Dugg Collins -
Sounds Like Texas (2011)
I bought this one with no idea what it was, based solely on the Startex label's reputation for deep dish Texas music. Turns out that Dugg was a legendary platter spinner in Amarillo and elsewhere, becoming a member of the Country Music DJ Hall of Fame in 1996. Taking a quick look at the credits for
Sounds Like Texas, I spotted three very familiar names: Bobby Flores on fiddle and guitar, Justin Trevino doubling as harmony vocalist and engineer

and Jim Loessberg playing steel and producing.

The results are as great as you would expect from this cast of legendary characters. Dugg turns his flawless tenor loose on 14 slices of pure Panhandle perfection. If you're going to take on classic material from the likes of Bob Wills, Floyd Tillman, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and Bill Anderson, you better add something special or it's just another batch of ho hum covers. Collins channels Ray Price, Tommy Duncan and Johnny Bush (who adds harmony vocals) but is very much his own man.
Sadly, Dugg passed away in 2011 at age 67, a year to the day after Joyce, his beloved wife of 43 years. He left behind a small recorded legacy including this superb final outing.
Country Music DJ Hall of Famer and Amarillo broadcaster "Dugg" Collins has passed away at the age of 67, on Tuesday, January 11th.
abc7amarillo.com
