Craig’s Record Factory: Book Sample

“I'm Taking What They Are Giving 'Cause I'm Working for a Living”

—Huey Lewis and the News

Was I working for a living? Hardly! If God created the perfect job, it would be working at Craig’s Record Factory. I would sleep in until 9:00 AM, put on a t-shirt, slaps, and shorts, and let my hair freak fly. I’d listen to the latest music with my working friends on a concert-quality sound system while visiting with my customers.

Having top artists come to the Factory to sign autographs was something special. We had hundreds of fans/customers surrounding the perfectly designed podium, all while blasting out the band's best songs. And all before they headed out to go to the concert. The following are some of the more memorable events.

• • •

Def Leppard was on their first tour to America to promote their newly-released album, High 'n Dry, in 1981. They ranged in ages from eighteen to twenty-two. The UK-based band turned out to be the nicest kids, looking as if they were in awe of the states. I imagine Texas was somewhat of a culture shock.

• • •

Judas Priest was the opposite. A better-known band, Craig’s Record Factory, was packed to capacity. But the band did not show up on time and gave us no information on when they might get there. After half an hour, the tension Craig’s Record Factory 69 mounted. It was more excitement than disappointment. After an hour, the crowd became restless, and I both felt bad for them and was worried they might leave. I'm a very punctual person by nature because I hate to waste someone's valuable time. I'm more likely to arrive early. If someone had called, letting me know they were running late, I could have apprised the audience. I'm also pretty easygoing, but minute by minute, my temperature began to rise. Finally, they arrived, and I began to cool down. Until I realized they were oblivious to the situation and pretty much acted like jerks. My dad's DNA kicked in, like the time he went after the Bandido leader in the Dairy Queen parking lot.

I stepped back for a second to gather myself. I began to realize that action on my part might jeopardize the autograph signing session, so I chose to get into my car and drive away. Sometimes that's the better part of valor. Besides, it would have gotten me in hot water with the record label. After an hour, I returned, and all was well.

• • •

The boys were back in town. We didn't have an autograph session, but the label invited me to meet the band the morning after their concert. I walked into the conference room at the hotel and looked around. Th in Lizzy band members were crumpled together in a corner, half asleep, looking like hell. Feeling half sorry and half put off , I turned around and walked out. I never thought of it as any big deal.

• • •

I pulled up to the downtown Sheraton Hotel in a limo provided by Epic Records. They wanted me to escort Ted Nugent to the autograph signing. Having just gone through the Judas Priest fiasco, I thought it an excellent idea.

I went up to his second-floor room and knocked. Out came a man with cat scratch fever, wild as the animals he now hunts with a bow. Th e limo drove down scenic Ocean Drive on our way to the Record Factory. Halfway there, Ted realized the crazy act did not affect me, so he switched to an average person. From that point on, we developed a good relationship and discussed many interesting things. But once through the back door, he flipped a switch, and he was back to Ted, the entertainer.

My customers loved him, as well as my employees. Ted was highly approachable and let fans and employees take all the pictures with him they liked. When the session was over, Ted walked over and put his arm around my shoulder. "Hey Craig, will you do me a favor?" Ted asked. "If I can," I replied.

Ted then asked me to tell Denise Mora and her friend, Lilly Villarreal, that he would let them backstage at the concert. Denise was exotic pretty, with long, silky, black hair and a dark complexion. I do not know her nationality, but wouldn't be surprised to fi nd out she had American Indian genes. Th e following day, I realized he wanted to get into those jeans because Denise wound up going on the rest of the tour with Ted. I was happy for them, but I wished Denise had at least called me to say she was quitting. Thank goodness Lilly came back and told me. If I ever see Ted again, I've got a lighthearted bone to pick with him.