3/16/1997 Delbert McClinton, Mr. Lucky's, Phoenix, AZ

 24 years ago today...

March 16, 1997 - Phoenix, AZ

Delbert McClinton played his style of Texas Blues at a St. Patrick's Day Eve show at the venerable West Valley nightclub Mr. Lucky's.

Delbert is a veteran of the west Texas honky tonk and beer joint circuit and a touring road warrior.  He had some early success as a songwriter, penning "Two More Bottles of Wine" that Emmylou Harris turned in to a hit, and "B Movie Blues" that made the Blues Brothers movie soundtrack.

By this date, McClinton had reached a new level of popularity thanks to his biggest hit "Giving It Up For Your Love" along with "Sandy Beaches," "Every Time I Roll the Dice" and his Grammy-winning duet with Bonnie Raitt, "Good Man, Good Woman."

Mr. Lucky's was a unique venue on Grand Avenue from the mid 60s thru the late 90s.  Mr. Lucky's was two clubs in one; rock & roll played the upstairs, country & western downstairs.  The Friday Night Fish Fry drew crowds from across the Valley.  Fiddle player J. David Sloan and his group the Rogues were the house band and later backed Lyle Lovett in his early career.  

Today, Scottsdale's Handlebar J presents "Back to Mr. Lucky's Night" every Wednesday, offering the famous fish fry and J. David joining the Herndon Brothers Band on stage.

Mr. Lucky's was a primary stage for Waylon Jennings when he lived and performed here regularly early in his career.  Roy Clark, Charlie Pride, Tom T. Hall, Willie Nelson and Ray Price all played Mr. Lucky's. 

 

For Delbert's concert, the dance floor was open and we two-stepped and shuffled the night away just a few feet from the singer on a stage the same level as the dance floor.  Delbert signed albums and CDs throughout the set while performing, thinking nothing of many fans essentially joining him on the small stage.

The club closed in the late 90s, but the tacky neon sign with a hideous looking Joker remains on the site.  The building and site are listed for sale.  The sign is included.