In his house, wall-to-wall with posters, knicknacks, arcane musical instruments, photographs, postcards, and objets d’art, Keith Ferguson’s precious collection of vinyl albums were divided into three sections: “Negro,” “Mexican,” and “Other.” That, his friends will testify, was pure Ferguson, the white boy who was as black and brown as they come. Best known for his stint as the Fabulous Thunderbirds’ original bassist, Ferguson died Tuesday, April 29 at 9:20pm in Brackenridge Hospital from complications arising from liver failure. He was 50.
It would be pointless to try and cram Ferguson’s colorful and checkered career into a few words; suffice it to say that his bass lines thundered throughout the world. If their was a bottom-line reason Austin became known for its blues, Ferguson created it. Even the great Muddy Waters used to narrow his eyes and whistle in admiration at Ferguson’s muscular soul. After departing the T-Birds in the mid-Eighties, he went on to play with the Tailgators and the Solid Senders. Ever led by the muse, he was surrounded by friends in his hospital room when he passed.
Keith Ferguson will be remembered by his friends on Saturday, May 10, at a service in his backyard at 3502 S. Second Street, where his ashes will be buried. However, with both Doyle Bramhall and Doyle Bramhall II playing Antone’s this Saturday, May 3, I think I know where his heart and soul will be. — Margaret Moser
This article appears in May 2 • 1997 and May 2 • 1997 (Cover).