Burton Gilliam, Fireman, Boxer and Famous Actor (1 of 2)

Paul Heckmann sat down with Burton Gilliam an actor, fireman, boxer and much more. In this first of two interviews, Gilliam reflects on his time growing up in Dallas and the learning disability that…

Tommy Loy, Dallas Cowboy Trumpeter

After he performed The National Anthem for Mr. Murchison, he waited to hear if he got the job. The clock was fast approaching kickoff and he hadn’t heard if he was selected so he prepared to find a place to watch the game. Five minutes before kickoff, he got the call that Mr. Murchison wanted to go with his solo rendition, which began what would be a 22-year stint as the Dallas Cowboys solo trumpeter.

STEVE BROOKS, ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE!

Willie had me come up to Colorado – actually, had me paint a tepee for him at his place. It was actually on the Barbara Walters special with Willie. If you look in the background, you’ll see a tepee. So, I was there painting the tepee. Then, we did the picnic in ’79. Willie had just bought the country club down there – Pedernales Country Club. So, we did that picnic – well, it was right after the picnic. So then, he wanted me to come up to Colorado to his house. He’d bought another tepee that he wanted me to paint. This thing was huge. It was in Life magazine. You should see that.

MICHAEL NESMITH, ‘HEY, HEY, HE’S A TEXAN!’

Paul Heckmann sat down with Michael Nesmith of The Monkees television show and band. In the interview, Nesmith reflects on his time growing up in Dallas and his journey…

SMILING SAMMY WALKER

I was in eighth grade. I was the big champ in the eighth grade, big champ in the ninth grade, and got ready to go to the summer amateur state championships down in Tyler Station. That was my ninth grade year. I said, “Dad, what are my chances of winning state?” And he goes, “Son, this is a big state.” Got down there, and there was a boy that had a big old black hairy chest, throwing over 60 feet in warm ups. My best throw, at that particular time was like 58 feet. My first throw was 60 feet, and the big hair chest guy, he choked. So, I beat him about three feet.