Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price collection
Content Description
This collection consists of documents, memorabilia, realia, and audio, most which has been digitized.
Dates
- Creation: 1918 - 2013
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 the Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price collection must be obtained from the Houston Blues Museum.
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
Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price was born near Gonzales, Texas on August 2, 1917. He attended school until he was around 11 years old. After leaving school, he worked in restaurants. He joined the group the Northern Wonders, while working for the railway. He recorded at T.N.T. records aka Tanner 'N' Texas, Inc. with Bob Tanner in San Antonio.
He moved to Houston and recorded with Duke Peacock Records. His hits included "Shirley Jean" and "Pack Fair... and Square." He continued to record music off and on, as well perform until his 90s.
He also managed other talent and had his own record company, Sunshine Records.
His supplemented his career with the following work: crime photographer, private investigator, security guard, actor in the movie "Sugar Hill" and in the Alley Theater play, "The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia," and restaurant owner.
He was also a plaintiff in the court case Brown v. Ames, which was tried in front of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which dealt with copyright infringement.
Extent
6.5 Linear Feet (7 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection consists of documents, memorabilia, realia, and audio, most which has been digitized.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by the Houston Blues Museum in 2019 and 2022.
- Title
- Guide to the Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price collection, 1918-2013
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Norie Guthrie
- Date
- 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA
713-348-2586
woodson@rice.edu