We all meet people in our lives who have the capacity to affect our character.  When we change direction as a result of these encounters, we always think we’re doing the right thing regardless of the opinions of others.  That’s because it is usually great fun.  Not all of us are smart enough to avoid the ones who are initially exciting company until they drag you through the mud.  Then there are the ones who inspire.  They’re the ones.  The ones who have got out of the mud themselves.

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Throughout my six hundred and seventy-five thousand hours on this earth, I have met countless people who have triggered the billions of decisions that have shaped me.  Fortunately for me, Bucky Lindsey loomed into my life at what I now see as a critical juncture and inspired me to completely give up alcohol.  I got sober on 17th March 2004 in Austin, Texas, thanks to the example set to me in preceding years by Bill Kirchen and Dan and Linda Penn.  Lisa Best’s partner Bucky got me through the early years of my sobriety with his quiet but sturdy support.  I had plenty of reasons to stay quit but it was knowing that Bucky would be there – as promised - on the end of a phone at any time that made it achievable.  It is no exaggeration to say that he gave me a new life.

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We spent some memorable times together down on his beloved gulf coast, fishing and shooting the breeze.  His death on 21st June 2025 was a stark reminder to me of how my life might have been without having run into this totem pole of a man.  I shall be forever grateful for the moment the planets lined up and brought Bucky (and Lisa) into my life.

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He was a fine musician who had long spells as a bass player with Little Jimmy Dickens, Ray Price and Lonnie Mack among others.  As a songwriter, he was not confined to any specific genre as is clear from this short Spotify playlist.  I strongly suggest that you search elsewhere for Ruth Brown’s cover of Bucky’s “Can’t Stand A Broke Man” and George Jones’ version of “I Can Live Forever” for further examples of his skill.

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