40 years ago Deep in the West became the "go to" closing slow dance at Laity Lodge Youth Camp in Leakey, Texas. Hundreds of kids danced with their sweetheart, had their first kiss and sometimes even met their future spouse. Last weekend we had our 50th LLYC reunion and they surprised us with the Shake Russell Trio. The opening song was Deep in the West. We danced, sang, cried and gave them a loving standing ovation. I was 13 years old once again with my camp family. Words cannot capture the emotions I feel. I am sitting in my office writing this with tears streaming down my face. Thank you Shake for writing and singing from your heart and speaking to mine.
I can really appreciate what emotions you've mentioned here. I don't have near the history you do with this song and it was a fluke how I even got it but I can certainly feel the emotion for Shake and Dana that you've shared. Thank you for sharing your story it is one more example of an American paying tribute to another the way it should be. Thank you, Jake :D
Saw Shake and Dana in the 70's with my future and current wife of 42 years. Love his music. Can't remember the club. It was at West Alabama and Post Oak.
Just found this on TH-cam. I lived in Houston in the 70's, 80's & 90's and first heard Shake Russell & Dana Cooper on KLOL I came to really like them. A real pleasure to hear them again.
I was fortunate to have Shake and Dane perform at my home in Houston for my 50 th birthday party. 68 now , lots of great memories but this on is at the top . Thanks to all the wonderful Texans who recognized their incredible talent and made their success possible
I first heard of Shake and Dana in a rare live performance and interview on K101 during my time at the University of Houston in the late seventies. I was smitten with the music that was so profoundly personal. In a state like Texas, where we are blessed with many tremendous writers, Shake ranks among the very best.
Good 'ol KLOL/K101. Back when underground radio was underground radio. 😀 I just watched a classic 1980 Austin City Limits w/Dana Cooper/Shake Russell and they finished with this song. Awesome!
I still have his 45 RPM and his first vinyl album. Before those came out we had to wait for KLOL to play his music and chase him around town to see him play. Theodores, Corkys, Steamboat, Texas Opry House.
In the late 70s, early 80s, I was a romantic little thing and was a regular at Corky's, Birdwatchers, Anderson Fair, and Steamboat Springs in Houston. Shake was an absolute favorite. He made this little girl feel. I'm so happy he's still playing Houston and Austin venues.
I read the comments searching for someone saying something about LLYC. I have been going to 7 years and this summer was the first summer in 7 years I haven't been able to go. Hearing this song made me cry I miss it so much it is such an amazing.camp memory!!!!! 3
Brings back great memories from the early 80's in San Marcos, TX. Catching Shake Russell & Dana Cooper at Katy Station, Aquarena Springs and Cheatham Street Warehouse, etc...good times!!
My friend Brian Young used to play this song with his guitar. Simply beautiful. He played it at my sister's wedding. We miss you b. God rest your soul.
the version I loved is on "collections" I was in San Marcos (70's) and just fell in love with this song. still love it. would have it at my wedding if texas ever gets progressive enough to let me get married!
I was twenty years old in 1980 and living right down the street from a neighborhood bar in houston called Corkys it was an amazing time in my life. I will always remember those nights and hearing shake and dana and john vandiveer. feels like yesterday and a million years ago. we spent some pretty cool moments outback partaking of some good smoke good laughs and just real honest thoughs. I know you can't turn back time but if you could thats a time I wish I could experience again. love ya man
A good friend turned me on to Shake Russell’s music some 45 years ago. Deep in the West is probably one of my favorite songs ever!! Great songwriter/ singer!!
Now this version of this song reminds me that I am too a Texas Hippie now even though originally from California many years spent here. Enough to say I am from both worlds. Has the Sierra Nevada's are the tall mountains to and I am deep in the West.
I have no idea how many times I've heard Shake Russell. I'm guessing at least thirty. Nacogdoches, Beaumont, Dallas, Houston at Steamboat and a couple of other places. He even came to Center, which isn't but about 30 miles from here once. A great songwriter and nice person and one of my favorite people to listen to.
I used to party with Shake and John Vandiver a lot in Galveston when they played there I was the photographer. Probably met your husband but don't remember. We were wasted.
Saw Shake Russell and Dana Cooper at Anderson Fair in the Montrose area back in the mid to late 70's. Still have that flyer around here somewhere. Need to dig it up.
Lovelovelove this song. My mom teaches at what is now Texas state university and her band covered this song when I was a little kid. Harmonies are amazing.
God I love this! Saw a band in Goliad at a brewery covering Shake Russell. After the show, I sang this song with them. I can't sing worth a sh*t! LOL. Songs great, though.
Currently at school in Virginia (Virginia Tech, Go Hokies!) but its great to stop and listen to this song every now and then, always missing home. Reading comments from other Texans is great, such a strong brotherhood.
I did, too!!! Have been looking for his music & found today (4/26/12)... especially this one... I also heard him in 1999 in Wimberley TX at a Coffee House set... was wonderful!!!!!!
First him on Channel 8 PBS, Houston, TX, way back in the late 70s. Damn, he just blew me away. Saw him again a few yrs ago at the Mucky Duck in Houston. Still blew me away. Keep singing a song on the radio, mmmmm.
Love you....home on leave Houston..little club... Will never leave me...the things that truly speak to your inner being...soo good to find after all these years...
I first heard Shake Russel (with Dana Cooper, I believe) back in the mid 70s in Houston. I cannot remember the name of the venue, but it was in the Montrose a few blocks away from Anderson Fair and was a converted house. (Maybe between Willard and Welch?). A great performer!
Chris "Professor Blues" Gould and I played together for 27 years until his passing in 2006. We ended every perfomance with this. Totally inspired by Shake and Dana.
Loved seeing Shake Russell play at Aviators on Greens Rd. by the Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where airport employees went after work. Great times with Great people, Great music, 1988-1996. :)
@jerryfaganmusic Corky's was my favorite bar in Houston. Saw many talented musicians there. Sunday afternoons at maribelles in Kemah pretty "special" too.
early 80's, Holahan's or something - in the Heights not far off I10. Bar downstairs, upstairs Shake and Dana would play. Huge old wooden house, on corner of Studemont and White Oak - I think. Shake's first album came out - for a short time. I had the damn thing. Now, you can't buy one for love or money. It's UNreleased. There was a rumor that Shake pulled it cause retailers were charging too much - I never knew for sure. I did meet him at Steamboat, bought him a drink and we visited - just like regular folk.
@roehmig original on Amazon.com from the Deep in the West and Songs on the Radio now available on MP3! That is one of my all time fav songs. They used to play at Univ. of St. Thomas in Houston when I was attending 80-82.
40 years ago Deep in the West became the "go to" closing slow dance at Laity Lodge Youth Camp in Leakey, Texas. Hundreds of kids danced with their sweetheart, had their first kiss and sometimes even met their future spouse. Last weekend we had our 50th LLYC reunion and they surprised us with the Shake Russell Trio. The opening song was Deep in the West. We danced, sang, cried and gave them a loving standing ovation. I was 13 years old once again with my camp family. Words cannot capture the emotions I feel. I am sitting in my office writing this with tears streaming down my face. Thank you Shake for writing and singing from your heart and speaking to mine.
I can really appreciate what emotions you've mentioned here. I don't have near the history you do with this song and it was a fluke how I even got it but I can certainly feel the emotion for Shake and Dana that you've shared. Thank you for sharing your story it is one more example of an American paying tribute to another the way it should be. Thank you, Jake :D
Great memories of LLYC! Thanks David for sharing!
llyc brought me here too! makes me emotional still 20 years laters
Saw Shake and Dana in the 70's with my future and current wife of 42 years. Love his music. Can't remember the club. It was at West Alabama and Post Oak.
I was a camper there in summer of '79. It's a very special place!!
Ah, nostalgia. Austin in the early 80’s, late 70’s. Great times.
Captivated me at 21 years old. Connect at a time in my life.
Just found this on TH-cam. I lived in Houston in the 70's, 80's & 90's and first heard Shake Russell & Dana Cooper on KLOL I came to really like them. A real pleasure to hear them again.
I saw Shake and Dana at the Cactus Cafe, (Univ of Texas Student Union) in the 80's. One of the most profound experiences I've ever enjoyed. 💜
I was fortunate to have Shake and Dane perform at my home in Houston for my 50 th birthday party. 68 now , lots of great memories but this on is at the top . Thanks to all the wonderful Texans who recognized their incredible talent and made their success possible
I've loved this song for the past 30 years. Few songs are as simple and soulful. The guitar work is entrancing. Thanks for posting this classic.
I first heard of Shake and Dana in a rare live performance and interview on K101 during my time at the University of Houston in the late seventies. I was smitten with the music that was so profoundly personal. In a state like Texas, where we are blessed with many tremendous writers, Shake ranks among the very best.
Good 'ol KLOL/K101. Back when underground radio was underground radio. 😀
I just watched a classic 1980 Austin City Limits w/Dana Cooper/Shake Russell and they finished with this song. Awesome!
Saw Shake Russell in the early 80s with and without Dana Cooper numerous times at the UT Austin Cactus Cafe, and every damn time it was magical.
A great song. Shake Russell is one of many legendary singers/songwriters that only the great state of Texas can produce. I do miss Texas so.
Mop mop
Beautiful version! I thought it was a Waylon Jennings song until the internet introduced me to the American treasure Shake Russell!
Hung out with him and jack at Lovejoy in Houston. Great guys
I saw Shake Russell and Dana Cooper in Huntsville, TX when I was in college. Have an original album. Loved these guys! Beautiful harmonies.
I still have his 45 RPM and his first vinyl album. Before those came out we had to wait for KLOL to play his music and chase him around town to see him play. Theodores, Corkys, Steamboat, Texas Opry House.
And don't forget he wrote and sung the theme song for the long running series on Texas.........." The Eyes of Texas".
Oh my gosh. How true. I did the same thing.
Ahh, yes. Songs on the Radio. Buddy Duncan played flute on the original. and remember Anderson Fair, too.
That was a time when the music scene in Austin and Houston was really at its best. Anderson's Fair Texas Opry House Cactus Cafe. Emma Joe's
In the late 70s, early 80s, I was a romantic little thing and was a regular at Corky's, Birdwatchers, Anderson Fair, and Steamboat Springs in Houston. Shake was an absolute favorite. He made this little girl feel. I'm so happy he's still playing Houston and Austin venues.
I remember him from Fitzgerald’s
Back in the 70's when there was real music on the radio Houston's KLOL ( 101 FM) would air Shake live. Its doesn't get much better than that.
I read the comments searching for someone saying something about LLYC. I have been going to 7 years and this summer was the first summer in 7 years I haven't been able to go. Hearing this song made me cry I miss it so much it is such an amazing.camp memory!!!!! 3
Great song ,still sounds as fresh as when i hurd it live in 78 !
this is the most beautiful song i have ever heard i think.
Brings back great memories from the early 80's in San Marcos, TX. Catching Shake Russell & Dana Cooper at Katy Station, Aquarena Springs and Cheatham Street Warehouse, etc...good times!!
My friend Brian Young used to play this song with his guitar. Simply beautiful. He played it at my sister's wedding. We miss you b. God rest your soul.
the version I loved is on "collections"
I was in San Marcos (70's) and just fell in love with this song. still love it. would have it at my wedding if texas ever gets progressive enough to let me get married!
I was twenty years old in 1980 and living right down the street from a neighborhood bar in houston called Corkys it was an amazing time in my life. I will always remember those nights and hearing shake and dana and john vandiveer. feels like yesterday and a million years ago. we spent some pretty cool moments outback partaking of some good smoke good laughs and just real honest thoughs. I know you can't turn back time but if you could thats a time I wish I could experience again. love ya man
Was that on Richmond?
I literally grew up on this song in Galveston Texas. Our good friend, Danny Kristensan, knows Shake plays this all the time. Love 💖 it
Does Danny still play in Galveston County? Me & my bestie used to go hear him 25 years ago, love him!
I saw Shake back in 1984 at the old Johnny Lee's Club across from the original Gilley's. Loved him then, love him now. This is a classic song.
Thanks for posting, this brings back memories of seeing Shake & Danna at Rockefeller's in Houston many years ago.
Rockefeller's was my first live hearing of Shake & Dana too!!!
A good friend turned me on to Shake Russell’s music some 45 years ago. Deep in the West is probably one of my favorite songs ever!! Great songwriter/ singer!!
Saw Shake Russell and band this past April at a house concert in Fayetteville, Texas. He is still as good as ever......
I met Shake at Steamboat Springs in Houston. Very layed back dude. That was 1977-78. He had Dana with him there. Has some great set material.
I only recently discovered Shake Russell...I am really enjoying listening to his music!!
I love this song so much. so many memories of watching him in Texas.
Met Shake and Dana in '78 at Steamboat Springs in Houston. Great show! Very down to earth guys.
Now this version of this song reminds me that I am too a Texas Hippie now even though originally from California many years spent here. Enough to say I am from both worlds. Has the Sierra Nevada's are the tall mountains to and I am deep in the West.
I have no idea how many times I've heard Shake Russell. I'm guessing at least thirty. Nacogdoches, Beaumont, Dallas, Houston at Steamboat and a couple of other places. He even came to Center, which isn't but about 30 miles from here once. A great songwriter and nice person and one of my favorite people to listen to.
Love this song...I used go listen to Shake Russell when I lived in HoustonTexas in the 80s. I always loved his music..
I've loved this song for the past 30 years. Few songs are as simple and soulful. The guitar work is entrancing.
My husband played drums for Shake for years. He LOVED playing with him...
I used to party with Shake and John Vandiver a lot in Galveston when they played there I was the photographer. Probably met your husband but don't remember. We were wasted.
Texas Opry house 1975 - 77....Drove my old 72 Chevy p/u Cheyenne 10 there on Richmond ave a many Friday -Saturday night.
I was a student at SWTSU in the 70's and first heard him and Dana in Houston. Totally unique. Gorgeous.
Got to see Shake & Dana perform this in Austin in 1981...beyond fantastic!
He n Dana were amazing together
Same here. Texas Tavern at the University of Texas.
Saw Shake Russell and Dana Cooper at Anderson Fair in the Montrose area back in the mid to late 70's. Still have that flyer around here somewhere. Need to dig it up.
Best song I've ever heard!
Lovelovelove this song. My mom teaches at what is now Texas state university and her band covered this song when I was a little kid. Harmonies are amazing.
Shake Russell is the true Texas troubadour!
God I love this! Saw a band in Goliad at a brewery covering Shake Russell. After the show, I sang this song with them. I can't sing worth a sh*t! LOL. Songs great, though.
One of the best singer/songwriters Texas ever produced and he is not even from the great state of Texas!
Played this as mine and my wifes walk down the isle 37 years ago
Turning 40 in april and I just Love Shake!
Currently at school in Virginia (Virginia Tech, Go Hokies!) but its great to stop and listen to this song every now and then, always missing home. Reading comments from other Texans is great, such a strong brotherhood.
I did, too!!! Have been looking for his music & found today (4/26/12)... especially this one... I also heard him in 1999 in Wimberley TX at a Coffee House set... was wonderful!!!!!!
One of my All Time Faves... I have a Wife now, and I Love to dance with Her while listening to this tune...
- Chris mad mex
First him on Channel 8 PBS, Houston, TX, way back in the late 70s. Damn, he just blew me away. Saw him again a few yrs ago at the Mucky Duck in Houston. Still blew me away. Keep singing a song on the radio, mmmmm.
Love you....home on leave Houston..little club... Will never leave me...the things that truly speak to your inner being...soo good to find after all these years...
KLOL-K101
CRASH HERE!
BEEN A LONG TIME.......
Oh boy, that's a memory! Crash!!!
I first heard Shake Russel (with Dana Cooper, I believe) back in the mid 70s in Houston. I cannot remember the name of the venue, but it was in the Montrose a few blocks away from Anderson Fair and was a converted house. (Maybe between Willard and Welch?). A great performer!
I grew up in San Marcos and used to see them at Cheatham St. Warehouse.
We Texans love Shake!!! : )
Gets me every single time
Thank you, James. I was introduced to this wonderful artist and this wonderful music in Houston. This is a very wonderful post. Thank you.
Chris "Professor Blues" Gould and I played together for 27 years until his passing in 2006. We ended every perfomance with this. Totally inspired by Shake and Dana.
What i miss most about my 50 years in Teas is the misic
Good music transcends
This is one of my everyday favs
Angel in disguise
Corky's was my favorite bar in Houston. Saw many talented musicians there.
KK worked at the Kerrville Folk Festival for 18 yrs as a volunteer.
Loved seeing Shake Russell play at Aviators on Greens Rd. by the Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where airport employees went after work. Great times with Great people, Great music, 1988-1996. :)
Love Shake. Still take him in when he makes it out to Dosey Doe in The Woodlands. My wife and I would listen to his songs back in the '70s in Houston.
A time machine to Houston late 70's. Soulful Shake sound like Youthful romance ..are you listening to me....
What a great song. Happy birthday TEXAS!
The Shake and Dana record was only on vinyl and has been out of print since shortly after it's release. I found a good copy on e-bay and have it now.
@jerryfaganmusic Corky's was my favorite bar in Houston. Saw many talented musicians there. Sunday afternoons at maribelles in Kemah pretty "special" too.
The guitar is perfect here.
use to listen Johnny Rebel sing this and several others by them in the 80's. Love this song.
I know this is a love song but man does it not have implications about our country today? "Divided we are through"
Reminds me of when I lived in Austin in the '80s
Amen. Perfect.
early 80's, Holahan's or something - in the Heights not far off I10. Bar downstairs, upstairs Shake and Dana would play. Huge old wooden house, on corner of Studemont and White Oak - I think. Shake's first album came out - for a short time. I had the damn thing. Now, you can't buy one for love or money. It's UNreleased. There was a rumor that Shake pulled it cause retailers were charging too much - I never knew for sure. I did meet him at Steamboat, bought him a drink and we visited - just like regular folk.
that would be Fitzgeralds! That place is STILL around!
This is a very special song to me, lost love.
i was at SHSU...I totally remember
love this song
Great song, saw him in Galveston in the 80's
Greatest song ever
Cozy Joint off Richmond Sam's Club near the Galleria incredible pipes
The first version was recorded live on the radio KLOL. This version is without Dana's vocal.
Anyone ever see him at Corkys in Houston
me!
Cody's
Still the best.
You are correct. It was Dana Cooper. A good friend of mine still has that album.
You know I saw you and Dana sing this at the Sign coffee house in 1967!
Camp reunion on youtube? Don't mind if I do:) hey Tyler! Crazy seein you here! :) but yes I agree. Lots of camp memories.
I wish I could get one of the original 'Ballad of the Snow Leopard' that they did.
It's so far above any other version, well, you guys know!
Shake Russell-Dana Cooper: In a small bar in Houston TX. 1970?
Got to see him as a kid at the Jalapeno Tree on NASA Road 1. Was also able to see him at the Balinese Room just before hurricane Ike destroyed it
@roehmig original on Amazon.com from the Deep in the West and Songs on the Radio now available on MP3! That is one of my all time fav songs. They used to play at Univ. of St. Thomas in Houston when I was attending 80-82.
Bellvile texas 1980
On the railroad tracks
I don't remember. I had the CD many years ago and had burned a copy onto my computer. Can't find the CD now! I think it was the one with Dana Cooper.
Thx... "Deep in the West" = 63 (Reduction)
he got it.
Shake is from Missouri !
A True TEXAS Rockstar! He was Awesome when I saw him in Montrose in Houston in 1978 with Dana Cooper. What a Talented Man. Thanks! Shake!
Amen
A Beautiful Love Introduced Me .
2018