B.W. Stevenson - B.W. Stevenson
On this episode, we discuss the 1972 eponymous debut from B.W. Stevenson, a tragically overlook talent from Texas.
Stevenson was one of group of artists identified with the progressive or Outlaw country movement of the early 1970s, a singer-songwriter based movement that strove for a more authentic sound than that coming out of Nashville at the time. Stevenson’s debut did showcase his ability to write incredibly earnest and introspective songs, about longing and loneliness. Unfortunately his label, RCA, struggled with how to best utilize his talents. However, regardless of the occasional production misses, what ultimately shines through on this LP, and what made Stevenson stand out from the rest of the Outlaw Country pack for anyone paying attention, is that big, talented voice.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Mainstays of the early Austin music scene circa 1974. (Pictured L to R) B.W. Stevenson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Rusty Weir, and Steven Fromholz .
For some reason, record companies struggled with how to market B.W. Stevenson. Here are two examples taken by two different labels.
Additionally, promoters weren’t sure what to do with him either. Its difficult to think of an odder pairing that the one above.
On October 13, 1974, Stevenson taped what was supposed to be the pilot for Austin City Limits . However, that taping was scraped for several reasons, including poor quality. As a result, the Willie Nelson performance taped the following night was aired as the pilot instead.
B.W. appeared on the show again in 1976 and opened with “Temper, Temper” which you can watch below.
B.W. Stevenson played the Armadillo World Headquarters and would often share the bill with local legends such as Kenneth Threadgill.
B.W. Stevenson was finally able to record on album on his own terms. Unfortunately, it was would be the last record he made before his untimely death at 38.
This final album, released 2 years after his death, was produced by friend Willis Alan Ramsey and featured Jerry Jeff Walker, Steve Fromholz, and a duet with Willie Nelson, “Heart of the Country” which you can listen to below.
