Video of the Week: Earl Poole Ball and the Cosmic Americans

You may have never heard of Earl Poole Ball, but you’ve probably heard Earl Poole Ball.   For more than 20 years, he was Johnny Cash’s pianist, and he has played with Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Linda Ronstadt, Rick Nelson, the Flying Burrito Brothers and Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, among others.  Remember the song “You’re Still On My Mind,” from the Byrds’ 1968 country-rock classic Sweetheart of the Rodeo?  That’s Earl playing piano.

Earl’s lived in Austin for many years, and he divides his time between two bands – Heybale, a great country outfit with Merle’s ex-guitarist Redd Volkaert, plays every Sunday at the Continental Club; and Earl Poole Ball and the Cosmic Americans, another sweet band with guitarist Casper Rawls and singer Jodi Adair.  Here’s EPB&TCAs, doing a little Johnny Cash shuffle at Austin’s Saxon Pub … close your eyes and picture yourself in the club for happy hour.

Earl Poole Ball & the Cosmic Americans MySpace page

Heybale MySpace page