Most fondly remembered for the 1960s hit 'She's About a Mover' with his band Sir Douglas Quintet, Texan Doug Sahm was something of a pioneer introducing Mexican styles into country, pop and R&B. His energetic, infectious music also embraced blues, cajun, western swing, rock & roll and even polkas as he became revered for championing Tex-Mex music around the world.
Born in San Antonio, he played a broad range of instruments and his talents were recognised early in the country music field, which regarded him as a child prodigy. He was just 11 when he played on stage with country legend Hank Williams, who died the very next day. At 13 he was offered a permanent slot on the Grand Ole Opry show in Nashville but his mother insisted he finished his education and refused to let him go. He formed his first band The Knights in 1957 and built a strong reputation performing in back R&B clubs and was influenced by the likes of Freddy Fender and Roy Head. He formed the Sir Douglas Quintet in 1965 with his old school friend Augie Meyers and, with the likes of Bob Dylan singing his praises, followed the hit 'She's About a Mover' with 'At the Crossroads'.
Jerry Wexler produced his solo debut 'Doug Sahm and Band' in 1973, which included Bob Dylan, Flaco Jimenez and Dr John. He continued to make solo albums and record with Sir Douglas Quintet and in 1989 formed the Texas Tornados with Meyers, Fender and Jimenez. He continued to forge different approaches to Texan music but died of a heart attack in his sleep in 1999.
