News Release — April 13, 2011

Honoring Freddy Powers

Texas State honors legendary country songwriter Freddy Powers
Free Public Reception 5:00–7:00 pm, Wednesday, April 27, 2011

SAN MARCOS, Texas—The Wittliff Collections and the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University-San Marcos are pleased to celebrate the life and career of award-winning singer/songwriter Freddy Powers with a public reception for his fans and friends.

The event will be Wednesday evening, April 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Wittliff Collections, located on the seventh floor of Texas State’s Alkek Library. Admission is free and all are welcome.

In addition to five solo albums, Powers has written and co-written hits for Merle Haggard, George Jones, Ray Price, Big & Rich, and numerous other prominent artists. An accomplished vocalist and jazz guitarist, Powers also played guitar in country legend Merle Haggard’s band for many years. Many of Powers’ songs have been recorded by Haggard, and his career includes BMI #1 Song awards for “I Always Get Lucky With You,” “Let’s Chase Each Other Around The Room Tonight,” “Friend in California,” and “A Place To Fall Apart.” He also holds CMA's Triple Play Award for writing three #1 songs in one year.

Powers produced Haggard's pop album Cry Me A River, along with songwriter partner Bill McDavid, and he co-produced, sang and played guitar on Willie Nelson's platinum album Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Powers has appeared on many Austin City Limits programs, the Tonight Show, Today Show and numerous times on TNN. He also created and co-produced the Rogers and Hammerhead Show, a cable ace award nominee.

In 2006, Powers was honored by the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association, which noted in his Hall of Fame award: “Freddy Powers may not be as famous as his powerful pals Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Willie Nelson, but his award-winning hit songs and production work are behind-the-scenes testaments to his talent and success.”

In 2009, working in collaboration with the Center for Texas Music History, Powers donated a substantial archive to the Wittliff Collections as part of the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Collection.

“We’re so honored to be the home for the archive of this talented and influential Texas musician,” said Wittliff Collections curator Steve Davis. “Through our partnership with Dr. Gary Hartman and the Center for Texas Music History we are preserving these important records of our cultural heritage. We hope everyone can join us as we applaud Freddy Powers and his exceptional contributions to country music.”