Out of the Dust

Arley offers Billie Jo a job playing piano with his band, the Black Mesa Boys. He has connections in nearby towns where he and his band play, netting them a little cash. At first, Billie Jo’s mother does not want to let her go. However, when she learns Billie Jo will get paid for the gigs, she changes her mind. She asks Vera, Arley’s wife, to keep an eye on Billie Jo and keep her out of trouble. She also makes Billie Jo promise that her piano playing will not get in the way of her chores.

Billie Jo travels around with Arley and his band, making money as she goes. The pay isn’t much, but it’s something. Billie Jo gives the money to her mother, who hides it away. Billie Jo could care less about the money—she’s just happy to be playing the piano. When Billie Jo is spending time with Arley and the band, she doesn’t have a care in the world. They have a great time together and she loves being on the road.