Bobby Lloyd Hicks, 1947-2017
“Bobby” Lloyd Hicks.
What a great name, what a great man.
Bobby Lloyd Hicks–it sounded like he came from somewhere big and dusty, like Texas, an old Kansas City steakhouse or a Gary Cooper western. But no siree Bob, the modest Mr. Hicks was born in 1947 in tiny Marshalltown, Iowa, where in 1852 future Baseball Hall of Famer Adrian “Cap” Anson became the first European born in the farming community.
And Mr. Hicks was an ace of hearts.
He was the drummer-vocalist for the Skeletons/Morells/NRBQ and [...]
Hobo Marlin Wallace (Courtesy of Marlin Wallace)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Of the many things to know about Marlin Wallace, it all starts with a strong handshake. His meaningful grip was once seen on a union waterfront and along a cattle trail.
Say hello to forgotten America. With his right hand the songwriter creates a vice-like covenant that flattens the fingers of a stranger. It is an old hand that has been hardened from 17 years of riding America’s rails as a hobo. Connections can be made in trains and in music and Wallace has spent his life chasing them down and taking notes.
He is America’s most [...]
