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…

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…

THOMAS “HOLLYWOOD” HENDERSON

Growing up in Austin was a great experience. I was loved. I was disciplined, but again I had a little thug in me, which doesn’t hurt you over your lifetime. You get to protect yourself and you have very little fear and anxiety because basically, I can’t be intimidated. There’s some value to being thuggish.

DALLAS COWBOY’S TIMELINE

Clint Murchison signs Don Meredith to a 5 year personal service contract with his marine company Tecon to lock him up for the proposed Dallas Steers franchise. In November 1959, they also signed Don Perkins to a personal-services contract for a $1,500 bonus and a $10,000 salary

CHARLIE WATERS & THE ALLIGATOR SHOES

"If I had 45 players that tried as hard and cared as much as Charlie did, we would not lose a football game." Dallas Cowboys Coach Tom Landry