KLRU
King of Sixth Street Deserves to Be in Hall
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 31, 2005
Dear Editor,
I'm not certain how the nomination process for the Music Hall of Fame works, but I continue to be astounded that Gerry Van King, aka the King of Sixth Street, remains unrecognized and unappreciated by voters and the nominating committee.
King has been a mainstay of the Austin music scene for more than 30 years and has appeared in countless articles and advertisements in magazines and media, from National Geographic to the opening credits of Austin City Limits – all promoting the city, its music, and nightlife, and all for absolutely no financial compensation.
While his act may not have apparently evolved much in the past 10 years, any longtime Austin musician worth his salt will attest to his impact and the pure genius and originality in his approach to the bass guitar. A documentary about him won a Special Jury Prize at the Independent Boston Film Festival. In many ways, his image is a symbol of the Austin music scene, and he deserves the recognition and appreciation that future nomination and induction to the Hall of Fame would represent.
Some links regarding Gerry: news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/05/0501_Austin6thstreet.html and www.ifsboston.org/2003fest_winners.html
I'm not certain how the nomination process for the Music Hall of Fame works, but I continue to be astounded that Gerry Van King, aka the King of Sixth Street, remains unrecognized and unappreciated by voters and the nominating committee.
King has been a mainstay of the Austin music scene for more than 30 years and has appeared in countless articles and advertisements in magazines and media, from National Geographic to the opening credits of Austin City Limits – all promoting the city, its music, and nightlife, and all for absolutely no financial compensation.
While his act may not have apparently evolved much in the past 10 years, any longtime Austin musician worth his salt will attest to his impact and the pure genius and originality in his approach to the bass guitar. A documentary about him won a Special Jury Prize at the Independent Boston Film Festival. In many ways, his image is a symbol of the Austin music scene, and he deserves the recognition and appreciation that future nomination and induction to the Hall of Fame would represent.
Some links regarding Gerry: news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/05/0501_Austin6thstreet.html and www.ifsboston.org/2003fest_winners.html
Thanks,
Jason Davis
Jason Davis
[Editor responds: The nominations are agreed upon by the Music editorial staff, but these are just suggestions, and write-ins are welcomed.]
