WACO, TX — Many students at McLennan Community College have strengthened their talents under the guidance of Waco musician, Dick Gimble. Now after 40 years, the talented guitarist is retiring from teaching.
Being the son of fiddle legend, Johnny Gimble, Dick fell in love with music and began playing guitar at 14.
“I had been playing in the band at Midway High School ever since seventh grade or something," he said. "But I wanted to play guitar, and he [Dick's father, Johnny] started giving me lessons and then I began playing the upright bass and that’s when I started to play gigs.”
“He just loves music so much that you feel it. It's just smooth and sounds great. He’s inspiring to watch.” said family friend and MCC Commercial Music Advisory Committee Member, Steven Rosas.
Gimble went on to play in several Austin bands and even recorded and played with famous country stars like Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and of course his father, Johnny Gimble.
“I said, "Man, I’m kinda in a quandering. I got offered a job to move back to Waco and teach at a college and I’m trying to decide." He [Willie Nelson] said, "Well, Dick, I’ve figured it out. I grew up in Waco, and I’ve decided when I get too old to have a good time, I am going to move back to Waco,"" Gimble chuckled. "So that’s Willie’s side of it."
In 1981, Gimble began sharing his love and knowledge of music and western swing with students at MCC.
“He inspired me to learn other instruments other than just guitar," said Rosas. "The whole Gimble clan has left a legacy of music, and he has instilled that into his students too.”
“I am so thankful I am still in Waco. It’s a good place,” said Gimble.
The guitarist retired from MCC on December 7, but his legacy and talent at the college and in the music industry will live on forever.
Even though he is no longer in the classroom, this is not the end for Dick Gimble. He told 25 News he is excited to get back to writing songs and making music.
