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Walter Spinks collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0825
Finding aid note: Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of fliers, posters, photographs, and audio collected or created by Walter Spinks. There is also an oral history.

Dates

  • 1970 - 2017

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research.

Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish from this material must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

Walter Spinks moved to Houston in the 1960s. He gravitated towards folk music and formed a duo with Harry Oswald called Fat and Furry. On the advice of Reb Smith, Spinks discovered the new venue Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant. He became one of the communal co-owners and worked there from the early 1970s-1976. During his tenure, he ushered in enlarging the space, creating a listening room atmosphere, and expanding the food menu with special evening meals.

After leaving Anderson Fair, he created the Blue Squirrel Booking Agency, as well as produced the compilation album "Through the Dark Nightly." He booked singer-songwriters that had made a name for themselves at Anderson Fair.

After this venture, he continued to stay in the music business and worked at Houlahan's No. 2. In the 1980s, he relocated with his family to Johnson City, Tennessee. He attended East Tennessee State University and participated in their bluegrass music department. He performed in the East Tennesse State University Bluegrass Band for two to three years along with Tom Stafford, Barry Bales, Jack Tottle, and Kenny Chesney. From 2005-2012, he performed locally in the band Little Trout. Although he has formally retired, he continues to follow the folk/Americana scene in Nashville.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (1 oversize box)

14.3 Gigabytes (Nearline access: MS0825aip_001 (14.3 GB))

0.102 Gigabytes (Nearline access: MS0825aip_002 (0.102 GB))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

This collection consists of fliers, posters, photographs, and audio collected or created by Walter Spinks.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Walter Spinks in April of 2018.

Accruals

Additional materials are not expected for this collection.

Related Materials

Please the Houston Folk Music collectin, MS 668.

Subjects

Record Groups

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Walter Spinks collection, 1970-2017
Status
Completed
Author
Norie Guthrie
Date
2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository

https://library.rice.edu/woodson
Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA

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Harmful Content Statement
© 2023 Woodson Research Center
Fondren Library, Rice University
Physical Address: 6100 Main, Houston, Texas 77005-1827
Mailing Address: MS-44, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892