Tunesday With George: A Tribute to Doug Sahm

Doug Sahm

This week's Tunesday is a tribute to one of my all-time favorite artists, the tragically unappreciated Doug Sahm (R.I.P.). Doug was a damn-near perfect combination of country, soul, blues and rock, with a sprinkle of Tejano. An integral part of the Texas Tornadoes and Los Super Seven, Doug got first broke onto the scene performing as the Sir Douglas Quintet in the mid-60s. My two favorite albums came during the early 70s during the beginning of his solo career:

Doug Sahm -- Doug Sahm & Band

Doug Sahm & Band is arguably his finest work. The album was produced by Jerry Wexler, and featured some major heavy hitters: Bob Dylan, Dr. John, and David Bromberg....as well as the ever-present accordionist Flaco Jiménez. Groover's Paradise is my personal favorite, and was recorded with members of Credence Clearwater Revival. The album is just plain fun, and makes you feel good about life. Either one of these make for a perfect road trip album.

Doug Sahm & The Tex Mex Trip -- Groover's Paradise
 

Interesting tid-bit: Sahm got his start at a very young age, releasing his first album at 11. That same year he played on stage with Hank Williams at the Skyline Club in Austin, in what turned out to be Hank's final performance ever