"Mr. Cracker Barrel, Are You taking me of your walls. I posed for Norman Rockwell; I'll have you know."
Steeping with irony, photojournalist Dorothea Lange
This is a shot of Bob Wills with some of the early Bakersfield Sound guys at Bakersfield High School's Harvey Auditorium around 1953. They guys on the right of Bob were Texas musicians traveling with Wills along with Louise Rowe when they toured California in 1952 -1953. Top Row, left to right, Tommy Hays, Billy Mize, Cliff Crofford, Jimmy Thomason, Bob Wills, Playboy singer Bill Choate, unknown, Playboy drummer Jack Greenback . Bottom row, left to right, Ralph Yaw, Cousin Herb Henson, Johnny Cuvellio, Louise Rowe, Cousin Ebb Pilling, Ferlin Husky and Thad Buckley. Both Thomason and Henson had local country music TV shows in Bakersfield and Cuviello ended up as the drummer (after his stint with Wills) for Bill Woods and his Orange Blossom Playboys ( which also included a young Buck Owens on guitar around 1955) at the famous Blackboard Cafe. Photo by Roundtree Photography/Bakersfield, CA
NOTE: The one on bottom far left is definitely not Ralph Yaw. I believe I can factually identify but it will take some thought and searching, products I currently have little of.
A Fallen First Cousin -- Joe Hudson
(See this blog October 22, 2022)
August 27, 1933 – June 20, 2025
Joseph Hudson passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 91. He was a hardworking man, a loving husband, father and grandfather. Joe was born in Galena, Kansas and later settled in Trona, California. After serving in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1952 to 1954, he returned to Trona where he met his life partner Ruby Delores Sizemore. They married on October 22, 1955, and had three daughters, Vicki (who passed in 2022), Deborah, and Belinda.
After serving "Uncle Sam", as he always put it, Joe began a long and loyal career at Kerr McGee. He worked there for over 56 years, and during that time he built a reputation of being one of the plant's most trusted and dependable workers-never missing a single day of work. That kind of dedication is rare, and it showed just how much pride he took in doing things the right way.
But for Joe, family always came first. He wasn't just "Grandpa"-he was a constant source of support, always present, always involved. He and Delores not only raised their three daughters, but also five of their grandchildren, who they guided with patience, strength, and love. He made time to take his grandkids on fishing trips and RV road adventures across the country. Those trips weren't about fancy destinations, they were about sharing stories and spending quiet moments together. He showed his grandkids the importance of being there, of listening, and of making memories that last.
Joe and Delores shared a long life together. Even after her passing in 2017, Joe remained a strong example of loyalty and love for his family.
He is survived by two of his three daughters, five of his six grandchildren, George, Jennifer, Nadean, Joseph, and Louis (Baby Aaron passed in 2003), thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He also leaves behind two of his three siblings: his younger brother Chuck and youngest sister Edna. The eldest brother, Norman passed in 1947.
Joe's roots stayed in Trona, even after he and Delores moved to Ridgecrest. Joe always made a point to keep close ties with the people and places that mattered the most. His legacy is one of hard work, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. He was a man you could count on-a rock for those around him.
He will be missed more than words can say.
Amen.
FYI: Joe actually started out at Stauffer Chemical Co. at Westend, Calif. I believe that same place later became under the umbrella of Kerr-McGee. He had a short marriage prior to Delores but I don't recall her name. I go way back with him. It's a hard loss.
Aw, shucks, twern't nothin' -- and no I did not write this:
Kern County Sports Chronicles is generally considered a great book by reviewers, particularly those with a connection to Kern County or its sports history. It receives high ratings on Amazon, with many reviewers specifically highlighting the book's quality and the author's ability to capture the essence of Kern County, California's athletic history. Here's why it's well-regarded:
Focus on Local Athletes:
The book profiles a variety of Kern County athletes, including some who achieved national recognition, offering a unique perspective on local sports history.
Author's Experience:
Bryce Martin, the author, is a seasoned journalist with a strong background in sports writing, lending credibility and depth to the profiles.
Positive Customer Reviews:
Many reviewers praise the book's content and express satisfaction with their purchase, indicating a positive overall reception.
Nostalgia and Connection:
For those with ties to Kern County, the book evokes a sense of nostalgia and provides a glimpse into the area's athletic past.
In conclusion, if you have an interest in Kern County, California, sports history or enjoy reading about athletes with local ties, Kern County Sports Chronicles is likely to be a rewarding read.
