I can't believe Doug is gone. I had the honor of meeting Doug about 12 years ago at Taste of Texas in Covina, California. I was introduced by my Good Friend Nick Martinez who is the owner of Taste Of Texas. Over the years I would see Doug every now and then. In fact about four years ago he was on the phone with Nick Martinez while I was there at lunch time and he needed a companion to go to a Dodger Game, I overheard Nick and suggested me to tag along! That night I met Doug in front of the Stadium, he remembered me from the times I had talked to him at Nick's Taste Of Texas. That night I will hold on forever. He had just come from a meeting and was stressed from the cruel business world. The first thing he made clear to me was to talk baseball and that he wanted no topics of the music industry. I said sure Doug, cause every time I use to talk to him I was always trying to grab a piece of the Rock and Roll history, and of course his main love, The Blues. He knew baseball. he lived baseball. If I remember correctly he liked watching the Dodgers lose. The times I saw him at the restaurant I kept asking when his old catalog would ever be on CD, he told me someone else had the rights to his songs such as 'She's About A Mover" " The Rains Came" He didn't seemed to be bothered, I think cause since he was a business man himself he accepted some of the bullshit that we all face. He was a cool cat.

rainman@access1.net (Ross Morrison) 11/20/99

As a lot of us, I first heard Sir Douglas Quintet hit "She's About a Mover" in my early teens. But what I remember most about Doug Sahm were his gigs a Soap Creek on Beecave Rd back in the 70's. I remember when Doug and the West Side Horns played a Herbie Hancock tune, a Sunny Ozuna tune, and a George Jones tune along with his own tunes in the same set. Man, this vato was talented. He could play any style of music any time he wanted to. From "Little Doug" to the "Texas Tornados" he always amazed me with his versatility. His music always put me in a good mood. I believe he's in Groover's Paradise now. He will be missed. Adios Doug Saldana.

BluzBkr@aol.com 11/20/99

Like everyone else, I was really shocked and really sad when I heard thenews. My personal connection with the man was real but tenuous, andexisted primarily because I'm also from the southeast side of San Antonio (Doug went to Sam Houston high school, I went to Highlands high school 3miles away and twelve years later). A friend of mine had an older brotherwho was one of the SDQ's road crew in the 1960's, my brother-in-law went to school with Augie, a friend of a friend had Doug over to his house every so often, etc. etc. So Doug was like a distant cousin that you always hear about but never quite meet. I only saw him play twice, once with SDQ opening for Cheech & Chong (really!) and again at Antone's with Flaco, when Los Lobos dropped by. Maybe the best way to explain what I feel about him is to repeat what a friend of mine said about "It Didn't Even Bring Me Down," one pot-scented afternoon, south of Commerce and east of Presa, almost thirty years ago. "That just sounds like San Antonio," he said, and it was one of those moments when the unrevealed, unforeseen, totally unexpected truth hits home. God bless you, Doug, thanks for everything. I will always remember.

sholcom1@utk.edu (Stephen Holcombe) 11/20/99

I feel like I knew Doug although I only met him once and never saw himperform. However, after meeting him, I bought a CD of the TexasTornadoes and realized how versatile and talented he was. Gil and FloBaca brought him into my shop in Fayetteville, Texas about a year agoand introduced him to my husband and me. He was very personable, and weenjoyed talking to him very much. He showed an interest in an oldLionel electric train engine for his son; we told him it would be ourpleasure to give it to him. I took a picture of him with Gil and Flo;Doug held the train up so it would be in the picture too. He and GilBaca (who is also a very well-known and talented musician) apparentlyplayed together at some time in the past. We planned to go to Austin tosee Doug perform, but I'm sorry to say, we put it off too long. I treasure my snapshot and the memory of getting to meet him.

Mary Sumner, Red & White Store, Fayetteville, Texas

msumner@cvtv.net 11/20/99

Had the privilege of seeing Doug probably about 50 times, in San Antonio, Austin and Houston. From venues of 50,000+ at the Houston Astrodome to probably less than 100 at the Blanco Ballroom in San Antonio. To me his recording of "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights", with Doug on piano and Rocky on Sax, is the way God wanted it. People who know me have heard me say this over the years. My final memories of Doug are his appearance with Los Super Seven in Austin and the two nights of recording at Antone's for the Texas Tornados "Live from the Limo" album. In fact, the photo that appeared in the Austin American Statesman, from those concerts, shows my wife and I standing right in front of Doug.

mluna@texas.net (Mark A. Luna) 11/20/99

Out here on the left coast, I was thrilled to hear a tribute to Doug on a Berkeley station, KPFA. They played many songs and I just sat in my car and listened. It was great to hear the fellas on the radio speaking so well of Doug. They mentioned Boz Scaggs attributing some influence to Doug. So glad I got to see him out here twice after transplanting from Tejas. What a guy. What a sound.

TAMATLOCK@aol.com 11/20/99

...I just happened to logon this evening (11/20 8:00p.m. Chicago time) and saw a blurb that I didn't want to believe. Such a talented and well loved musician has been taken from us much too soon. Doug baby, you've enriched my musical tastes for soooo many years. I am at such a loss for words. My deepest condolences to the Sahm familia. Adios mi amigo and please give Dusty a peck on the cheek from me. That's gotta be one hell of a bandstand in the sky! --robert/chicago/u.s.a.

Flicknife@aol.com 11/20/99

Doug's travels often included visits to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. A lot of people around here will sure miss his visits. He had his 56thbirthday here at the Cobblestone and jammed with whole bunch of localguys. It was awsome for everyone on and off stage and won't be forgotten. Once he stopped by the house and made us and the kids come out and sit in his big Cadilac and listen to this tape he had of about thirty cats lickin' milk outa this big dish. It was great. We heard it about ten times and laughed like hell. When he was leaving he'd say well, we're just gonna take a little ride around the valley and see you a little latter. So, See you a little later Doug.

Doug Darlington and Family, Duncan, BC

dougd@seaside.net (D. Darlington) 11/20/99

It was steamy out on the flats of the Atlantic City Raceway that Sunday in 1969. My friends and I had driven down after working the late show at the Fillmore, hoping to get a sense of what to expect when we worked stage security at White Lake in the coming days. The crowd was jammed right up against the fence surrounding the track. The state troopers were panning binoculars across the throng from the observation deck in the top of the grandstand. We were hot, paranoid, excited, and wiped out. The loudspeakers were booming out a live Doors concert tape, with Morrison screaming and inciting his audience. Up in the grandstand seats, bags of ice were being thrown around and torn open by frenzied fans: management's attempt at crowdcontrol. We were in need of some good vibes. Fast. Suddenly the Doors were shut off, and a booming voice said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the revolving stage, and welcome the Sir Douglas Quintet!". The stage turned, and as the opening chords of "She's About a Mover" rang through the air, Doug and the boys started up the show. What a gas, Ahhh yeah.  Adios, Amigo.  --Chick Bisberg

BISBERG@email.msn.com (Charles Bisberg) 11/20/99

First time I saw Doug was at the old Lone Star Cafe in lower Manhattan, in the late 70s. He was a member of the audience, just standing in the crowd watching Clifton Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band do their stomping zydeco set. I was impressed that Doug was still a stone music-head, after all the years of scrambling and travelling and the ups and downs and coming close, two or three times, to being a major star. Over the years I was lucky to see him in various permutations, genres and settings. Once I walked backstage, opened up my guitar case, and asked him to please sign my Gibson-345. He did (reluctantly: "You sure you want me to scruff up the git-tar?"). I've never been able to decide which Doug Sahm guise I liked most: Sir Douglas, the King of Tex-Brit Pop; Douglas Saldana, the Tex-Mex pioneer; Sam Dog, the Last Great Texas Bluesman; Wayne Douglas, the Hippie Countrypolitan; or Doug Sahm, Texas Tornado. The answer is, of course: all of them.

I think Doug fans expected him to be singing and playing into his 70s, like the great old blues man he was, still sounding great, raw and real.  Doug: Thanks for the beautiful vibrations. We love you.

Sharksgene@aol.com 11/20/99

Thanks Doug. You were the greatest. It is a great loss. R I P Doug Sahm

helgols@c2i.net (Helge Olsen) 11/20/99

I almost fell out of my chair today reading the LA Times and finding out about the death of Doug Sahm. I have really fond memories of seeing Doug a few times hear in So Cal. especially at the old Sweetwater in Redondo(aroumd 1977)I do remember it was a smokin nite lots of sweatin and dancin and Doug groovin as only Doug could do. you will be missed. Peace, Joe

Jjuke57@aol.com 11/20/99

For me, as a musician, who never was fortunate enough to see Doug inperson, his warmth and friendliness as a musician trancended the medium. He was my friend, and taught me me that music was also my friend. --thanks, Mark K

mwkeilbaugh@earthlink.net 11/20/99

The news of Dougs passing is devastating. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I have been listening and collecting Dougs music from the mid Sixties when he appeared on a TV show here in the UK called 'Ready Steady Go'.The song was of course 'She's About A Mover'.I got to see him in New York in 1973 at Carnegie Hall supporting Jerry Jeff Walker, as I got to my seat Doug was still out front completing his sound check, I always regretted not talkin with him. I am thankfull and grateful that we still have the music and memories,they really don't come any better.

asimms@cableinet.co.uk 11/20/99

...From that day at the then newly opened Alamo Music Company; the Gibson guitar company introduced the entire new product line, inviting anyone and everyone with an interest in guitars to visit. Of the dozen or so who dropped in to check things out, there was one skinny, hyper kid playing every guitar on display... Talking a mile a minute, but when the talking stopped... the music began...

...to KMAC's Joe Anthony introducing "Why, Why, Why," the new release on the local Harlem label... an incarnation.

... to the Tiffany Lounge on Houston street...to the open air dance floor on the rooftop of a now forgotten club on North St. Marys... an incarnation.

... to the Las Vegas Convention Center; shared billing with the Beach Boys and James Brown... an incarnation.

... to the Soap Creek Saloon, dirt road, boondocks and all... an incarnation.

... to TNN, the music videos... an incarnation.

... and to the many years, the countless miles... the other incarnations in between... Indeed, what a long, strange trip it's been... but, as I'm sure Doug would agree... ...Man, what a trip it was!

R.I.P. Doug

HeirChk@aol.com 11/20/99

I'm not a fan who followed Doug's every move, but I certainly crossed musical paths with him over the years, starting with my best friend and I sitting in his bedroom spinning the "She's About a Mover" 45 back in high school (and its flip side, "We'll Take Our Last Walk Tonight").

I was a fan of the hard-to-find Honky Blues album, and fortunate enough to hear and enjoy several other releases over the years. Then in 1976 I was Music Director of a dinky little country music station in Pennsylvania. The good side of this was that I got to make our charts each week, which I'll readily admit were far from objective. Doug was on ABC at the time and was pitching a single to the country market -- its title escapes me right now. But I happened to flip it over and loved the B-side ("I Love the Way You Love the Way I Love You") so much that I put in on our chart, and kept it hanging around for several weeks, just 'cause it was such a great tune.

Anyway, I sure know enough to know what a complete original and totally devoted music freak Doug was, to appreciate how well he crossed so many great musical genres, and to know that the world is very much the poorer for his passing. My sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends

BigStar303@aol.com 11/20/99

What a sad day! I just heard he died in a hotel room in New Mexico ... Never met him, never saw him playing, but I listened to his music & words constantly since 1969. Have a good trip up there, wherever you are, Doug! --Wolf from Germany.

route-66@talknet.de (Wolf Arnold) 11/20/99

I had the pleasure and priviledge of meeting and talking to Doug inseveral different contexts over the last 5 or 6 years. I managed theSatellite Lounge in Houston for 2 1/2 years and we had Doug there 2 or 3 times while I was there and several times before that. He was a class act and utterly amazing, of course, but it struck me how emotional he was at the show directly following the arrest of the great Huey Meaux and I realized that beyond all the cool tunes and conversation, this wasa man who understood how special his life was and loved and respectedthe people who were a part of it unconditionally. Whether it was talkingAstros baseball at the Hole in the Wall in Austin, running into him at the Broken Spoke, watching himtell me point blank that my band reminded him of the SDQ on speed, or trying to get as many 60's Houston stories out of him as possible as he was running around town checking out all the bands, I will never forget or cease to be influenced by Doug Sahm. There has never been anybody with that incredible attitude and presence that only he could pull off, and pull it off he did. The last show I saw of his was a Texas Mavericks show at the Continental Club after my happy hour set. Mike Buck, Speedy Sparks, Alvin Crow, John X Reed and Doug playing to about 100 people and doing everything from the Rolling Stones to Hank Williams. The legend lives on, people. KEEP PLAYING THE MUSIC! All my best to his friends and family, - David Beebe

dbeebe@pdq.net (David Beebe) 11/20/99

I too am shocked and saddened to read today of the death of the great Doug Sahm. I have enjoyed his music for nearly 30 years in all its incarnations. I last saw him two years ago at the House of Blues in Cambridge, and it was a hell of a night. Doug and his "Texas Blues Band" blew the house down for about three hours. Although he rarely played around the Boston area, I did manage to catch him live on three occasions over the years, and I faithfully checked the bar/club listings on the off chance that he would be touring in the area to support a new release. That habit will be hard to break. I will miss Doug's music tremendously. It's the end of an era, that's for sure. I'm going to hoist a tequila tonight in his memory while I play a few of his records. Adios, Sir Douglas.

MJLASA@aol.com 11/20/99

Doug had Mercury Records fly me, Tommy Shannon, and Johnny Winter to San Francisco to audition in 1968. This gesture became a big factor in the ensuing bidding war which was eventually won by CBS in N.Y., I might not still be a musician today If it weren't for that contribution Doug contributed to Johnny Winter's carreer. Uncle John Turner

http://community.webtv.net/ujt

http://community.webtv.net/ujt/UncleJohnTurner

ujt@webtv.net (UncleJohnTurner) 11/20/99

Doug Sahm was my hero. Never missed a concert when he was around in Belgium. I'll miss the exitement of listening to a new album. This is the end of soulfull music.  Ronnie Marynissen - Belgium.

jo.vandersteen@planetinternet.be (Jo van der Steen) 11/20/99

R.I.P. Doug. Thanks for the music. It will never be the same.

NMRCH@worldnet.att.net (NANCY ROCH) 11/20/99

In a music world full of sizzle and smoke, Doug was the real deal--filet mignon. So long, Sir Douglas. Thanks for the music. Thanks for the honesty.  --Steve Cooper

swmecooper@northstate.net (Steve & ME Cooper)  11/20/99

He was The GUY !!!, for me, in the big wash of great musicians, outaTexas. He was just about the most important player,I ever had thepleasure to meet,and jam with. The last time I saw him,was at last yearsSan Antonio Music Awards.He was there with his girlfrind,just lookinggreat ! We were talking about my recent trip to Greece,and he was trullyinterested,and polite.Naturally,he got up and burned a hole thru thesun,with his great band. I crossed Doug's path several times,and I have a wonderful picture of him,and myself. I have it posted on my Home-Page at:

http://community.webtv.net/lelandonlake/THEBASS

Doug Sahm helped to make Austin,the Live Music Capital of the WorldWhat a force,in an important time.He will trully be missed by me.I loveyou Man !! GOD'S SPEED DOUG. BLESS YOU  --Leland Parks

lelandonlake@webtv.net (Leland Parks)  11/20/99

I just got the sad news about the Doug Sahm´s passing away. I first got aquinted with his world just by an lucky accident in a secondhand recordstore in Stockholm in 1973 when I found the album "the return of Doug Saldana" just because the look of the cover, I soon found out that his music was even more beautiful. I soon found myself searching in all of Stockholms second-hand stores for more albums, and it led a couple of years later that I´ve made a visit to San Antonio and Austin during a Greyhound trip-vacation through the USA in my early 20´s. I was happy that I got to meet Doug, even if it was briefly, while standing in another recordstore in Austin when he came by !. He took his time and shared a hamburger meal with this crazy Swedish dude. I am happy that I since then seen him in many gigs, he and his band made many tours to Sweden, the last one was at the water festival in Stockholm in 1997 or 1998. Let his music live on ! Thanks, Per Lagercrantz

per.lagercrantz@telia.com  11/20/99

As a 41 year old guy, I didn't hear about Doug Sahm until about 1973 or'74 reading "CRAWDADDY" magazine articles about Doug, Auggie,and WillieNelson, and the "ARMADILLO WORLD HEADQUARTERS".and as a 15 year old ArmyBrat living in Kaiserslautern,Germany, I said to myself, "I gotta checkthis out!"...Well I never made it to Austin. I never ever got to seeDoug live in concert. But I've always dug his music. OH YEAH....Did anyof y'all see the movie "MORE AMERICAN GRAFITTI"?...Bobby what ever youdo, DON'T HIT THOSE TRASHCANS!!!!.....NAWLL...MANNN...I Ain't GONNA HITNO TRASHCANS....... Great Man,Great Life. Great Amigo to to everyone... Via Con Dios --Jack Wahl, Jr. North Augusta,SC

JWAHL2@webtv.net  11/20/99

http://www.expressnews.com/pantheon/salife-ent/music/2001pdougsahmtribute1120nz.shtml

http://rollingstone.tunes.com/sections/news/text/newsarticle.asp?afl=&NewsID=9773&ArtistID=5583

markvane@flash.net (Mark Vane)  11/20/99

Driving down I-90 west in San Antonio on Friday morning, the words that came through the radio made me have to pull over on the shoulder so I could catch my breath. The DJ's words were, "The Almighty SirDouglas, Doug Sahm of the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados has passed away." First Augie's cancer scare, then the sad, sad, tragedy of Flaco's daughter, now this. I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to Mendocino again, without a tear forming in my eye. God Bless Doug, and may his stint in the afterlife be as successful, if not more, than his gig on Earth.  I'm sure that God, or Allah, or whatever Supreme Being you believe in, had a Tex-Mex Cookout planned, and needed a guitarist for the allstar Jam. Everytime I pop a Lonestar Bottle Top, pour some pico de gallo on my puffy taco while kicking back with friend on a Saturday Night, I'll be reminded that Doug is up there jamming with the great that have already left us. I'm sure Doug is putting that long lost fiddle riff to Jambalaya as I type right now.

mat_lueck@yahoo.com (Mathew Lueck)  11/20/99

I have been a fan since I found the Texas Tornardos back in the early 90s. Since I have gone back and discovered Doug Sahm to be the encyclepodia of Texas music. I always would talk to him when I would see him in Austin, on Congress Avenue and most recently in the crowd at the Buck Owens Birthday show. He was always cool, happy to talk to fans and joke about the CDs being released that i would buy and he would never get paid for.

Anyway, I saw Doug and the Tornados film an Austin City Limits show a few months ago. It was great. I can't believe it was the last time I'd see him play.

My thoughts go out to your family and friends. Thanks for the music. Mark Vane, Austin

markvane@flash.net (Mark Vane)  11/20/99

I saw the Doug Sahm obit in the Dallas paper last night and got out my guitar and sang At the Crossroads half the night. I don't play too well, but I'm enthusiastic. And I remembered as a kid seeing the Sir Douglas Quintet on American Bandstand and Dick Clueless Clark saying, "You guys don't talk like you come from Liverpool" and rolling down laughing as Doug in typical unrestrained motor-mouth frenzy gave him the history of the universe in about 15 seconds. And then seeing the Tornadoes at Ann Richards' inaugural ball several years ago and wishing I could still drink beer all night as everybody just couldn't help from dancing. If you come from Texas, ya gotta have a whole lotta soul. Thank god you had enough to spread around, Doug.

Does anybody know who has rights to Honkey Blues and 1+1+1=4 -- two of the greatest tex blues/soul/jazz/rock albums ever made? I've only got worn vinyl of 1+1+1=4 and need both in CD format.

There never again be a sheer explosive talent like Doug Sahm. All his stuff holds up year after year and his honky blues albums, sequeing from horns soul to fiddle swing to tejano to hippy rock, have never been equaled for sheer I-just-loves-to-play joy and musical genius. The collections are okay, but Sahm put so much into the order and production of the individual albums that much that is special (connections/disjunctions/joy of ethnic collaboration) is lost.

cmcolee@iadfw.net (C.M. "Mike" Colee) 11/20/99

God bless Doug, thanks for all,we will miss you,respectfully submitted  -- George

g.kaegi@bluewin.ch (Kägi Georg) 11/20/99

I read in a music mag , probably bass player or guitar player, that 92% of the readers did not make their living off of music...in 35 years of playing, I can say that there have been a few periods of time when I was an 8 per-center, but mostly I've played because it is what I do...I started playing guitar when I was eight or nine, this gangly, very shy, half-Mexican kid living literally a stones throw from the Bayshore freeway, and music always told me there was another world out there... the music of Sir Doug and others told me I could join 'em if I wanted to...I was fortunate to see the Quintet a couple of times and the Tornados twice as well and that good, good feeling I got was the same as when I was nine and "She's About A Mover" came out of my transistor...all music has something for everyone , popular music of all kinds comes and goes... what lasts is music(s) that brings all kinds of people together...that kind of music is sacred ...or should be........about a year ago, I injured my left hand; freak accident, tendonitis, trauma, the thumb wouldn't bend, then it wouldn't straighten...it hurt deep inside cause I feared I would never play again...I rehabbed and worked and now the pain is less and less...the best rehab was being lucky enough to be at the local goodwill one morning and finding a beat but fully working electric organ (farfisa, not vox) for fifty bucks, buying a chord book and learning to play...the first song I attempted to learn was "Blue Norther"...thank you and God bless you, Doug Sahm  --James Medellin

SIRSPOOKY1@aol.com

I heard about the passing of Doug last night in Madison, Wisconsin when The Iguanas dedicated the evening to him. They started the first set with"( Is Anybody Going to) San Antone", followed by "Who Were You Thinkin' Of" and "She's About a Mover". Throughout the two hour set, band members commmented on the impact Doug's music had on their careers. I had not heard of his death until then. In the 60's, the Sir Douglas Quintet opened my ears to a different world of sounds, far more exciting than the sounds from England. This morning, I pulled out the eight SDQ and solo albums I have from the 60's-80's. What a musical legacy! Rod Hodges of The Iguanas made this comment - " The biggest thing Doug did was take a group of Mexicans and convince them that they could be part of the British Invasion". My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Kahuna lues@aol.com 11/20/99

Doug was such a wonderful,sweet,kind,compassionate,& down-to-earth human being !! I never had the chance to meet him in person,however,I DID get to talk to him 3 times on the telephone !! And,by talking to him,I learned that he was also extremely intelligent !! And,boy,was he ever funny !! He did some great impressions of Andre The Giant & StoneCold Steve Austin !! Doug was a BIG TIME fan of WWF wrestling !! I thought I'd be nervous if I ever got the chance to talk to him on the phone, but he put me at ease from the very start !! He told me that he considered me as one of his friends ... I was so honored !! Of course, I considered him as my friend,too !! A dear friend !! A friend I'll never ever forget !!! With Doug's passing,I'll feel a part of me died with him !! But,I promise,I'll keep his memory alive ... and to make sure no one forgets him !!! Doug,I know you are in Heaven right now ... please know that I love you & I'll never forget you !! You was, are, & always will be the coolest guy ever !! May you rest in peace, mi amigo !! God bless you, Doug !!

Doug Rules My Heart,   Betty

P.S.: I'm in the process of writing a poem for you !!

tattoolady_01@hotmail.com (Betty Ritter) 11/20/99

It was shocking to hear the sad news of the death of Doug Sahm. The lasttime I saw him was at the Lefty Frizzel Birthday Tribute (March/April1999, Broken Spoke, Austin TX). He played on the steelguitar and thatwas new for me. One of the best shows he gave was in 1994 during SXSW.That dynamic show was in the bluesclub Antone's. In Frutigen (La Suisse)he was also in a very good shape. That was during thesingersongwritersfestival Frutigen. In 1998 I did an interview with himduring The Bluesestafette Utrecht. He told me he had plans to release a real country album. I still hope that this will happen. All the best to the family of Doug Sahm --Paul Jonker, Country Gazette, The Netherlands

P.s. I cherish the T shirt of the European Blues Tour 1997 that I boughtfrom "tourmanager" Eddie Stout and of course all the records he made!

pjonker@casema.net (Paul Jonker) 11/20/99

I can't believe the Texas Tornado is no longer going to be tearing it up when he comes to town anymore. In all the tons of times I've seen him play, in so many incarnations from the Quintent to the Tornadoes and every musical place inbetween, and Brother he could Play them all , I NEVER saw a bad show. His non-stop jive and his love for the Music was so contagious I think anyone who was ever lucky enough to see him play was a fan forever. The last time I was able to catch him was at The Satellite Lounge in Houston with a incredibe mix as always His son on Guitar, Augies boy on Drums,Sunny from the Sunliners on Organ, (He said Augie was busy somewhere). Roy Head came and did a few numbers, as well as one of the Guitar players from Los Lobos, who were in town and of course came and played with the man. He blended it together in his own unique way and it just burned! He was a wonderful musican and just a lovely man, I had the chance to talk to his son and tell him how much Dougs music had meant to me and my family over the years( We often brought my Mom and Doug would play a little Bob Willis to make her smile!) and he said what a great time he had playing with his father and that he always learned something new. My heart goes out to Dougs family and I want them to know that he brought so much love, joy and real soul into the world that I know he is tearing it up inside those Pearly gates right now. Doug we Love Ya and miss you already I hope the folks in Heaven appreciate a lot of Soul cause a ton of it just came in!  -- Danno in Galveston TX.

NB55350001@aol.com 11/20/99

Doug was a great peformer in all style of music,we shall mis him, let him rest in peace. --ron van pijlen from holland.

apijlen@concepts.nl (apijlen) 11/20/99

It is with great sorrow that I write this note and all my thoughts and feelings go to the survivors or his family. I can still see doug on stage (he was always on stage) with his blue suits or purple colored jackets. A big smile and always gracious. I will be airing a one hour tribute (Saturday 11/20/99) to Sir Doug on KPFT 90.1FM to remember his contributions and to console all his fans and friends.

Rick Heysquierdo, "The Lonestar Jukebox" KPFT 90.1 FM, Houston Texas

www.lonestarjukebox.com

LSJUKEBOX@aol.com 11/20/99

Thanks, Doug, for all the great music. We will miss you. It was fun while it lasted.

pcastro@juno.com 11/20/99

With great sadness we read in the newspaper that Dough Sahm has gone.... Since the 60's, his music accompanied me and my friends, from"Mendocino" to the "Tornados" and to his new "Sir Douglas Quintet".While I'm writing this notes, on our CD-Player sounds his "Too littletoo late" from Day Dreaming at Midnight - maybe he has done too littletoo late for his health? But he's a real musician. Music everytime comesfirst. 1991 and 1993, we had the big joy to see him and his Texas Tornados several times in Switzerland. Austin TX is our music home, we were there, we will go there again.With great respect we here in Switzerland are thinking on him, we willkeep him in our hearts, this great TexMex musician. We miss him already.

Heiner and Teresita Boerlin and friends, Kaiseraugst,Switzerland

boerh@bluewin.ch (Heiner Boerlin) 11/20/99

A Japanese Tex-Mex band named Orange County Brothers is going to have re-union gigs for the release of new albums. Sadly,they become tribute lives. We're deeply  inspired by Sir Doug, and had covered plenty of SDQ tunes. Before, he kindly accepted to produce our album while the dream doesn't come true. Thank you very much for your wonderful music and may our sound reach you in heaven!

Nov.21(sun) Yokohama Thumbs Up, Japan (045-314-8705) open 19:30/Band Start 19:30

Dec.25(sat)Shimokitazawa 251Club, Japan (03-5481-4141) open 20:00/Band Start 20:30

micaris@sb3.so-net.ne.jp(Orange County Brothers) 11/20/1999

I only saw Doug Sahm once, with the Texas Tornadoes at the Santa Monica Pier a few years back. A great show, outdoors on the pier on a warm summer night. Flaco sneaking Bud into his Pepsi cup, "This Pepsi sure is strong!" and playing outrageous solos, Augie comping on the Vox as only he can do, Freddy making the middle aged Latino ladies swoon with his ballads, and Sir Doug presiding over it all for three hours, playing great guitar, and leading the way. He'll be missed by many.

russpi@ix.netcom.com (russpi@ix.netcom.com) 11/20/99

I was on my way to work today (Friday 11/19), driving as usual past the Vintage Vinyl record store on The Loop in University City (St. Louis), and looked up as I always do at the marquee over the door: "Texas Tornado Doug Sahm, R.I.P"   I don't know that I've ever been so stunned: gasping, jaw-dropping stunned. So much music, so much joy. I've seen the Tornados twice, and Doug sort of solo with the Antone's Blues Review, but I'll never forget several years ago: Cinco de Mayo in South Tucson, Ariz. -- The Sir Douglas Qunitet at a barrio dance hall, crowd split between Anglo and Hispanic; lots of food, lots of smoke, lots of beer and lots of dancing. A joyous night of joyous noise.  Thank you, Doug.

bgilbert@stlnet.com (Barry Gilbert) 11/20/99

Well, there's really a hell-of-a house band in heaven now, and i bet the joint is jumpin' !! wishing strength for Doug's family and friends.

Bethro1@email.msn.com (Beth Winstead) 11/20/99

I was stunned when I saw the paper about Doug's death this morning. What I would give now to see one more concert with him and his old band. I consider Doug to be the finest musician to ever come out of the Austin/San Antonio music scene, and I will miss him deeply. David Keith, Bastrop, Texas

davidkeith@altavista.net (david keith) 11/20/99

Just got back from the Wilco/Old 97's show at the Trocadero in Philly. Jeff Tweedy dedicated one of the encores to "Doug Sahm, who died today." HUH? WHAT? I thought I'd misunderstood Jeff. I sure wish I had. I've listened to Sir Doug since I was a 7-year-old groovin' to "She's About a Mover" on my transistor radio in 1965. My gal & I have been together for 16 years & we listen to Doug's music all the time, although I have to say she's always been crazy for Augie Meyers! :-) This one's gonna hurt awhile.

I had the pleasure & privilege of seeing Doug on 3 very different occasions:

February 1980 -- I caught Doug at a long-gone club in Philly called Stars at 2nd & Bainbridge, touring behind his "Hell of a Spell" album. It was the late show on a night with temperatures in the single digits, which probably accounted for the merely double-digit attendance. (I almost didn't make it myself, having gotten wrapped up with the new fuzzbox I'd bought earlier that day!) Nevertheless, a *great* low-down set with Rocky Morales on sax.

April 1990 -- The new SDQ comes to Philly for a show at another now-defunct (and sorely missed) venue, the Barbary. We got there *very* early & were outside talking with the club's manager, when this big ol' Cadillac roared up, and out popped Doug, Augie & Co. like something out of a movie. We just stood there with our jaws dropping as they went into the club; we just couldn't believe it was *THEM*. Doug looked heavier and jowlier -- but *good* and of course still had unbelievable presence. The show itself was just one highlight after another! But my personal highlight was Doug saying how he'd always liked Philadelphia & had followed the Phillies "Whiz Kids" teams of the 1950s. He then asked "Who played first base for those Whiz Kids?" I yelled back "Eddie Waitkus!" Doug said something like "Damn, who said that? That's right...Eddie Waitkus!" Made *my* night, for sure.

Fall 1990 -- First Philly show with the Texas Tornados at the Theater of the Living Arts (this one's still in operation) on South Street here in Philly. Again, almost an embarrassment of riches with those four talents together onstage, maybe even a little anticlimactic in a way. I remember Doug throwing a small fit about the monitors...or his guitar sound...or something... Whatever...the guy had that rare ability that only Dylan & Willie Nelson & Ray Charles & maybe a handful of others have...the ability to really *hear* music & tap into so many different *kinds* of music without getting hung up on boundaries & BS about what music "should" be -- other than REAL.

And now he's gone. Shee-it. Goodbye, man.

chuck@mcmutual.com 11/20/99

The best Blues show i've ever seen was back in the early 80's at Nona's on N. St. Mary's St. , Rocky and the boys were all there. The San Antonio music scene will never be the same. I'm lucky I've got all of his music to listen to , to fill the void he left behind. 11-18-99 is the day I'll remember as "THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED".

Lilstang38@aol.com 11/20/99

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Doug.I have many fond memories of Doug and his wonderful family from his days living here in Prunedale.I know he loved it here but he just couldn't get Texas out of his blood.We're gonna miss ya Sir Doug. -- Little Brooks

brooksmichael@worldnet.att.net (Michael Brooks) 11/20/99

Condolences to the Sahm family. He will be missed more than you could ever know. RIP Doug !

Lilstang38@aol.com 11/20/99

Rain, rain, rain, rain. He was simply the best.  --Stuart Dyson, Albuquerque NM

lenalohse@earthlink.net (COLLEEN LOHSE) 11/20/99

I KNOW YOU PROBABLY KNOW THAT DOUG WAS FOUND DEAD IN A MEXICO MOTEL TODAY 11/19/99 THEY SAID NATURAL CAUSES, HE WAS 58. I KNEW DOUG FOR A WHILE AND USED TO HANG WITH THEM WHEN THEY PLAYED HERE IN HOUSTON, HE WAS MY FRIEND & INFLUENCED ME AND MY MUSIC FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS,   TRAVIS

DRLUCKYT3@aol.com 11/20/99

I heard the news tonight when Lucinda Williams dedicated her set in NYC to Doug. I've loved his recordings and performances and spirit for more than thirty years. There's another hole that will never be filled.

mwein11@ix.netcom.com (Michael Weinstein) 11/20/99

THE "VOID"

The other night, I heard a newscaster say that "A massive VOID, is bitterly sweeping it's way through the hearts of music lovers, not only in Texas & the United States, but also in Great Britian & for that matter, throughout the entire World" It got me to thinkin', and I ended up with this conclusion:

You know, as a musician, I've always felt that regarding music, It's been my humble opinion, that the silence that appears, In-between the notes, isproportionately, and undeniably, 100% as important to the overall structureof a tune. as the actual notes themselves! And, is equally as significant as ANY of the perceivable audio waves that's been created (and/or manipulated by,) the artist in his attempt to convey an end product that is ultamately, a palpable experience for thelistener.!

However, in THIS Instance, I feel now, that the VOID In-between thenotes, is going to be lacking a certain, very special perspective, thatwe wern't aware existed, and didn't realize how much we en-JOY-ed, andneeded, until Sir Doug came along and enlightened us. Doug! you are missed with a ferocity that now wounds us in a place, and in a manner and fashion, that we were oblivious to, until you crept into ourlives and ultimately, or hearts. We will not be the same without you.  But, then again, whom among us, would want to be as we were, BEFORE you!Thanks Doug! But, please come back! The silence is deafening!!

Nick@eden.com (Nicholas Wheeler) 11/19/99

Doug was the greatest..when I was a teen in Tx in the 60's he was our idol. in Springfield Mo. in mid 70's he stayed in our town for awhile, i was washing dishes in a hippie restaurant called Munchie's, he would hang out there and shoot the breeze with us all... too cool... sad to see him go.. somewhere I have pictures of him in Spfld. it was "a hell of a spell" r hinds

RichHinds@aol.com 11/19/99

Adios, Doug. You were Real TEXAS Guy. I never forget your Big smile.

Shuichi Iwami from Hiroshima, Japan

shu@hiroshima-cdas.or.jp (Shuichi Iwami) 11/19/99

My son and I were watching the news in Austin last nite when we heard the news about Doug. I looked at my son and told him how sad that it made me feel and that he was the best contemporary white singer I ever heard. Dad, he was the best contemporary singer period. I stand corrected. Rest in peace Sir Doug.....

Teletree@aol.com 11/19/99

What is there to say. I'm going to the store to buy whatever of his records I don't have. I had such respect for him as a musician.

Phil Hood, publisher, DRUM! magazine

connie@drumlink.com (connie hood) 11/19/99

the original chicano of the year will be greatly missed. thanks for more than just the memories

SEAMOSS1@email.msn.com (FLOYD MARTINEZ) 11/19/99

I only got to see him live once a couple of years ago but it was one of the best shows I've seen in my life and I just have to say "Thanks Doug for being such a great performer and your awesome music will live on in our hearts and souls forever. You were the greatest!!!!" Rest in Peace, 2ndhandStew, Fairfax, CA

secondhandstew@earthlink.net (Stewart Munnerlyn) 11/19/99

I saw him just one time performing, together with The Texas Tornadoes in Holland in 1996, it was just FANTASTIC !!! I was deep shocked today when I heard the news today on the radio. All the best to the family and friends of Doug.

eduard.roymans@skynet.be (Eddie)  11/19/99

I'm so sad to hear this news. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and legions of fans. Saw him with the Sir Douglas Quintet at House of Blues, Cambridge, MA in 1998. Great show, one of the highlights of my concert going life. I've listened to his records for so long, I can't imagine music without him. It's Friday night, no one is home, so I'm going to kick back, put on his music and drink some beer an hold my own memorial for his great life in music.  -- Gene

Cptsoul@ici.net (Eugene Goodale) 11/19/99

It is a great loss and he will be missed. He would come to the frisco shop in austin texas .

frye@austintx.net (Connie Frye)  11/19/99

It is with great sadness that I heard the news. I had the privilege to know Doug, through my old friend Speedy Sparks, who every Sir Doug Quintet and Texas Tornadoes fan knows. I released the Texas Mavericks album on my label, New Rose in the eighties, and I will never forget Doug's excitement when the record came out. He was the most talkative man in the world ! His enthusiasm and hisenergy could not be controlled. And he was such a brilliant songwriter, musician and bandleader. Everybody on stage with him had to be good.One of my great memories is the meeting between Doug and Roky Erickson,in my hotel room in Austin. Doug has brought a wrestler mask , which heused for the Texas Mavericks record sleeve. His idea was not to tellanybody that he was in the band (though he could not help tellingeverybody , and anyway, the minute you heard the record, you know it washim !).  I have pictures of Doug and Rocky together, with Doug wearing his mask.. It is just unreal ...and so funny...  He deserved his title "Sir". He was a gentleman. A kind which has nearlydisappeared from the music scene today. I can not imagine Austin and texan music without Doug.

lastcall@club-internet.fr (PATRICK MATHÉ) 11/19/99

From the Austin paper: Death of Texas music legend hits Austin hard, By Michael Corcoran and Chris Riemenschneider, Austin American-Statesman, Friday, November 19, 1999

--Kate

z@targetmarketing.com (Tom Zimmerman)  11/19/99

Legendary Texas musician Doug Sahm is found dead, Houston Chronicle  Nov. 18, 1999, 11:18PM

z@targetmarketing.com (Tom Zimmerman)  11/19/99

Doug Sahm is gone.Our hearts and prayers go out for Doug and the Sahm family.His beautiful spirit and music touched the people of the world.There will never be another Sir Doug.

mojolacy@texas.net (Neil Lacy)  11/19/99

I ONLY SAW DOUG TWICE IN HIS LONG CAREER, ONCE AT THE ATLANTIC POPFESTIVAL, A MONTH OR SO BEFORE WOODSTOCK. THE QUINTET WAS PLAYING ANDTHEY HAD IT ON A MONITOR IN THE LOBBY OF THE MAIN HALL AT THE RACETRACK.LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT I WOULD IN THE NEAR FUTURE BECOME A DIEHARD FAN.THE 2ND TIME WAS AT A SMALL CLUB IN WASHINGTON DC, IN THE EARLY 70'SDURING HIS ABC/TEXAS TORNADOS ERA, WHERE FROM WHAT THE BAND'S HORN PLAYERS TOLD ME, THAT THEY HAD DRIVEN NON STOP FROM TEXAS FOR THE GIG IN AN OLDSCHOOL BUS WITH PLYWOOD WINDOWS. WHEN ASKED WHERE DOUG WAS THEY SIMPLY REPLIED THAT HE WAS OUT IN THE BUS GETTING HIGH. BUT THAT THEY PREFERREDTO GET DRUNK AT THE BAR. THE SHOW WAS A COMPLETE BLAST. THANK THE POWERSTO BE THAT I HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE HIM BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY. REMEMBER,"WHEN THE JOINT CATCHES A FIRE, THROW THE CHILI OUT THE WINDOW AND LET THE DAG BURN SHACK BURN DOWN".

z@targetmarketing.com (Tom Zimmerman)  11/19/99

May Doug Rest in Peace

brad@pollstar.com (Bradley Rogers) 11/19/99

I was so sad to learn of the death of Doug Sahm, one of America's greatest roots music artists. I first saw him perform 30 years ago, and he blew my mind! I loved his music and everything he stood for in music -- blending all the great American music traditions, and doing it his way. I never knew him personally, yet I loved the guy! R.I.P. It is truly the end of an era and an especially sad day for Texas. Condolences to his family and friends.

steveh@quatrefoil.com (Steve Hoffman) 11/19/99

To Doug, my soul partner, I am with you where ever you are.

Victor Your Swedish Chef

victor.waldenstrom@food-design.se (Victor Waldenström)  11/19/99

being an austinite but currently being is san francisco, I don;t get the coverage I would back in Austin , but yesterday was a hard day in Texas.Can you say (or sing) MENDOCINO?.....dnyboy2k@aol.com...he'll be missed, I remember the old soap creek days, and Liberty Hall New Year's eve gig with doug down there in Houston. THANKS!

dnyboy2k@aol.com 11/19/99

I have just heard the tragic news of Doug Sahm's death. I would like to send my condolences to his family. Especially his daughter Dawn of whom I was acquainted. He left such a big mark in the music industry. Hopefully his son will carry on the legacy. Sincerely, Vicky L. Wells

vicky@cbmsys.com (Vicky Wells) 11/19/99

For many years in Washington, D.C. , we had a wonderful Saturday blues show on public radio station WPFW, called The Bama Hours, hosted by the late Jerry Washington. This was an authentic down-home blues show featuring mostly the originators of the blues, especially city blues. Bama Washington was known for both his musical taste and his pearls of wisdom, and an ongoing, on-air dialogue, with his fictional old lady, Denise. The show was big on Bobby Blue Bland, Al Green, Z.Z. Hill and played very little white boy blues.

But Bama Washington really liked Doug, especially his under-appreciated blues release, "Hell of a Spell." Rather than play Bobby Bland's original version, Bama Washington always featured Doug's cover from that album of "I'll Take Care of You."

I once saw Doug play with the Quintet (early 80's?) at the Psyche Delly in the D.C. suburb of Bethesda, Maryland. It was one of the loosest performances (from a presentation standpoint) I've seen a professional musician give. It appeared that Doug was just making up the set list as he went along, with long breaks between songs while he discussed what to play next with the band. At one point he actually lit up a joint onstage. I found all of this disarming, enlightening, surprising and downright fun.  but what matters most is that when they finally got around to actually playing songs, they were as good a band as any I've seen.  RIP Doug

Tom Carrico, Takoma Park, MD

StudioTC@aol.com 11/19/99

To: Doug Sahm Family Friends

You have just received an electronic card from timalpern. You can pick up your personal message by using the following Web location.

http://www1.bluemountain.com/cards/box5268b/fbu8znpxvbfnrv.htm

timalpern@aol.com (timalpern) 11/19/99

Saddened to hear the news about Doug. He's was a friend and a fine musician.

carolynr@moment.net (Carolyn E. Richardson)  11/19/99

So sad to hear one of our great Texas Troubadors has passed away. Long live his music! Mike Crow, KTFW Radio, Fort Worth Texas

Txmikecrow@aol.com  11/19/99

Per Larry Monroe on KUT-FM, Doug passed away last night or this morningin New Mexico. Possibly a heart attack. If your up and on line, youcan catch Larry's tribute at www.kut.org and listen in Real Audio. A true icon of Texas music has passed.

ronel@io.com (Ronnie Ellis) 11/18/99

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