Jerry Jeff Walker - Happy Birthday to a "Scamp" of the First Order

Born this day in 1942, Jerry Jeff Walker turns a happy 66 years old today!

The original "Scamp", the "Gypsy Songman", leader of the "Lost Gonzo Band", no other singer/songwriter/troubadour besides Willie and Waylon deserve props as an original country music "Outlaw" than Jerry Jeff. Right at the heart of the Austin, Texas music scene when it all started, Jerry Jeff was the epitome (and still is) of the happy-go-lucky, free-spirit, musician, partier.

He began his career with a little song you all know called "Mr. Bojangles" back in the late 60's when he was a real Greenwich Village folkie and soon found the road calling him to Texas and even more rambling and free ways. Influenced by the likes of Woody Guthrie and Ramblin' Jack Elliott, contemporaries of Dylan and Willie and hero to Jimmy Buffett and Todd Snider, Jerry Jeff cuts a wide swath.

He's the man who made Luchenbach famous as his favorite hangout and recording place. While a great songwriter himself, he recorded the songs of up and coming songwriters and made them famous too, just ask Guy Clark.

The weather here is beautiful and sunny and I'm off work early and there's beer in the fridge. I can think of no better way than to enjoy this day than by listening to some Jerry Jeff and mixing some guacamole to go with that beer.

Join me? I thought you would!


"Gettin' By" a real Jerry Jeff theme:



Another Jerry Jeff signature tune, Ray Wylie Hubbard's "Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother":


JJ Walker remembers Luckenbach and his old buddy Hondo. "The Pick-Up Truck Song":



Wondering why we all do what feels right instead of what they say is "good for us". And why you should be happy you did. "Night Rider's Lament"...pure gold...one of the first songs I learned how to play:



A song for when you feel it's time to slow down. "Time to Stay Home" with Jimmy Buffet and Fingers Taylor:

Thanks for all the fun and all the pretty songs "Scamp"!

Think I'll close with the classic closer, "London Homesick Blues". I could sing this one alllllll night. And I have!