A short documentary film by Warren Matson
THE FILM
During the late 1940's & 50's, Loydis West from Coal Hill AR, was smitten with the sounds of Hank Williams and other great Country singers. Upon returning home from his service with the United States Air Force, he was smitten again. Her name was Shirley. They were married and began their lives together in Fort Smith, AR.
Sarge and Shirley West were soon trailblazing their way into the Country & Western music scene. With the exception of Charlie Pride, Black Country artists were unheard of in the 60's. In 1969, after writing and recording 2 songs in Nashville, TN, they were signed by a talent agency and seemed to be on their way to great success. However, due to health issues and wanting to provide a stable family life, they moved to Fayetteville, AR and worked various jobs to support their six children.
Sarge and Shirley continued to perform as often as possible. They garnered fond admiration from fans throughout their southern region. They also cultivated a love for Country Music in their children Charlie, Tony, Joe, Luke and Ann. Each one found opportunity on stage with their parents to be featured in singing time-honored Country Classics.
In this short 32 minute documentary Joe, Luke and Ann West are thrilled to introduce to you their Mom and Dad who are America’s first Black Country Western duo. Using the power of their music and infectious humor, they forged ahead through the racial intolerance of their time.
The film's main theme offers a personal and intimate view into the life of Joe West. He found himself estranged emotionally from his father. Through the gift of writing a song, Joe captured a message of appreciation and love that dramatically recast his relationship with his father Sarge.
In this film, you will also meet Robin West, Joe’s wife. She refused to allow cultural expectations to thwart her from marrying the man she loved. Additionally, you will hear from two of Joe's talented children, Becky & Caleb West. Their artistic and powerful expressions of innocence will leave a lasting impression as they call upon us to embrace the beauty of unconditional acceptance.
Play Trailer
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Joe West - On a Mission of Love, Joy & Peace!
Following in his father's singer-songwriter footsteps, Joe West has come into his own as an artist with deep genuine Country roots. Working hard to make it as a musician in Nashville, Joe rehearsed for hours a day to hone his craft. And like his father, Joe also worked other jobs to provide for his family of six.
In 1994, Joe was accepted as a contestant on the Charlie Daniel's Talent Roundup television show. He would go on to win his way into the finals of that season.
Joe performs all around the Nashville area and is currently featured as a main house band at the Nashville International Airport. He is spreading love & joy with his musical performances to travelers from every part of the earth.
For more information and to hear some clips of Joe performing, be sure to visit the CONTACT US page.
Shirley and Sarge West
We'd love to stay in touch!
We won't send a ton of emails but we'll let you know of any upcoming live performances/screenings.