Johnny Carroll (the fuzzy guitarist on
the right) was, in the pre-Elvis 50's, a rising star as a Texas Original rockabilly
performer. He is prominant in the ROCKABILLY HALL OF FAME. Abruptly, in 1959,
he chucked it all and took a job in the Cellar, for twenty-five dollars a night.
Garland Tiger (center- playing bass in this photo) was a native american from Oklahoma who
originally played tenor sax, and played it well. His horn was stolen in 1961 and he took
up guitar at the Cellar and soon became a hot jazz stylist, but ultimately gave it up,
preferring to play electric bass.
Arvel Stricklin (drummer in this photo) is a guitar player, but his first job at the
Cellar was as drummer for Johnny Carroll! This pic was taken during a one-night return to
that job, on New Year's Eve in Houston, 1966/67.
©1998/1999Arvel Stricklin - All Rights Reserved