Music legend celebrates 90th birthday this month

Any given day you will likely find someone picking a tune or talking about music inside B Sharp Music in Spindale. But on Wednesdays, you'll find a man who is a legend in his own right - Ralph Spicer.

Spicer, who will turn 90 on Nov. 27, has performed with some of country music's biggest names - Lefty Frizzell and Hank Williams Sr. are just two of those.

"It as Hank Williams Sr. who gave me the name 'Cowboy,' because I was a rodeo rider," Spicer said. "He once asked me what the hardest part of that was and I told him the ground."

Spicer grew up riding mules and cows, which lead him to rodeo riding. Following a three year term with the U.S. Army, Spicer got out and told his dad he was going to Hollywood.

Frizzell was one of the first people he met, and after Frizzell told Spicer his nickname was Sonny, Spicer said no, you're a southpaw - and the name Lefty stuck.

"We were good friends," Spicer said. "We had a ball."

Along with Williams Sr., the trio became the "Kings of the Honky Tonks." Spicer doesn't do much performing in Honky Tonks these days, but he does still perform widely and is still recognized.

Spicer spends Wednesday mornings at B Sharp, strumming one of his guitars and talking with those who visit. Impromptu songwriting sessions aren't out of the ordinary either.

"It's just words, words like we use every day," he said. "It's just how you put them together."

Spicer has more than 40 guitars of all styles, but one of his favorites is one that has been signed by various musicians. A worn set list is taped to the body, but he doesn't need it - because he remembers them all.

"Every guitar has a different sound and personality," he said. "But this one has been around the world with me."

Spicer plans to perform for as long as he can, and his ability to perform belies his age.

"I fight every day I can to stay alive, not because I fear death, but because I love life," he said.

What are his plans when he can no longer make music?

"I'll probably be cremated because I outlived all the pallbearers," Spicer quipped. "If I had to do it all again, I'd do it the same way."