T. D. Bell - Rockdale Blues Legend

By Brandon Reynolds

Tyler Dee Bell, known professionally as T. D. Bell, was a prominent blues guitarist with a deep connection to Rockdale, Texas. Born in Belltown, Lee County, Texas, Bell ventured into the music scene in the late 1940s, playing in clubs around Rockdale. His early musical activities in this area paved the way for his subsequent fame in Austin and other regions​.

In the 1940s Bell played in the Rockdale area with Roosevelt T. Williams. He worked at the Alcoa aluminum plant in Rockdale in the late 1940s before quitting his job to relocate to Austin and work as a full-time musician by 1950. Club owner Johnny Holmes had urged him to move to Austin to play at the Victory Grill, and Bell became a regular feature there, helping to found and define a developing Austin blues scene. He also toured as far as Arizona and New Mexico with his new group, T. D. Bell and The Cadillacs, which included A. J. Manor, W. C. Clark, Willie Sampson, and George Underwood. They shared the stage with T-Bone Walker, B. B. King, Bobby Bland, Gatemouth Brown, and others.

Bell became a key figure in the Austin music scene from the 1950s through the 1960s. After retiring to manage his own trucking business, he returned to music in the late 1980s by forming the Blues Specialists with Erbie Bowser. Together, they produced the album "It's About Time" in 1992, which earned a nomination for the coveted Blues genre W.C. Handy Award. His music was heavily influenced by T-Bone Walker, which is reflected in his nickname "Little T-Bone" and his deep, resonant blues style​.​ In 1994, Bell and Bowser toured their way to Carnegie Hall to play a showcase of Texas music. They also played blues festivals across Texas and were regulars at Austin’s Continental Club where T. D. performed his usual Friday happy hour show at the Continental Club right up to his admission into the hospital in December 1998.

Throughout his career, Bell was known for his engaging live performances and had a substantial influence on the blues scene, particularly in Texas. His work often featured collaborations with other prominent musicians, contributing to a rich legacy of blues music that was both traditional and innovative​​.

As Rockdale celebrates its 150th anniversary, Bell's contributions are honored, particularly his influence on the local music scene. The festivities include a tribute to Bell and other local blues guitarists, highlighting their significant cultural contributions. Bell's legacy is celebrated for enriching Rockdale’s cultural heritage and for influencing future generations of musicians​.