Songs of the 70’s-- Most think the balladeer is transparent, the songs a window into his/ her feelings. But occasionally the performer experiments, dons an alter ego, a mask, a persona. One Saturnalia night (December 24th), I went on stage wearing make-up, big hair wig, sequin jacket, denim skirt and platform shoes. Performing as Delta Don, I sang “He Thinks I Still Care,” “Honky Tonk Women” and “Bruised Fruit.” It brought down the house. “Head Full of Reds”…another persona. He defines himself in terms of what he is not. I was being too clever. Many failed to catch on. Some songs refuse to grow up. Some are unruly, irreverent and ill-behaved. Some are needy, sensitive and hungry for acceptance. Thanks to Rock Romano and John Wilson. Guardians, delivery room nurses, they have been with us from the beginning. --Don Don Sanders: 1972 (33 1/3rpm LP/ five songs and a story) Songs: Third Eye Coffee Song Roaches Kent State Anyone Who Must Leave Us Recorded @ H&S Studios, Houston, TX; Engineer: Rock Romano Bass: Pete Gorisch Drums: Tony Braunagel Piano: William Rich Finger Cymbals: Andy Chapman Acoustic Guitars: DS Backing vocals: Monty Long, Bill Cade, Lucille Cade Ooogah horn: Kemo Curry Extended Play: ’73 (33 1/3rpm LP/ four songs & etching on obverse side) Songs: Heavy Word User Performance One Way Jesus Bruised Fruit Recorded @ Rampart Street Studios, Houston, TX Engineer: Rock Romano Electric guitars: Rocky Hill Bass, cello, maracas: Pete Gorisch Drums: Carson Graham Drums: Victor Stepper (Frank Beard) Pianos: Joe Dugan Organ: Ronald Garner Violin: Janna Pryor Acoustic Guitar: DS Limited Edition: ’74 (45rpm EP/ four songs) Songs: Cruiser Head Full of Reds Cocaine Ragin’ Southern Coast of France Recorded live @ Anderson Fair, Houston, TX Engineer: Hank Lam Bass: Don Jackson/ Rock Romano Fiddle & Mandolin: John Sayles Wood xylophone & juice harp: Jim Unfried Slinky: Kirk Ray Acoustic guitar: DS Thanks to Andy Bradley at Sugar Hill Studios for assistance in transferring original recordings to digital format. CD remixed & tweaked by Rock Romano, Rock Romano’s Red Shack, 2010-2011 About the artist-- A central figure in the Texas singer songwriter milieu, Don began his career appearing at such legendary venues as the Kerrville Folk Festival, Sand Mountain Coffee House, the Old Quarter, Liberty Hall, Anderson Fair, the Grand 1894 Opera House, Hofheinz Pavilion and the Armadillo World Headquarters. Over the years he has shared the stage with Lyle Lovett, Nanci Griffith, Pete Seeger, Arlo Gutherie, Lightin' Hopkins, Guy Clark, Eric Taylor, Vince Bell, Townes Van Zandt, Christine Albert, Bobby Bridger, and Janis Joplin. He was featured in the award winning documentary For the Sake of the Song about Houston's legendary venue, Anderson Fair. Don's recording career stretches from vinyl to digital. Don is cited and quoted in biographies of Janis Joplin (Scars of Sweet Paradise) and Townes Vandt (A Deeper Blue and To Live's to Fly). His songs, "Southern Coast of France" and "Heavy Word User" are featured along with interview footage in the Anderson Fair documentary "For the Sake of the Song."