AUSTIN, TX (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Randall "Poodie" Locke, Willie Nelson's long-time stage manager has died after suffering a heart attack at his home in Briarcliffe. He was 56.
In addition to his 34-year stint as Nelson's stage maanger, Locke also owned Poodie’s Hilltop Bar & Grill in Austin, a favorite hangout of numerous country music figures such as Merle Haggard who often played unnannounced gigs, Austin360 reported.
Locke first met Nelson at the age of twelve while in Waco, Texas and started to book Nelson before his album "Red Headed Stranger" caught fire.
In a post on his website, Willie Nelson wrote: "With great sadness, we want to inform you that Poodie Locke, Willie’s long-time stage manager, friend and golf partner, passed away today. We will provide more details soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Momma Locke, Cindy, Shaye and Poodie’s family and friends."
"You brought humor & common sense into a crazy world. We'll miss you here in Jackson Hole Poodie" Don Kushner said of Locke. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
