was floored when Junior Pacheco, his bassist, approached me with the offer. The band I was playing with in Germnay had the prove=ilege of opening for most of the Country Music stars touring the military facilities in Europe. I don't think that gig would have hurt me too much, either!

Anyway, congratulations, Mike. You have earned the privilege to participate in those headline shows.

Wishing you and the family nothing but the best.

Alan

Congratulations to all of these wonderful artists for having the good taste to play with Mike Dunbar!

Congratulations Mike! You lucky dog!

Hey, if they need a pianist next time, I work cheap.

Best, John