Meet the Band: Eddie Shell
Eddie was exposed to music at a very early age, mostly in church listening to old time gospel. On his mother’s side at reunions around Joppa, Briggs and Mahomet, the family would gather - guitars, fiddles and old-time gospel music could be heard for miles. Each year, the family’s old-time reunion in Lampasas brought music into the late hours.
Eddie picked up guitar and harmonica early, inspired by songs such as Amazing Grace, I’ll Fly Away, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Cloudy Day and many other well-known gospel songs. It wasn’t until about 15 years ago, when local deputy Joel Green convinced Eddie to form a little country band; Joel more or less coached Eddie with his music - Joel was the lead guitarist but has since passed away.
The “Not Guilties” were literally born in Eddie’s barn, and played at many local functions and festivals. Original band members (still with the band) include Eddie (Vocals/rhythm guitar/harmonica), Bode Barker (Vocals/piano) and Don Ricketson (pedal steel guitar).
Thirteen years ago, Bode Barker was planning his CD release party. His plan was to have the release of his CD and original song “One Day Closer” in Horseshoe Bay. Eddie, in his best legal explanation, informed Bode that Horseshoe Bay was not the venue he should be shooting for. Bode’s roots were the good country folks of Burnet and Llano Counties. The CD release party should be country. The Cadillac Dance Hall was built from a former hog and chicken pen - and is now a local beloved dance hall venue.
Eddie will quickly tell you that he is the only “non-professional musician” in the band. The Not Guilties consists of real, professional country music talent, and each member has truly impressive accomplishments of their own. But thanks to his band members and the popularity of the Cadillac dance hall, he has been lucky enough to play with the likes of Jonny Rodriguez, Tony Booth, Darrell McCall, Georgette Jones, Jett Williams and many other talented and famous country and western stars. Eddie and the band have also played in venues around the Hill Country - Broken Spoke, Angels, Poodies and many more!
Eddie acknowledges that without his “Not Guilties,” he would never have been able to be on the same stage with some of these great country and western stars. He is quick to praise his band as some of the greatest musicians in the business.
Known as the Best little dance hall in Texas, Cadillac Dancehall has a storied cowboy history on Dos Conchas Ranch, bringing country music and an old-time hill country experience to thousands every year. Hosted by house band Eddie Shell and the Not Guilties, they invite country and dancehall legends monthly. The performance delights Marble Falls crowds (and beyond!), entertaining with a large repertoire of country, Rock n Roll, a little blues and R & B - and even a few Eddie Shell originals.
