By Ben Robinson
For the Courier

PICKENS — Get ready, Pickens.

Little Texas is coming to town.

Promoter Pat Mulkey showed up at Monday night’s meeting of Pickens County Council with news that the tremendously popular country music act will be the headlining act for this year’s Azalea Festival.

“We always try to get somebody special for Pickens and the festival,” Mulkey said. “Last year we had T. Graham Brown, but this year really tops anything we’ve been able to do. Little Texas is one of the hottest groups out there. And these guys have worked their way to the top of the charts, so they don’t give half-hearted concerts.

“Everything they do is top notch.”

Mulkey said he is excited to bring such a quality group in concert to his hometown of Pickens.

“This festival just keeps getting bigger and better each year, and it’s up to me to bring in the best acts available each year,” Mulkey said. “I am proud to be able to present such fine artists to the stage at the Azalea Festival.”

Little Texas was formed in the late 1980s and toured extensively its first few years, playing at clubs from Myrtle Beach to Los Angeles. Their first single came in 1990s “Some Guys Have All The Love,” from the album “First Time For Everything.” Eventually, five singles from that debut album reached the country Top 10.

Their next album spawned three No. 1 country hits — “What Might Have Been,” “God Bless Texas,” and “My Love.”
In the late 1990s the group briefly broke up, but three years ago, they reformed with the original members — lead singer Duane Propes, lead vocalist and lead guitar player Porter Howell, rhythm guitar and vocalist Dwayne O’Brien, and drummer Del Grey. Relying on their classic hits mixed in with totally new tunes, Little Texas is one of the hottest bands in country music.

Mulkey said the lead act on the opening Friday for Azalea Fest will possibly be the Tams.

“People just love the Tams, and they show how much they love the people with the shows they present,” Mulkey said. “We should have a great weekend full of music.”

Mulkey said there will be many groups performing constantly during the festival.

“The people expect the best for the Azalea Fest,” Mulkey said. “Honestly, they deserve the best.”