Comments on: DROWNING IN A WHISKEY RIVER

By: Mark G

Mark G — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 10:48:44 +0000

I DJ’d at Harlow’s for a time, not long after Bob Thetford opened Harlow’s. The original DJ apparently hit on Bob’s girlfriend. He was fired immediately. I was sitting at the bar and Bob said, “you ready to DJ?” I said “let’s go!” We had a drummer raised off the floor like four feet. He had an imaginary lady friend he called Esmeralda. He was a great drummer and of course, a little on the crazy side. The round dance floor was lit up and would flash off and on, circle around…we had two turntables and a ton of rock and roll albums. It was supposed to have been a Disco, but I played strait up rock and roll. I remember streaking through the place one night on a guy named Randy’s shoulders. Yeah, that was weird, but hey, the crowd loved it… Randy was Bob Thetford’s manager while I was there.Randy was a great big guy, like 6’5″. Randy was pretty crazy, and his girl friend was a beautiful , down to earth school teacher of all things. They lived off of NW Highway and Abrams. Bob had an absolute armory in the office. It was a crazy little spot. It was a party every night. Good times! As far as Whiskey River… David Allan Coe was playing Whiskey River (Lady Smith was an incredibly talented backup group,) and I met David Allan’s brother/ manager, Jack . We went over to David Allan’s/ Jack’s Dallas office, I think it was at the Meadows Building, if memory serves. I was trying to work a deal on selling promotional items for David Allan, hat’s, tee-shirts halter tops, etc.. I started telling Jack my design ideas, he pulled out a joint, and that ended the business meeting, but I had a great pair of bloodshot eyes. Life was grand in the 70’s and Dallas was poppin’. Like everyone else has posted, I’m glad I survived it all. I moved to CA in 1978, then back to Dallas in November 2019. Back in Big D. Glad to be home. Mark G

By: Tiffany Fryer

Tiffany Fryer — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:06:52 +0000

My mom worked at the whiskey river in fact I still have her whiskey river tank top I remeber me and my brother at work with her I’d be sitting at the bar on the bar drinking cherry colas with tons of cherries my mom. Her name was patsy woods or could of been fryer then I remember her singing with Willie Nelson God I was so so young don’t know how I remember this but I do .My mom passed away recently in Aug 2020 of unknown causes as we found her in her home If you do remember her I would love to hear about any stories you may remember. Connie evanisky was her very best friend and I’m pretty sure she also worked at the club i remeber she also sang in or had a band called the yellow rose ..

By: meminc

meminc — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 20:08:26 +0000

In reply to Virgil Mincy. thanks, one of our goals is to fill in as many blanks as possible before we all go blank!

By: Virgil Mincy

Virgil Mincy — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:19:45 +0000

What a story; fills in many blanks. In ’78, I took a job in Dallas and arrived knowing one person; a friend of a friend, I contacted him. He sort of took me under his wing and showed me around. First stop: Whiskey River. He set me up by describing in minute detail everything that would happen that night, with Wendel Adkins. Up close and personal, I was just blown away. I spent many nights there, watching three sets of Wendel, Side of the Road Gang, Rusty Weir, Ray Wylie and others. I still look up some of these old performers on YouTube and relive the time. Most are dead; the others, like me, old. My four years in Dallas were great, for the most part. Loved the city and Whiskey River was the location of my first night out.

By: Connie Trafidlo Lee

Connie Trafidlo Lee — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:29:16 +0000

what a great life Phil. Knowing you from Downers Grove, I never knew what you did after graduation. I am glad you had a grand time and a lucky one but I am glad you have become sober and have a super family. You deserve the best.

By: pheckmann

pheckmann — Wed, 27 May 2020 03:58:24 +0000

In reply to Robert Douglas. Thanks. Phil had one heck of an exciting life but he will be the first to tell you, that having his family and children outshines everything he did. I enjoyed hearing his story immensely and as someone with a 30 year AA chip, we shared a lot of the same trials and tribulations.

By: Robert Douglas

Robert Douglas — Tue, 26 May 2020 17:33:00 +0000

This story is fascinating! Life in the fast lane accelerated quickly! It has been enjoyable reconnecting from Miami days but I could never have imagined the risk, excitement, and outcomes expressed in this tale! Incredible experiences have clearly led to a wonderful family life!

By: Maya cisco

Maya cisco — Sat, 23 May 2020 07:35:11 +0000

Awesome story.. great time and memories

By: IMalavenda

IMalavenda — Sat, 23 May 2020 04:01:34 +0000

The journey that brought you to all your present Blessings.

By: Alex

Alex — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 14:59:07 +0000

What a great story Phil! I am inspired, I am. Thank you so much for sharing… You’ll be hearing from me buddy!!

By: pheckmann

pheckmann — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 14:40:29 +0000

In reply to RHETT STEIN. Thanks. What a great journey for Phil. As Mel Brooks said 'Life is good!'

By: RHETT STEIN

RHETT STEIN — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 07:04:54 +0000

VERY WELL DONE

By: Jay Jones

Jay Jones — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:50:36 +0000

Oh yes I managed Harlow’s for a guy named bob thetford , like Phil , I’m just glad I survived

By: Jay Jones

Jay Jones — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:47:19 +0000

Remarkable story, I was in Dallas during the James comedy era, left before whiskey river. Was taught the bar business by Phil and Tony and billy bob Harris Snd doesn’t the next 40 years doing it the right way