Imagine you are suddenly gifted with an item of personal attire from one of your idols. It happens. People, including famous people, reveal who they really are in these small, quiet, generous interactions. Henry Paul, a member of The Outlaws for five years in the 1970s, experienced one of those interactions. He was the astonished recipient of the hat off Charlie Daniels' head. Paul was stunned and thrilled, it seems, as anyone would be. That's why he talked about the unexpected encounter with Daniels on Rock Music History.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Henry Paul Talked About How He Felt About Getting The Hat
Henry Paul is truly amazed at Charlie Daniels' graciousness and deference to him. On Rock Music History, he describes his reaction to being given Daniels' hat. He said it felt like "receiving the key to New York City." To him, that gesture from a giant of the music industry "was the greatest honor."
In addition, Paul notes that having that hat was "like you were a member of this very exclusive club." Furthermore, the hat meant that Henry Paul had made it in the music business. As he cogently observed, "There were moments where the 'arrival' was every bit as glorious as you ever dreamed it would be. Getting that hat from him was one of those moments."
What does that signify? Henry Paul isn't standing outside anymore. His nose is not pressed against a imaginary window because he longs to be let in. Now, thanks to the hat, he's an insider. He inhabits the coveted inner circle. Paul is part of the action. He's one of the big shots.
Fans Were Impressed With Charlie Daniels' Kindness
They wrote comments about Daniels' extraordinary thoughtfulness to Henry Paul, a fellow musician.
"So nice of Charlie to do that for Henry. Charlie was always such a fine Gentleman. I saw Charlie Daniels twice in the 70s."
"Charlie gave Henry the hat because Daniels knew how rare it was when the planets aligned! The Outlaws were just pure magic with not only the guitar playing/musicianship but the blending of the vocal harmony was rare indeed. The Eagles, and uh..... pretty short list. The Outlaws were a once in a lifetime force."
