Ace Jones: Alabama Blues Man

From the Alabama Blues Project Summer Newsletter


Radio station owner and blues musician C.W. Jones became known as "Ace Jones" in the 1950s while playing a house party in Dayton, Alabama. His blues band had everyone at the party jumping and the house rocking to "Boogie Chillin" until the floor fell in - and he played on! Since that night, he was known as "Ace Jones the House Rocker."

Ace was the son of sharecroppers and grew up one of 13 kids in a two bedroom house with a kitchen, an outhouse and an outdoor well of water. His father and brother played guitar, and he wanted to do it, too. Since the family didn't have the money to buy a guitar for him, 11-year-old Ace brought home an apple crate from school one day. His father split it up, fit it together, and slapped some strings on it. Ace couldn't be stopped. He made so much noise, he'd be run out of the house.

Ace quit school when he was 15 and milked cows on a farm for work. When the boss's son showed off a guitar he didn't know how to play, Ace made an offer. His boss took $3 out of his pay each week over five weeks, and Ace had his first real instrument. He was able to develop his skills more. Two of his biggest inspirations were Little Son Jackson and Jimmy Reed. Eventually, Ace earned enough money for a small amplifier and a microphone, and he added a harmonica player and spoons beater to form a small band.

In 1950s Alabama, Ace played the blues at four different kinds of house parties. For young blacks, he said he didn't make too much money. Older blacks charged 30 to 55 cents cover charge to pay the band's fees. White college students paid $25-$35 per night. Older whites would pay $25 a night but would also pass a hat around for tips. Ace reminisces about one night when his band made $400 dollars - doing limbo with a pogo stick, the party-goers would drop money in the hat each time they went under. He also earned a solo $100 tip in his shirt pocket once from a woman who wanted him to play "Your Cheating Heart" by Hank Williams.

"In the 50s, all everybody listened to around here was the blues. If you played anything else, you shouldn't be there," recalls Ace. "That's what it was all about. The blues. That's what I grew up on, and I love it, and I always will. To my dying day, I'll still be playing the blues."

After playing the blues and working odd jobs around rural Alabama, Ace followed in the footsteps of many southern blues musicians and made the migration up north. In 1966, he moved to Detroit at the suggestion of a cousin who played bass guitar. He played with different bands before saving up money working at Chrysler and buying all the equipment needed for his own band to play. Two of his frequent band mates were young boys ages 12 and 13 – his most reliable musicians – who would come in and out of the clubs by the back door with Ace. As an added bonus to his career in the Motor City, he recorded two 45s.

Unfortunately, bad luck came to Ace in Detroit. He had opened a clothing store that was robbed, so then he was ready to come back home to Alabama. His wife wouldn’t leave the north, so Ace left her all his property and belongings (which sadly included all of his copies of the 45s he recorded) minus a few dollars in his pocket, and headed back down south.

"Detroit was a good place for me. I loved it, but it got to a point where the city just didn’t agree with me. I got tired of sirens, gangs and crime. They took my business away from me, and that was it,” says Ace. “I never was a city man.”

The young men he played with in Detroit made a few trips to Alabama to play, but gigs didn’t pan out. Ace was starting all over again. He took a second wife and adopted her two children. Later, the couple added two more kids to the family. This marriage didn’t work out either. Ace was divorced and starting over again. For four months, he slept in his sister’s trailer with a kerosene heater and no lights. Ace says God answered his prayers when he landed 10 acres of land that had $5000 worth of cedar on it for just $5000. His family land was adjacent, and when it was split up, he had four more acres.

“I’m not lucky, it’s a blessing. I live a life to be blessed with,” explains Ace. “Money is not to be hovered over. If I see something I want, money goes – like this radio station.”

He spends his time at his radio station, WJWC, which covers a 12-mile radius, playing a few gigs here and there, and working as a deejay for private parties. Ace hasn’t lost his style.

“I do a good show, because I’ll play just as hard for one person as I do for 1000 out there. When I play the blues, I feel the blues. I play it, and I love it.”

Cooking on the Cuff

From "The Southern Girl's Guide to the Galaxy," Planet Weekly Issue 281


If the topic of cooking comes up and my daughter ever says, "Well, this is how my mother used to make it …" she will either be instructing drunken fraternity boys in college on how to make late night vittles or telling one of her funniest childhood memories. Not to insult myself, because it's really not that bad. I just have a lazy, innovative way of stirring up the stew sometimes, so to speak. It's not that I can't cook properly – as in, by a recipe from a credible source – but sometimes, I'd rather just throw in some funkiness. Are you scared yet? As I said, It's REALLY NOT THAT BAD. In fact, I've had so many fans of some of my zany dishes that I've actually had them ask what they needed to supply for me to cook it up on demand. Considering how easy these things are to make, they're the ones who are really lazy. Here's my Top Three.

First of all, Hamburger Helper is your best friend.
1) The possibilities with Hamburger Helper are endless. Don't just settle for some dried pasta and grainy mix with water and/or milk. Add some personal goodies to the pot. For example, one of my biggest hits is what I like to call "Mexican Goolash." Pick out two fun Mexican themed boxes of Hamburger Helper. Examples are Cheesy Nacho, Chili Macaroni and Cheesy Enchilada. Isn't cheese great? Speaking of cheese, pick up a super-size bag of your favorite shredded. Since I like it hot, my recent favorite is the new release of chipotle cheddar. Add two cans of pinto beans or black beans – or my favorite, a combination of both. Pick up stewed or diced tomatoes that have additions of what sounds delicious to you. Don't forget two pounds of ground beef, because you're doubling up!

Alright, so it's time to get down and dirty. Brown that beef and follow the regular instructions on the boxes of Hamburger Helper. They're all pretty much the same, so it won't confuse you to be using more than one. For those of you who struggle with math, take the water addition times two. When it's time to add all the "fixings," just dump in all that you bought to go along for the ride – MINUS the shredded cheese. If your box calls for a sauce mix, though, go ahead and throw it in instead of stirring the petit portion in a teaspoon with milk. I forgot to mention earlier jalapenos. Don't forget the jalapenos. Simmer for a couple of hours while you play Tiger Woods golf on your Playstation or Nintendo. Take it off the burner, pour in the shredded cheese, stir and wait another 10 minutes. Then, c'est feast!

What is the greatest cheap frozen pizza $0.99 can buy?
2) If you're not a "hot pepper," but more of an Italiano type, here's another classic. First – here's an important quiz question: What is the greatest cheap frozen pizza $0.99 can buy? If you answered Totino's, then eat a cookie for your smartness. But don't ruin your appetite, because you'll need it. One of the old tired surfer favorites from when I lived on Pensacola Beach is the "Totino's calzone." It's easier on a stomach that's been paddling on wood and riding waves, and it's a lot quicker and simpler than the recipe afore mentioned. First, drive right across the bridge to the mainland (or wherever you go in Tuscaloosa) for a couple of your favorite Totino's brands. The next stop at the grocery store is whatever aisle has more stuff you like to put on your pizza. Don't forget more cheese, if you're into that sort of thing. I am. Now check out and go home.

Once you're in the comfort of your kitchen (even if it's filled with dirty dishes), pull out a pizza pan. That should be clean, if nothing else. Place one Totino's pizza down, toss in all the other ingredients you like on your pizza, then put the other Totino's upside down on top of your masterpiece. Bake on 350 degrees for 30 minutes or so, then flip it. Bake for another 30 minutes or so at 350 degrees, then remove, cool and let your taste buds enjoy.

Starch and Stuff
3) Finally, to conclude this list of my three favorite simple and clever entrées, is something with potatoes. Who doesn't like potatoes for goodness sakes? Potato chips, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, french fries? Anyone? Well, here's one you might haven't heard of – "Slap Yo' Mama Potatoes." That's right. It's so good it'll make you want to slap your Mama! This one does take time, but the least effort of all. The time is in baking a few potatoes in the oven. Depending on the size of your selected vegetables and the party you're feeding, you're on your own on this one. If you can't figure it out, call your mother – just don't tell her the name of what you're cooking!

Take a trip to the market. Repeat the directions for recipe 2, only instead of Totino's get potatoes, and instead what you like on pizza, get what you like on potatoes. Easy enough? I like bacon bits, ranch dressing, cheese and butter… for what it's worth. Again, go home and start to Cook It Up! Once you've successfully baked some potatoes, get them out and smash them all together with a fork and/or spoon. It differs on the strength of your tennis swing. Also, if you're one of those anti-skin people, scoop out the guts first. Then, add all of your toppings in and stir. Stir, baby, stir! Mash it down into a nice little pile, then put it back in the oven on 200 degrees for about 20 minutes or so. Depending on how much you've shoved in there, it may take more or less than that, so check regularly. In cooking terms, "regularly" means every few minutes. When it has a nice crispy top to it, take it out, let it cool and eat away!

I hope that my recipes have inspired even the completely unmotivated folks out there to slap on an apron and go to work. Emeril eat my Tony Chachere's dust! (The best seasoning in the world, but that's for another story, another day…)

Freedom Rings at the Creek in Old Memphis

From "Planet Pick", Planet Weekly Issue 281 (June 21st, 2007) by Danny and Cara Smith


Throughout the weekend, one consistent message was delivered by the host of Freedom Creek was, "This isn't my festival, this is our festival."

Freedom Creek is a project of Tuscaloosa favorite blues musician Willie King. It's not named to be catchy, for it has a very significant meaning.

King told Chicago Tribune's Geoffrey Himes, "There's a reason why we have this festival on the bank of a creek," he says. "When you lived on a plantation, you didn't have running water or even a well, so you had to go down to the creek to wash nyour clothes, to water your livestock, to catch your fish, to baptize your children, to make your moonshine. I took my first bath in muddy water, and I had to jump up and down to chase all those snakes out of there. The creek helped you survive, and the blues are like that creek."

Freedom Creek has come a long way. It is certainly the coolest showcase and venue of music that we have ever been so lucky to experience. You could just take it from us, but you have to know that there were hundreds of people in attendance from as far away as California and even New Zealand – just for this!

Interestingly enough, being such an international attraction, it is held in Old Memphis, Alabama. A backyard of Tuscaloosa, Old Memphis is officially the smallest incorporated town in the United States with the last census count of 32. That doesn't stop Willie from giving citizens the treatment that every American deserves. Through his Rural Members Association (RMA), which Freedom Creek proceeds are given to, the townspeople of Old Memphis are able to learn skills in farming, quilting, music and heritage. Located in Pickens County, a poor area also known as the "Black Belt," Old Memphis is in great need of assistance to continue their way of life.

Willie's message of "One Love" between all walks of life radiates fully in this atmosphere. From the minute we pulled in, we had new buddies. Two young boys, Evan and Artavius, eagerly put together the tent that we would never had gotten up before sundown on Friday had it not been for their help. And they wouldn't even accept Milo's sweet tea for their effort! Speaking of good things for the tummy, the vendors from the area had food to die for. You could hunker down on ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs and gumbo. These folks knew how to cook it up, so there was no wrong choice.

Now onto the music… WOW! Unfortunately, we got to the festival after it had begun on Friday. However, due to the late night free-for-all blues jam until 2 a.m., we were able to catch a taste of what we had missed. And boy was it yummy! What a great stage it is with incredibly talented blues musicians crawling on and off to jam together on various classics and new favorites. One of the catchiest was Columbus, Mississippi's Big Joe Shelton belting out on vocals and howling harmonica on his latest, "Black Prairie Blues" tune. It's one the best songs out there – and technically, it's not "out there" yet. His new CD will be released soon. We can't get enough of this and are chomping at the bit! There was also a fine performance delivered by the young band The Old Memphis Kings. It was a fine appetizer to the main course that was to come on Saturday.

Saturday began with gospel music performed by soulful local talents from Pickens County. The Alabama Blues Project's advanced band – also known as The Project – showed fans that you're never too young to rock. As they performed, the crowd was astonished to see the talent portrayed by a band consisting of high school students.

A big highlight of the weekend was an Alabama blues women showcase. All performed individually, and all are Alabamians. Shar-baby really cooked Friday and Saturday, coming back home all the way from Indiana. Her cowboy hat tops off her honky-tonk style of blues. Down from Detroit was Sweet Claudette, originally from Mobile. She is a regular of Freedom Creek and put on a dazzling vocal performance, as well as mingling in the crowd. Caroline Shines gave her sassy and sweet delivery of crowd pleasing tunes that had the audience captivated by the fun lyrics and solid sound. Debbie Bond capped off solo performances by earning loud applause and respect from the crowd, not only entertaining with her unique and resounding voice, but also giving a masterful performance on guitar. Then, to everyone's delight, all four hit the state together! It was a sight – full of sounds – that was heard loud and clear all the way to the campground with a big impact on everyone, and much appreciated!

Paul Oscher, who like Delbert McClinton played harp for several years with the great Muddy Waters, was one of the late afternoon gems. He performed solo with only guitar and harp and reminded the audience in the woods just how important that blues "folk" music really is. A masterful performance kept the audience glued to every blue note and on the harp he is a powerful performer.

Next up was a real crowd favorite - all the way from Atlanta, Georgia - the blues/jazz/gospel sounding combination Mudcat. This 5-piece band included trombonist Joe Burton, who gave this group a real New Orleans flavor and Danny "Mud" himself, put on a slide guitar show that was stunning. He took his guitar into the crowd and played while looking at randomly selected single audience members straight in the eye - playing without looking at all. At one point, he played guitar behind his wife's back while dancing with her - an extraordinary exhibition was on display. The band stayed to sign CDs and for the evening's festivities. Mudcat is a highly entertaining band on a mission.

After dark, Mississippi delta favorite T-Model Ford gave his down-home, gritty performance that had everyone on their feet. In his 80s, he himself sat down, but his sound didn't miss the beat of a guitarist in his 20s. The Fat Possum recording artist has a great juke joint style that was a perfect lead in for his close friend, no other than Willie King. Of course, the host of the night received the largest ovation alongside his band The Liberators. Willie's music is juke joint and classic rolled into a groovy sound with powerful lyrics that are both political and thought provoking. Then, some are just down right fun such as favorites "Mama Killed a Chicken" and "Ride Sallie Ride." The Liberators ended the show with their guitarist Debbie Bond handing her six-string to Mud and Willie giving his to T-Model. Debbie backed vocals while Willie showed the crowd the classic juke joint dance moves for an all-star performance.

Freedom Creek 2007 was definitely a WANG DANG DOODLE. Check out more on www.willie-king.com And, most importantly, don't miss it next year!

G-SOUL and Jazziz C's

From "Planet Pick," Planet Weekly Issue 280

Last weekend, I went to Jazziz C's for the first time since moving to Tuscaloosa last fall. In just a few short minutes of being there, I knew it would be the first of many visits. The club has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is so friendly, and even the owners C. and Chuck Harris personally greet their customers with handshakes and hugs. Great service + great people = Great venue! But what's a great venue without great music? Well, Jazziz C's has that covered, too.

I had the pleasure of seeing G-SOUL that night. When they fired up their first set, I compared the feeling to walking into a cool neighborhood corner bar in New Orleans and hearing a phenomenal band that I'd never heard of before. I wouldn't say it was a surprise, because I'd already heard around town that Jazziz C's gets great musicians, but it was definitely the icing on the cake. The smooth, funky sounds of the five-piece G-SOUL put my mind in Big Easy mode, having much respect for good, underground grooves. All great bands can transport you musically, and this was no exception.

The Birmingham-based band began when UAB students Joseph Hill (saxophone and vocals), Taylor Propp (bass guitar) and Marlon Spears (keyboard) met in college through the music program. Hill and Propp were in the marching band. They decided to branch out with their talents and form a band that was contemporary and original. The rest of the band was a mix over time. Their original drummer, Dr. Carl Whiting, juggled UAB medical school and the band before graduating and moving to Mobile for practice. That's pretty impressive. Regardless, I can tell you from experience that G-SOUL is comprised of some great players still. Donnell Square came on for drums and vocals, and he recruited their newest addition, William Lewis on guitar and vocals. The guys are a fantastic mix, and their range of styles and talents make G-SOUL a top-notch band.

"We can rock a college crowd with Top 10 Billboard songs, but then we can go to a wedding reception and play straight jazz," says front man Hill. "We're very versatile, and that's one thing I like so much about G-SOUL."

G-SOUL can take current hits in rap, such as Outkast, and do jazz versions of them, while a lot of rap bands sample straight-forward jazz or blues songs in their music. It all goes hand-in-hand, and Hill's influences are broad. His father was with RCA Records throughout his childhood as a member of Main Ingredient (You may know Cuba Gooding, Jr. – his father Cuba Gooding, Sr. was the lead singer), and throughout their success, perhaps their most known hit is "Everybody Plays a Fool" which was covered by the Neville Brothers.

Hill's father has always been in the ministry, as well as playing keyboards and songwriting. Their family was from Mobile primarily, but Hill lived in Detroit from the age of 8 to 13. This was a key time in his life for music influence. He wasn't really allowed to listen to Motown or R&B, but as any American youngster, he snuck off and did so anyway. It was the 80s, and his vices were the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, especially Donny Hathaway and even hip-hop music.

Before his education at UAB, Hill went to Piney Woods Country Life School. It is an all-black boarding school in rural Mississippi with high standards for its students, as well as a record of excellence. Hill says with classmates from all over the world such as Africa, Haiti, D.C., California and Chicago, he was able to learn a lot about different cultures and diversity that many high school students don't get to experience. 

It seems he definitely has an eye for companions. G-SOUL is a compilation of the best around. Square keeps a tight and solid beat on the drums while contributing to vocals and always making eye contact with fans – that's a lot of multi-tasking! Propp plays a challenging five-string bass and slaps it silly, really giving the band that bottom line of funk. Lewis is tried and true on the guitar, serious as can be with a lovable quality about him, also contributing vocals. Spears has risen against odds as a blind keyboard player who picked up music in his teens. He knows every riff, trick and effect in the book… then some. Hill wails a slick lead and plays sax in addition to a special treat of EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument), which he broke out during my request of "Superstition" that just about had everyone on their knees. (Note: When I asked if they knew it, they were so nonchalant about doing it… It was the best cover of that song I have ever heard!)

Each of the guys in G-SOUL play at their respective churches. In addition to music, Square works in education and Lewis in construction. They all hope to expand their scene nationwide. So far, they've gone as far as Atlanta, New Orleans and Tennessee. Boy, is the rest of the world missing out! However, G-SOUL has been recognized to open for acts such as Kirk Franklin, Vicky Wynens, Deborah Cox, Clarence Carter, Foxy Brown and Michael McDonald. They have sent their music to several record companies and have gotten very positive responses.

G-SOUL's first album The Fire is incredible (I know this because I lucked out when they gave me a copy). It's available at cdbaby.com/cd/gsoul. Spears recently released a solo album called Givin' that can be purchased at www.marlonspears.com. G-SOUL has a new CD in the works that they have recorded at Instant Karma Studios in Birmingham, but the final product will be mixed in Hill's home studio. After all, that's what Hill, Propp and Spears studied in college. It's not your average home project – these guys know what they're doing! The tentative release date is mid-August.

You have to get out to see these guys. I'm serious. GO! As much as I enjoy live music, it's not often I get a quick attachment to a group, but I have with G-SOUL. I'm hooked. And their attitude is as cool as their tunes.

"We just love playing in front of a crowd and hope people will come hear us and have a good time," says Hill. "Please support local artists, whether it's us or anyone else."

Gas Station Goodies

From "The Southern Girl's Guide to the Galaxy," Planet Weekly Issue 280

Who's sick of crowds and lines at major discount super-plazas? When you need just one thing at the store, like a toothbrush or hamburger buns, don't you always get stuck behind someone with two carts full of junk? Does it take the cashier two or three scan tries to get each item rung up? Among the loot are bags of fruits and vegetables, which take even longer to ring up since they must be weighed. Always are the several items without price tags or bar codes, which have to be specially requested (sometimes by the slow shopper ahead of you going back to an aisle in the deepest corner of the store to find one that does have a sticker). Then, the bulk shopper in front of you pulls out a checkbook. They take forever, writing slow as if they are carefully signing the Constitution. Then, the cashier must call a manager up for approval, because the check machine isn't working.

A gas station credit card can be one of the greatest – yet most expensive – gifts you can give someone. I know this because my best friend in college had a Chevron card provided by her parents. That small piece of plastic brought us a lot of joy. It filled up our vehicles' tanks, bought us lunch and munchies, and most importantly, it brought us hours of joy with mostly useless but fun knick-knacks over four years of usage. We may have been nickled-and-dimed, but we had some cool bumper stickers, thoughtful t-shirts and wicked cool mesh farmer caps. Sure the parents complained at times – but I think my best friend's parking ticket total costs offset their frustration with the gas card.

While the recent pay-at-the-pump feature can be quite handy in a rush, it could cause you to miss out on hidden treasures. First of all, there's a good reason they are called "convenience stores." You can pretty much get any essential you need: from mouse traps to town maps, from moon pies to tie-dyes, from cassette tapes to homemade crepes, from cowboy hats to food for cats, from ice cream to nicotine, from showers to fake flowers, from southern pop to pop-a-top, from lighters to teeth whiteners, from bumper stickers to laser light clickers, from Spearamint to Doublemint… I do not like green eggs and ham.

So support your local convenience store by buying some "gas station goodies!" As an incentive, the Planet Weekly is prepared to offer one lucky reader their very own starter kit, carefully selected from stations all over Tuscaloosa by yours truly. It includes: a street map of our town of Tuscaloosa worth $3.29, a $1.59 tube of all-purpose Instant Krazy Glue because you never know when you'll need to stick it to something or someone, a $3.99 Bigfoot FM radio to jam out with and annoy co-workers at your cubicle (while looking stylish, shaped like a big foot, of course), a $3.27 fake stapler that shocks those who handle it - for the co-workers who complain about your Bigfoot FM radio, an Alabama football PEZ dispenser with three refills included at a price of $1.29, Space Lava – it never dries – shaping foam fun for $1.59, a good morning stuffed rooster that chimes happy day to all in an aggravating screech for $3.99, a bag of Jim Bean (non-alcoholic) Jalapeno Sunflower Seeds for tummy growls, a $3.99 t-shirt that presses the important question, "If You Don't Talk To Your Cat About Catnip, Who Will?" and a $3.99 rockin' crimson cap that boasts, "I'd Rather Live A Short, Wild Life Than A Long, Dull One!"

E-mail your opinion about the Planet Weekly to planeteditor@yahoo.com. Before the next issue, we'll have a random drawing from all of you who sound off, and the winner gets the goods! An added gas station goodie, not mentioned but pictured, is included as a bonus! Total value is $28.28 plus tax! Ain't that a deal?

Doobie "Doghouse" Wilson

From "Planet Pick," Planet Weekly Issue 279 

He's Alan Lane, a chemical and biological engineering professor at UA, by day. Don't be fooled. One night a week, he transforms into Doobie "Doghouse" Wilson, pleasing the ears of music fans all over central Alabama. While we want more, we'll take what we can get from this talented blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. The word on the street is that upon retirement, a tour is possible, so spread the word about this legend in the making. Recently Doobie graced Mellow Mushroom customers with his tunes at an Acoustic Patio Party.

"He blew the house away," says 'Shroom Upstairs Bar owner Jake French. "He's an awesome songwriter and an excellent musician. I'm planning to get him back for some more gigs this summer."

Doobie was accompanied by Adam Guthrie (Pain & Wayne Mills Band), a Sharkie's "prolific songwriter and guitar virtuoso." Gray played drums (Ahead Band, a new band who played at Egan's recently). Doobie forfeited his payment to his counterparts, and when he's paid or given tips to play solo, he gives the money to Tuscaloosa's Temporary Emergency Services. Doobie also insisted to be a volunteer (rather than paid) guitar instructor for this year's Alabama Blues Project After-School Blues Camp, and he'll be doing the ABP Summertime Blues Camp as well, teaching guitar, songwriting and helping the students develop their own blues nicknames. He purely wants to share the fun with others.

"Five or six years ago I was in my late 40s, and I had been playing guitar to basement walls since college. I saw 50 coming and decided if I don't play in front of people now, I won't ever," explains Doobie. "Hale's Tavern on the strip had by far the best songwriter night at that time. When I scoped it out in the summer, there were small crowds. When I finally got the nerve to go on stage, it happened to be the week school started and it was packed. I thought, 'Oh no,' but I did it anyway. It gave me a thrill and the audience was great. College professors don't usually get these kinds of experiences!"

Since then, the sky has been the limit. His big beginnings were at the Oasis "Guitar Pull" in Birmingham. Once, Taylor Hicks heard Doobie covering him via cell phone at the Oasis! This spring, the "Guitar Pull" unfortunately had a farewell event called "One More Time." In admiration for his roots and bar owner Rick Carter, Doobie wrote and recorded a song to commemorate the occasion. Carter awarded Doobie with an engraved key chain that states, "Rick Carter's Guitar Pull 3-05-07" on one side and "Doobie 'Doghouse' Wilson" on the other. I'm sure his music will be missed, but not forgotten. Also, Doobie has traveled so far as to play at the World Famous Bluebird Cafe' in Nashville. Last summer, producer Steve Goodie (punchsound.com) hosted the evening and awarded Doobie the "best name" among the 50 songwriters attending. He played "Run Away" in celebration of his 24th wedding anniversary with 'Big Mama' Wilson.

Presently, Doobie plays open mic nights at Little Willie's, Mellow Mushroom and Capture Studio Café in Tuscaloosa, as well as traveling to Birmingham on occasion. He performs original songs, traditional blues, and covers of his favorite artists, including Keb Mo, Guy Davis, James Taylor, the Beatles and Taylor Hicks. Actually, Hicks opened for Doobie one night at the Oasis in Birmingham. It's technically true! After a City Stages performance last summer, Hicks slipped in before Doobie's set at the "Guitar Pull."

He's also shared his music successfully online at mp3.com/doobiedoghousewilson. Last November, his original song "Merry Christmas Baby" was the top download for two weeks, getting over 27,000! Pretty impressive for a song that was recorded by Doobie himself on his home computer and is untouched by "professionals."

Arts are a family affair in Doobie's house. A song that Doobie's son Charles wrote called "There is a Place" had over 1,500 downloads from MP3.com. Lil' Doobie was expressing his feelings about the woods behind his subdivision being cut down, and the Rock Quarry Elementary student won first prize in a city schools arts contest for songwriting. Doobie claims his daughter Elizabeth is the family's best singer. She recently had a leading role in Northridge High School's "Bye Bye Birdie." Doobie's wife Lorrie is a painter and just opened her very own gallery, the Liz Charles Gallery (lizcharlesgallery.com), in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Doobie is available to give free concerts for groups of fans and friends on request. He will also provide background music for parties or give solo performances for bars and coffee houses at a fee (remember that money earned is donated directly to Tuscaloosa's Temporary Emergency Services). For booking, you may e-mail him at doobiedw@bama.ua.edu. Also, check out his MP3 site (mentioned earlier), official web site at doobiedoghousewilson.com. Being the family man that he is, Doobie limits his performances to one night a week. He says it helps that Tuscaloosa and Birmingham nightlife run late, because his family is heading to bed by the time he's getting out. He still has a chance to tuck in his nine-year-old Charles (Lil' Doobie).

"Most nights my son, Charles, asks me to sing a few songs and play guitar as he drifts off to sleep. This is my favorite gig."

What NOT to go Cheap on!

From "The Southern Girl's Guide to the Galaxy," Planet Weekly Issue 279


Cell Phones: We all know that commercials don't lie. You don't want to be caught in that awkward or job-threatening situation of a dropped call. And of course, what good American doesn't have a cool ring tone? Now we have the coolest of the cool – ring backs, which please your callers with hip tunes while they wait for you to answer at an inappropriate place (like work, or church) while your cool ring tone "Baby Got Back" blares for those around you to give looks of disapproval. It's all so much fun. But the fun doesn't end there. What's a pink Razor phone without a pink car charger to go with it? Don't forget the cell phone's answer to iPod with tunes to boot – that's a whole other application to be compatible with all the MP3's you have stored on your computer! You can call your Mom to check in AND have a dance party all from your fingertips! If you're finally sounding good, then you better look good. While some people prefer the belt buckle holder, the cell phone purse pouches are a nice feminine touch for the ladies. You can never over-accessorize. So, my friends, don't skimp on your cell phone.

Extreme Sports Guides: In our time, it's all about taking it to the limit. It's not enough anymore to just go on a nature hike – it's got to be a climb up Mount Everest or a safari in the jungles of Africa. When going on these daring retreats, one usually requires a guide. I would suggest selecting one that isn't offering to do the job at minimum wage. Maybe it's me, but as inspiring as the stories are of plane crash and avalanche survivors, where they eat their own body parts to survive and finally make it home not-in-one-piece to write books about their experience, I'd rather not go through it myself. Much respect to them, of course. In the same sense, things I wouldn't buy on sale include, but are not limited to: parachutes, life preservers, scuba diving oxygen tanks, bungee cords, personal aircraft pilots… You get the idea. It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt… seriously.


Surgeons: "So I wanted just a little boost but now I can't see my toes over my chest," or "I thought I was going in for a hip replacement, but now I have a third arm. It's cool, now I can drink my coffee, check my e-mail, and pet my dog at the same time!" These are just a couple of statements that you may hear from people who didn't pay top dollar for their surgeons. Really, if you need a kidney transplant but are a little short on cash prior to the big day, do you think they'll take it out in six months if the balance isn't paid in full? I doubt it. That would be more time – and time is money! When it comes to medical care, you want someone who really cares. If the clinic is shifty in-and-out with quick fixes and payments are cash or money order only, it may not be the place for you. Saving a few bucks compared to saving my organs is really not a comparison at all.