B.W. Stevenson and Friends (Live) 1974 - Ritz Theatre, Corpus Christi, TX

Taped for "The Lone Star Music Hour" in 1974. Features guest appearances from Rusty Wier, and Steve Fromholz with Mickey Raphael on the harp. B.W. sounded pretty darn good in this. Even though in my opinion he wasn't the best performer, he could still put on a hell of a show. His version of "Maybe Mexico" was amazing. There are many stories of B.W. cussing out the audience, but luckily this show wasn't one of them :). Willie Nelson was also there that night. Enjoy this unseen footage! There is more to come! Scroll down to read more about "The Lone Star Music Hour".

0:21 Take All The Gold And Silver You Can Hold - B.W. (Lead) (HD)
4:16 No Idea What Song (Incomplete) - B.W. (Lead)
5:18 Highway One - B.W. (Lead)
12:38 Good Mornin’ Blues - B.W (Lead)
17:20 Say What I feel - B.W (Lead)
23:10 Maybe Mexico - B.W, Rusty Wier, Steve Fromholz
34:03 Hey Good Lookin’ B.W, Rusty Wier, Steve Fromholz

Leon Russell, at the time one of the biggest rock acts in the world, sent his newly formed video company ShelterVision to Austin to shoot musicians in clubs and outdoors. ShelterVision's footage was edited into six hour long "Lone Star Cross Country Music Specials," they aimed to air on eleven Texas television stations including stereo sound to be simulcast on FM stations. Each special was supposed to be broadcasted [regionally by ABC] in 10 (and later 12) ADls - or areas of dominating influence - which included San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and other areas. Shot in different venues all over Texas and hosted by Willie Nelson, the series featured Asleep at the Wheel, Greezy Wheels, Jerry Jeff Walker and the Lost Gonzo Band, Rusty Wier, Jimmy Buffett, Ray Wylie Hubbard, B.W. Stevenson, Tracy Nelson, Willis Allan Ramsey, Bobby Bare, Steve Fromholz, Larry Hosserford, Kenneth Threadgill, Doug Kershaw, a short guest appearance from Waylon Jennings and of course Nelson and his band. Jerry Retzloff who was in charge of Lonestar back then reviewed the guest artists with Willie because as host he could best figure which artists would be best-suited for each show." he said. "And it was funky. It wasn't network quality in terms of a 'Hee Haw' for example, but it was what we wanted. The feeling was that you were sitting right there as you watched it on the screen and listened to it on the stereo, It was not hype, and everybody involved has been glad to be a part of it." Eventually funding for the series fell short, and all the episodes did not air. Now I have found the footage and have brought it back to life.

[peteh]

BW is one of my favorites. 3 years ago I remember I looked everywhere for BW Stevenson live and found absolutely nothing. Decided to look again and wow. Thank you so much

[frederickmcdougall]

This is such a treasure. I have always been intrigued by B.W., of course because of "My Maria." A coupla weeks ago enjoyed an "unseen-by-me" version of this song on a recent "Midnight Special" upload. I am enjoying seeing B.W. come back to life. Thanks!

[criticalbill]

Such a treasure!! 1974 - the Ritz great re-opening as a music hall. This is fantastic. :)

[LisaBowen-hu]

I love these thowback treasures, thanks for posting yall

[richardlawson]

Bw actually was the very first performance on austin city limits but it was never released so willie nelson became the first performance released

[AlmostThere-iq]

The very first concert I ever attended was at the Ritz, 74-75? Ted Nugent and the Amboy Dukes.

[geraldussery]

Does anyone know the title to the first song here by BW Stevenson?