William Scott "Tex" Tucker

1950 - 2011

William Scott "Tex" Tucker passed away on Jan. 1, 2011, in Bozeman.

Tucker was born Feb. 28, 1950, in Kellogg, Idaho, and attended Kellogg High School. He worked a few odd jobs including jobs with the railroad and the phosphate plant before pursuing his true love of music.

He started playing music professionally at the age of 14, while still in high school. He had his first paying gig in 1964 with a band called the Hustlers.

Shortly after high school Tucker moved to Hawaii where he attended the University of Hawaii as an English major (and a long-boarder). He was only 12 credits away from graduating when his passion for music really became apparent.

In 1978 Tucker formed the John Colter Band. The band toured the Northwest for the next eight years and became widely known for its entertaining, high-energy live shows. In 1984 the band released its only album. All the songs on the album were written and arranged by Tucker.

After the Colter Band parted ways in 1986, Tucker played in a few variations of a band called the Textones. Soon, Tucker started to pursue his solo act. He first played solo at the Filling Station on Oct. 22, 1988, and the Haufbrau on Oct. 23.

The show at the Haufbrau went so well that it prompted a three-days-a-week, 21-year run. Week in and week out you could find Tex in the corner of the Hauf, under the red light, singing his heart out. And that's exactly what made Tex such a legend. He poured every ounce of his soul into every note, and it showed. His passion was obvious the second you walked through the doors. He would tear through classics like, "Copperhead Road" and "Tree Top Flyer," and would perform medleys by Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and The Beatles. He would mix in some originals like, "World's Richest Man," "One Good Time Tonight," and "She'd Never Lie," also performed by Montana Rose.

In 2001 Tex released a solo album titled, "Between the Tracks." It was his way of getting back to his electric roots. His guitar tones were reminiscent of Joe Walsh, J.J. Cale, Johnny Lang, and even Pink Floyd at times, demonstrating his versatility with the instrument. And in true Tex fashion, each song on the CD tells a story.

Tex spoke through his music, and his spirit will forever reside in that red lit corner of the Haufbrau. He was also a passionate father, son, brother, uncle, husband, grandfather and friend.

He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Tucker; and his stepfather, Edward Lien.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Tucker; his mother, Dorothy Lien; brother, Kenny Tucker; son, Dustin Tucker; son, Jamie Albertini; daughter, Alason Hill; and his grandchildren, Abbriana, Braden, Heidi, Georgie and Cale.

William Scott "Tex" Tucker was an incredibly talented musician and a beautiful person. Tex signified what it meant to be a Montana Musician, and his spirit will forever be engraved in the Bozeman music scene. He will be missed, but his music and his passion will always be a part of anyone who was lucky enough to see him perform.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, at the Eagles in Bozeman. There will be photos, speakers and live music. Donations will be appreciated.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service; www.dokkennelson.com.