Tanya Tucker Makes Surprise Appearance At Ameripolitan Party
Dale Watson’s Ameripolitan gathering in Memphis, Tennessee officially commenced on Thursday night (2-20) at the pre-party held at Dale’s his newly-opened but historically-significant club, Hernando’s Hide-A-Way. Set to perform at the sold-out show was Dale Watson and His Lonestars, along with throwback legend Chuck Mead, and James Intveld from California. But the assembled crowd got a lot more than they paid for when country legend and recent Grammy winner Tanya Tucker walked in the door.
Fresh off of performing nearby at Graceland Live with Brandy Clark, piano playing wildman Jason D. Williams dragged Tanya to Hernando’s to see what all the hubub was about. Dale and Company were not expecting Tanya to make an appearance, but sprung into action, setting up a keyboard for Jason D. Williams, and making space on stage for Tanya. With Jason D. Williams, The Lonstars as a backing band, and Dale playing guitar, Tanya ran through Kris Kirstofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” and then sang “I’ll Fly Away” as a duet with Dale.
Built around 1900, the four walls of Hernando’s can tell of Elvis himself, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other titans of Memphis and American music playing in the iconic club. Jerry Lee appeared at Hernando’s so often in the 80’s and 90’s, he referred to it as his office. Hernando’s Hide-A-Way officially closed in 2006 for everything but private events, but Dale Watson bought the building in 2018 for a song, and now it’s a swinging honky tonk once again.
Hernando’s is one of the primary venues for the Ameripolitan gathering this year, which culminates in the Ameripolitan Awards on Monday night. Numerous other event will be happening all weekend, highlighting many of the roots-influenced artists that regularly don’t receive attention from other awards. Stay tuned to Saving Country Music for occasional updates.
Thanks to Kevin Smith for the reporting and pictures.
February 22, 2020 @ 5:36 am
Dale is a one man dynamo, he’s literally Saving Country Music. I didn’t see Don Don Pawlak (Pedal Steel) in the photos, if any one was there did they see him.
February 22, 2020 @ 8:03 am
Don Don was indeed there, playing that glorious Sho-Bud Pedal Steel. He was off to the side. The stage was literally full of musicians, at one point Shaun Young of High Noon was also up there with the gang playing drums as well as a few other guests.
February 22, 2020 @ 8:51 am
I’m heading over to Memphis on Tuesday to spend a little time there
I plan to get by Hernando’s Hideaway while I’m there
I remember the nightclub as a child
February 22, 2020 @ 9:02 am
She’s 60 years old…. But everybody acts like she’s Loretta’s age, pushing 90. Why is this?
February 23, 2020 @ 6:57 am
Because she’s been around forever, and that’s not normal.
February 24, 2020 @ 9:56 pm
Nobody acts like she’s pushing 90.
But 60 is old for a woman performer. Women can’t really go on stage looking like they just rolled out of bed–or out of a bar–and revel in their scarred and wrinkled faces, and raspy voices, a la a Willie or a Kris or a John Prine or a Billie Joe Shaver–or a Bob Dylan! That’s just the way it is.
February 22, 2020 @ 1:10 pm
Watson bought the club “for a song?” Well-played, Trig. 🙂
February 22, 2020 @ 4:23 pm
It was an amazing night with some of the best musicians in the industry. Dale has done it right along with his beautiful partner inside and out celine lee
February 22, 2020 @ 4:42 pm
Thanks Kevin,
Was hoping he was in tow, he’s such a integral part of their great band, and Matt, Dale bought it for a song, but also a possible dance!
Wish I could be there this weekend, but I’m stuck up here in the Swamps of Jersey.