Boomer Castleman facts for kids

Owens "Boomer" Castleman (born July 18, 1945 – died September 1, 2015) was an American musician. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Boomer Castleman was known for his own music and for helping other famous artists.

Boomer Castleman's Music Career

Boomer Castleman grew up in Farmers Branch, Texas. He started playing music professionally when he was 17. This was while he was still in high school in Dallas.

He played folk music with a teenager from Fort Worth named John Deutschendorf. Boomer was there when his friend decided to change his name to John Denver.

Later, Boomer and another Dallas musician, Michael Nesmith, formed a band called the Survivors. When Nesmith left to join The Monkees, Michael Martin Murphey took his place. Soon after, Boomer, Murphey, and bassist John London created a pop group called the Lewis & Clarke Expedition. They released a pop album in 1967.

Boomer and Murphey wrote a song called "(What Am I Doin') Hangin' Round." The Monkees recorded this song and it was even featured on three episodes of their TV show. Other famous musicians like Lyle Lovett also recorded songs written by Boomer and Murphey.

As a solo artist, Boomer Castleman had a hit song in 1975 called "Judy Mae." It reached No. 33 on the US music charts. Because of this, he is sometimes called a "one-hit wonder." This means he had one very popular song.

Boomer also worked as a studio guitarist in Nashville. He played guitar for many famous singers. These included Tammy Wynette, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, and George Jones.

Boomer Castleman's Inventions

Boomer Castleman was also an inventor! He created something called the palm pedal. This device helps guitar players make special sounds. It lets them bend guitar strings in a unique way, similar to a pedal steel guitar.

He made his first palm pedal in 1968. Today, it is sold under the name Bigsby Palm Pedal.

Boomer also started his own independent country music record label. It was called BNA Records. He later sold this company to BMG Music.

About Boomer Castleman

Boomer Castleman went to St. Mark's School of Texas and Woodberry Forest School. He later graduated from Occidental College.

He passed away in September 2015, when he was 70 years old. He is remembered by his two daughters, Anne Marie and Breck.