No one who’s ever heard Lucy Dean Record of Lockney, Texas, tickle the ivories has any doubt why the agile pianist is considered the reigning queen of Western Swing. But the Cowtown Society of Western Music made it official last month in Fort Worth with recognition as one of their “Living Legends.”
The nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to preserving, promoting and perpetuating Western Swing/ Western Music, honored Record among other musicians at their 23rd annual Western Swing Fest May 5 and 6. She has long collaborated with local musicians and vocalists such as Silverton’s Jimmy Burson.
Record “still plays piano regularly with the world’s finest Western Swing musicians at big events like Bob Wills Days in Turkey, Texas,” said organizers.
“During her 70-plus years as a piano teacher, in her hometown of Lockney, Texas, she has taught more than 2000 people of all ages how to play the piano,” posted Cowtown Society member Tolbert Prather on Facebook. “I asked Wayne Glasson (piano player for Bob Wills Texas Playboys for at least the last 20 years) if Lucy taught him to play. Wayne answered, ‘She’s still teaching me.’” “It was such a blessing to meet this beautiful lady, visit with her and watch her own that keyboard on stage,” wrote Prather.
The Caprock Courier joins her fans in wishing her the best on her 99th birthday today. Play on, Lucy Dean!
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