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Doug Sahm was born November 6, 1941 and he passed away on November 18, 1999. The list of artists that Doug played and recorded with over the course of his career reads like a "who's who" of Americana roots music. It includes Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, Rick Danko, Leon Russell, David Bromberg, Townes Van Zandt, Uncle Tupelo, The Gourds, Angela Strehli, Freddy Fender, Flaco Jimenez, and his longtime sidekick, Augie Meyers, among many others. He began as a child prodigy in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas and went on to master multiple instruments and musical styles. He sang and played guitar, fiddle and pedal steel guitar. He played Rock 'n' Roll, Country, Blues, Tex-Mex/Tejano and other musical styles seamlessly within the course of a single live set or album. And, he influenced countless artists, including his peers and those that followed. He brought together people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, as well as the hippies and the rednecks. Without exception, everyone he met or worked with became a friend and admirer. He famously called a number of great international cities his home at various points in his life, including San Antonio, Austin, San Francisco and some of the great European capitals. Sadly, except for his reputation in the places he lived and amongst fellow artists, his legacy is not widely known. Because he was, ironically, such a transcendent figure yet so obscure, he is my musical hero. Radio Free Americana will be honoring the memory of Doug Sahm from November 6th through November 18th. ~ Cat
edited on: Saturday November 07, 2009 20:10 PM