Ray, Willie And Me

When I worked in San Antonio at KBER, the owner of the radio station was A.V. Bamford. A. V. had come to San Antonio from Nashville, where he used to book a lot of Country Music stars. In fact, A. V. had Ray Price under contract when Ray was only getting $500 a night for the whole band. Ray was struggling, so he jumped at the chance for a long-term contract just to have regular work. Shortly afterward Ray caught on big and began getting ten times that much for his bookings. However, for concerts he booked, A.V. continued to hold Ray to his original contract.

Several times a year, A.V. would book singers from The Grand Old Opry for big shows at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. Many times Ray would be the main attraction of the show.

All of us at KBER got to know Ray very well. When he was in town Ray would usually drop by KBER to visit A.V. and laugh about what a cheap skate A. V. was to book him for chump change. When he was traveling around the country, Ray would often call and chat with us on the air. In fact, he knew all the KBER personalities on a first name basis.

I got to know Ray because A.V. invited all the singers to dinner after one of the shows. I found myself sitting next to Ray. That’s when I got to divulge that I had previously met him back in 1953. I had decided to try out for the “Opry” as a singer. At that time, the auditions for the “Opry” were held in the WSM radio studios. On the day of my audition, Ray rode with me in the elevator as I went to see George Haye, the manger and creator of the “Opry.” It goes without saying…I failed to get on The Grand Old Opry.

Ray was very interested and asked me if I was still singing. I told him that I hadn't done any singing in so long that I doubted if I still could. He told me, “If you once had it, you never lose it. Keep trying!” I appreciated his kind words, but I didn't do anything about it. I had tried so hard for so many years before and gotten nowhere, that I didn't feel like I could stand to go though the tribulations of becoming a singer again. To tell the truth, I doubted if I had actually enough talent anyway.

I was thankful that Ray always requested that I introduce him at the San Antonio shows. Years later, when I found myself working at KIKK in Houston, I was surprised that Ray again requested that I introduce him for his appearance at the Theater in the Round on Fondren. I sat with his wonderful wife during his very enjoyable show. That was about 1977. I haven't seen or talked to him since. I doubt he would remember me now.

While I was working for A.V. Bamford at KBER, I got to know nearly all of the “Opry” stars pretty well, because I was able to visit with them back stage before and after the shows. Before he became well known, I became pretty good friends with Willie Nelson, who lived near San Antonio at the time.

Many years later I encountered Willie at the Astrodome, where I was one of the emcees for a concert there. He treated me like an old friend. I really appreciated that.

George Lester

A. V. Bamford

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