Johnny Bush celebrating 80th birthday at Llano Country Opry
Johnny Bush is performing at the Llano Country Opry on Feb. 14. Shows are 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lantex Theater, 113 W. Main St. in Llano. Admission is $20. Call (325) 247-5354. Courtesy photo
SPECIAL TO THE PICAYUNE
LLANO — Texas Country Music Hall of Famer Johnny Bush will celebrate his 80th birthday at the Llano Country Opry on Feb. 14.
Performances are 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lantex Theater, 113 W. Main St. Admission is $20.
“I am so excited to celebrate my 80th birthday at the Llano Country Opry,” Bush said. “We need venues like the Llano Country Opry for fans to come out and listen to our music. Most importantly, we need people to keep supporting these shows.”
Bush began his career as a member of Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys, according to a news release. He then joined Willie Nelson on the road as a drummer for the Record Men.
His recording career began to take off in the late 1960s with songs such as “My Cup Runneth Over,” “There Stands the Glass,” “Undo the Right,” “Green Snakes on the Ceiling,” “My Joy” and “You Gave Me A Mountain.” But he rose to fame with his recording of “Whiskey River” in 1973. The Library of Congress now recognizes the song as one of the all-time Top 20 country music standards.
In August 2003, Bush was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame by Nelson, his longtime friend.
Bush most recently recorded projects for Heart of Texas Records including “Lillies White Lies,” “Texas Legends” with Johnny Rodriguez, “Who’ll Buy My Memories?” and his latest, “Reflections.”
Other entertainers at the Feb. 14 show are Rance Norton, Charlie Walton, Bode Barker, Bucille Snotgrass, Ben Watson and Shane Lively. Tracy Pitcox will serve as master of ceremonies.
Tickets may be purchased at the Llano Chamber of Commerce, 100 Train Station Drive in Llano; Llano National Bank, 1001 Ford St. in Llano; Lively Computers, 2112 RR 1431 in Kingsland; or by calling (325) 247-5354.