<back - DOUG SAHM - It’s a name that might inspire vacant stares, even among discerning audiophiles. But rhyme off Sir Douglas Quintet, Formerly Brothers, Last Real Texas Blues Band, The Texas Tornados, and it quickly dawns that the unifying force and organizing principal behind each outfit is Doug Sahm. Each band--from the mid-60’s right up until Doug Sahm's untimely 1999 passing--wrote highly important chapters in the unfolding saga of roots-based music. Sahm, at various times throughout his 50-year career, had been referred to as Sir Douglas, Doug Saldana, Wayne Douglas, and Cosmic Cowboy----in addition to his birth name. Few artists have cut as wide a swath, in terms of versatility and exploration of a wide variety of musical genres.

These ranging from roadhouse Blues, psychedelic Country, classic R&B, Blues Rock, plus permutations of Tex-Mex like Country Swing, polka-infused hoedowns, and traditional conjuntos. Born 1941 in San Antonio TX, Douglas Wayne Sahm was a child prodigy excelling on steel guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. He made his Grand Ol' Opry debut as 'Little Doug' at age 6, around the same time that he famously performed sitting on the lap of Hank Williams. Doug fronted many local R&B bands (Pharaohs, Deli-Kings, and Markays), and by age 11 commenced recording regionally. Producer Huey (the Crazy Cajun) Meaux in 1964, reckoned Beatlemania as crucial for an act to break into the Pop market, so he advised Doug to lengthen his hair, change Markays to Sir Douglas Quintet, and write something with a Cajun two-step beat. Doug wrote She's About A Mover, the result being a 1965 million-seller for the Sir Douglas Quintet. For the next 6 years, Doug and Augie Meyers entered their California Country psychedelic phase, recording for Mercury's Smash label. Mendocino and At The Crossroads kept them riding waves of popularity. Sahm's return to Texas culminated in Jerry Wexler producing Doug Sahm and Band, featuring Bob Dylan, Flaco Jiminez, David Bromberg, and Dr. John. In 1983, Doug signed with the Swedish label Sonet. Several successful Scandinavian tours elevated Sahm to levels of popularity beyond what he’d ever experienced at home. Meet Me In Stockholm from the Midnight Sun LP went platinum in Scandinavia. In 1985, Doug decided to return to North America, where after a visit to the Edmonton Blues festival led to involvement with Amos Garrett and Gene Taylor. From 1986-88, the Formerly Brothers put out 2 highly acclaimed albums, including the Juno-winning The Return Of The Formerly Brothers. The final, most fascinating phase of Doug Sahm's career was the formation of The Texas Tornados: Flaco Jiminez, Freddy Fender, and Augie Meyers. Songs like A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada got huge exposure. For Blues aficionados, look no further than The Last Real Texas Blues Band.
-Gary Tate/LivinBlues    MP3 - She About a Mover | Rains Came |