Bennie Hess

about

Born 10 February 1914, Chriesman, Texas Died 22 November 1984, Houston, Texas There have been many colourful characters in the record business and Bennie Hess is way up there on the list. Some, but not all, of his traits were as a hillbilly singer and guitarist, fanatical follower of (country) Jimmie Rodgers, an avid Ernest Tubb stylist, a persistent eccentric record man for over 30 years, a born optimist, a natural hustler and a raconteur of tall stories - this and much more was Bennie Hess. His story telling, imagination for promotion (including 3-D recording) and productions are legendary. Whilst Hess probably had a bit of the "carny" in him much as Colonel Tom Parker or Major Bill Smith, his schemes and ideas were generally in the name of promotion and like the legendary circus man H. B. Barnum, were on the fun side of show business. The song 'Long Tall Texan' could have been written for him as he was 6'6" tall and weighed around 230 pounds full of dynamic power packed entertainment. Born on 10th February 1914 in the small town of Chriesman, Texas, he was the third of four children sired by father Vestral (or Festo) 'Cap' Hess (of German descent). Vestral had worked on the railroad with the legendary 'Singing Brakeman' Jimmie Rodgers, who had stayed at the Hess household. Rodgers allegedly entertained the young Bennie with songs well into the night. Jimmie taught Bennie to play the guitar and Carrie Rodgers (Jimmie's widow) later bestowed Jimmie's guitar upon Bennie. Th

top songs

albums

Rock-a-billy Originals Volume 1

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Sin Alley Part One

Rock`n`Roll With Piano Vol. 5

Wild Hog Hop

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Sin Alley-Part One (30 Real Gone Rockabilly & R&B Howlers!)

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Sin Alley, Vol. 2 VA / Red Hot Rockabilly 1955 - 1962

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Tough Texas - Boppin' Billy & Rockers, 1953-1957

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Sin Alley Vol. 2

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Sin Alley Vol. 1

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Rock-A-Billy Originals Volume 1

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Sin Alley 2

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Twisted Tales From The Vinyl Wastelands Vol 3

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