Walter Spinks collection

This collection consists of photographs of Anderson Fair and musicians and a flier collected by Walter Spinks.

Walter Spinks moved to Houston in the 1960s. He gravitated towards folk music and formed a duo with Harry Oswald called Fat and Furry. On the advice of Reb Smith, Spinks discovered the new venue Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant. He became one of the communal co-owners and worked there from the early 1970s-1976. During his tenure, he ushered in enlarging the space, creating a listening room atmosphere, and expanding the food menu with special evening meals.

After leaving Anderson Fair, he created the Blue Squirrel Booking Agency, as well as produced the compilation album "Through the Dark Nightly." He booked singer-songwriters that had made a name for themselves at Anderson Fair.

After this venture, he continued to stay in the music business and worked at Houlahan's No. 2. In the 1980s, he relocated with his family to Johnson City, Tennessee. He attended East Tennessee State University and participated in their bluegrass music department. He performed in the East Tennesse State University Bluegrass Band for two to three years along with Tom Stafford, Barry Bales, Jack Tottle, and Kenny Chesney. From 2005-2012, he performed locally in the band Little Trout. Although he has formally retired, he continues to follow the folk/Americana scene in Nashville.

The original materials are held by the Woodson Research Center in Fondren Library. Search the finding aid/inventory for the Walter Spinks collection, MS 825.