Miles Alexander Napier

Miles “Alex” Alexander Napier, affectionately known as “Mr. Blue”, went to eternal glory on February 3, 2011. He was born to Miles and Georgene Napier on September 27, 1951 in Dallas, Texas. He is survived by his mother, Georgene Napier, his sister Charlotte Stanley and husband Eddie, his nephew Mark Stanley and wife Jennifer, and niece Alison Highland and husband Kevin along with five great nieces and nephews. Alex graduated from Oak Cliff Christian Academy in 1969. Shortly after, he moved to Austin and became part of the newly developing Austin music culture. Alex played bass guitar for the next 40 years. According to the Austin Statesman, he was one of the white musicians from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Paul Ray, Denny Freeman, Doyle Bramhall, who helped establish Austin’s blues town reputation during the “cosmic cowboy” era. Additionally, he played with Charlie Sexton, Will Sexton, Hook Herrera and many other great musicians. Alex also opened a club during the late 60s or early 70s in Westlake that eventually became Soap Creek Saloon. Alex had a God-given talent for music and shared it around the world. He was named bass player of the year in 1986-87 and was inducted in the Texas Music Hall of Fame with Paul Ray and the Cobras in 2008. He was so humbly honored by this award. Alex fought a courageous battle with liver cancer the last two years, but served as a gentle witness for the Lord by sending his favorite book Jesus Calling to many of his friends. For his birthday this past September, Alex's Austin friends hosted a huge celebration for him. He always felt blessed to have so many wonderful friends in his life. During his last week, he received many cards, emails, phone calls,and Facebook posts from his friends around the world. One friend in Austin summed it up saying “It’s not often people affect us profoundly in this life and become a well-loved part of who we are. You have a special gift and it is simply being you. Remarkable, lovely man.” Alex, you will be missed. God bless your sweet soul. A memorial celebration of Alex's life is being planned for Austin in about 5 weeks. More information will be available as more concrete plans are made. For all of Alex's local family and friends, a memorial service will be Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 2:00 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church-1302 W. Kiest, Dallas, Texas. Father Mark Given will officiate.