- My Daddy -- Kelsea Neely, 09:14:03 01/26/08 Sat [1]
I really do miss you daddy the reality of you not being around anymore is just now kicking in.... i miss you so much you would not even believe it ... any body can email me at kbland48@yahoo.com fell free to .
I MISS YOU DADDY!!!!
-your baby girl - Kelsea Bland-Neely
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- Uncle Sam -- Jeff (Nephew) (Sad, Sad, Sad), 23:05:40 08/25/07 Sat [3]
Me and the kids came down to visit uncle Sam a week before he passed away and of course I had no idea that would be the last time I would be able to see him. Being caught up in life and always busy, as many of us are, I wish I would have realized that I wasn't visiting my close relatives as much as I should. I have very fond memories of uncle Sam growing up and yes, there were many pranks groing up. I will always remember waking up at his house with all the pots and pans from his kitchen stacked on me, while he was throwing grapes down on me from the balcony and then when I pulled the covers over my head, he came down and fired up the dust-buster and commensed to vaccuming my head to let me know the covers couldn't protect me. He passed away on my birthday, so I will always remember the day and I am very suprised how it has affected me. (more than I could imagine) Sam was a very, very, very special man and he will be missed very , very, very much. I thank God that I took a camera with me and took some pictures of me and the kids with him the week we came down to visit. We barbecued that day and had a great time while visiting. Sam will always be in my prayers. It has taken me a long time to post on here, but I must say that Sam will be deeply missed and I wish I would have visited more often. (Regrets) Sam, thank you for your character, all the great memories, and for being a GREAT uncle. Until I see you up in Heaven.
All my Love,
Jeff
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Replies:
- Re: Uncle Sam -- kolton neely (very sad!!!), 14:32:23 01/03/08 Thu
- Re: Uncle Sam -- kolton neely (so sad (crying)), 14:36:34 01/03/08 Thu
- part of my childhood -- sam grey, 14:06:28 08/25/07 Sat [1]
Growing up, Sam Neely was always playing on our stereo. My mother in particular played him over and over again--she loved his voice. The songs are ingrained as part of me. That was 30 years ago.
I emailed Sam a couple years ago and told him all this, got a very nice email back, and asking me to tell my mother hello.
Thanks, Sam.
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- To Kelsea, My memories of Sam -- Steve Weldon, 22:21:29 06/11/07 Mon [1]
I'm glad I finnaly figured out how I could tell Kelsea what her Dad meant to me without getting cut off after 20 words! Your Dad took me under his wing when I was a 16 year old kid. Sam would have been about 21 then. I recorded a song down at Studio B in Corpus and Sam was there a lot recording songs and just about to make it big. I asked Sam to help me on a couple of singles I recorded and he did, for free of course. You gotta remember I didn't have near the talent Sam did! I asked him if I could put his name on my record as the producer because I thought if radio stations saw his name on the single they might listen to it and give it some play. Sam said sure! That was fine. He must have cringed because the songs werent very good and they had his name on them but he did'nt care! He was helping his friend. Well, Sam and I have been friends ever since. I did stand up comedy for years and every time I went to hear him play at the old Rogues Club ot the EEl or wherever he would invite me up to do jokes and play spoons and armpits with the band.I got into radio at age 17 and as a jock got in trouble more than you know for playing Sams songs too much! I moved away for many years but moved back to Corpus in 1994 and remember when you came into this world. My son Zack is just 2 years older than you. You were at his 4th birthday party!! Sam made a Sylvester the Cat hat rack for Zack that we will always have and a boot shaped key holder thats in our entry way. Your pop was like a big brother to me and I think about him every day. I hope to get in touch with your mom soon and next time I'm in Corpus I'm gonna look you both up. I'll always be very proud to have called Sam one of my best buddies, but Sam had a whole lot of buddies because he'd do anything for them and them for him. God took him from us way too early but thank goodness for all the great memories of the gentle man with the incerdible talent. Take care kelsea and give Leslie a hug from us.
Love,
Steve, lorie and Zack Weldon
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- Kelsea, I just want you to know. -- Doc Bochenek, 02:00:55 03/23/07 Fri [1]
Hi Kelsea,
It was a Monday night at the Troubador in Hollywood when I met Sam. Let me tell you how that came about and what happened after that.
I went to the Troubador to play my Octofone 8-stringed instrument. I just planned to play two songs and go home. I was scared and nervious but ready to just do it. I signed up and waited for my turn to play. I went to the dressing room to tune up and met this girl and she asked me or I asked her if she wanted some back up. I had just met her and never heard her until we were on stage (call me crazy). She sang such lyrical songs that it was easy to fine little things to add tasefully. Then came my turn to play. My legs were shaking, but I played my best (telling myself at the time to get out of the way). Finally after I finished two songs, I stepped off the stage and headed for the dressing room to pack up. Suddenly this man approached me and said that he wanted my to play on his next album. I said Ok and continued to walk. He said, "No, I mean it." Then he said. "You don't know who I am, do you?" I said no. Then he said. "My name is on the markee out side (the Troubador), I have a big Billboard on Sunset Blvd. and my group starts towmorow night." Then I said."I'd love to be on your next album!" (See liner notes for "Down Home")
Sam then invided me to most of the parties that Rudy Durand held the following week, to introduce Sam to Hollywood. Sam invided me to play and just be a part of the festivities as his guest. And just as special a person as Sam was, he stopped his Sunday night show and invited me to play two songs on stage while the band just listened along with his fans. I have never been treated with such love and unselflessness before or since. He truly was such a dear friend, if only for a week, but one that I will never forget. The band signed his album "Sam Neely (Neely 2) and Sam wrote "To Doc, One of the finest musicians I know. Sam Neely".
I was very sad to hear that your father made his transition. I don't know what happened, but I wish I had tried harder to find him sooner. I still love his music to this day! I miss him too. He just really cared for people, he was humble for one so gifted. I know some time has passed since last year, yet I wanted you to remember with me just how special Sam was, even then. He lives in my heart too. I have the joy to be a part of his Birgraphy, the week we became life long friends, and still are.
Doc
Doc Bochenek
lawtunes@yahoo.com
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- My Years With Sam -- Don Butler, 17:01:45 02/10/07 Sat [2]
I played guitar for/with Sam from the start of 1982 until mid `85. It was a real thrill to have been asked to join his band. I had know Sammy since 1975 when I moved to Corpus. Those were some really fun times and some aggravating ones as well, especially the time our tour bus broke down in Lubbock. We were on our way to play in Amarillo for a few days. It had been snowing and the fuel line ( a $10.00 part) split and dumped 75 gallons of fuel on the highway. Our driver, Randy pulled into a truck stop in the middle of the night and I woke up freezing about 8:30 in the morning (couldn't heat the bus unless it was running..). The parts place didn't open until 9 am. Once Randy fixed the fuel line we were on our way. Seemed like that damn bus was always breaking down. It was nice to read the story about our gigs at Billy Bob's. I remember the drink "incident" real well. We all went looking for a waitress while Sammy was yelling "My career's going to end tonight if I don't get a couple of f___ing Jack & Cokes before we go on."
In-spite of the way Sammy could be at times, I still loved every second of it. In March of 2005 my wife and I flew to San Antonio for a few days. We drove down to Corpus just to see Sam for a day. I glad we did that as it was great to see him again after 18 years of living in L.A. (even though it seems like I'm on tour alot over the last 7 years. I'm the guy in the bus photo on the far left. the club owner mooning us still kills me. I never knew until Walt gave me a copy of the photo. Walt.. where are you?
I learned alot about music, guitar playing, songs and work ethics from the thousands of hours I spent with Sam. I think about him often and even more so when my band plays places that we went to all those years ago. I also wonder what's happened to all the friends and bandmates we had back then. I seem to only hear about the ones that pass onto the next world..
One last though here.. I recall about 2 months after I had started playing with Sam at his club (Neely's) that one night when he was introducing the band, he said "And here's Don Butler on guitar. This is his last week as he's joining the Coast Guard." About two weeks later some poor woman came up to me and said "I thought you were leaving to join the Coast Guard?" No mam, that's just Sammy's sense of humour. He was just havin' one over on all of us. The ultimate prankster....
Thanks for reading! It's great to see how many people Sam touched with his music and his life.
Don Butler
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Replies:
- My Daddy the #1 Prankster -- Kelsea Neely (VERY VERY SAD), 10:00:07 01/28/07 Sun [1]
My Daddy, Sammy Neely the #1 ultimate prankster. My daddy pulled so many pranks on people, sometimes even though I knew he was pranking , I thought they were true for a minute. He will always be in my heart! My love goes out to JASON, PAT,ALL THE NEELYS , MY FAMILY EVERYBODY WHO LOVES MY DADDY !If you ever want to talk about my daddy email me at daddysgirl82248@yahoo.com
Kelsea Neely
daddysgirl82248@yahoo.com
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- A Very Special Friend -- Susan (Sad), 18:37:50 11/16/06 Thu [1]
I met Sam at Knight's Inn. I was with him when he got involved with Tilt..got to meet Brooke Shield's at a party with him. I was 19 at the time and going through a very tough time in my life..Sam was ALWAY'S there for me..encouraging me and kicking me in the butt when I needed it. I moved away and lost touch..which I very much regret. I LOVE YA SAM ..and alway's will.
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- There will never be another Sam Neely -- Ann Finnsson (Saddened from Canada), 20:42:43 10/18/06 Wed [1]
I was in shock when I went into Sam's web site and found that he is no longer with us. I had never met Sam personally but through our emails, I felt his close friendship. My first contact with him was when I was looking for a copy of his album "Sam Neely 2" as I had somehow years ago lost the original which I had obtained back in the '70's. This album was in the process of being reissued to cd format but was not yet available so he was kind enough to burn this album off his computer on to a cd and mailed it to me. I don't think there are too many singers out there who would do this for a fan. Sam called me his "Canadian friend". I will never forget him. He was a great guy. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
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- Thank You -- Joe Markley (Saddened but thankful), 20:55:37 10/11/06 Wed [1]
I only saw Sam Neely in concert one time. He performed at the City Hall here in Portland Maine while promoting his second album. Just a teenager, I had been absolutely blown away by "Loving You Just Crossed My Mind" and to this day and many many conerts later I can still recall the show as one of my all time favorite concerts.
I have been playing and writing music ever since those days. So many times over the years I would pick up my guitar to practice for an upcming gig, or work on a new song. But instead I would just start to drift off and play some old song that I just LOVED to sing and it would always just take me away from the job at hand. "Loving You Just Crossed My Mind" is that song. I have been singing that song consistently since 1973 and I know I will never ever be tired of it.
I played it just last night and it prompted me to Google Sam Neely. It's a long way from South Texas to Maine and I had not heard of Sam in a long time.
I was very saddened to hear he had passed. I wish he could have known that he had left such an impression on a young high school kid up in Maine that I would still be singing and blown away by his great music 30 years later.
Thank you and God Bless You Sam, may he hold you in the palm of his hannd.
Joe
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- we will miss you Sam -- Mike O, 18:02:12 10/04/06 Wed [1]
My family has listened to Neely 2 and Down Home since they were first issued. I grew up with songs like "Take me back wife" and "Lord I'm amazed". In the last year I comunicated with Sam via e-mail and he was so nice and thoughtful.
He will be missed
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- We'll Miss You My Friend and Mentor -- Stephen Parkhurst, 13:19:46 10/04/06 Wed [1]
We will miss you my friend.
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- My "Uncle Sammy" -- Cyndi Coker, 17:19:39 08/28/06 Mon [1]
I am proud to call Sam Neely my "Uncle Sammy" and am so proud to hear all the kind words spoken about him. He was truly a special man and I was so touched by how many people loved him besides his family. He was always a rock for our family as it seems he was for so many people. Thanks so much to all his friends and fans who loved and supported him for so many years. My only consilation is that he is with my Papaw, Nannie and my brother who all adored him so much too. He is truly an Angel and our family has loss someone so special. He would be humbled by the outpour of love and support through this difficult time.
Thanks for loving him as much as we did,
Cyndi
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- Sam And I -- Margie, 19:28:27 08/23/06 Wed [1]
Sam and I had a very special friendship.
He was my mentor and my coach. And he was there to listen.
We talked about family friends and life and what music meant to the both of us.
I had lost my mom, dad, husband brother and my sister past away the same day Sam did.
Only I found out today, I was wondering why I haven't heard
from him.
I have never met Sam in real life. But he was as real as can be. The last conversation we had was about what is the most important thing in a persons life.
And that is what a person does and how he loves and respekts others.
Sam gave me comfort by being there and giving me joy with his letters and music.
I gave Sam comforting thoughts about life and about Love
as a family and friends and overall joys of giving one
self to bring others happiness.
I told him how happy he had made me with his music and how happy he had made me with some of his letters and conversations.
I told him that he had touched many many lifes and that
if he had helped one person in this world to better themselves to find this happiness, that he shurely would be blessed. He has been my hope and my future in keeping
a positive and a loving attitude, because I have MS and Leukemia.
Sam and I knew that however long we had in this life the most important thing was LOVE.
And he love those who loved him.. We will never forget him. the laughs, the joy and his tallents he shared.
With his passing we feel the sorrow but we also must rejoyce because he made it, we still have to go that journey. But I know with beiond a shadow of a doubt that
one day we will see Sam again.. and see that grin on his face, and the laught in his eyes..
Sam we love you and we will think of you,, because we know you are not far away.
Love always Margie
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- Messages With CD Orders -- Ralph Wranker, 16:25:19 08/14/06 Mon [1]
I would like to thank everyone that has included messages about Sam with their CD orders. I am beginning to learn that Sam didn’t have fans, he had friends, whether he knew them or not.
Again, thank you.
Ralph Wranker
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- Google finds Sam -- Donnie Solinger (Wistful Don), 19:43:36 07/24/06 Mon [2]
Over 30 years ago while living in New England I saw Sam Neely sing "Rosalie" on American Bandstand. His music moved me in much the same way as Jim Croce’s had. Croce had just been lost in a plane crash. I had a new musical hero. I bought the album (Neely 2) and listened to it exclusively for months. I soon bought a guitar and started learning the chords so I could play and sing along.
Then I loaned the record to a girlfriend and never saw it again. I was never able to replace it. Over the years I've though of Sam and Rosalie often and what a shame it was that such a gifted singer/songwriter was not making records anymore - or so I thought. I even wrote a few songs with him in mind as the singer. A few months ago I decided to do a Google search for Sam and there he was. Hallelujah! I wrote to the link on the website and told him my story and he wrote back. You can't imagine what a thrill it was for me to find out that he was still making music and what's more he was nice enough to correspond with me. What a great guy! I saved all his emails, some written just days before we lost him.
I sent for "Neely 2", "Son of the South", and "Sam Neely" The CD's came and I've been listening to them as I drive around in my big truck every day. Such a rush it was to hear those songs from the 70's again - instead of the old, barely audible tapes still in my head from way back then. The new stuff was pure Sam. This is feel good music. I couldn't wait to tell him how much I liked it. I was tickled that I would have a cyber-relationship with one of my musical hero's after all this time.
Then I pulled up the website Friday morning and there was the chilling epitaph. Shocked seems almost too clichéd but the grief I'm feeling is real.
It’s like I’ve lost a friend that I never met. Yet from the testimonials I’ve been reading I’m finding out that Sam was the kind of person who could make everyone feel like his best friend. For that I admire him even more.
My heart goes out to his children and family members, soul mates, friends and all those who knew and loved him. I believe he was a rare and special person whose loss will be felt for a long, long time.
Suddenly his words ring all too true – “I guess this world’s not what it’s supposed to be”. But in a sense I feel blessed that I was able to have this brief interlude with him. I have all the CD’s now and will always cherish these past few months when one of my idols became my friend – kind of.
Donnie Solinger
Blandon, PA
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- This Aint It -- Tabby Crabb (video), 09:09:05 08/07/06 Mon [1]
Ralph has posted a link to the This Aint It video that Sam and I put together in 2003 I think it was. It's on Sam's VIDEO page now. If you tried to view the low res Real Media version (which looked crappy) Ive updated it to a good looking win media file which should play on Macs too.
-=tabby
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- Shutting Down Sam The Jokester (cont'd) -- Cindy Moorhead-Hindman, 21:46:24 07/27/06 Thu [2]
If my memory serves me correctly, it all started when Sam played a very embarrasing prank on me. (I'm sorry, but I can't reveal that story) We were still working on my CD and I was searching for a way to get Sam back. Ralph Wranker was shooting my CD photos and I believe we had been all over South Texas that day, then ended up at my house which has two acres of trees, horses and old things to photograph. I am not sure which one of us came up with the idea, but we decided that a topless photo webpage plastered on the internet should do it, since Sam knew that I would not even come close to doing such a thing. (Now I'm sure that was Ralph's idea, haha) Since Ralph is such an awesome computer guru, he figured he could photograph me in a swimsuit bikini top and the rest, of course, computerized. So, I had to pose in the most explicit or sexy way to get the effect, but it turned out I was not too good at posing because I was laughing most of the time. Ralph got the photos and loaded them on the computer and started building me "computer boobs" - I think it took him at least a week, inbetween all the phone calls from Ralph asking me embarrasing questions, like what is your size, etc. It really wasn't so bad, since I was very determined for this prank to be perfect. Along the way, we both had to engineer our stories and of course try not to crack any smiles, to be believeable. Finally, Ralph sent me his artistic work of my perfect "computer boobs" and I gave my okay. Ralph then sent my topless photo/webpage to Sam - I remember it was sent in the evening when we knew Sam would be at home checking his fanmail. It wasn't 10 minutes when I received the phone call from Sam - "Cindy, I am shocked!" How come you let Ralph take topless photos of you?.......on and on and on........I kept a straight face on the phone and kept my story straight, because Sam kept me on the phone for at least half an hour. Of course Ralph was next and had to do the same. I know I never told Sam the truth, but I think Ralph gave him some hints (did you Ralph?). I know Sam believed it at least for the first 24 hrs until the photo was removed by Ralph for security reasons. And you thought that was the end......Sam got me back again! I walked into the studio a week or two later and my color topless photo was plastered all over the studio, the doors, the bathroom, on the back of Mike Gregory's car and other places I never knew of. I found out later from Sam, that he downloaded the photo and made copies of it that same night he received it. Weeks down the road Sam would make mention of how he was not fooled, but I continued to tell him that I really bared all for the photo. I have never had so much fun and laughs with one person in my life! I hope this story made you smile, because Sam was full of humor and many other wonderful qualities. I miss you, Sam!! (Ralph, if I left anything out, please feel free to tell).....................Cindy
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- Sadie Take A Lover -- Sadie, 01:20:44 07/25/06 Tue [2]
I fell in love with Sam after seeing him on the Merv Griffen show when I was 15 years old. I loved his music and his voice. At age 18 while I was stranded in Texas, I was positive I heard his voice on the radio and the song had "Sadie" in it. This was 1974. On returning to San Diego, CA, I could'nt find the song and no one knew what I was talking about. Years go by and I fineally wrote him. After telling me that I had not lost my mind and yes the song was called "Sadie take A Lover", he burned me a copy for my birthday and sent it to me. What a thrill to read "I wondered when you would show up!" That was the beginning of a fun friendship and countless heart to heart talks about everything under the sun. What a great guy! He took the time to call me on my birthday, July 10 and sang "Sadie Take A Lover" and Happy Birthday and we talked for almost an hour. And that fast, he was taken from us. Many many prayers and blessings I send to his family and Kelsea and Jason. He loved you so with all of his heart, and told me so many, many times. We are all so blessed to have his music to comfort us now. Keep singing, Sam, I know it must be one huge jam session! Love, your Sadie
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- Another victim of Sam's pranks... -- Matthew Garth, 17:45:12 07/25/06 Tue [3]
It was a stormy Corpus day outside the pawn shop where we worked. I was standing at the edge of the shelter watching the storm get ready to move over us. After a bit, Sam joined me to see what the weather was doing. We just stood there talking about the black clouds and such. "You really have to watch those clouds over there. They are FULL of electricity. You can tell by the way they are moving. They can be dangerous." he said. This of course brought my attention to the cloud he was pointing out. All of a sudden there was a really LOUD electric shock right behind me that made me jump! Sam had gotten his hand on an electric taser gun and I fell victim to one of his pranks. To this day, every time I see lightning, I think of him and smile.
You were a good friend and great teacher. I will never forget you and cherish the time I knew you. See you again one day my friend...
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- Always a Gentleman. -- Houston "Scooter" Evans, 20:42:19 07/25/06 Tue [1]
I picked music since I was about 14, started in public at 16 with my brother Faron. We grew up behind the Rogues Club on Gertie Dr. so we heard the sounds coming out of there. Me & Faron knew we had to play music or bust, so we kept praticing & listening in the alley behind the Rogues Club. We started playing small beer joints in Corpus when I was 18 & Faron was 16, it led to being able to play some of Tony Mershwa's deals at the beach & in the country & at what is now called LaBonte Park. It got Faron & me known good enough to be accepted by the Real music guys in Corpus like Sam, even though we were Honky Tonk Beer Joint Country Raw teenage kids. Sam was always giving us encouragement. I won the draft lottery & chose the USN & Faron started a single act around Corpus til he went off to A&M. Whenever I came home on leave Sammy always ask me to set in. It made me feel great & I would sing the latest I wrote while I was sailing around the world. Sam, always the gentleman, listened & gave me true critic.
When I was discharged I sat in again with him & only on harmonicas, played most of the night with him. One of my favorite times. Faron recorded an Album back in 76 and sang 3 of mine & one of Sam's. My first royalty check. He did 'Sams A woman is the better part of Life'. I was honored to have a song I wrote on the same album as a Sam Neely song.
I cherish my friendship with him forever.
Houston Scooter Evans
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- Through The Years -- Russell T. Ivey, 18:03:35 07/25/06 Tue [1]
Where to start , I first meet Sammy in the late sixtys playing in a battle of the bands , Sammy was playing with The In Crowd , I was playing with the Freedom Express , well as all good pickers know , when the gigs come slow you have to get a 9 to 5 well mine turned out to be 3 to 11 , at Toco Bell down by six points , well there was another picker down on gigs working there also ( Sammy ) we became best of friends picking and signing in our spare time , shortly after I moved to Austin and began playing with B.W.Stevenson , four months past recieved a letter from uncle sam , joined the Air Force , ended up in Vietnam with the Armed Forces Network , Sammy was just releasing Long Road To Texas , later I got shipped to Thailand , Sammy was releasing Loving You Just Crossed My Mind need less to say it was played once a hour on my shift , upon returning to ol CC ran into Sammmy at the Rogue's club it seemed like only a few days had pasted instead of four years , I return to Austin doing that Cosmic Cowboy gig , through out the years mine and Sammy paths often crossed as we toured this great land , I never forget in the early years fishing in Corpus Christi bay and playing all night , sitting in his garage writting songs , or later in life fishing of the dock in his back yard , Sammy was a pal and a good friend for over 35 years.Sing It Again Sam
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- Shutting Down Sam The Jokester -- Ralph Wranker, 16:47:13 07/25/06 Tue [1]
When Mike Gregory, Sam Neely and I started Taliesyn Music in the early nineties, you could tell Sam liked pulling pranks (harmless, but funny pranks) on people. I would watch Sam as he would look over his victim(s). You could see the wheels churning as to what he was going to do next to get a laugh, of course, at the expense of someone else.
After witnessing a few pranks, I could tell he was looking for his next victim. His eyes would shift back and forth as we worked and the wheels were churning. I felt I was somehow going to be the next victim. As it turned out, his victim was singer Cindy Moorhead. I won’t discuss what he did, but it was funny.
Now Cindy Moorhead was looking for a way to get even with Sam. We put together a prank that blew Sam away. I helped Cindy get even. I won’t say what it was. I’ll let Cindy tell you the story, if she wants too.
Sam knew I was involved with Cindy’s prank, and he wouldn’t believe what we did wasn’t real. To this day, I don’t think Sam believed us.
Anyway, he let me know that I was on his list. I said in a calm voice: “Well, if that’s the case, then I guess I’ll have to post that I Hate Sam Neely web site.” I think I stunned him when I said that. I even made up a bogus web page for him to see on-line. From that point on, when it looked like Sam was getting ready pull a prank on me, I would remind him of the I Hate Sam Neely web site. That would shut him down.
I often wondered what would have happened if I didn’t have something to hang over his head. After all, his pranks were funny.
Ralph Wranker
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- A Special 19th Birthday -- Karen Cody, 21:02:06 07/24/06 Mon [1]
I celebrated my birthday at th Electric Eel in 1974. Sam Neely was playing there with "Buddy" Collard at the time. Sam came over & visited with me & my friends at my table. I asked for his autograph, which he gave me on a napkin. I have kept that napkin for 32 yrs. I pulled it out again upon hearing of his death. What says alot about him was his salutation on the autograph. After his message saying that he hoped I was having a good time on my birthday, rather than merely signing it "Sam Neely", he signed it, "Your friend, Sam Neely". He had such a great spirit about him and gave his friendship freely & without reservation. I'll never fortet that night or him. God bless his family
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- Sam and the pilot -- Tabby Crabb (Recording studio story), 18:37:27 07/24/06 Mon [1]
Sam and became friends from the time I played on his album on Gilley's Records and spent a lot of time together during the course of that record.
While we were doing that recording we needed Sam to fly up from Corpus to Pasadena to do some vocals. Mike Taylor (the producer) was a pilot and talked Sam into letting us (Mike and me) fly a single engined plane down and bring him back. Sam was hesitant but agreed so Mike and I rented a Skyhawk (small 4 place single engine) in LaPorte TX and headed down the coast to pick up Sam.
We had to spend the night in town that night and we left the next morning for the airport and loaded up and took off to fly back to LaPorte which was just down the road from Pasadena.
Mike was in the left front seat (pilot), me in the right front (co-pilot) and Sam was lounging in the back seat. As we approached LaPorte and made the turn we were horrified to see a huge thunderstorm closing in on the airport. We were at about 500' and on the final approach. We could feel the storm catching up to us and tossing the little four place plane around.
As we were coming over the end of the runway the storm caught us and blew us nose down straight down the runway. We thought we were going to die for sure and it took both Mike and me (and some luck from God) to straighten the little plane out. We skidded to a stop in the mud and grass at the end of the runway with the nose of the plane hanging out over the highway. Luckily no one at the airport saw this because they had gone inside the hanger when the storm hit.
I looked over at Mike and saw that Sam had his hands around Mike's throat. I started laughing (nervously since we had almost been killed) and Sammy said,
"Mike there's no way the crash would have killed you because I would have choked you to death before that for talking me into taking this trip."
It was always hard to know with Sam but I have always thought he was serious about that. Sam told me later that he wasn't worried until he saw me turn white as a sheet and start pulling back on the wheel with Mike.
We laughed about that trip a lot over the years. Doing that record with Sam is something that made me very proud since I was already a fan when I met him and being his friend has been one of the highlights of my life.
-=Tabby Crabb
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