Biography
Steel guitarist Bobby Dixon ranked among the finest yet least recognized Texas instrumentalists of the 1950s. He began his professional life in 1951, while still attending high school, as a member of Jerry Byler’s band and, two years afterward, traveled across the United States alongside Troy Jordan And The Cross B Boys.
Much of his earliest activity centered on Odessa, Texas. After a short stint with guitarist/vocalist Bobby Hudnell at the Sportsman’s Club there, he became part of vocalist/guitarist Billy Thompson’s resident group at the Melody Club in 1954.
Dixon seldom remained with any single group for an extended time. Departing the Melody Club, he performed western swing alongside Hoyle Nix in Big Springs before soon joining Cotton Collins, composer of the classic country song “West Phalia Waltz,” in Austin.
He also maintained a lengthy presence in San Angelo. In addition to appearances with Blackie Crawford’s band, he assisted in assembling a group that included ex-Bob Wills pianist Marshall Turney, fiddlers Tommy Carnfield and Billy Cooper, bassist Shan Kennedy, and drummer Jimmy Dennis.
Upon returning to Odessa, Dixon purchased the Dunnigan School of Music, the same establishment where he had studied as a youth. By day he instructed aspiring steel guitarists; by night he continued performing with the Melody Club house band.
Much of his earliest activity centered on Odessa, Texas. After a short stint with guitarist/vocalist Bobby Hudnell at the Sportsman’s Club there, he became part of vocalist/guitarist Billy Thompson’s resident group at the Melody Club in 1954.
Dixon seldom remained with any single group for an extended time. Departing the Melody Club, he performed western swing alongside Hoyle Nix in Big Springs before soon joining Cotton Collins, composer of the classic country song “West Phalia Waltz,” in Austin.
He also maintained a lengthy presence in San Angelo. In addition to appearances with Blackie Crawford’s band, he assisted in assembling a group that included ex-Bob Wills pianist Marshall Turney, fiddlers Tommy Carnfield and Billy Cooper, bassist Shan Kennedy, and drummer Jimmy Dennis.
Upon returning to Odessa, Dixon purchased the Dunnigan School of Music, the same establishment where he had studied as a youth. By day he instructed aspiring steel guitarists; by night he continued performing with the Melody Club house band.
Albums
