Uncle Bud: Saved the Best for last
- By Gene Redwine
- The human spirit is a remarkable tool and when mixed with drive and determination--extraordinary dreams can come true. Blues Artist Leo “Bud” Welch is a classic example as his singing mostly came at the sawmill where he worked for 30 years. He grew up in Northern Mississippi in a small town called Bruce. Co-Columnist Gene Redwine knew him when he worked for the community television there in the 1980s. He shares his early impressions of him
- To many of us, Leo Welch was known simply as Mr. Bud. He was a fixture around Bruce for as far back as I can remember. Mr. Bud loved to pick and sing. That's where his heart was.
- Mr. Bud was a regular viewer. We would often strike up conversations when we ran into each other around town. At that time, I didn't know much about him. Often, I'd find him perched on a bench outside one of the local stores. He always looked like he'd just left work at the sawmill, with a pair of loose-fitting pants, a plaid shirt (always long-sleeved), a faded old cap sideways on his head, and a cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth.
- The lines on his face told a tale of a life filled with hard work and few breaks. His haggard appearance probably made him seem unapproachable to some but beneath that rough exterior. I, though, found him to be both warm and friendly. Redwine noted their conversations would turn to music and you could see his eyes light up.
- Uncle Bud then started to follow a path like a lady depicted in the hit song Big Star by Kenny Chesney. Uncle Bud had a group and eventually got the attention of the local media. Redwine recalls those early days and how Uncle Bud got some notoriety.
- At that time, he had a gospel group made up of himself and a couple of ladies-- who looked to be around his age. The group was called The Sabougla Voices, referencing the small Calhoun County MS town where he was born. In time, The Sabougla Voices would make appearances on some of our TV programming. Mr. Bud and the ladies would show up in their Sunday best and entertain us with their brand of blues-tinged gospel music. Leo never seemed happier than when he was playing what he referred to as "black gospel" music. He would go on to eventually host his own Black Gospel show at the station.
- Just like the lady in the song, the big break came for Welch, even though it was a bit overdue at 78 years old. He toured the world for three years. He recorded in the iconic Sun Studio in Memphis and at festivals in the US, Canada, and Europe.
- Life is not always fair and seldom goes as planned--but Redwine shares this tribute to a man who never quit.
- I was as proud as anyone when, albeit late in life, he finally started receiving national and international attention for his talents. Sadly, his life ended just as his career was taking off--but he went out on a high note. I think that's just the way he would have wanted it
- Now, there is a museum opened in Bruce. It displays the talent, courage, and music of a talented American who, like Colonel Saunders, made dreams come true in his later years. The museum can be a part of a visit to a state that is rich in musical history.
- The Mississippi Blues Commission has an ongoing project called The Mississippi Blues Trail. The trail recognizes individuals who have made a unique contribution to blues music by placing trail markers in their home counties. Leo (Bud) Welch has a marker on the Bruce, town square.
- Mississippi will also be the future home of the American Congress of Country Music. The $30 million project is being built in Philadelphia by country-music legend Marty Stuart. Additionally, the national Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame will soon be built in Marks. The state is also the home of megastar Charley Pride, the father of country music Jimmy Rogers, the great Tammy Wynette, and Elvis who was born in Tupelo. Now, the legacy of Welch can join those great stars.
- We will never know what Welch’s life would have been like if he had hit the big time as a young man. In creative arts, though, three years can be a long time.
- Welch left us with musical and video clips. He also made a cameo appearance in the documentary about Elvis Presley called The King, For Welch, the title is an irony. It reflects a man who hit it big late appearing in a movie about a man who died way too young. Welch was a man who saved the best for last. Way to go, Mr. Bud, ya done good!