In Texas folk and country music scenes, singer and guitarist Don Walser stands out as distinctive. His repertoire centers on timeless Western swing numbers rather than contemporary material. Committed to preserving classic Texas country songs, he features signature pieces such as "Cowpoke," "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," and "Mexicali Rose," while ranking among the nation's top yodelers. Performances typically showcase works associated with Bob Wills, the Sons of the Pioneers, Hank Williams, Faron Young, Merle Travis, and Johnny Horton.
After losing his mother at age 12 and with his father employed during nighttime hours, young Walser turned to radio broadcasts for companionship in his LaMesa home in West Texas. He assembled his initial band by age 16 and soon performed at the limited clubs and roadhouses in the LaMesa area. Concurrently, his west Texas neighbor Buddy Holly electrified local roadhouses with rock & roll. The emergence of rock & roll in the late 1950s nearly eliminated opportunities for Walser and fellow country artists.
Walser suspended his emerging music pursuits in 1957 to enlist in the National Guard amid rock & roll's ascent. Music persisted as a side pursuit alongside successive daytime positions with the National Guard. His final role involved serving as an internal auditor in the state Adjutant General's office located in Austin. Throughout his 39-year National Guard tenure, he maintained involvement with assorted bands primarily for enjoyment. Following retirement in 1994, he resumed his youthful endeavors by pursuing music professionally on tour.
Watermelon Records releases by Walser feature select originals including "Rolling Stone from Texas." Listeners often react with amazement to his distinctive vocal style upon initial exposure. Among his Watermelon albums are Texas Top Hand, Rolling Stone from Texas, and Down at the Sky-Vue Drive-In. He travels throughout Texas and the United States alongside the Pure Country Band. Walser also acknowledges the contributions of Ray Benson's Asleep at the Wheel in sustaining frequently forgotten Western swing compositions. Residing in Austin since 1984 and now in his late sixties, he enjoys backing from numerous devoted followers who appreciate the authentic country sounds he delivers.
