Remembering those that Traveled the Dirt Road of Country Music for the Future of Rochester, New York’s Musicians
He lived in the Rochester, New York area most of his life as well as in Florida for 15 years.
Music was Dave’s passion and he performed locally as well as up and down the East coast. Dave was known as a “local legend” in the Rochester, New York area, with many people learning more about him in a long profile in last weekend’s Democrat and Chronicle liking him to Jeff Bridge’s character, Bad Blake, in the 2009 film “Crazy Heart”.
Dave made many, many friends through his music playing during the 1970’s and 80’s at venues ranging from The Depression Tavern, Abilene Bar & Lounge and the Flipside Bar & Grille, where he frequently performed on open-mike night. Dave was currently working on compiling a new CD of his original songs.
Never professionally trained, Dave learned to play guitar but it was his voice that would carry his songs. He wrote many of his own songs, which usually were about heartache and whiskey. Dave’s guitarist during the 70’s, Frank Sellitto, is quoted as saying “He lived hard. It’s the way he wanted to live it”. Dave enjoyed being with his family and friends and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish.
The List Goes On:
- Paul McDowell
- Fred DeCarr
- Tommy Young
- Warren (Wes) Bloom
- Big John Jacobs
- Bud Guild
- Wimpie Durrand
- Little Janie
- Bill Madison
- Sharon Arnold
- Frank Hill SR
- Tom Dupre’
- Pat Torpe
- Donnie Lee Bailes
- Mike Tete
- Cliff Jacobs
- Danny Jackson
- Billy Cole
- Danny Ray
- Steve Waldo
*Note we do not claim to know many of these people personally but the names have been donated to share as a remembrance of those that came before us, in hopes that someone will remember.
We realize some of the names may be mispelled, but without knowing these people or the relatives, faults such as this may happen. Also we will not refuse any names for the Hall of Fame to those that have helped create a path of Country Music in and around the Rochester area. Thank you.