Tony Roberts – Four chords and the truth Tony Roberts is a very unique songwriter and performer – so unique that the local blood bank frequently calls him to donate blood. Growing up in Boston, Tony was obsessed with writing and frequently attended writing conferences. He read ferociously and loved Hemingway. He was inspired by […]
Paulie Walterson Music is family. Born in 1945, Paulie Walterson is a fifth-generation Key West Conch. His father worked for the Navy, and they lived in a house next to Harris Elementary School. His family originated in Spanish Wells, on the northern end of Eleuthera Island, in the Bahamas. His cousin, Armond Walterson, was married […]
Coffee Butler – a true Key West legend The following words cannot do justice to the talent of this amazing human being. The City of Key West honored him by naming the new amphitheater, the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The honor was well earned. Lofton Ambrose Butler was born in Bahama Village in 1928 into a […]
Guitar Buddies – a special gift By Ralph De Palma Three wonderful Key West guitarists had a unique bond through music – George Victory, Yvan Agbo, and Rolando Rojas. Although these accomplished musicians came from very different musical backgrounds, they were drawn together, sometimes for a special gig performance, a new music idea […]
Dave Burns – Jazz piano and private eye By Ralph De Palma Dave was from Providence, Rhode Island. He was raised by a single mother who was constantly working so his grandmother, Alice McKenna, watched over him. She taught piano all over town so naturally, Dave started piano lessons at three years old. Due to […]
Michael Gillis – “Never worked a day in my life.” By Ralph De Palma John Michael Gillis was born in Hudson, New York. He spent his childhood in Atlanta, Georgia and Grove Hill, Alabama. Michael said, “I became obsessed with music by the time I was 10 years old. Even when I really […]
Bill Blue – Timing and A Touch of Serendipity By Ralph De Palma I assume that everyone reading this title knows a little something of the Key West Legendary Bluesman and entertainer extraordinaire, Bill Blue. Or has at least attended one of his almost monthly “Sound Checks” at the Green Parrot. If not, there […]
Cliff Sawyer – He would have been a household name By Ralph De Palma Cliff Sawyer was born and raised in Key West and has been singing since he was four years old. While growing up in Bahama Village, Cliff remembers hearing street corner bands singing and playing outside his window. His father played the trombone […]
Dottie Martin “…one of the legendary Key West classics.” By Ralph De Palma Dottie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. At age 17, she fell in love with a 4ft. 10in. jockey. They were married, traveled around the country, and later, divorced. Dottie started singing and performing at the age of 20. In […]
Lance Taylor – Woody Guthrie Was the First Punk Rocker By Ralph De Palma Lance Taylor was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1973. His father was in the Navy so the family moved frequently. He started playing the trombone in the sixth grade. He received a partial scholarship as a pitcher to West Virginia Wesleyan […]
