POOR BOYS

Richard Porter, a student at Odessa High School, began his early music career by singing with a local country band led by Hank Telford during the summer of 1955. After getting some professional experience with Hank's band Richard began the process of putting together a group with his friend and steel guitar player Eddie Williams. After playing a few gigs with local musicians Bob Caudle (lead guitar) and Ben Bevers (drums) they met Carl Bunch. Carl was playing drums for a dance with the Hood Junior High Orchestra when Richard and Eddie decided to drop by for a listen. They were impressed with his performance offering him the chance to be a part of their new group. Carl Bunch became the drummer and Carl's friend, Bob Hardwick, became the up-right bass player. The group became popular around the area and when Elvis Presley's film debut "Love Me Tender" began showing across West Texas in 1956 Richard decided to named the band 'The Poor Boys" the title of one of the songs. Like many other groups across West Texas during this period "The Poor Boys" quickly moved into rockabilly with Eddie moving from steel to lead guitar. Ronnie Smith (vocalist) joined the group after they backed him at telethon held at the County Park Auditorium. As the band began getting more and bigger bookings Brent Clark (sax) and Roy Licon (trumpet) were added. When Roy Orbison and The Teen Kings began touring The Poor Boys replaced them on their weekly KOSA-TV show sponsored by Pioneer furniture along with performing once a week on KJBC in Midland. The group recorded in Ft. Worth and again in Clovis at Norman Petty Studios. Carl Bunch (drums) went on to become a member of Buddy Holly's band on the ill-fated tour, worked with Roy Orbison, Hank Williams Jr. and Bob Osborn's band. Ronnie Smith joined the Winter Dance Party tour as vocalist after Buddy Holly's death. Richard Porter went on to play football at S.M.U. graduating in1966 from S.M.U. in Dallas then earned a law degree at the University of Florida.

L-R Top; Richard Porter, Eddie Williams; L-R Bottom; Bob Hardwick, Ronnie Smith, Carl Bunch