Back when I was with Johnny Bush, we played a gig at a mental institution in east Texas, along with Willie Nelson and Ray Price. As we approached the gate with all three buses in a row, I got out only to be greeted by a short little man smoking a cigar and dressed in a military uniform like General Patton. He gave me a big left hand salute and handshake and said to bring the busses on in and he would show us where to park.

John had that 1957 Golden Eagle with his name on the side, Ray Price had a fairly new Silver Eagle with his name proudly displayed on the sides, but Willie was traveling in an old "Open Road" camper (like a Winnebago). As they started through the gate, the little General was very excited and started to announce their entrance to me. As the first bus passed through the gate he boldly announced, "Johnny Bush and the Bandoleros", I cannot believe they are really here.

Then came the second bus, "Ray Price and the Cherokee Cowboys", that is one of my most favorite groups ever. As Willie came through the gate, he announced with even more excitement, "Open Road", that is my all time most favorite group in the whole wide world. I knew right then and there that we were in for a time that we would not soon forget.

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