Fort Worth Songwriters Association: Membership Profiles

Dotty B

Tim Blazer

Tim is a native born Texan who has been playing music for over sixty years. At the age of fifteen, Tim heard some musicians playing music in a park in Tyler, Texas. He proceeded to purchase himself a guitar from Sears & Roebuck and returned to the park to have the musicains teach him how to play "this thing." This was the beginning of Tim's love for and career in music.

Later Tim began to take an interest in the bass guitar and invested in a bull bass. From there he started to receive job offers and eventually formed his own band, The Tyler Ramblers. After many hours of practice, Tim and his band began to play on the radio station KTBB. Shortly after, The Tyler Ramblers began to play in surrounding towns in the East Texas area.

Tim made contact with Kit Smith of Big Springs Jamboree at the conclusion of WWII. Kit backed such stars as Leon Payne and George Jones. Mr. Smith saw that Tim had talent and offered him a job working with these same great artists. While playing at the Hometown Jamboree in Houston, Texas, Tim met and began playing for Billy Gray. Also, Tim has played with Leroy Stafford and the Texas Sounds at Panther Hall Annex Bar and locally on channel 11 television.

Several years later Howard Crockett encouoraged Tim to start another band. So the Western Blazers were created and Ray Brandenburg was hired to be the lead vocalist and guitarist. With the talent of the musicians and Ray's crowd catching voice the band continued for eighteen years. The band played all over Texas with a prestigious run of ninety-seven weeks at the Finish Line Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1976, Tim dissolved the Western Blazers and began to pursue other ventures. Many years later Tim met up with Ray Brandenburg again. Ray was still playing and writing songs and working with his manager Rose Jeffus. This encounter caused Tim to want to begin playing as a team with Ray once more.

For the last two years under the direction of manager, Rose Jeffus, Tim and Ray have had many opportunities to play together and are continuing to build a fan base. The future for Tim, as one of the finest bass players in the state, will produce many new and exciting avenues for him to follow. Tim has always said "Let me play my music, and I'll be the happiest man alive!" It is his life's ambition to help those who truly need help.

Bob Bryan

Bob is a legend in the Texas music industry with a performance record of over 60 years to his credit. His first gig singing was on the radio station KRBC in Abilene, Texas. As a musician he has played professionally in the, Far East, South America, coast to coast across the U. S., and has played in a band on the Grand Ole Opry. He specializes in Western Swing style music, and his song "If These Walls Could Only Talk" has become his signature song. As an award winning accomplished and published songwriter, he is one of the most outstanding individuals involved in the local music industry today. His efforts are tireless in assisting the growth of the music community, by spending many hours serving as a judge for many competitions for local music organizations. As a role model for all in the music community, he sets the best of examples through the use of his networking skills. Bob's devotion to promote the art of song writing has been displayed through his many years of involvement with the Fort Worth Songwriter's Association. His leadership as President has earned him the respect of the entire music industry. He always makes himself available to give of his talents to participate in songwriters showcases, workshops, and seminars.
PUBLISHED WORKS: "I Don't Know" (Western Swing), "That's Life" (R&B), "Say What You Gotta Say" (R&B)
*CoWriter Joe Cruz of Nashville, TN
* Published by Sherrill Blackman of SGB Music Group
*Compiled, sang and co-published "Down The Line" CD for European Play (12 songs written by Bob Bryan)

Membership and Affiliations
* Member of the Fort Worth Songwriter's Association since it's inception in August 1992
* 1998-2001 President FWSA
*1993-94 & 1996-97 Vice President FWSA
*1995 Sergeant of Arms FWSA
* Member of Nashville Songwriter's Association International since 1991
* Member of Lone Star Music Association since 1996
* Member of Lone Star State Country Music Association since 1997
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
* 1999 "Achievement Award" Lone Star Music Association
* 1999 "Songwriter of the Year" Lone Star Music Association
* 1998 "Humanitarian Award" at the 1st Annual Lone Star Music Association Awards Show
* 1998 "Honorary Hall Of Fame Award" at the 1st Annual Lone Star Music Association Awards Show
* 1996 "Song Of The Year Award" for "Pay The Price" at the 19th Annual Terry Awards
* 1995 "Song Of The Year Award" for "That's Life" at the 18th Annual Terry Awards

Carole Butterfield

Secretary / Public Relations Director

The message is in his eyes…. “Though mountains may crumble and buildings may fall, I…Jesus Christ… remain forever….come Follow Me!”

Carole is frequently a guest speaker at Christian events, and she offers these encouraging Bible-based workshops:
(a) Three Nails (b) Threads Of Many Colors
(c) God’s Child (d) A Brand New Label

Besides scheduled bookings, her weekdays include giving music therapy while singing at nursing homes and Alzheimer’s facilities. She also ministers with ALS, MS, MD, and Parkinson’s patients, as well as the Hospice terminally ill.

Most weekends, Carole is praising the Lord at churches, special events, and concerts. In the Dallas area, she has been featured on KKGM, KCBI, KSKY, THE WORD, KZEE, KTFW, KAAM, and on television at Trinity Broadcasting on “Praise The Lord.” In Fort Worth, she has performed at Bass Hall and Will Rogers Auditorium and Meyerson Symphony Hall – “God High and Lifted Up” in Dallas. She continues to use her three octave voice and powerful testimony to bring others closer to the Foot of the Cross, while performing the Old Hymns, Inspirational, Praise and Worship, Country Gospel, and Southern Gospel music.