The Boys of Summer

By Editor | July 20, 2025 |

SUNDAY July 20, 2025

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FEATURE

Bobby Ray Allen’s Take Off Started in East Texas

When Bobbie Ray Allen was born July 26, 1922, in Winnsboro, Texas, he was met with a long line of East Texas ancestry under wide open skies. He was a curious child and respectful of others while learning the importance of perseverance. He wasn’t one to shy away from life’s challenges and a hard day’s work. That commitment took him from the cotton fields of Texas to a high level position serving the United States in aviation safety. READ MORE

THIS TIME OF YEAR

Happy Birthday Don Henley

I’m not sure how I ended up getting to interview Don Henley of the Eagles for our November 2015 magazine but, as a long-time Eagles fan, I was pleased to say the least. Born July 22, 1947, his East Texas roots still run deep. He released his new solo album for his hometown called Cass County that came about after several years of his thinking about doing something on his own in-between Eagles touring. READ MORE from that interview in the County Line archives. To see him in person, he’s performing with the Eagles at the Sphere in Las Vegas through November 8 this year. — P.A. Geddie

ART

Last Chance to See Pop Exhibit at TMA

Pop On Paper: Lichtenstein, Ruscha & Warhol is on display through July 27 at Tyler Museum of Art, featuring the work of three prominent artists of the Pop Art movement. Get more information on www.TylerMuseum.org or call (903) 595-1001.

MUSIC

East Texan on the Rise Headlines July Fest

See Kolby Cooper at July Fest on July 26 in Gun Barrel City along with Asleep at the Wheel, a drone show, and other activities. Despite his rapid rise to fame, Cooper still calls East Texas home where he and his high school sweetheart Jillian are raising their three children. After releasing his critically acclaimed album “Boy From Anderson County to the Moon,” he made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Since then he’s garnered millions of streams and sold out shows across the country. The prolific songwriter has an uncanny ability to turn his and his friends’ life stories into relatable songs. Get details on July Fest on www.gunbarrelcity.gov.