"Please Pass the Biscuits, Pappy!'

I’m reading a marvelous new history of Texas. “Big Wonderful Thing,” by Stephen Harrigan. I’ve mentioned it before; it’s a big 900-page volume, certainly not a lap book but well worth the effort. I’ve progressed to the 1930’s now, and so much of Harrigan’s writing strikes a chord in my memory.

W. Lee “Pappy” O’Daniel would arrive on the old Atwater-Kent radio early in the morning. He was a flour salesman for Burris Mills and not doing too well at it. He decided to hire an out-of-work trio fronted by one Bob Wills to perform on his daybreak radio show. One morning his announcer didn’t show up, and Pappy took the microphone himself. They were made for each other.

With Pappy’s smooth patter and the western swing music of Bob Wills and the Light Crust Doughboys, a new career was born. With no experience whatsoever, Pappy O’Daniel decided to run for Governor of Texas. Sound familiar? His friendly, familiar voice blew off the competition. With “Beautiful Texas” as his theme song, Pappy O’Daniel became governor.

It could have been worse. Pa Ferguson tried to get Ma to run again. She wouldn’t.

Dac Crossley
March 2, 2020. So Long, Tometta.

“Only Texas could turn defeat into a legend. And a song, a tourist attraction, and a major motion picture.” – Rosemary Kent.

Comments

[James R. Callan]

Great blog, as usual, DAC. We used to really celebrate March 2, but it doesn't seem to gather much enthusiasm these days. Maybe we just need another Pappy O'Daniel. And yes, I can remember the Light Crust Doughboys.
Thanks for a good read.

[Alan]

thanks for sharing DAC