Tex as Tex Mason with Bobby Benson on the "Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Rangers" television show (WOR Television). Photo courtesy Fletcher Family Archives.

Tex hosting the "Tootsie Hippodrome." Early '50s at ABC Studios in New York City. Rarely were regionally aired shows filmed or kiniscoped for posterity, so there is very little information available on the show's history or run. Photo courtesy Fletcher Family Archives. (ABC Television).

Tootsie Hippodrome, early 1950s. Happiest when performing, that's a very real smile on Tex's face. By this time the Martin D-42 was beginning to show its twenty some years of road wear. It was at about this time that Tex acquired his first of his two Martin 000-28s as a back up instrument, which he used extensively for the later part of his career. The D-42 was repaired numerous times over the years, including bridge reglues and pearl inlay replacement, but when Tex turned it over to Martin company historian and family friend, Mike Longworth in the early 1970s, it was barely playable. (ABC Television). The holster and guns he is wearing, as well as the 000-28 disappeared mysteriously from his home in the 1970s. Literally brokenhearted, he spoke of the guns on his death bed, asking that the family continue the search for them. They were silver plated, United States Cavalry issue Colt .45 caliber single action revolvers with two-piece pearl handles. To this day there is still a reward for their return to the family. Photo courtesy Fletcher Family Archives.

All information on this site is copyright George A. Fletcher. All music is copyright Tex Fletcher (ASCAP). No materials may be reproduced without the express permission of George A. Fletcher. To contact George, email hisnibs@georgefletcher.com.