(by Gaylynn Robinson)     There is only one woman musician who could hold her own in Bob Wills’ band. Her name is Louise Rowe, Bob Wills Texas Playboy. However, you’ll never hear her boast about such an achievement. She is much too humble and is something even scarcer these days, a genuine lady; Texas lady that is. It stands to reason and it becomes evident there is somewhat of a theme repeating itself in Louise’s life. You see, Louise Rowe, the ONLY female musician Bob Wills ever hired, is also the youngest and ONLY female sibling in an all male sibling family. And by the way, they weren’t just any ol’ male siblings; I am talking about none other than The Seven Rowe Brothers Band (Columbia Records).  It would be myopic to presume such a fate had little influence on the young lady.  To the contrary, this was just the sort of  character building needed to earmark her unique place in music history. In retrospect, it was a perfect training ground for the young girl from Midland, Texas who would become the only female Texas Playboy.

     In 1952, at the age of 18, Louise was hired as a singer by Bob Wills to tour Southern California. Now that gig, in itself was quiet an accomplishment for the young girl. Unbeknownst to Bob, the little lady was holding some aces up those fringed cowgirl sleeves and not until bass man, Jack Lloyd quit the band did he discover little Louise was an accomplished rhythm guitar and bass player. That must have been a nice surprise. He told Louise to get a union card and the little Texas girl became a Texas Playboy.

     At the end of 1953, the Southern California tour was ending. Another tour was gearing up but because it had been booked prior to the S.C. tour, Louise was not written into the contract. Bob Wills, however, left her with a standing invitation to rejoin the band after the tour.

     Meanwhile, Louise took a job playing bass in Longview, TX at the Rio Palm Isle Club. Soon after, she met Western Swing bandleader, Tommy Allsup. They tied the knot in 1955 in Las Vegas. Three years later they were divorced.  

     I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Louise’s music back in 1994 when my sister, Kathy, turned me on to a little cassette called, Texas Playgirls and Playboys. It blew me away! Kathy was Louise and Buddy’s neighbor in Hunter, Texas. Just a side note: With a blink you could miss Hunter. It’s just south of San Marcos and it is famous for being the home of Riley’s Tavern, holder of the first Texas beer license issued after prohibition ended in 1933. It was behind Riley’s Tavern that Louise and Kathy’s homes were located and their friendship bonded.   Ironically, it wasn’t until 15 years later, I would finally meet Louise.   I met her at the 2009 Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame induction show in San Marcos, Texas. There she was up on stage; poised like a goddess playing her upright bass and still holding her own among all those guys.

     Louise is a lovely soul and I am blessed that I have gotten to know her a little better. Maybe the fact that we are both West Texas gals makes us kindred spirits.  She has some great music out there. This lady is a fabulous songwriter to boot.  My Time With Bob is a real treat. It is a compilation of 12 cuts taken from the live shows and radio performances during her time as a Texas Playboy. It has some really cool tunes on it, “Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes”, “Crocodile Tears”, “Fool Fool Fool”. The camaraderie between the young Louise and The King of Swing is nothing short of endearing. Nothing is cut; the dialogue between songs is complete. The King teases little Louise quite a lot but she doesn’t falter one bit. She explains that Bob would ask permission to playfully tease her during their performance before they went on stage.  Saying “no” would only cause Bob’s whimsical indulgence at her expense to intensify. But Louise persevered just as she had persevered those formative years when her brothers teased her unmercifully. What a precious memory to have. It is a testimony to Louise’s character; a character and presence that merits instant respect even from total strangers. 

     Louise’s 2008 release, I Still Cry should be in every Western Swinger’s cd rack. It is a superb cd. “I Still Cry”, written by Louise is a beautiful song and I would put it up there with any Cindy Walker song. Louise produced the album and has a Western Swing “dream band” on the project.  Louise laments that the project produces a bitter sweet emotion due to Bob Boatright’s passing immediately after the completion of his sessions on the album. Louise explains that the title choice, I Still Cry reflects the collective sentiment of all the musicians involved with this final Boatright project.  I Still Cry is truly a magical work of art.

 

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