Here's another post about a dive-bar-in-Austin. With a "most beautiful baby" twist.
Poodie's Hilltop Bar & Grill is located about 20 miles west of Austin, in a little The owner and namesake, Randall "Poodie" Locke, was Willie Nelson's longtime best friend and head roadie. AKA, the man-who-makes-it-all-happen for Willie's shows.
I went to Poodie's once, I think, with my best friend to see her drummer boyfriend's band performing. On this night, Willie's son, Lucas, was behind the bar. It looked like he was the bar back, fetching beer, as needed, to put in the coolers. Nothing fancy about the place. Just a down home, friendly atmosphere with a cold beer at the ready.
I always wondered where Poodie got the nick name and why it stuck. This morning, two local radio jocks (KVET) answered my question.
The story goes that when Poodie was a baby, he won "Most Beautiful Baby" contest in Waco, Texas. His big sister, then two years old, was apparently trying to tell others how "purty" her baby brother was. "Poodie baby." Aww. That brings a tear to my eye.
Poodie died last night. He was 56 years young. He had a long braid down his back, loved to play golf, and had "had a hug for everyone."Poodie put a sign across the front of his Roadhouse, "There are no bad days."
I bet Willie would disagree today.
Willie was out in San Diego to accept some award when he heard the news. He's flying back to attend his best friend's funeral. That brings a tear to my eye, too.
Rest in peace, Poodie. 
22 comments:
Rest in peace, Poodie.
Awww. God Bless Poodie.
56 was way too young Poodie, Rest in Peace.
Damn. 56? Crud.
So sad! Ridiculously young. And that's not just because I'm now on the other side of - ahem - thirty. Seriously, that is a rotten deal. I loved the story about his big sister.
So sad. So young. NO FAIR!
Wow. That's quite a story!
So young, so sad but also sounds like a life lived to the full. RIP Poodie.
Thanks for Stopping by The Mouthy Housewives. Very sorry to hear about "poodie". It really is true, "only the good die young."
Sounds like Poodie ran quite the bar. Great back story!
How sad. I'm glad that nickname had such a cute story.
So young. That's a tough thing to hear.
I love dive bars. If I ever make it to Austin, maybe we'll go to Poodie's?
Rest in peace, Poodie.
Great story with a sad ending. 56 is just too damn young! The golfing picture is priceless. RIP Poodie!
This is so sweet and sad. RIP, Poodie.
Rest in Peace.
That's way too young.
Too young. Rest in peace.
WAY too young. I'm sure living with Willie he lived a very full life but still way too young for such a warm person. RIP Poodie.
Yeah, having been to Poodie's a few times (with my hubby drummer who played there), I can guess Poodie Locke lived a very full life. He was a nice man, very welcoming to everybody who walked through the door. Especially musicians.
R.I.P., Poodie.
56??? Way too young! All the good ones go like that!
How touching. Friends make our lives so much more meaningful.
With a name like that,the way he got it could have been waaay different!!
Everyone needs a Poodie in their life...may he rest in peace.
Funny thing about this....my daddy was a truck driver from Amarillo....I swear to you that I heard him talk of Poodie's...because really, that's a name one doesn't forget too easily. Daddy was a HUGE fan of Willie's (and Waylon's and the rest of the boys!)!! I'll have to ask my brothers about this!!
His place looks like the kind of joint my daddy would have frequented!!
actually Poodie was 60 when he died. the news got it mixed up and he was born in 1948. October 3, 1948.
He was one of a kind, he was actually my uncle..
thanks
Dillon Locke
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