Billy Joe Shaver will launch Summer Breeze music season
NORMAN — The seventh season of Summer Breeze concerts will kick off May 6, with a performance by singer, songwriter, actor and author Billy Joe Shaver and his band, Performing Arts Director Nancy McClellan said.
The free concert will be at 7:30 p.m. in Lions Park, 400 S Flood Ave.
Other Summer Breeze performers for this year have been announced. They include guitarist Leo Kottke, blues singer Watermelon Slim and the Bluegrass band, "Mountain Smoke,” among others. Some of the concerts will be in Lions Park, while others are scheduled for Andrews Park, 201 W Daws St.
"All the concerts are free. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite refreshments and enjoy,” McClellan said.
Born in Corsicana, Texas, in 1939, Shaver said he saw a mesmerizing Hank Williams concert as a boy. Although he would take a few detours along the way, he sensed early on that his salvation would be in country music.
After leaving the Navy, which he joined at 17, Shaver took a series of odd jobs to make ends meet. Working at a lumber mill, his right hand caught in the machinery, amputating the better part of two fingers. He developed a serious infection from the accident. After eventually recovering, Shaver taught himself to play the guitar.
Shaver has written many lyrics including a majority of the songs on Waylon Jennings' 1973 landmark album, "Honky Tonk Heroes.”
He also has written songs such as "Old Five and Dimers,” recorded by Bob Dylan, "(Just Because) You Ask Me To,” recorded by Elvis Presley, "Sweet Mama,” recorded by the Allman Brothers and "Old Chunk of Coal,” recorded by John Anderson, among others.
Another of Shaver's songs, "Georgia on a Fast Train,” has been recorded by Johnny Cash, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Commander Cody, Cody Morrow and Willie Nelson.
Shaver has appeared in a number of films, including "Second Hand Lions” and "The Apostle,” with his good friend, Robert Duvall.
Duvall's wife, Lucciana Pedraza, produced a documentary on Shaver in 2003 entitled, "Portrait of Billy Joe.”
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