JAMES "SLIM" HAND
JULY 7, 1952 - JUNE 8, 2020
"James Hand is The Real Deal"
~ Willie Nelson
Willie was absolutely right. When I would talk to James, a common refrain was that he hated playing for money. It embarrassed him. He was definitely a good ol' boy, enjoying a drink and laugh as much as the rest of us. Attending his birthday party at Devil's Backbone Tavern, I had the privilege of watching him Two Step as Jake Penrod took the guitar and played on stage. James shuffled across the floor as happy as a lark. Little did we know it would be his last birthday bash. May he Two Step in heaven and croon a soulful song for the saved, and the damned. Rest in peace, brother.