Fallen Star
By Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Fri., Nov. 9, 2001
Champ Hood was, I truly believe, one of the pre-eminent sources of creativity and inspiration at the heart of what caused our town to become known, eventually, as "the Live Music Capital of the World." He covered the entire beat, from the old Waterloo Ice House to the Continental Club. It is ironic, to me, that he was almost exclusively identified as a sideman. His great musical talent, technical expertise, charm, confidence, and genteel bearing would seem to be the makings of a real star. But in with those were blended qualities even more rare: a genuine humility, a deep respect for his audience and his fellow musicians, and more concern for the music itself than for the money or the glory.
Champ had a certain peculiar twist in his outlook, and a magnificent, subtle sense of humor. He didn't talk too much, but he communicated extremely well: The twinkle in his eyes and his laugh were another kind of music he excelled in. An image remains with me from the night his son, Warren, was doing his debut live performance at Threadgill's. I remember glancing over at Champ, seeing his radiant smile and wondering if there were tears in his eyes or if the normal sparkle had just intensified.
The evening after Champ died, a large group of his friends and relatives gathered at the beautiful house he had moved into only a few days before. It seems it would have been unbearable but for all the love that was hanging almost visibly around us. There was a campfire, and music was there -- sometimes from live hands and voices and sometimes from a boombox playing Uncle Walt's Band. (Were Champ and Walter Hyatt maybe singing together somewhere?) Roger Allen, who helped Champ and me organize all those wonderful Threadgill's nights, reminded me of a story about Champ that somehow seems to bring him back for me. The two of them were sitting beside a campfire at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Champ said, "I saw a falling star!" Roger said, "Then you need to make a wish." Without missing a beat, Champ said, "Well, I wish I could see another one!"
