Between last month’s Free Range Texan episode and now, we lost Mike Pritchard to illness. None of us saw it coming.
I’m not even sure I remember the first time I became aware of and acquainted with Mike Pritchard. His singing, songwriting and performing capabilities are woven into the fabric of our West Texas community. You could say a lot of things about Mike … he was a consummate professional; he was someone that could be counted on to perform and sing in almost any venue where he was needed.
If you were around him much in the musician community you would know that he was appreciated and respected for his talent and/or friendship. In regards to all the things that I have just said, he was a real “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. I liked him and I guess I always did. If you were walking in to spend the evening somewhere, and you found out that Mike Pritchard would be singing, it was a good thing.
Anyone who tried to put Mike Pritchard’s music style in a box with a label would be hard pressed to keep the lid shut. He sang and wrote great music for a lot of different occasions. He and Wally Moyers had recently produced some great country music. Mike was always a rock and roll guy at heart and could walk on stage with a six piece band and blow the roof off. But lately … he was sounding much more soulful and blues-like, but it was always enjoyable.
Our visit with Mike Pritchard occurred on Episode 34. He was absolutely candid and talked personally with our listeners. For me it was simple. I was just talking with an old friend. In Episode 57 of our Free Range Texan Podcast we step back and revisit the last time we thoroughly enjoyed Mike Pritchard’s stories and talent. Thank you Mike (he always called me Mikey) for this one last time you shared you life and your music. Brother, we will see you down the way ….
