Little Texas: 20th anniversary

Ada son says 'We are still out here doing what we love'

By Brenda Tollett

Associate Editor



ADA — Its’ been 20 years since country-rock band Little Texas hit the stage.

“Wow! We are still out here doing what we love doing,” said Ada native Dwayne O’Brien, acoustic guitarist for the group. “It’s been a wonderful ride.”

In the mid-1980s, O’Brien was at a crossroads in his life. He had recently graduated from East Central University with plans for a career in medicine. However, he also graduated with a major in music and performed in campus musicals and small clubs.

“I was in every musical performance on campus,” O’Brien said. “I decided to give (music) a year — see what it was like in the business. Did I have what it took?”

In 1986, O’Brien, vocalist Tim Rushlow, lead guitarist Porter Howell and bassist Duane Propes got together in Nashville. The group called themselves the Varsitys. They began playing state fairs and clubs across the Northern states. It was on this tour they met fellow musicians Del Gray and Brady Seals.

Although Warner Bros. expressed interest in the group in 1988, it wasn’t until 1992 that the group’s first album, First Time for Everything, was released. The debut single, “Some Guys Have All the Love,” hit the country Top Ten. During those intervening years, the band changed its name and developed a style all its own.

Little Texas spent the next 10 years performing 300 show days a year and earning multiple awards before taking a five-year break. O’Brien said the break gave him an opportunity to write more songs, spend time with his family and continue his education. He recently earned a master’s degree in chemistry from Vanderbilt University.

“I was happy to catch my breath for a time,” he said.

O’Brien has combined his musical talent with his love of science. In 2002, O’Brien became involved with Vanderbilt University in developing a master’s program that integrates technology and journalism. “Scientists are good at what they do,” he said. “Journalism, concisely as possible, keeps the general public informed about highly technical subjects.”

"Song Pilot," a project O’Brien calls a “labor of love” was completed during the band’s five-year break. This CD expresses and captures the joy and excitement of flying, another of O’Brien’s passions.

Little Texas reformed in 2003 with original members lead-singer/guitarist Porter Howell, drummer Del Gray, bassist/vocalist Duane Propes and guitarist/vocalist O’Brien. In 2007, Little Texas released two new albums within the same month, Missing Years and The Very Best of Little Texas: Live & Loud.

A graduate of Ada High School, O’Brien’s ties to Ada remain strong. He has family members that still live in the area and many songs he writes reflect fond memories of his early years in Ada. Anyone watching the Missing Years video can catch a glimpse of a photo of Sonny Warner and mention of “smell of coffee at the Liberty Cafe.”

“It is uncanny how many people know where Ada is,” he said. “I was so honored to give the commencement address at Ada High School in 2005.”

The group’s concert tour includes casino-based Triple Threat performances with fellow country acts Diamond Rio and Restless Heart. Check Little Texas' official website at www.littletexas.com for tour schedule.

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