Page 46 - Summer 2019 - Lubbock Senior Link Magazine - Online Magazine
P. 46
HONORING SENIORS
Magic
in the Music
by Jody Boudreaux Wilson
he accordion was sick. Sadly, friend, Tom Gloria, started
our accordion doctor had playing the accordion at
Tdied. But years earlier, Jent’s local dances. Pete took up
House of Music had shared a name the accordion, and it was a
and phone number. Jent’s had since match made in heaven. He
gone out of business. With little developed a unique style,
hope, I dialed the number. Relief and the crowds loved it.
spread like jam across my face
when a rich, deep voice answered. His first public appearance
“Yes, this is Pete Morales. Yes, I was at the Tahoka Dance
still repair accordions. Yes, you can Hall during intermission. still miss him.” My eyes studied his
bring your accordion in right away.” This sixteen-year-old gifted face. “Pete, we don’t ever get over
When he welcomed us into his shop, musician wormed his way into the the loss of a child. We get through it,
we immediately souls of the people but we never get over it.” Solemnly,
fell in love with of the plains. His Pete nodded. “Yes, that’s true.”
this gentle man. music was magic,
and they were The music man joyfully shares his
Pete Morales caught under the music at weddings, anniversaries,
wears an aura spell. birthdays, dances and many other
of peace and events. “We did lots of benefit shows
kindness; he’s In 1953, Tino for people who lost their houses
a stalwart man Castillo introduced or fell on bad times. We didn’t get
with a helping him on the paid for that.” That fact brought no
hand and radio, KKUB regret. His music was his joy and,
generous heart. in Brownfield, and it infected those who heard it.
Pete apparently Texas. In 1954
refuses to at Joe Martinez “I was nominated (for the Buddy
whimper even Recording Studio Holly Terrace of Fame) from San
when living takes in Midland, Texas, Antonio in 1990. I was performing
the life out of you. Pete cut his first at the Accordion Festival that ran
His music helped fashion the man record. Other recordings followed from Wednesday through Sunday.
he was destined to be. in San Antonio and Lubbock. In the That is where the nomination
midst of his growing popularity, originated, but I was not inducted
Though Pete is an accordionist, Pete and Juanita, his wife of 48 until 2002.” That nomination called
his first musical instrument was years, had thirteen children, 8 girls, attention to Pete’s music and forever
the guitar. Three of his brothers 5 boys. Pete’s voice grew husky. “I preserved that priceless part of his
(Miguel, Polo, and Willie) and a have twelve living children. Our culture. I asked, “Pete, did you ever
nephew (Mike Jr.) all played the five-year-old son suffocated in a teach accordion?” He laughed. “I
guitar. But the accordion captured house fire at my father-in-law’s tried to pass that on to my kids.
his heart in 1950 when a good home. It’s been a long time, but we And some people came from out of
46 Lubbock Senior Link
