redmess

one year ago, on may 23, 2006 an amazing man passed away. possibly the greatest and most genuine live music appreciater that ever-lived. Clifford Antone could be called the godfather of Austin's world renowned live music scene. he gave people like Lou Ann Barton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and his brother Jimmie's band, Los Thunderbirds their starts. he brought to austin blues legends like bb king, buddy guy, and junior welles in the seventies. he would do anything for his friends or for the musicians he worshiped. he jump-started careers, breathed new life into old legends, and used his club as a forum for new, young voices like guy clark jr. and eve monsees in the past few years. i can't say enough kind things about him. it's just such a shame he's gone.
a few years ago, we were sitting side by side at a table in the middle of nowhere of the tx hill country, watching jimmie vaughn play, and in between songs he gave me the greatest compliment i've ever received. he said, "ya know, when you watch music you are really watching them play, aren't you. that's so rare in kids these days".

he had the round face of a cherub with the biggest, saddest blue eyes and the heart of an innocent as well. and i never saw him without his UT baseball cap on. he lived hard though, had his addictions, even did a short stint in the big house a few years ago, and he had a terrible weight problem. but damn could he jitter-bug!


Cliff, your sweet soul is with stevie, lightnin', and all your other heros now. i can't hear the blues without thinking of that child-like grin of yours. and i bet they are planning a hell of a party for you back home. your enthusiasm, selflessness, joy, and undaunted spirit is sorely missed.
so much love.