Clay Glover ScrapBook Vol. 1 -- Dean Beard
Dean Beard The Dean Beard Big Band plays "Crazy Gringo" and "Night Train" at Ben Hall recording studio, produced by Clay Glover. The last two Tracks 15 and 16 are re-mixed with the most expensive latest available Digital Equipment. These sounds are expanded, spread out to the limits. Turn up the volume, you are right in the middle of Dean Beard's Swinging, Rocking Band! News Article by Bill Whitaker, 4/11/1989 Rather, Dean Beard's funeral Friday was characterized by his driving obsession in recent years, devotion to his God and fellowship at the Emmanuel Baptist Church. And when time came to sing, the old standards "Precious Memories" and "Peace In The Valley" filled the air. Although it was one of themost touching funerals I've witnessed, I couldn't help but feel disappointed that, in life, Dean Beard's contributions to early rock weren't better known. But Dean, who died last week at age 53, had found new priorities in his final years. Friends like Don Harmes performed during his funeral and former Crew Cuts band member Chris Horrera, now co-owner of Casa Herrera in Abilene, say Dean was on his way with songs like "Party, Party, Party," that his fame seemed assured as the "Rock Me Boy." "Back in the ‘60s, we used to play with guys like Roy Orbison," Horrera recalled. "And people like Willie Nelson used to play with our band. We didn’t sing with him. Dean was the star and at that time he was the better-known one. However, Dean’s earlier, short-lived association with Sun Records in Memphis cast a long shadow on later music-making. Although be refused to detail what happened, Dean once told a reporter his break with Sun Records had something to do with all the women and the partying. Whatever happened, Dean’s work as a recording artist of promise in the 1950s was, sadly, all too brief. Although he continued to perform, ill health soon plagued him. His father Raymond said Dean suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and a horribly crippling arthritis stemming from an auto accident years before that broke his back. Turning to religion, Dean put aside forever hopes of a music career, but never music-making. Near the and, he entertained the grand notion of putting together a service of song and worship with the help of Rev. Terry Moffett. He wanted to help witness to a few lost souls, Dean told friends. Rev. Moffett said Friday it wouldn’t have mattered to Dean had the event been staged under somo sweltering tent out in the middle of nowhere, if only five or six people showed up. "He was getting ready to just praise God anyway he could."
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