Doug Sahm - Atlantic Years: 1970s

Atlantic Years: 1970s

In 1973, Jerry Wexler of Atlantic Records bought Sahm's contract and produced his solo debut Doug Sahm and Band, an album featuring Bob Dylan, Dr. John, David Bromberg and Flaco Jiménez.

"Then in October 1972, Dylan was in the studio with Doug Sahm... Dylan having been friendly with Sahm since the mid-sixties and having expressed enthusiasm for the Sir Douglas Quintet on more than one occasion"

Sahm continued recording both as a solo artist and with the Sir Douglas Quintet. During this period, Sahm also had a couple of minor motion picture roles. In 1972, he and the Quintet appeared with Kris Kristofferson in Cisco Pike and in 1979 he was featured in More American Graffiti.

Sahm was also a sought-after session musician, appearing on releases of other artists, including The Grateful Dead. He sang backing vocals on Willie Nelson's 1977 gospel album, The Troublemaker.

In 1979, Doug began showing up around Springfield, Mo. He frequently sat in with local musicians in the bars on Commercial Street, particularly Lindburgh's, where this author was lucky enough to play with Doug often. He was in town off and on and had many, many friends there.