Ralph, You're Fired.

Tom Olson · From: Spokane, WA

I just read an interview with Waylon Jennings that was supposedly published in a magazine in 1997. In the interview, Waylon was asked to comment on Ralph Mooney. In his answer, Waylon mentioned something to the effect that Ralph was still "pissed at me for firing him."

Did Waylon really fire Ralph, or was he just kidding around? If Ralph was filed -- why?

Enquiring minds want to know -- Thanks.

Eddie Thomas · From: Macon,Ga.,USA

A prominent player told me, "Ralph was bad to get homesick, and it didn't matter where Waylon and the band were at the time, when Ralph would get homesick, he would take the tourbus and go home! And the guy told it for the truth. Also said the same the reason Buck Owens let him go. It's quite possible.

Fred Jack · From: Bastrop, Texas 78602

Not exactly ... he did attempt to take Haggards bus but got caught before he left the parking lot .. soooooo when Waylon hired him he told the band "if Moon wants to go home TAKE HIM TO THE AIRPORT". I don't thing Buck even had a bus when Moon worked with him and besides Moon only recorded with Buck and did not tour with him. Fred

[This message was edited by Fred Jack on 20 October 2004 at 03:39 AM.]

Ricky Davis · From: Bertram, Texas USA

Well I did some sessions with James Burton a few years ago and asked James that very question and he told me exactly why Waylon fired him at one time.
I don't want to print the reason here; so if you just HAVE to know what James told me; you can email me and I'll tell ya what he said. Out of respect for Ralph who is still alive; is why I don't want to write it here, but it's a really cool short story is why I wouldn't mind telling the folks that want to know.
Ricky

Dale Dorsey · From: Granger, Indiana, USA

Didn't Waylon fire and rehire just about everyone in his band, for no real good reason and when he felt like it, or am I mistaken?

Fred Jack · From: Bastrop, Texas 78602

Dale, you are right.He hired and fired daily.
For any reason. Fred

Tommy Minniear · From: Logansport, Indiana

I believe if Ricky has a story about this, sharing it in private emails is the route to go.
"Speculation" and "Rumour" is all that a thread on this topic would be.
If "any one of us" was the topic, I don't believe we would appreciate this sort of thing being discussed on the internet. My guess is Mr. Mooney would probably feel the same.
I recall hearing that Waylon gave Ralph a new Cadillac - showed up at the ISGC out of support/respect - and the famous remark he made on stages more than a few times: "One more, Moon".
One thing I would like to point out: Waylon Jennings openly admitted he had and fought a cocaine addiction. How secure or stable would anyones employment be with an employer that was dealing with this kind of problem?
Ricky Davis has offered to handle this in a respectful manner and I respect him for it.

------------------
Tommy Minniear
www.ntsga.com

www.cajunsteelguitar.com

Tom Olson · From: Spokane, WA

Although Waylon admitted to having a cocaine addiction problem, it's my understanding that he had licked it way before Ralph was fired. Also, Waylon's cocaine addiction was at it's worst throughout Ralph's long-standing association with Waylon, which ran (somebody help me here) roughly 20 years (?)from the early 70's until he was fired (mid 90's?). So, I'm not so sure that Waylon's cocaine problem had anything to do with Ralph's firing, although I guess it could have.

Didn't meand to start any rumors -- I just thought somebody might have some first-hand info on what I consider to be an interesting question. Thanks.

Fred Jack · From: Bastrop, Texas 78602

The Moon left Waylon in 1989.I told Waylon that he took the best damn steel player off the market when he hired Moon.I know Moon did some great stuff with Waylon, however, I liked his Hag,and Buck, and Wynn, and Skeets,and Rose and etc and etc recordings the best.Just my opinion.My daughter purchased Hag's Untamed Hawk box set for me a couple of weeks ago and I HAD FORGOT a lot of that stuff.I loved it then and still do today! Regards, Fred

Tom Olson · From: Spokane, WA

Hi Fred,

Thanks for your post. So, then, it sounds like from what you're saying that Ralph actually was not fired, but left Waylon on his own accord? Thanks.

Fred Jack · From: Bastrop, Texas 78602

Tom, Waylon did fire Moon.No doubt about it, the Moon said so himself!In fact Moon says he fired him several times and then straighten up and come around rehiring everyone but the last time was the last time!
Regards, Fred
p.s. I would not say anything here or anywhere else that was derogatory to Ralph Mooney!I don't think I have crossed any line as I am only telling a little to keep the record straight.Moon will tell you the same thing.If it was something personal I would not be blabbing it on here.Regards

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Thanks to Fred Jack, Waylon and Ralph resolved their differences in Ft.Worth,Tx. Moon was on stage and picked with Waylon a week later in The Woodlands,Tx. Waylon died a month or so later. I will always be grateful to Fred for including me in the Ft. Worth meeting. Jody.

Rick Garrett · From: Tyler, Texas

Wow, I think you guys are all blessed to have witnessed first hand the making of country music history. I am continually amazed at the stories you guys share on this forum and thats the main reason I hang my hat here.

Rick

Charles Curtis · Posted 20 Oct 2004 1:46 pm

I can think of a few players that the Washington Redskins camp let go and they went on to better things; remember Brad Johnson? It seems to me that sometimes getting fired can be a blessing in disguise.

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