Dean Beard

Dean Beard (August 31, 1935 - April 4, 1989) was an American rockabilly musician, known as the "West Texas Wild Man".[1]

Early life

Beard was born in Santa Anna, Texas. He was the son of Raymond and Opral (Baker) Beard. He lived in Coleman most of his life. In high school, he and his friends formed a band called the Crew Cats.

Career

He played at a night club with Elvis Presley. Beard's first record "Red Rover"/ "Wake Up Jacob" was released a week later for Fox Records. The record had very little success and so did the label. Months later, they released another single, "Time Is Hangin' Heavy On My Hands" /" Sing, Sing, Sing", to a little more success.

Sun Records

In 1956 and 1957, he recorded for Sun Records, but none of his songs were released.

Rakin' and Scrapin'

In 1957, he recorded "Rakin' and Scrapin'" on Edmoral records, and another version a month later at Atlantic Records. He recorded it with, Jimmy Seals on Saxophone and drummer Dash Crofts. He kept making records for Atlantic such as "Party Party". Earlier that year, he teamed up with Slim Willet to write songs together.

Challenge Records

He recorded for Challenge Records in 1958, and was also a pianist with The Champs, who also had a contract with that label.

In 1959, he got fired from the Champs because he was accused of taking part of the cut meant for Seals and Crofts, but made one more record for Challenge that year.

Later life

He kept recording for different labels, with less success.

His last single was in 1966 for Sims records. It was called "Are There Honkey Tonks In Heaven" / "Pocketfull Of Stardust". He achieved recognition in the 70s and 80s playing live music.

Death

He died in Coleman, Texas Hospital on April 4, 1989 from health problems.

Discography

Year Title Label #
1955Red Rover / Wake Up, JacobFox 45-405
1955Sing, Sing, Sing / Time Is Hanging Heavy on My HandsFox 45-408
1957Rakin and Scrapin / On My Mind AgainEdmoral 1011-45
1957Rakin and Scrapin / On My Mind AgainAtlantic 45-1137
1957Party, Party / Stand By MeAtlantic 45-1162
1958Hold Me Close / Take Time to Love MeAtlantic 45-1182
1958Egad, Charlie Brown / Keeper of the KeyChallenge 59033
1959Little Lover / Holding on to a MemoryChallenge 59048
1959Little Koko Herrera / Moon Over Mexico (B-side by Chris & Paul Herrera)Villa 101
1962(Ciudad) Villa Acuña / The Day That I Lost YouGaylo BM-112
1962Villa Acuña / The Day That I Lost YouCandix 341
1962Tropical Night / Coffee BreakJoed JT-715
1962The Red Rose / I Don't Know HowWinston 1063
1963That's How It gets Sunup / Don't Let the Stars Get In Your EyesWinston 1073
1963My Roberta / No Love for MeWinston 1074
1964Strawberry Shake / You're the Nearest Thing to HeavenGina RT-1116
1965Party, Party / You Don't Have to Go Home (But You Can't Stay Here)Sangelo 1/2
1966Pocketfull of Stardust / (Are There) Honkytonks in HeavenSims 299
Unreleased songs
1956
  • Don't Lie to Me
  • I Need Your Love
  • Long Time Gone
  • Rakin’ and Scrapin’ (alt. Version 1)
  • Rakin‘ and Scrapin‘ (alt. Version 2)
  • Rock Around the Town
  • What Can I Do (Version 1)
  • What Can I Do (Version 2)
  • When You're Gone
Sun
1958
  • My Roberta
  • Shiverin’ and Shakin’
Challenge
  • Party, Party (alt. Version)
  • Boney Shuffle
[status unknown]

References

  1. Dean Beard. Texas State Historical Association.
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