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Today, he looks more like a beardless, blonder version of Rasputin, or maybe a hippie acid casualty in a bad '70s B-movie. As befits a guy who rides his bike all over Texas, there's very little excess baggage on his lanky frame. His movements are a bit jerky and nervous, and the look in his eyes is somehow simultaneously mischievous and frightened. He's got a three-day stubble, and his hair is much longer, blonder, and stringier than seems possible. Under the grim fluorescent lights of central lock-up's visiting area, his skin looks slightly jaundiced. He sees me as a friend, he tells me, a member of the “first family of Texas music” who will help him get the true story out.

Let's back up a bit. Back in February I wrote a column about Supernaw. I couldn't track him down, and the piece was built from other reports. A few days after the column ran, I got my first e-mail from Supernaw. He opened by taking me to task for spreading falsehoods about him, and closed with the following: “Thanx to your column, I just found out that I had bi polar bear or somethin. Guess I'd better go have that checked. Have a wonderful day, regardless of whom you chose to put down today.”

“I am sorry that you have interpreted that article as a put-down, as it is not intended as such,” I wrote back. “The articles I read in the other papers can create the impression that all is not well, though, you have to admit. I have a sincere appreciation of your music and also your huge influence on the younger crowd of Texas country artists.” I closed by inviting him to contact me at any time.

A much mellower Supernaw replied the next day. He said he would love to set the record straight and hinted that we might be the paper that would get the true story. “By the way,” he closed, “you forgot to report that I had sickle cell amnesia.”

About a month later, he sent a very strange e-mail to me and several lawyers and other people. The gist of this tangled diatribe, which he originally penned in October of 2006, was that Supernaw believes that he is a pawn in what he calls “the largest conspiracy in horse racing history.”

According to his e-mail, Victorious, one of his horses, was swindled away from his ex-wife Debbie for $75,000 while Supernaw was in the Potter County Jail. Victorious was then renamed Afleet Alex, whereupon it won the Preakness and the Belmont and finished third in the Kentucky Derby. In addition: “On Sept 10, attempting to see my children for the first time since my release [from Potter County Jail], Debbie [his second wife] called the police and fabricated a story in the fear that I would see that MY horse was not in the barn,” he wrote, before adding that a lot of people had helped his ex “with this scheme” and that he was busy compiling names.

Other messages followed. There was the 4 a.m. St. Patrick's Day missive — also sent to the Texas Rangers — in which he told President Bush to “kEEP YOUR fucking GOONS OFF MY ASS.” Seven hours later, another Supernaw e-mail stated that: “I just had one of Montgomery County's finest (undercover I guess) jump me and break my left arm while walking back to the place that I am temporarily staying. In my profession, my left arm is extremely important..."

Still later, Supernaw forwarded me correspondence from the office of Earl Gray, his lawyer in the Brazos County case. In it, Gray's secretary gently reminded Supernaw that he had to be in court on April 3. Supernaw called the charges “COMPLETE B.S.” and threatened to sue for unlawful detention and loss of income. Supernaw added that he had always supported “police persons,” but that he was subject to investigation from a “very CORRUPT domestic SPYING program” that had devastated his life.

“I have called Governor Rick Perry to discuss a few lies that he told to the TEXAS RACING COMMISSION (on record) and to ask the Gentleman to STEP DOWN and return all of my HORSES that he signed away because I was an alledged CRIMINAL,” he continued. “I am going now to put on some shorts and a t shirt, get a water gun and walkie talkie, and walk the streets terrorizing innocent people. Thank you for your time. Dios Botik. Douglas Anderson Supernaw.”

I sent him another interview request on April 3 and received a thank-you for writing about him. Supernaw added that he was “currently in Brenham bicycling through the bluebonnets,” in search of a ranch “big enough for all of my returning horses and children.”

On April 9, we seemed to be getting pretty close to getting the interview done. Supernaw said he would be getting in touch with me soon, but then the next day, he said he had almost come to my office to see me but got sidetracked by an old friend.

Not long after that, he must have started the Friday the 13th bender that got him locked up in Montgomery County. I didn't know that, though, and I had come across reports on his message board that he had lately been frequenting a bar called the Blue Moon Saloon in Bellville, Austin County's seat, about 60 miles northwest of Houston. “If you want some real entertainment go to the Blue Moon Saloon in Bellville this Friday night and watch Doug sing karaoke,” wrote one poster. “It's a real Barnum and Bailey circus act. Especially after he's spent most of the day getting wasted with Bubba.”

I headed on up to Bellville and checked into the Motel Wayne on the town square, telling the clerk I was looking for Supernaw after I got my key. “Check the Austin County Jail,” he said. “I'm serious. He got in some trouble here a couple of weeks ago.”

Apparently, Supernaw had spent the day partying and was lit up. The desk clerk said he stepped out of a house party and wandered off into the night, then got lost and started knocking on people's windows and doors in the wee hours. “That was when they called the law on him,” the clerk said. “He's lucky he didn't get shot.”

I went back to my room. A few minutes later, the phone rang and a tipster told me I might find Supernaw at a nearby sports bar/pool hall called Memory Lane. Supernaw's hit from the glory days “Not Enough Hours in the Night” was billowing from the juke when I walked in. The clientele was of all races, and young, very young. I ordered a beer and waited for my moment, which came not five minutes later. A kid in a camo baseball cap was talking to another young guy, this one wearing a cowboy hat on his head and a pretty blond in his lap. The camo hat kid was talking about some drunken shenanigans he had gotten into the night before. “Yeah, everybody down there was pretty shithoused,” he said. “Was Supernaw there?” the Cowboy asked. “Naw, I hadn't seen him in a few weeks,” Camo replied. “Me neither,” Cowboy replied.

Write Your Comment show comments (16)

  1. Doug Supernaw - Six Degrees of Separation

    I graduated from Eisenhower High School with Doug Supernaw and I saw his picture on the cover of the Press and thought to myself well, well the popular "golden boy" of high school has fallen, and proves that Karma is there for the not so popular kids in high school.

    However, as I was reading the article I was saddened by the fact Doug obviously has some serious mental health and personal accountability issues that only he can address.
    I worked briefly in 1999 with Yvonne Tisdale and like the rest of us she was looking for a boyfriend or a husband, although her heart may be in the right place but based on Doug's previous relationships with women maybe it is a good thing for Yvonne that Doug is not so sure about the "boyfriend" thing.

    Susie Mimnaugh

    Comment by Susie Mimnaugh — May 15, 2007 @ 12:31PM

  2. for the past few days i have had the pleasure of getting to know Doug while on his visit down here to southern illinois after the passing of his mother.i have found Doug to be a very sincere,generous,and very down to earth person despite all of his success.sitting around the fire the other night i was awestruck by the thought i was sitting next to Doug Supernaw!!!!!!!! a great singer,songwriter and person. dont be surprised to see doug in the spotlight again!!!!!

    Comment by rebecca meneese — October 16, 2007 @ 04:26PM

  3. I knew Doug back in the Mo's Days in Katy Texas when he was big with Reno. He would always stop and talk to me and my husband David...he always remembered our names. We moved to Spring Branch Texas several years later, I lost my job and started bartending at a bar here in Spring Branch. I was working one night and I here this song coming from the stage that sounded just like Doug....I look up and theres Doug up on stage singing Reno....When was through singing he came to the bar to order a drink....And he remembered my name after all those years...He even ask were my husband was....As a mater of fact he was living with a good friend of ours that happened to live right down the street from us....We never had any problems from Doug....Nicest guy I ever met....He doesn't let the fame get to his head... Love you. Doug.. Be careful out there.
    Sissy

    Comment by Sissy Bozant — October 20, 2007 @ 09:27AM

  4. I JUST READ THIS STORY ABOUT DOUG SUPERNAW AND IT JUST BREAKS MY HEART , I ALWAYS LOVED HIS MUSIC . I WENT TO SEE HIM MANY TIMES IN CONCERT BEING IN THE FIRST ROW MANY TIMES . I EVEN GOT MY EMAIL NAME FROM HIM AND HAVE HAD THAT NAME FOR AT LEAST 10 YRS NOW . I WISH HIM ALL THE BEST AND HOPE THAT ONE DAY HE CAN REGAIN HIS LIFE AND START NEW .
    A FAN !! FOREVER KRISTI SCHWOCHWERT

    Comment by kristi schwochert — January 14, 2008 @ 05:42PM

  5. I was thinking about Doug Supernaw today and decided to search his name on the internet and came across this article. I saw Doug in concert around 13 years ago and he put on a great show. I also remember that he was one of the best looking men I've ever seen. This deeply saddens me to hear what his life has become. I hope he gets the help he needs and one day makes a comeback.

    Comment by Christy — January 20, 2008 @ 04:09PM

  6. i hope he gets better a good singer shouldn't be wasted we miss him there's nobody like him his music should be played more on the radio. Everbody deserves a second chance.

    Comment by cowboy — January 26, 2008 @ 06:44PM

  7. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE KNOWS OF WHERE I CAN READ ANY UPDATES ON DOUG SUPERNAW, I AM IN SUCH AWE OF HIM AND WANT TO FIND OUT WHATS NEW WITH HIM AND IF HES GETTING ANY BETTER ETC... MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS; KLFSUPERNAW@YAHOO.COM .... I AM SUCH A FAN OF HIS I HAVE EVERY CD HE EVER PUT OUT AND WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN FOR HIM TO GET BACK HIS LIFE , AND MAYBE ONE DAY PICK HIS CARRER BACK UP . HE HAS SUCH TALENT ITS UNBELIEVABLE ! I WISH HIM NOTHING BUT THE VERY BEST AND HOPE TO HEAR SOMETHING ON HIM SOON .. I KNOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE WOULD ALSO LIKE THIS ALSO.
    KRISTI SCHWOCHERT FLORIDA

    Comment by kristi — February 2, 2008 @ 05:51PM

  8. They are finally letting me use the computer in the Nuthouse. i would just like to tell my children that I love them very, very much and maybe one day they will let me out. 1 Dios Botik, Douglas Anderson Supernaw

    Comment by Doug Supernaw — March 8, 2008 @ 06:30PM

  9. I have said many prayers for Doug Supernaw. When he was in trouble in Amarillo TX I wanted so much to try to see him and tell him how he and his music had affected my life and to tell him thank you. I wore out one tape and finally got a CD. I was living a pretty successful life in San Diego CA but missed my home in TX more than I can say. I played Red and Rio Grande over and over. Now I'm back home in TX and happy. I also want to add that I'm a 63 yr old woman not a young chick by any means. I've seen a lot of singers come and go in my lifetime and Doug Supernaw is one who really needs to make a comeback - and please make it soon before I kick the bucket. Thank you Doug Supernaw and God bless you. Judi

    Comment by Judi M — March 9, 2008 @ 06:25AM

  10. I met Doug back in the '90's when I had a morning radio show in TX and Doug, along with Steve Wariner and others did a concert for our troops stationed at Ft. Hood, TX, called the Dog Days of Summer. He was awesome, handsome and a real gentleman. This story breaks my heart to see such a larger than life man reduced to a feeble, deeply disturbed child. I can only hope and pray that he's able to get on the wagon, stop the b.s. and get his act together again. I miss his sense of humor, great music and voice. Hurry back Doug as you are missed.
    Kari

    Comment by Kari — April 1, 2008 @ 05:53AM

  11. Sorry to hear about Doug being back in the hospital. After the southern Illinois incident I was hoping he would get some counseling and get better. He has a tremendous amount of talent. Hopefully someone can help him, help hisself. You are in our prayers.

    Comment by Glenda — April 3, 2008 @ 08:44AM

  12. I feel sorry for the guy, I was one of supernaws biggest fans. I hope that oneday he will get back up on his feet. I have seen it too much in my family and the only thing that gets them through is family and themselves. please give me info on how he is doing and if he is going to sing again?

    Thanks
    pat schiro

    Comment by Patrick Schiro — May 1, 2008 @ 09:19PM

  13. Fell in love with Doug's music when RED AND RIO GRANDE came out when I was 18. "Reno" clicked with me so much about a girl in my life that I felt as if I was singing the song as well. Best of luck Doug and remember that your fans still love you and your music. God bless.

    Richard
    South Carolina

    Comment by Richard McClellan — May 26, 2008 @ 07:10AM

  14. I met Doug back in 97 I think, my band and I opened up for him in Fallon, NV. The guy was a real Gentleman to me, and really gave me the encouragement I needed as a singer/songwriter not to mention everyone else who was present. Being an entertainer I know the harshness life can have on you from people being jealous to judge mental to just plain old mean. Doug if you can read this, hang in there bro, you'll get through all the garbage that's coming down on you now. I'm active duty Air Force and I'll retire in a couple of years. I'm heading for Texas (love it down there) and I hope I'll run into you and that God will find favor in you again and that you'll be living better days. Today you're just down, but you're not out..."Roots and Wings" will lead you to a better day. You're still a good Man even though there are some who think not. I...happen to think you are a good Man. God speed bro!
    Rick Hays in Reno, NV.

    Comment by Rick Hays — May 26, 2008 @ 10:57PM

  15. Doug, I hope this posting will find you doing well. Like most people that have posted comments on here I was influncened by you music growing up. I met you once when you played the local county fair here in Courtland, Virginia and ever since then I have been a Supernaw fan. I hope you pull through this and I look foward to seeing you once again. Your friend J.R.Holland Courtland,Va

    Comment by J.R. Holland — June 1, 2008 @ 06:42PM

  16. HEY , I KEEP LOOKING ON HERE TO SEE IF I CAN FIND ANY NEW NEWS ON DOUG SUPERNAW, I WISH HIM THE VERY BEST ... HOPE HE CAN GET THE HELP HE NEEDS SO HE CAN POSSIBLE COME BACK TO ALL OF US " HIS FANS" WHO LOVED HIM AND HIS MUSIC SO VERY MUCH. DOUG IF YOU GET TO READ THESE COMMENTS I JUST WANT TO SAY .. HANG IN THERE THINGS HAVE TO GET BETTER FOR YOU. SOMETIMES THINGS GET WHERE YOU THINK THEY JUST CANT GET ANY WORSE ... THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THERES A LITTLE RAY OF LIGHT ...SOMETHING TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH . I DO WISH YOU THE VERY BEST AND HOPE TO ONEDAY HERE MR DOUG SUPERNAW BACK AND IN FULL SWING .... WAITING FOR YOUR COME BACK ..... KRISTI SCHWOCHERT...

    Comment by kristi — June 4, 2008 @ 07:13AM

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