HISTORY OF THE ROADDAWG
The Roaddawg as we describe it was born in January, 2004. A group of friends met at the Houston, Texas International Ballroom to party hard and listen to some rhythm and blues music. The big party was the weekend of Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston. A star-studded group of entertainers put on a great show.
During the course of the party one of our friends, Viola Hearld seemed to be in a real "party hard" mode. When you work hard all week, it's not unusual to see someone do a little dancing and drink some beer and whiskey. But we always try to watch out for each other so we stated that we were worried about her driving home. She told me not to worry because she had a "Roaddawg" to drive her home. I asked the obvious question, "What is a Roaddawg?"
I was told a Roaddawg was someone to drive you home after you party hard. I said, "You mean a designated driver?." I was told right quick that a Roaddawg was "cool" ... maybe a friend, maybe a relative, an acquaintance or someone else. But not just a "designated driver" but rather a person who came to party and to have a good time but volunteered to be the "cool person" who'd serve as the driver - The Roaddawg. I was impressed with the new word.
I enjoy listening to music and playing music on my guitar. I knew there had to be a song in "Roaddawg." By December 2004, I had completed the song - "Roaddawg Blues" (copywright 2004). I put together the words based on working all week, partying hard, dancing, drinking some beer and whiskey and getting a Roaddawg to get you home. My good friend Alan King helped me put the music to the words. We recorded the vocals, rhythm and bass sections in my office conference room. Alan King has played music off and on for forty (40) years. Starting out on the family's home made acoustic guitar. He attributes his music ability to his father; Russell King who was in the music business working with artists likes Mel Tillis and Mickey Gilley. His Dad recorded two (2) singles of his own in 1957. For Alan, working on Roaddawg is like "romping around in a dream." Without Alan, Roaddawg would have only been a dream that never came true for me. He plays rhythm guitar, bass guitar and sings backup vocal on the original song recording.
From my conference room to the home of Buck Zerangue in Pineland, Texas, for the next part of the song. Buck is another "been around" musician. He plays a guitar and sings all the "old country" hits. He has played in several bands. He started a band called "Pure Country" in 2001. He has the "music garage" we use to setup and play in for benefits and fundraisers in East Texas.
We setup in the garage to add the "harmonica track." Robert Kimball came over to do the honors. Robert has to be the best harmonica player I have ever heard. Listen to the song, and you will know what I mean. He also plays lead guitar, bass guitar, steel guitar and sings. Another "been around" musician that helped out. Robert has been playing music in bands for many years. He knew just what to do. It didn't take long to add the track.
Back to LaPorte, Texas where Alan King combined the music and burned the CD. A pleasant surprise to me. It sounded just fine. I should have known this team knew what they were doing. This team of people all felt we were doing something worthwhile that could make a difference. They thought it was a good song and sent a good message.
A special thanks to all of the "Roaddawg" music team.
The song made its way to Mr.and Mrs.V on KPFT 90.1 FM....Blues on The Move that comes on the radio on Sunday mornings. It has been played numerous times. They like the song and the message. They are helping to spread the word. We do appreciate it very much.
After playing the song at various places, we received tremendous feedback. An excellent song that sends a powerful message that could save some lives.
I began to think "outside the box." Maybe this song could make a difference. Maybe this song could get the word out through the music ... a new approach.
From that point on, Roaddawg took on a new meaning. A plan was developed to take "Roaddawg" to a new level to start a cultural change to help save lives. A logo was designed and trademarked. A business plan was put together to make sure "Roaddawg" could reach out and influence all generations all over the world.
Roaddawg was "born" in 2004; the coming out party is in 2006!
