Somewhere I have some photos of Robert Duvall, who passed away February 15. I met him at a literary gathering here in Denton about four decades ago. He was here, in part, to support his friend Horton Foote, one of the speakers. It was Mr. Foote who in 1962 had given Duvall his first major film role, Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” (Mr. Foote wrote the screenplay from Harper Lee’s novel.) Later, in 1983, Duvall took a role in “Tender Mercies,” an original screenplay by Mr. Foote. Duvall won an Academy Award for his subtle portrayal of washed-up singer Mac Sledge. I love the film with its slow, meandering pace capturing some of the real pace of life as it was then. I find the people who don’t like the film just don’t really get this region.

That night in Denton, Mr. Duvall climbed aboard a flatbed trailer and sang some slow, soulful numbers. I think I remember that some of the Texas Playboys, from Fort Worth, were backing him up, maybe. When folks ask me what are some of the best shows I’ve heard in Denton, I sometimes say, “Well, there was that country and gospel show with Mr. Duvall.” He was a kind, authentic person and loyal to his friends.