For those who still remember the melodic sounds of "It’s a Cheatin’ Situation" or the sentiments of "Bandy, the Rodeo Clown," Moe Bandy, who had many hits during the 1970s, will be making his first appearance on the Rio Grande Valley Winter Texan circuit March 9 and 10. He will give two shows at Aladdin Villas in Mission, March 9, and one in Harlingen on March 10.
In the 1970s, Bandy first worked on his grandfather’s ranch in San Antonio while he rode bareback on broncos and bulls in local rodeos. He also did a short stint as a rodeo clown.
He was a sheet metal worker in Adkins, Texas who had dreams of going to Nashville and hitting it big. He tried several times but could not quite get in the door. But, the dream was still there and strong enough that he pawned an entire household of furniture to get the $900 to pay for a recording session in Nashville. He knew it was his last chance, and he was willing to risk everything to achieve his dream or spend the rest of his life wondering if he could have made it big.
The gamble paid off and led to his first hit, "I Just Started Hatin’ Cheatin’ Songs Today." The song led to a contract with Columbia Records that started his 30-year career in the music industry. Bandy recorded songs like "It’s a Cheatin’ Situation," with Janie Fricke and Hank Williams, “You Wrote My Life” in his early career and recorded hits like "Till I’m too Old to Die Young" and "Americana."
Through the years, Bandy has recorded 35 albums, had 60 chart hits, received four Academy of Country Music awards and a Country Music Association award. He has had five gold albums, 40 songs in the Top 10, and was considered one of the most popular country singers in the country in the 70s.
Bandy has long been considered to be one of the best Honky Tonk singers around. Most of his songs are about loving, cheating and drinking. "It’s a Cheatin’ Situation" went to number three in 1979 and was named Song of the Year for American Country Music. "My Woman Loves the Devil Out of Me," with Becky Hobbs also ranked high on the charts.
Bandy moved to Branson in 1991 and opened the Americana Theater, where he performs when he is at home.
Bandy can be seen at Aladdin Villas on Sunday, March 9; shows are at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for reserved seating and $10 for general seating. Aladdin Villas is located at 1501 Aladdin Villas Boulevard, which is off Stewart Road between Expressway 83 and Business 83. Call (956) 585-0412 for tickets.
He will give one show at Snow to Sun RV, 1701 N. International Boulevard, in Weslaco at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Call (956) 498-3834 or (956) 968-0322 for tickets.