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— PRESS
RELEASE —
August 3, 2005
Quitman
Heritage Foundation
P. O. Box 767
Quitman, Texas 75783
903-763-2701
The
Quitman Heritage Foundation today presented its plans for developing
The Light Crust Doughboys Museum and Hall of Fame in the Governor Jim
Hogg City Park in Quitman, Texas. An introductory exhibit consisting
of early photographs of the Doughboys, bass guitar, performance
clothing, awards and other items were opened to the media during a
media conference that outlined the different phases and time line for
development. County Judge Royce McCoy, president of the QHF,
introduced Art Greenhaw and The Light Crust Doughboys who were in
attendance.
Mr.
Greenhaw, manager and member of the Doughboys, expressed his
excitement for the project and shared his dream of continuing the
tradition of western swing, blues, country gospel and other styles of
music established by the multidimensional group over the past 76
years. "The Doughboys take seriously our responsibility to the
memory of Bob Wills, Milton Brown, Smokey Montgomery and, of course,
W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel and all past and present Light Crust
Doughboys and fans in holding to the high standards of music they
developed," said Greenhaw.
Judge
McCoy joined the QHF board of directors in outlining the ambitious
work of the museum in the upcoming months. Plans call for preservation
and displaying of hundreds of photographs dating back to the earliest
years of the Doughboys in such a manner that visitors will get a true
feeling of the role the Doughboys played in country music. Kathy
McKinley, director of volunteers, pointed to the original scrapbook
kept by Gov. O'Daniel's secretary during his political years as a
unique treasure that will be on display. "In the next few months
we will be putting together a museum that will bring memories to
thousands of visitors, as well as providing a learning experience for
younger people," said McKinley.
On display
next to the park at Windham Chevrolet dealership in Quitman is a 1987
touring car that was used by the group to travel 100,000 miles through
the southern parts of the United States. The
history of the Doughboys is filled with appearances in small and large
cities, from school grounds to the largest auditoriums, with the
famous phrase, "The Light Crust Doughboys are On the Air!"
being heard by audiences captivated by the humor and artistic work of
the founders of Texas Swing.
Bob Wills
formed the Light Crust Doughboys in 1929 under the name of the Wills
Fiddle Band. The name was changed when Burrus Mill, manufacturer of
Light Crust Flour, became the sponsor of the group. W. Lee
"Pappy" O'Daniel was general manager of the company. It was
common for musical groups to take on the name of their sponsor back
then. O'Daniel became the announcer for the Doughboys who were heard
on more than 170 radio stations. Most of the broadcasts originated on
WBAP, Fort Worth. The popularity of The Doughboys was such that
O'Daniel was able to win the governorship of Texas as a result of his
connection with the group.
McCoy said
that the QHF plans to build a vintage 1930's radio broadcast for the
museum, but added that portion of the project will require "some
time. "He said the board of directors is aware that children
often travel with their parents and grandparents in RV's and will work
to make the museum attractive to their age group. Ultimately some
exhibits will be interactive, allowing youngsters opportunity to get
the "feel" of being in a radio station during the early
broadcast years. "We've a long way to go," said McCoy,
"But we will get there."
Gov. Jim
Hogg City Park contains 27.9 acres and is presently equipped with a
pavilion for shows, a children's playground, fully equipped RV spaces,
the museum building and two Texas proclaimed historical homes. The
homes are currently included in plans for restoration for future
public exhibits. The Quitman Heritage Foundation has received funding
from the Old Settlers Reunion, Wood County and the City of Quitman for
use in developing the park as a major tourist attraction. Nearby Lake
Fork hosts Skeeter Boat Owners fishing tournament; the Bob Sealey
McDonalds Big Bass Splash tournament; the Bob Sealey Big Catfish
Splash tournament; as well as dozens of other tournaments that attract
international competitors. "We feel we will offer a variety of
activities for persons participating in the tournaments, as well as
their spouses and children," said Judge McCoy.
Led by
Grammy Award-winning instrumentalist-vocalist-producer Art Greenhaw on
electric bass, The Light Crust Doughboys of today include Maurice
"Reece" Anderson on steel guitar, Jerry Elliott on guitar,
John Walden on violin, and oftentimes, Jim Baker on violin and Dale
Cook on percussion. The Light Crust Doughboys have played prestigious
festivals throughout the United States, have toured Austria, and make
frequent television appearances. Current Light Crust Doughboys have
over 150 years of combined experience playing in The Light Crust
Doughboys band. The Light Crust Doughboys were named The State of
Texas' Official Music Ambassadors by the 74th Texas Legislature, are
Texas Commission on the Arts' official touring artists, and are
inductees in the Texas Cowboy, Texas Western Swing, Rockabilly, Texas
Music, and Cowtown Society of Western Music Halls of Fame. In every
personal appearance by The Light Crust Doughboys, the band pays
tribute to its legacy by honoring the musical contributions of Bob
Wills, Milton Brown, and especially, Marvin "Smokey"
Montgomery, a Light Crust Doughboy from 1935 until his passing in
2001.The Light Crust Doughboys are considered the longest-running
country and western band in the world and one of the top historical
bands of all time.
Members
of the Quitman Heritage Foundation board of directors are:
Judge Royce McCoy, president; Gary McKinley, vice president; Nell
French, secretary; Barry Carlson, treasurer; Larry Robertson, Joe
Brunson, Larry Tucker, R. T. Bridges, Gordon Stone, Joe Parris and
Annie Golightly.
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