Publisher’s Perspective

The Legend of Augie Meyers

Posted

Just over a year ago my friend and compadre Egon Barthels invited me to lunch at the Running M. He said the purpose of the luncheon was to introduce me to the owner of No Bull Radio. He also promised there would be a special guest.
The invitation titillated my curiosity and I readily accepted. On the appointed day I sauntered down to the M and was surprised to see a fancy limousine parked outside. Inside, Egon and his guests were having a very animated conversation and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
When I arrived, Egon made introductions all the way around and we shook hands. The last fellow he introduced me to however was a special one.
“Terry, I’d like to introduce Augie Meyers,” Egon said. “He is a Texas legend and has played with the Texas Tornados and other bands of renown.”
I knew who the Texas Tornados were because my mom was a big fan of Freddie Fender. Augie smiled, extended his hand and we shook. Little did I know Augie and I would be crossing paths again in the future.
While sitting at the Running M that day, Augie and I had a great conversation and told numerous jokes to each other. He even handed me a risqué calling card that I carry with me to do this day. At the end of the meeting, we smiled, shook hands, and agreed to stay in touch.
Fast forward to the annual Gonzales Chamber of Commerce annual banquet in February. During the evening it was announced that Augie Meyers was in the house. Everyone clapped and that was that.
After the festivities wrapped up, I walked over to his table and inquired about his health and what not. He told me he had just finished a new album and life was treating him fine. Eventually, the subject of the Come and Taste It Craft Beer and Wine festival came up. I told him I was working on a deal to get Cody Canada and the Departed to play but it looked like it was going to fall through because Cody had a much bigger payday opportunity to play in Kansas the weekend of my festival. I asked if he would be interested and he just smiled and said “Of course—if I’m free.” I pulled out the risqué card he had given me and he roared and slapped his knee. “That’s a good one,” he laughed.
The next evening, Augie called and informed me he was open that date and we quickly made a deal over the phone to bring the Texas Music Hall of Famer to town. What I didn’t know when I made the deal was just how extensive and impressive Augie’s musical background is.
From his humble beginnings having to overcome polio, he started a garage band and then hit it big with his friend Doug Sahm. The two formed the world renown Sir Douglas Quintet and had such smash hits as Mendocino and She’s About A Mover. They were one of the first American bands to sport long hair after the Beatles invasion and were famous on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Later, Augie’s hit single Kep-Pa-So got his cohorts Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Flaco Jimenez and together to form the Texas Tornados. Meyers’ Tex-Mex and south Texas sound clicked and the band took off. In 1990, they won a Grammy Award. In 1991, Meyers was inducted into the Texas Museum Hall of Fame. He won the Jimmy Award for Rhythm and Blues (1994), Album of the Year (1994) and has platinum sales in Sweden and Norway for the Sir Douglas Quintet. He has done numerous commercials and videos and has done films including Honey Suckle Rose with Willie Nelson, Cisco Pike with Gene Hackman, Astronaut Farmer with Billy Bob Thornton and an Officer and a Gentleman. He has played at the Inaugural Ball of President Clinton and Governor Ann Richardson. He has played at the Montreux Jazz Festival and at Carnegie Hall.
It is obvious I am thrilled to have Augie Meyers play the Gonzales Inquirer Come and Taste It Craft Beer and Wine Festival. This is the best music we’ve ever had, and I hope to see everyone out on the Square on April 24 and 25.
For tickets, stop by the Inquirer office at 622 St. Paul, call 830-672-2861 or go to ETix to order your tickets.

Comments