The Roy Nichols' Benefit 1996

The pictures for this page were donated by Jim Smith. 
Jim describes each of the pictures in his own words.

Noel and Kari at Roy's benefit. Kari was a bit nervous as she has a big crush on Noel.
Noel is a great guy and very talented himself. Noel is the youngest of Hags children by his first wife Leona Hobbs. Noel told me the story about how he used to sneak on the bus and play his dads guitar. He thought he was really getting away with it until one day his dad gave him the guitar. Hag had another made and told him if you want to play guitar play your own. Noel said it was like Christmas in the middle of summer. If any of you get a chance, pick up Noels album "One Lifetime" it has some great cuts on it .

This is Kari and the Super Chief. It makes her look like a dwarf. This is Merles old bus, it had a steam locomotive etched in the mirrors that run down the hall. He has the new one now that the rear wheels turn to make u-turns easier.

Biff and Norm with Kari at Roy's Benefit at North High School in Oildale, California. This was a great tribute Hag paid to Roy, it was lots of fun. Hag explained to the fans that Roy was his idol and how he used to sneak in the Rainbow Gardens to watch Roy play Saturday night dances. Hag said that he thought it was so neat, that at 16 years old Roy didn't have to go to school, just play guitar all day. He said that's what I want to do, be just like Roy. As we all know these two went on to be legends in country music and they did it together.

 Here's a great shot of Hag and my daughter Kari at the Roy Nichols Benefit.

Kari with Joe Manuel. Joe is not with Hag at present. He got married not long ago had a baby and didn't like being away from his family for those long tours. Joe and brother Abe were once part of Cajun great Jimmy C. Newman's band. They also were regulars at Opryland before becoming Strangers.

Kari, Don & Wanda Markam, and Merle's nephew Tracy Barton.
Tracy is another musical part of Hags family.
Tracy owns Chip Track recording just outside of Portland, Oregon.

Kari with the grand lady of country music, Rose Maddox.
Rose sadly passed away not long after this picture was taken.

One of the labels Rose recorded for was Rounder Records. You can visit this URL and
pick up Queen Of The West.  Rounder Records

Rose's last CD was on Arhoolie Records and is available at most online music stores or
at your local music store.  Ask for $35.00 And A Dream.

In another event separate from the Merle Haggard's  Roy Nichols' Benefit ...

A group of artists got together in honor of Roy and created special CDs
All proceeds from the sale of these CDs go to Roy Nichols to help defray the high cost of medical expenses!

"To Roy Nichols With Love"
"To Roy Nichols With Love Volume 2"
     

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