Save the date!!!
Some twenty miles northwest of Montgomery on FM 149 lies the little community of Richards. Raised here in the early twentieth century, Algernon “Texas” Alexander (1900-1954), experienced the environment that would lead him to become the “King of the Texas Blues”. The key to the Richards environment lies in its history as the slave center for the once huge Scott Plantation and in being a pioneer community in the then emerging railroad industry. Alexander’s songs primarily echoed the railroad and plantation ethos.
Born in Jewett, Texas on September 12, 1900, Alexander’s life of 54 years included a grand musical career, in which he recorded 69 songs on the OKeh and Vocation labels. Most significant was “The Risin’ Sun”, forerunner of the later hit, “House of the Rising Sun.” An indication of the significance of Texas Alexander lies in a celebration which the Montgomery County Historical Commission officiated: On August 12, 2016, that organization placed a marker at his Longstreet gravesite near Richards while the then mayor of Conroe gave an official dedication at the event. Additionally, the Montgomery County Library recently honored the singer.
It Is this music phenomena that the Montgomery Historical Society will honor Alexander from 1-3pm on Saturday, September 6th. The event will be at the Living Savior Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Montgomery. This is a block west of highway 149 just north of the intersection of 149 with highway 105.
A primary thanks goes to MHS President Billy Ray Duncan and MCN Columnist Ruben Borjas, Jr. for introducing the idea of the event, formulating the plan at their coffee group at the Whataburger in Montgomery. A huge “Hats off,” go to former Montgomery Councilman, T. J. Wilkerson, who played a central role in organizing and spreading the word. We owe Mr. T.J, with a “ mighty” thanks! We would love to have him as our Master of Ceremonies.
Also, Billy Ray Duncan of the Montgomery History Society, will introduce the Honorable Sara Countryman, Mayor of Montgomery, along with representatives of the Montgomery City Council. Montgomery County Historical Commission President, Larry Forester, will also be present, along with Coy Prather, author of the book, “A Tombstone for Texas: Texas Alexander and the Blues Pioneers of Texas.” Prather will give an overview of Alexander’s life and his influence of Blues music. A special treat will be a song from African American Blues singer and resident of Richards, Lewis Sweeny, who will sing a song in Honor of Mr. Alexander.
Hope to see you on September 6th at the Living Savior Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall!