WILLARD JONES: "I still love the taste of birthday cake.
It means you're living as you swallow it down"
Pickin' and singin' in honor of Willard's 86th
By Bob Weaver
There is nothing like hearing a rendition of "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" as sung
by old-timer Willard Jones, the Mayor of Five Forks.
Willard went through his repertoire of railroad tunes, including the "Wreck of Ole
Number 9," before a full house at Al's Barn in downtown Munday last night.
The folks gathered to honor Willard on his 86th birthday. A member of the crowd
said "They usually say someone 'turns' an age. In this case, Willard 'slaps'
86."
"What a guy he is," said Al Hogan, who joys in the performance of area musicians
who gather every Friday night for a get-together. "They are some of the greatest
old-time musicians you'll ever hear," he said.
Willard said he wanted to say a few inspiring words, but "Somehow I just hooked
onto the cake."
Ruth Beall joins Willard as he sings "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain"
Sharon Leasure, Larry George and Carol George
sing some great gospel
music
Musician Bob Beall entertains crowd
"It is great to spend these nights with my friends," said Willard. "I wouldn't know I
was old at all, if my wind wouldn't leave me."
Several different groups performed last night, picking and singing mountain
tunes, bluegrass and gospel.
Hogan's Barn is a trip unto itself, with banks of electronic equipment, lights,
artifacts, trinkets, musical instruments, signs and strange objects. Of course,
there is lots of food and good talk.
"We welcome people here and make sure they want to come back," said
Hogan.
The barn is located in the ill-fated village of Munday in Wirt County, close enough
to the Calhoun line for Calhoun to almost claim it.
Al Hogan operates "Helping Hands," a non-profit Christian group that helps people
when they need help. www.helpinghandscrisiscenter.org
"We try and reach out to people who are in need, young and old," he said. "When
we collect some money, we pass it on."
Al's Barn is a Friday night hoot
This guy said "Come back again"
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