KUT
Many fans of the Broken Spoke expressed concern about what might become of the honky-tonk after its driving spirit, James White, died.
James White had an infectious personality. From the big smile to the shiny sequined shirts to the jokes, very little changed through the years. That was part of what he brought to the Broken Spoke and part of the appeal.
When James and his wife, Annetta, opened the dance hall in 1964, they created a critical piece of Austin’s live music puzzle: unapologetic, traditional country. It served as the setting for part of Willie Nelson’s
Honeysuckle Rose and Dolly Parton’s
Chronicle Sunday afternoon. James White at the Broken Spoke on South Lamar, March 13, 2014 (Photo by Todd V. Wolfson)
According to White-Peacock, the honky-tonk icon was diagnosed with congestive heart failure 20 years ago, and had been in and out of the hospital with complications after having a new defibrillator put in two months ago. He passed at home this morning with his family.
“His heart just wasn’t working anymore,” explained White-Peacock. “I’m glad he’s at peace.
“My dad used to always say, ‘I wanted to build a place like no other, where people could come and listen to country music and have a good time. And when I built it, I named it the Broken Spoke.’