INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT BROWN: GUITARIST/SONGWRITER
I decided that for this time, for the sake of variety and a change of pace from the "Behind The Bars" series (which I know can be a very heavy topic), to include a lighter and enjoyable one. We will resume our current series in about two weeks. For now, I'd like to introduce you to someone who got to know someone else who was the force behing the success of rock 'n roll great Buddy Holly (and in case you're asking the question that I think you're asking, NO - I AM NOT RELATED TO HIM!!! Next question?).
Mr. Robert Brown has had years of experience in regards to Texas music - and when I heard the story that you are about to read, I just had to include it here for your perusal. Mr. Brown, among other endeavors, maintains a web site that serves as an index of Southwestern artists and also takes care of a home page for Texas musicians (which, incidentally, are also this week's COY'S LONE STAR LINKS OF THE WEEK). Please check out the list of permanent links for this category and you can find them. In the meantime, here's Robert Brown's story about Norman Petty in his own words:
Suite 101: How did you first come to meet Norman Petty? What was the impetus for such a collaboration?
Brown: I met Norman for the first time in 1963. On this occasion, The Shadows, a band I was playing in from the Quitaque-Silverton area (NE of Lubbock), went to Clovis to audition.
101: What were your initial impressions of him as well as the others you worked alongside with? How did it change over time?
Brown: Mr. Petty at the time was about 35 years of age. He was, by then, well established in the music business. I would characterize him as "all business" - as were the others around him.
101: Most people might still carry the impression that if you're a celebrity, you carry a big ego. Did Norman have a big ego - and how do you think it affected his work?
Brown: Well, I might be a little prejudiced because of my lack of success with Norman; but I would say he was somewhat aloof. I guess if I had produced several "million sellers," he would have warmed up somewhat.
101: What were your impressions about his musical and other abilities? What do you remember most about this?
