Originally published October 15, 2013

I was experiencing some rapid memory flashes when my brain paused at a memory of the night about ten years ago that included a blind dog and Spanky in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It was during my Western regional sales manager tenure with General Motors of Canada/ACDelco.

I had just spent the day visiting our warehouse distributors with one of my district sales managers, whom I nicknamed Spanky, after my favorite character in the Little Rascals television show I used to watch as a youngster in the 1950s.

Spanky’s real name is Alan Ryan.

Spanky and I have much in common. We were both born and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, and love music.

Al had transferred to Winnipeg, bought a house in the North End, and spent most of his evenings playing guitars and chasing women.

That night, Spanky and I went to see Blind Dog and his band perform.

He knew all the great spots that played live music, and we frequented multiple locations each night that I was in town.

One venue that I liked was the Windsor Hotel. It was ancient and musty-smelling, but it always had great blues bands playing there each night.

At the Windsor Hotel, I heard great local musicians such as Big Dave McLean, Brent Parkin, and Blind Dog.

These guys would perform, and then, during breaks, they would sit at your table and drink a beer or two with you.

It was at a time when smoking was allowed in bars, and many of the musicians smoked during their performances.

Although I had already quit smoking, the cloud of smoke added to the atmosphere.

But I didn’t mind filling my lungs with tobacco smoke in exchange for hearing some excellent music.

One particular night, Spanky and I arrived at the Windsor Hotel, and as we walked into the bar, I noticed that everyone in the band was wearing sunglasses.

The singer also had a white cane.

He and his band were blasting out some great tunes.

His name was Blind Dog, and he bore a striking resemblance to a young Tiny Tim.

During one of the breaks, Spanky went up to Blind Dog and mentioned that I was visiting from Vancouver and was enjoying his music.

Blind Dog came over to our table, shook my hand, and thanked me for coming to hear his band.

He also handed me a homemade cassette recording of a few tunes (covers) they performed.

I found the cassette this morning while going through an old attache case in my garage.

I’ve been playing the five songs since this morning, and it brought back some great memories.

I also remember that not only was Blind Dog blind, but his drummer, guitar player, and keyboard player were also blind!

And they were all from Winnipeg!

I learned later that Blind Dog had attempted suicide a few months earlier and was playing for the first time that night.

I have traveled extensively throughout Canada, and Winnipeg is one of the best cities for live music.

Spanky married and had two children before he learned it was not a Stork that caused their birth (just kidding).

I could not find a photo of Blind Dog or whether he is still alive.

But I will never forget him or his music.

Update: August 22, 2025

Although I didn’t know it when I wrote this, I learned something later that surprised me. In a story I wrote about Spanky on December 1, 2023, I mentioned the following:

Al began our conversation by telling me he had attended Eastdale Collegiate in Oshawa simultaneously with my daughter, Robin. 

However, they were not in the same grade – Al was in grade 12, and Robin was in grade 9.

Al would have been in his early twenties when I met him.

I liked Al’s cheerful demeanor, and despite his lack of sales experience, I knew he would be a great addition to the Western Region sales team.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to find the cassette with Blind Dog’s five songs, so I am not able to include an audio.

However, if you see Spanky, please ask him if he knows anything more about Blind Dog.

Dedicated to Spanky and Blind Dog

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

There is nothing I can do
If you leave me here to cry

There is nothing I can do
If you leave me here to cry

‘Cause my love will follow you
As the years go passing by

I give you all I own
That’s one thing you can’t deny

I give you all I own
That’s one thing you can’t deny

But my love will follow you
As the years go passing by

(Guitar solo)

I’m gonna leave it up to you
So long, so long goodbye

I’m gonna leave it up to you
So long farewell goodbye

You know my love will follow you
As the years go passing by

Mmmmmmm hmmmmmm mmmmm

(Guitar solo…)

Mmmmmmm hmmmmmm mmmmm

Yes, my love will follow you
As the years go passing by

Songwriters: Don Robey

Here are other songs I’m listening to: These Songs Will Make You Smile Today.