Online Petition To Be Launched For Doug Sahm's Induction Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —

On November 18, an online petition drive will be launched to solicit the induction of Doug Sahm into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Citing Sahm's lifelong celebration of rock, country, blues and Tex-Mex, as well as his founding of The Sir Douglas Quintet and The Texas Tornados, the petition can be found at www.dougsahmday.com.

Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1941, Sahm was a pivotal musical fixture in Texas, the U.S. and overseas for five decades. Sahm's career was defined by his passion for the myriad musical styles of Texas, and by two famous bands which brought him international acclaim. In 1965, The Sir Douglas Quintet, which also included Doug's lifelong friend Augie Meyer, scored a Top 10 hit with the catchy pop classic, "She's About A Mover," followed by "Mendocino" and "At the Crossroads."

In the 1990s, after a wide-ranging and successful solo career, Doug teamed up with Meyers once more and, together with conjunto accordion master Flaco Jimenez and Tejano heartthrob Freddy Fender, formed The Texas Tornados. The band's hits, including "Who Were You Thinking Of" and "A Little Bit Is Better Than Nada," brought Doug a whole new generation of fans.

Admirers such as Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco attested to Doug's wide-ranging influence and appeal. Meyers told the San Antonio Express-News, "Elvis Costello told Johnny Carson that Doug Sahm and Augie Meyers were his influences. Bob Dylan used to say the Sir Douglas Quintet was his favorite group." Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler added, "In my opinion, he's the greatest musician I've ever worked with because of his incredible versatility and range." Doug Sahm died in New Mexico in 1999.

In Austin, the Hall of Fame petition launch will coincide with the third annual "Doug Sahm Day" concert to be held at Antone's, Austin's famous blues club (and one of Sahm's favorite venues). In conjunction with the event, a 1970 Lincoln Continental belonging to Sahm is currently being auctioned off on E-Bay (a link to the auction is at www.dougsahmday.com). Proceeds from the auction and the concert will benefit Sahm's longtime friend and saxophone player, Rocky Morales. — Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen