Special day set aside to honor blues legend

T-Bone Walker Day in Linden, Texas, is now established, according to organizers.

The presentation was a big success Saturday.

“Truly was a magical event,” said Gus Gustafson, executive director of the Linden Economic Development Corporation, which organized the festival along with Music City Texas Theater.

About 160 T-bone steaks were served for the dinner and then the building was full for the presentations of the two acclaimed blues bands—the Duke Robillard Band and Gary Nicholson of the Whitey Johnson Band— performing T-Bone Walker compositions.

“It was an opportunity to honor T-Bone Walker’s legacy,” Gustafson continued. “He was born here, and he certainly let people know he was from Linden. By recognizing this, we allow Linden to embrace that history and it will have impact on the whole area.

“There won’t be another fundraising event like this one. That’s how we established the day. Now every Oct. 20 will be T-Bone Walker Day in Linden, even if nothing happens. That’s in place.”

Will someone or a group step up and organize a blues festival with T-Bone Walker’s name as a centerpiece as allowed by the family?

“Possibly. We’ll set down and discuss. It’s our hope this happens,” Gustafson said.

“The event was a feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds,” LEDC President Richard Bowden said in his remarks.

Staff photos by Neil Abeles ABOVE: Gary Nicholson performs in his white suit as leader of the Whitey Johnson Band for the opening music performed during T-Bone Walker Day in Linden, Texas, Saturday.TOP FAR RIGHT: Duke Robillard of Rhode Island performs for the T-Bone Walker Day celebration in Linden.Robillard is considered a master of the T-Bone Walker style of blues music.BOTTOM FAR RIGHT: Bernita R. Walker, daughter of the late T-Bone Walker, holds a key to Linden she received on behalf of her father from Linden Mayor Clarence Burns. With her are T-Bone Walker’s granddaughters Kelie J. Sturgisand Lorna Walker Crowell. RIGHT: Timothy Thomas of East Texas Foundation Repair in Longview, Texas., holds the two autographed guitars he won at auction, paying $800 for the one at left and $500 for the other.