Kansas City, Missouri

International Association Of Fire Fighters

Presentation Of

Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys Band

And

The Down Yonder Band

 

The Kansas City, Missouri International Association Of Fire Fighters Annual Country Music Benefit was the third show that I did for Jessie Janes Productions.  The proceeds of the show benefited the widows and children of firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty.  The show took place in the R.L.D.S. Auditorium.  It was a sell-out concert.  The headline act was the original Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys Band, made famous by their dear friend and band leader, the great Hank Williams.  These men were pros.  They had worked with everybody who was anybody in country music over their long and lustrous careers.  They were all talented musicians in their own right.  Meeting these great men, you got the impression that they weren't in this for the money, but for their love of music, their love of their long lost friend Hank Williams, and their love of each other like brothers.

 

During their act, they left a place open in the center of the stage, where Hank used to stand, with the lights down low, and the spotlight on the empty spot, as they did their musical tribute to him.  It was very clear to all that they loved, respected and missed Hank Williams.  You could almost see Hank's ghost standing there with them.  There was not a dry eye in the house.

 

The opening act for the Drifting Cowboys was the Down Yonder Band.  This was the Down Yonder Band's second show for us, and their first time to open for a band as famous as the Drifting Cowboys.  Even though they were very nervous about opening for such a big name band, they performed flawlessly as ever!  It was a great show, despite the ice and snow that made traveling dangerous.  I had slightly better camera equipment by this point, but not near as great as what I have today.  This show also resulted in my fourth newspaper story being published.

 

Unfortunately, not long after this show, one of the Drifting Cowboys passed away.  It is my understanding that they have all passed away now.  I feel very fortunate to have witnessed these old pros perform.  Every one was a nice, down-to-earth, humble guy.  They also had some great stories about the old days with Hank.  Bob McNett, Don Helms, Jerry Rivers and Hilous Butrum are all gone now, but I suspect they are back with their boss Hank, playing as only they could.  Thanks boys!

 

The jacket say's it all.  Watching the snow and ice fall!

 

 The Drifting Cowboys pose with the KC IAFF Show Chairman

 

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