Patterson, Johnny 1971-03-30

Johnny Patterson, owner of the Delta Recording Studio in Fort Worth, talks about his musical career and about Bob Wills, originator of Western swing dance music.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Johnny Patterson

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 30, 1971

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Carpenter

Length: 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Johnny Patterson, Born in Missouri, One of 15 children, Family, Reunions, Interest in music, Musical career, Buddy Emons, steel guitar player, Daily radio program, Kennett, Missouri, Hank Thompson’s band, Audition for Merle Lindsay, Tours, Met Bob Wills in Oklahoma City, Pee Wee King, John Lee Wills—Bob Wills’ brother, Television show, Abilene, Texas, Local dances, Booked Bob Wills, Toured Louisiana (1959), Campaigned for Governor Jimmy Davis, Wichita Falls, Texas, Miller Brothers Band, Played guitar for Bob Wills, Harmony Park, California dance, Bob Wills, Stage presence, Originated Western Swing dance music, Description of music, Songs written by Bob Wills or "Uncle" John Wills, his father, "San Antonio Rose", "Faded Love", "Maiden’s Prayer", "My Mary", "Take Me Back to Tulsa", Long-time popularity of Wills’ music, Traveling with Wills’ bank, Wills’ family, Brothers, Incident involving minister, Wills’ family (again), "Uncle" John Wills, father.

Tape 1, Side 2: Johnny Patterson, Start in the recording business, Recording studios, Clifford Herring’s studio, Fort Worth, Texas, Bob Harris, engineer, Delta Recording Studio, Fort Worth, Manager, Texas Playboys Band, Bought Delta Recording Studio, Types of recording, Local radio and television commercials, Religious recordings, Word Records, Ralph Carmichael, Baylor University Choir, Windy Bagwell, Short stories, "Top 40s" music.

Range Dates: 1930-1971

Bulk Dates: 1930-1971

Access Information

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