Poodie Locke

I just heard on the news about the death of Poodie Locke, Willie Nelson's road manager for more than 34 years. I really can't believe my ears, this is such an incredible loss that it's hard to put into words. Poodie was one of those people that you thought would be around for a hundred years, always quick with a joke and just a fantastic person all around, he was a huge part of the music business in Austin and I just can't imagine what a loss this is for Willie and the Family, they are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

Another true Austin legend has passed that's for certain, he had more stories and jokes than anybody and always seemed to be up to something. The last time I saw him was at Freddy Powers pickin' party last month and he seemed fine, the same old Poodie. I would never have thought in a million years that would be the last time I saw him. You just never know.

His Hilltop Grill on highway 71 was such a cool little place and I always tried to stop in when I was in the area, there was always something going on and it was a place where new artists could get a gig when it was tough to find work in Austin. He was always trying to help the new guys out.

Several years ago he had a place on sixth and Red River called the Red River Saloon and one day we were talking about it and he told me that it used to be a bottling plant for the Orange Crush soft drink company many years ago and every now and then he would still find bottle caps lying around with the Orange Crush logo on them. He thought it was funny that little things like that could linger on through the years and keep popping up in odd places.

Rest in Peace my friend, you'll be sorely missed.