The Tailgators
It all started in Austin, Texas, in 1985. Don Leady, a co-founding member of the LeRoi Brothers, decided to venture out on his own to pursue his own style -- a combination of original Swamp pop and Louisiana-style rock 'n' roll -- which later he would name Swamp Rock. Gary "Mud Cat" Smith joined him on drums after playing with then 14-year old Charlie Sexton (the Eager Beaver Boys). Jack Moore, one of Don's old friends, volunteered to play bass temporarily to get the band started. Just two months later, Keith Ferguson walked into a club on Sixth Street in Austin where the Tailgators were playing and said "Hey, I'll play with you guys". Right then and there, Don told him "You're hired!" Keith had just left the Fabulous Thunderbirds and had always been one of Don's heroes from the '70s. The original Tailgators trio was formed. The Tailgators' debut album, Swamp Rock, was recorded a couple of months later.
The Tailgators recorded several albums over the years in the styles of Swamp rock to surf. One song, Tailshaker, received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental in the late '80s. (Just prior to that time, Don and Keith had been playing with another Austin band, Big Guitars From Texas, which also received a Grammy nomination.) Over the years, the Tailgators constantly toured all over the world. After several years, Keith decided to quit touring and leave the band. JJ Barrera then replaced Keith and has been the trio's bassist ever since. Chico Oropeza has been rounding out the current trio of the Tailgators on drums for the past several years.
Unfortunately and sadly for the music world, our dear friend Keith departed this world in 1997. Thankfully we had the opportunity to share a few good years together.
Later in 2008, we lost an honorary member of the Tailgators, Danny Roy Young, who made a guest appearance on It's a Hog Groove and who played with us on many occasions in Austin.
Keith and Danny are missed at every gig...