Al Ragle

(06/11/2003) Al Ragle August 8, 1948 - June 8, 2003 Big Al has left the building. With friends at his side, Al Ragle passed away Sunday afternoon, June 8th, from complications arising from cholangitis and hepatitis C. Only 54 when he left us, Al had packed a lot of living into his first 40 years and was one of the best-known and best-liked figures in the glory days of the Austin music scene. Al grew up in Highland Park/ Dallas and after graduating from Highland Park High in the late 1960s, he moved to San Francisco, where he worked for several years in the record industry. Returning to Texas in 1973, he moved to Austin in 1974 for a brief stint as singer- songwriter Billy Joe Shavers manager, a job not unlike rodeo bull-riding but with slightly fewer bruises. Over the succeeding years, Al was a fixture in Austin music circles, working at a number of live music venues, including The Continental Club, The Backstage, Willies Austin Opry House, La Zona Rosa, The Backyard and Huts, where he was the sound engineer. Over the years, Al also worked at a number of record stores, including Sound Warehouse, Inner Sanctum, Music Mania and, until late last year, Antones Records. He also worked on the road with Paul Ray and the Cobras and, later, with the Marcia Ball Band. Most recently he ran Realiza Records, Eliza Gilkysons label, and as in years past he was involved in the production of Willies upcoming 4th of July Picnic. Al was all about the music. He loved rock, blues, gospel and jazz, and he was a walking encyclopedia of artists, albums, songs and styles. At one point, he owned more than 10,000 vinyl LPs, and when they were all lost in a fire, he shrugged it off and started a new collection. In recent years, his DoWop.com website was a valuable resource for music fans, and each day Al put out a this day in history report to several hundred loyal readers, listing classic record releases and musician births and deaths for the date, with his insights on the distinctive contributions of both music icons and lesser- known side players to the milieu of American music. Not long after he turned 40, Al abruptly gave up alcohol, a life-changing experience for someone in the Austin music scene. After five years, sensing he needed some help to avoid slipping back into the nightlife, Al joined AA, where he met Bill W., through whom he made many more friends who were with him to the end. Four years ago, Al reconnected with Nancy Gilkyson, a friend from his early San Francisco days, and they moved to a little ranch on Onion Creek, where Al tried to teach an expanding menagerie of rescued dogs, cats and horses to dance in the second line. It was clear to all that these last few years with Nancy were the happiest years of our gregarious friends life. The smart money says St. Peter had a back-stage pass waiting for him and that Al has cleared the stage of harps and made room for some real music. While Al is jamming with Professor Longhair, Satchmo and Stevie Ray, those of us he left behind will gather soon for a musical celebration of Al's life in Austin. (For details, check DoWop.com.) Al is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Leon Ragle Sr., former Dallas residents now residing in Fort Worth, Texas; a sister and brother-in-law, Betty Ragle LaRue and R. Michael LaRue of Fort Worth; and a niece, Cathy Shropshire White of Jacksonville, Florida -- and by hundreds of people who knew and loved him. Save us all some good seats, Al. Memorial donations in Als name may be made to the Liver Foundatiion of Central Texas (www.lfct.com) at 3116 Above Stratford Place, Austin TX 78746.