Recently at what was more or less a farewell concert to the amazing Bakersfield exhibit at The Country Music Hall Of Fame, Rose Lee Maphis was asked about the inspiration for the famous song Dim Lights, Thick Smoke, and Loud, Loud Music, which legend has it, was written by her husband, the immortal Joe Maphis about the famous Blackboard Cafe. She affirmed that story, and further stated that it was inspired by their first appearance at the storied club where they were accompanied by, among others, an ex-drummer of Bob Wills named Johnny Cuviello... Well, that got my attention because I remember Johnny Cuviello playing at The Freight and Salvage with, among others, Piper Heisig...Im sure he also played various venues with Don Burnhams swing band when I was present; he must have been in his 70s then--I know he was in his 90s when he passed not so very long ago. Rose said that The Blackboard made such a huge impression on herself and Joe initially because when they came west, theyd been accustomed to playing venues like The Old Dominion Barn Dance and such; they had been coaxed by Joes friend Merle Travis...The Blackboard was a different animal altogether...
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:34:23 +0000
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