BROWNSVILLE TN (June 12, 2017):

Concert on the Porch, a summer music series presented by the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, will kick off this Friday, June 16, and features Rockabilly Hall of Fame member Billy Weir. The outdoor concert begins at 7 p.m., on the grounds of the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville.

Weir is a Jackson, Tenn., native who moved with his family to Memphis in the 1950s. Many may remember his name as the first drummer for Harold Jenkins and the Rockhousers. Jenkins later became known as Conway Twitty. Weir traveled the country playing for Jenkins and later became an accomplished guitarist after receiving instruction from guitar legends such as Scottie Moore. He has also performed with Elvis Presley and shared the stage with many other music greats.

Sun Records lists Weir as one of its “Great Drummers at Sun” and in 2011, Weir was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame for his contributions to the genre. Not only does Weir play and perform, he also owns a recording studio, Gumball Records, where he records and promotes new talent. He is a published author of memoirs of his life on the “music highway” and experiences during the birth of rock and roll.

Joining him on the Sleepy John Estes porch for this event will be his band Trip-N-Time, along with special performances by vocalist Liz Berry. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for an evening of familiar country and rockabilly sounds.
For more information about the event, call the Center at 731-779-9000 or email [email protected]. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is located at 121 Sunny Hill Cove in Brownsville, Tenn.

CAPTION: Rockabilly Hall of Famer Billy Weir was the first drummer for Harold Jenkins (Conway Twitty) and the Rockhousers and has played with Elvis and many others over his career. He continues to perform and run a recording studio in West Tennessee.

About the Center: The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, in Brownsville, offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds is the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. The Delta Heritage Center is also a featured stop along the Americana Music Triangle connecting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.