Back in 1990, in the cozy confines of Dave Bell’s living room studio tucked away in Braunshart, Germany, a momentous recording took shape. Using the vintage magic of a Tascam 85-16B recorder, Brian Walton revisited the sounds of Hank Williams Jr.’s 1987 hit, laying the groundwork for a thrilling journey in country music. This intriguing remake was just one piece of a three-song demo that Brian would present to various record companies, hoping to catch their attention.
And catch their attention it did! This demo played a key role in securing the 'Made in the Shade' recording deal, which opened the doors to a remarkable 45-year relationship with Sony Records. Joining Brian on this venture were the talented duo of Dave Bell and Christine Leon, who shared bass duties, along with Keith Headly on piano and keys. Of course, the spotlight was firmly on Brian, who lent his guitar skills and captivating vocals to the mix.
While Brian had already been strumming along to country tunes for over two years, the demo marked a significant transformation: it was his first professional leap into the genre, swapping his long hair and t-shirts for the iconic cowboy hat and boots. And what a savvy move that turned out to be! Since then, Brian has amassed a staggering 17 performance awards, solidifying his status as a formidable force within the country music community. So, here's to those early days—the start of a journey that would see Brian Walton earn his rightful place among country music greats!
