The Legendary Paul English Estate Auction

Burley Auction Gallery
134 Deborah Dr. New Braunfels, Tx 78130

Saturday May 17th Noon

Burley Auction is proud to announce the estate collection of the legendary Paul English, who was Willie Nelson's right hand man, best friend, & drummer for over 50 years! Immortalized in the Willie Nelson song “Me & Paul”. He was an outlaw long before it was in fashion.  A legendary Texas musician with a colorful past.   We will be offering museum quality items from Paul English’s collection. Paul’s custom drum set he used on the road with Willie nearly 50 years, Willie Nelson  hand written song lyrics from 1968 with notes added by Paul on a hotel let head in Norway. The historically important masters for The Willie & Family live album. Honey Suckle Rose gold album, Paul English’s stage wardrobe including his cape, his vest covered in law enforcement badges, Willie Nelson & Paul English candid photos, famous autographs, & much more!! Plus a fantastic Austin music poster collection from Pam Ware who made custom shirts for Charlie Daniels, Ray Benson, & many more during the Armadillo World Headquarters heyday.  Plus a fantastic of Willie Nelson poster & memorabilia from the collection from Steve Brooks. More details coming soon. 

"Paul English was Willie Nelson’s drummer and constant companion for many years. He cut a striking “devil” figure with his goatee, black clothes and crimson-lined satin cape.

He had an equally individualistic personality. Paul English was feared as Willie’s “enforcer,” a bodyguard who packed a gun and wasn’t shy about using his fists.

The drummer was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1932. When he first met Willie in 1955, he was a former boxer involved in gangland activities and working as a pimp.

He joined Willie’s band in 1966, and the two were inseparable from then on. He later shared drumming duties in the band with his brother, Billy English. Paul English was so close to the superstar that Willie named one of his daughters “Paula” in his honor.

Willie Nelson immortalized his friend in his song “Me and Paul.” It first appeared on the 1971 LP Yesterday’s Wine. In that same year, the “Yesterday’s Wine” / “Me and Paul” single climbed to #62 on the country charts.

“Me and Paul” gained further fame when it was included on the million-selling, landmark 1976 LP Wanted: The Outlaws. Next, Willie placed it on his 1981 Greatest Hits collection. It finally achieved prominence on the country hit parade as a 1985 single that made it to #14."

-Music Row article February 12, 2020by Robert K Oermann