Larry Hagman: A Texan for All Seasons

I wrote this for the now-defunct Themestream website right after George W. Bush became President for his first time. 'Always liked it.

With the ascension of George W. Bush to the rank of "leader of the Free World," it would seem that all things Texan are becoming in vogue. Well, I don't know if that is a long-lasting trend, but I want to pay tribute to one of the Lone Star State's premier sons and one of Hollywood's underrated and beloved talents: Larry Hagman, the once and always JR Ewing of "Dallas."

It is hard to believe that over twenty years ago, in 1978, the actor formerly known as Tony Nelson of "I Dream of Jeannie" would transform himself from that bumbling astronaut to the icon of corporate greed, Mr. Ewing. Never before had such a deliciously evil character graced the small screen.

Each week, Hagman's J.R. would delve into his malicious bag of tricks and wreck havoc on all who entered into his circle. He made life hell for his siblings Bobby (Patrick Duffy), Gary (Ted Shackleford), and "black sheep" Ray (Steve Kanaly). He was a thorn in the side of their respective spouses, and forced his own better half, Sue Ellen (marvelously played by Linda Gray) into an asylum for her repeated bouts with alcoholism. Hey, if you were married to such a disreputable shark, you'd be a lush, too.

Even JR's mother, Miss Ellie (Barbara Bel Geddes) was fodder for his machinations. He didn't care much for her second husband (film and stage star Howard Keel) after the death of his beloved "daddy" Jock (the late Jim Davis). Competing with father-in-law for the affections of mother as well as control of the family, Ewing did as much as he could to foil the relationship.

As a major player in the Texas oil market, JR accumulated many enemies, chief among them Cliff Barnes (Ken Kercheval), brother to Pam (Victoria Principal), Bobby's much beset-upon wife. Their continuing rivalry lasted the entire 13-year-run of the series with Barnes constantly being upstaged by the deliciously crafty JR.

With the exception of his mother, sister-in-law Pam, and nymphomaniac niece Lucy (Charlene Tilton), there seemed to be no woman that JR would not bed. The bedroom became Ewing's company "subsidiary" where deals were "consummated," for want of a better word. It is no wonder that he was loathed by most of Dallas's male population.

I realize that the character's actions and lines were the creation of a fine and gifted group of writers. However, Hagman brought all of this to life with his vivid portrayal. So popular was the character during the show's heyday, the "Who Shot JR?" still remains a Neilson ratings powerhouse.

It is beyond me why he never received an Emmy for his outstanding work. Even a decade after the last first-run episode was shot, Hagman's JR is still etched in the memory of American consciousness.William Forsythe's "Blake Carrington," "Joan Collins's "Alexis Carrington-Colby," or even William Devane's "Greg Summer" could not hold a candle to Hagman in the acting department.

Not bad for a guy whose real mother, Mary Martin, is lovingly remembered donned in tights as Peter Pan!

Texans can, at least, be proud of this native son.

Hyman and Austin - Singers Supreme

Beyonce', Justin, Britney, Usher, Chris, Kelly...just a few of those that have topped, and are topping the respective music industry charts. Their continued sales success indicate their popularity with their key demographic: the young. However, most of them are successful as a result of some gifted marketing and their physical appearance, which is perfect for the video-dependent music business.

Measured solely on their vocal prowess alone, I don't think they, for the most part, can't hold a candle to some older, more experienced, and, I've got to saw, MORE TALENTED individuals, some that, unfortunately have passed, never getting the recognition that they deserved.

To the list of underrated "dearly departed," I want to praise Phyllis Hyman, a singer equipped with one of the sultriest of voices that, sadly committed suicide in 1995. Hyman had some chart success with the disco-esque "You Know How to Love Me" but was more suited for ballads and other torchy-like songs. She won much praise for her role on Broadway in Sophisticated Ladies.
Though her albums were never at the top of the charts, she did develop a devoted fan base, of which I am a member.

Now, of those that are still alive and kicking, there are several that continue to record and release albums, with little fanfare to the public in general, but cause elation with their band of fans.

Patti Austin, who has been singing since the age of four, is another vocalist of note that should be a household name. The goddaughter of music maestro Quincy Jones, Austin sang on several of the composer's familiar recordings ("Razzmatazz," "Ai No Corrida," "Stuff Like That") and has had several albums of her own yield hit tunes ("Baby, Come to Me," a duet with James Ingram from Every Home Should Have One and "The Heat of Heat" from Gettin' Away with Murder).

She has done duets with the likes of Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and George Benson.

One of her earliest careers was as a singer of commercial jingles, with which she carved out quite a niche for herself.

The singer won critical praise for For Ella, a collection of songs in honor of the late Fitzgerald. She followed that album with the Grammy-winning Avant Gershwin, a tribute to George. On the cover of the latter, she showed off her new body as a result of gastric bypass surgery. The singer has struggled with topsy-turvy weight gain/loss for much of her life.

Regardless of her size, however, Austin is still one of the best and most respected in the business.

My fondness for them both is, no doubt, represented by the number of respective albums in my collection by both: Hyman - six and Austin - eight.