1977 - This song had just hit the jukebox at "The Corner", sometimes called "Junior's" as that was the name of the utterly cool dude who both owned and ran the joint (aka: Ice House). This was on McCarty Drive in Houston, Texas, which even back then was both industrial AND a sketchy place to be.... They called it the "rough part of town" 45 years ago.
How do I know about a place like this.... at 14?
Well, Momma was an accountant for a giant oil company (which will remain nameless) on McCarty Dr. Occasionally, if I was with her during the week, she'd let me hang out at "The Corner" under Junior's watchful eye while she went to work. She'd come in after work with friends as she/they all often did and have a beer or two.... before going home.... Yeah, I know.... what can I say. 45 years ago and something about fools and little children....
Anyway, I heard this song the first time when "Paula", a relative of Junior's, pushed A-1-2, and it started. Happens that
that was
also the first time I'd ever heard or seen Paula, too.
She actually looked (a lot, IMO) like Stevie... Needless to say, I became "somewhat" enamored with her. Also REALLY improved my 8-ball game that year too. HELLUVA Summer!
Wherever you are Paula, I hope you were/are happy, and had/have had a killer life!
Alright.... I'll spare y'all the rest of my trip.... the Eagles just came on, and ain't nun-a-y'all wanna hear that story!