Bright Lights for My Birthday Boy!

photo taken for the Bridgeport, Texas Index Newspaper

"Karo and The Cons' * Fall 1965

This photo was taken for the newspaper in Bridgeport, TX in 1965 during a Western Day celebration in the city.  The residents were encourged to dress in their own version of western style for the event.  At Karo's high school, one of the activities for the celebration was a school assembly where the students were invited to display their talents.  Karo had the three piece band above, and they were pretty well known in Bridgeport.  The guy in the center of the photo is my cool husband, Karo, singing lead.  C.M. Cash is to your left, who played lead guitar.  Sadly, C.M. was killed in an auto accident in the late 1980's.  And to your right is Dwayne Dale, who still keeps in touch with Karo and comes by from time to time to jam and reminisce.  Karo really wanted to become a rock and roll star...he did sing country songs too.  His favorite artist growing up, was, and still is, Elvis! 

I know, the first time Karo sang for me, I was totally shocked and blown away.  I wasn't expecting to hear such a strong voice to come from this little guy-he doesn't even need a microphone!  And his voice does boast an Elvis-like style!  He knows at least 98% of Elvis' songs, and we have many CD's and DVD's.  On Karo's birthdays, and on Elvis' birthday, we watch Elvis movies, some of which are concert DVD's.  I have become more of an Elvis fan just since Karo and I have been together.  What a man!  Haha-well...I mean both of them!

Hey! Elvis-what's up?

"Just stopped by to say Hello, and wish your cool hubby a Happy Birthday!"

Elvis photo from Yahoo Images

Karo began playing guitar at the age of 9.  He and some of his friend's would stop by an older boy's home after school and take guitar lessons.  During that time he also played in his church band.  And, of course, sometimes before church services, when they were warming up,  he and his friends couldn't refrain from cutting loose with some rock and roll-much to the disapproval of some of the church members!  But, respectfully, they didn't cut up during the church services!  He continued to play, and he and some of his friends formed a band, and would play at various functions at school, and within the city.  Karo still plays his guitar-he picks it up everyday at least for a few songs, and I never get tired of hearing him play and sing.

In Karo's senior year of high school, he was voted the most talented guy, along with classmate Karen Bryant, who was voted most talented female.  Quite an honor!

Bridgeport, Texas high school yearbook 1966-67

Karo and schoolmate Karen voted most talented.

Well, time goes on, and in 1981, Karo built a dance club on the property behind his home.  He built the large building himself and his young son Chad would help when he could.  He even designed and made burgundy velvet theater curtains for his stage.  Karo named the club "KC's Danceland".  He couldn't afford all of the licensing expenses to serve drinks, or become a private club, considering Bridgeport was in a dry county .  So it was a B.Y.O.B. establishment.  He would hire dance bands to play on weekends, and would always step up on the stage he built and join in on the playing and singing.  But, with Bridgeport being a small town, his club didn't draw the crowds he had hoped for.  Most of the clientele would go into the city to socialize and dance.  Well, some folks will wander where they will not be recognized...if you know what I mean.  Within the year, Karo was financially strapped and had to close his club down.  But he didn't give up singing and playing his guitar.  He eventually moved to Fort Worth where we met in 1991.  And he always took his guitar to parties to entertain his friends, who looked forward to hearing him sing. 

Well, I played a little piano, and sang in several groups during my high school years.  So, we already had music in common.  But I was so shy, and had never played piano in front of anyone before, other than my family and my son.  Karo helped me through some of that shyness.  We started playing and singing together.  After we got married, we decided to sell my piano and I purchased an electronic keyboard that also houses various other intrumental voices.  And,  Karo got some inexpensive recording equipment so we could record our stuff.  It is hard work if you're going to make it sound decent.  On some of our songs, it took 25 or more takes to get it right.  But we've had a lot of fun and have learned from each other. 

***

In honor and celebration of Karo's Birthday which is Thursday, July 21st, I would like to share one of our songs with you.  All instruments are played by us (no karaoke!).  Karo sings lead vocals, and both of us sing backup.  He is on guitar, and I play the accompanying instruments.  I know we're not pros, but what fun we've had putting it together!  I hope you enjoy! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARO!

"If I stand still while I'm singing, I'm a dead man."

~Elvis Presley