Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price collection

The Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price collection contains an interview and an oral history.

Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price was born near Gonzales, Texas on August 2, 1917. He attended school until he was around 11 years old. After leaving school, he worked in restaurants. He joined the group the Northern Wonders, while working for the railway. He recorded at T.N.T. records aka Tanner 'N' Texas, Inc. with Bob Tanner in San Antonio.

He moved to Houston and recorded with Duke Peacock Records. His hits included "Shirley Jean" and "Pack Fairand Square." He continued to record music off and on, as well perform until his 90s.

He also managed other talent and had his own record company, Sunshine Records.

His supplemented his career with the following work: crime photographer, private investigator, security guard, actor in the movie "Sugar Hill" and in the Alley Theater play, "The Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia," and restaurant owner.

He was also a plaintiff in the court case Brown v. Ames, which was tried in front of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which dealt with copyright infringement.

The original materials are held by the Woodson Research Center in Fondren Library. Search the finding aid/inventory for the Big Walter "The Thunderbird" Price collection, MS 0870.