..I am a manager at a large coporation by day and play music in a band as a part time thing. I am very lucky in that I have about 400 of the greatest people around as employees. I truly care about each and every one of them and their families. I hope my presence somehow makes each of their lives better.
I have got to be one of the luckiest people on earth. I have been able to live out my two main passions in life, playing music and flying.
My first concert was in 1960, I was 5 and someone took me to see Lawrence Welk. He had a fantastic guitarist (actually string player, neil played everything) named Neil LaVange. He did Ghost Riders in the Sky and I was hooked. My Dad was a big country fan so I was always listening to Buck, Ernest Tubb, George Jones. Then when the Beatles came along I was really hooked. I have had the privaledge of playing with some of the best players in Tulsa, Ron Morgan (who I think is the best in the world), Jon Glazer, Billy Dozier, Rocky Caple, Speedy West, Glen Rheese, Eldon Shamblin.
In the late 70's I got hooked up with Jana Jae. Jana had taken Don Rich's place with Buck Owens after Don was killed. Jana introduced me to all sorts of people in the country music business. I ended up playing with country bands up until about 1998. Again, I feel so lucky to have played with the people I played with. I wasn't the best player around but I was always on time, dressed nice and smiled a lot!!!! That seemed to get me lots of gigs. I have played in bands with Clint Black, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, Keith Whitley,J.D. Sumner, The late Charlie Hodge, Johnny Russell, Steve Wariner. I also did about 3 years with veteran Hank Thompson and (Austin City Limits) Johnny Gimble. I had the privaledge to be the opening act for Tim McGraw, Rodney Crowell, Highway 101, John Anderson, and many more. Even got to do a show with Spec Rhodes!!!!
Probably the biggest honor I have had was doing the last show he ever did at Cains with the late great Eldon Shamblin. Probably the most fun I have ever had playing was when I used to play the after hours clubs in Creek County with Leo Feathers, there were none better than Leo.
Tulsa is so full of great players that we often forget them until they are gone. We truly have a treasure here with people like Chuck Blackwell (thanks for the front door Chuck) Teegarden, Markham, Bill Davis, Rafensperger,
Sweeney, ect.
About 5 years ago I became aquainted with a young man who I believe to be about the best guitarist to walk on the planet, a young man named Johnny Hiland. Johnny is on Joe Satriani's label and is the endorser for Paul Reed Smith guitars. Check out johhny, after listening to him I decided the best use for my guitar was probably as a paddle for a canoe.
By far, of all my blessings the two of which I am most lucky are my two daughters. They are the joy of my life.And, THANKS to the Parker Guitar company for giving me this wonderful silver Parker Fly!!!!!Take Care, David Thayer
