Road Tales - Aftermath

I am often asked what happened to the characters that folks came to know and love in Road Tales. Here is the fate of a few:

Patty O'Leary - Patty moved to Paris to study writing and the culture. She achieved her dream in 1972 after graduating from a Minneapolis high school. She soon She obtained a masters degree in fine arts. She wrote columns for her local village. She never married and  had no children. She lived with the fear that they would die young like her mother. On June, 7th, 1987 Patty followed her mother to the other side. Cancer claimed her at the age of 34.

Jack Ghostly - Jack went to a successful career as a social worker. He continued to play music in the local Twin Ports area. He married his high school sweetheart. Their union produced a girl and a boy. They bought a house in Central Park and lived an idyllic life until Jack's death. Jack suffered a massive coronary in his kitchen. He died at the age of 52.

Curt Butler - Curt continued on his nefarious ways until he was murdered at age 38. The police haven't solved the murder. Suspects were numerous. They all said the same thing, "I wish I was the one." He was not mourned.

Tim O'Keefe - As you know from the book, Timmy O'Keefe died of Leukemia. A day hasn't gone by that I haven't missed Timmy.

Dave Dudley -  David continued to play music until his death on December 22, 2003. I'll never forget his gregarious laughter and generous spirit.

Del Shannon - Del continued in the music business, playing smaller and smaller venues as the years went by. He was forced to sell most of his classic cars due to financial problems. Del never released the next hit for which he was so desperate. On February 9th, 1990 Del took his own life with .22 rifle.

Ricky Nelson - Ricky's career fell off during the late '70's and early '80's. The rumour in the industry was that he was unreliable. Drugs played an increasing roll in Ricky's last years. I last played with him when he was appearing at the Normandy Hotel in Duluth, MN, in 1984. He was still looking for that next hit that would put him back on top. He died on December 31st, 1985 en route to a New Year's Eve concert when his plane caught fire while Ricky was freebasing. The news hit me hard. I knew him when he was on top and had seen him when he reached a career low. Little did I suspect that he had farther to fall.

Bill Haley - Bill continued his boozing ways up until right before his death. He was a great guy to party with, a funny guy who loved to laugh. He never seemed to take anything too seriously. Years of being an admitted alcoholic inevitably caught up with him when he developed a brain tumor. In his final days he recognize no one. He died on February 9th, 1981.