Big E...

Jerry Van Hoose · Post by **Jerry Van Hoose** » 30 Jul 2015 5:20 am

During the 90's, I was fortunate to be invited by a friend to visit with Buddy on a few occasions at Buddy's home. He was welcoming, enjoyable and generous. As everyone, I am deeply saddened. May Buddy rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 30 Jul 2015 5:27 am

Words can't express the sadness I feel, but I know Buddy's with Peggy now and they are happy together once again. That makes me feel better.

Thanks for the great legacy, Buddy. You will live on in our hearts and minds for decades to come.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 30 Jul 2015 6:01 am

It was a pleasure sir. RIP

Craig Schwartz · Post by **Craig Schwartz** » 30 Jul 2015 6:04 am

Rest In peace Buddy, Prayers on the way all day

John Brabant · Post by **John Brabant** » 30 Jul 2015 6:08 am

Yes, and how many of us began our interest in pedal steel guitar here. This song is particularly powerful for me today and I am having a very hard time holding back the tears:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIgnHPqp0Dk

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 30 Jul 2015 6:24 am

I came late to the party - it was in 1972 that I heard Ray Charles' 'Volcanic Action...' album and the steel player just blew me away.

I knew I had to get a pedal steel guitar for myself after hearing that.

Bless you, Buddy - you'll remain a giant amongst musicians everywhere.

Dennis Bailey · Post by **Dennis Bailey** » 30 Jul 2015 6:28 am

R.I.P Big E.

Jerry Lee Newberry · Post by **Jerry Lee Newberry** » 30 Jul 2015 6:32 am

So sorry to hear of Buddy's death. He was a GREAT steel player.

Donna, Jerry and Austin

Joachim Kettner · Post by **Joachim Kettner** » 30 Jul 2015 6:38 am

Goodbye dear Mr.Emmons. You painted rainbows all over the Blues.

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 30 Jul 2015 7:18 am

R.I.P Mr. Emmons!

I've been playin steel since 1969 and spent my life learning Buddy's licks as we all have. I was blessed with meeting him one time while recording at Reflections Recording Studio in 1981.

He invited me out to a late night jam and ask me to bring my steel and play. I went but there was no way I would set my steel beside him and try to play. I was nervous standing there talking to him.
It is why I have "Emmons" on the front of my steel.

I'm lucky to have shook his hand and to be around during the time he was here.

I will say from my heart that the pure breath his hands took when he touched the strings and laid the bar down, has no equal!
He told me to always work hard to not let anyone hear the pick touch the string and only allow the pure tone and emotion form my heart and hands be heard when I play.

I will never forget him telling, which was in 1981, that if he walked down the street and heard me playing in a club, he would know it was me and nobody else.

That was and is the highest honor in my years of playin!

I will miss you more than you know "Big E"!!!

Will Cowell · Post by **Will Cowell** » 30 Jul 2015 7:20 am

This was the news I hoped I'd never hear. How is it even possible? I heard nothing about him being ill, and didn't seem old enough to die of old age, surely? He was timeless.

A very sad day - such an innovator, such a musician. A true trailblazer. RIP Big E.

Danny Hullihen · Post by **Danny Hullihen** » 30 Jul 2015 7:58 am

Buddy was a dear friend of mine, and I cherish the opportunities I had spending time with him and the great memories I will always have. R.I.P my friend, you will be deeply missed by many.

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 30 Jul 2015 8:14 am

Thank you, seems like it just does not say enough.
JE

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 30 Jul 2015 8:18 am

This will be the longest running, most viewed thread in the history of the forum...And, rightfully so....

Jeff Heard · Post by **Jeff Heard** » 30 Jul 2015 8:23 am

Words fail me.
Buddy was larger than life to me, but, (although I never met him) I had the impression that he was a genuinely warm and humble man. Thanks for everything, Buddy.

J Fletcher · Post by **J Fletcher** » 30 Jul 2015 8:29 am

I was hoping the news of Buddy Emmons passing, was not true. This is very sad. Met him once, 15 years ago at an Everly Brothers show. A most gracious man indeed who took the time to talk with a couple of us after the show.
Saw him play with J.J. Cale in the 70's. Can't remember a note of music from that night, but I remember how much Buddy was enjoying himself. That part always stuck with me.
Loved reading his posts on the forum over the years, we still have those.
Condolences to his family and many friends.

John Walden · Post by **John Walden** » 30 Jul 2015 8:42 am

A sad time indeed. Thank you for all the music !

RIP Buddy Emmons.

Sam Marshall · Post by **Sam Marshall** » 30 Jul 2015 9:07 am

Buddy will always be the "Steel King."

http://www.pbase.com/jroy/steelparty

With sympathy to his friends and family -
Sam Marshall

Roy Thomson · Post by **Roy Thomson** » 30 Jul 2015 9:16 am

So sad to learn this. He was always my hero.
R.I.P Buddy.

Roy Thomson,
Wolfville, N.S.
Canada

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 30 Jul 2015 9:20 am

A stunning loss. I think somehow we all believed this day could never come to pass because his music and his legacy are immortal. A world without E. just seemed unfathomable. I'm privileged to have had him as a friend and teacher over the years and I'll continue to think of him every time I put on my picks. RIP, dear Buddy.

Mark Greenway · Post by **Mark Greenway** » 30 Jul 2015 9:31 am

Yes, a stunning loss indeed.

Over 21,000 views and counting.

That shows how well liked and respected Buddy Emmons is.

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 30 Jul 2015 9:34 am

He was the leader,,the top of the heap,,,one of a kind,,,in a class by himself,,,may he rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior eternally!!!

He was such a private person after he retired,,,,did anyone even know his health issues,,,,and now his cause of death? How sad that such a great man passed from this world,,, where he was so loved by so many,,,,alone!

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 30 Jul 2015 9:42 am

Chris Templeton wrote:

This picture makes me cry. I remember Peggy and Fran Newman playing with my baby daughter at the Emmons/Newman concert back when that picture I posted earlier was taken.

Sam Edwards · Post by **Sam Edwards** » 30 Jul 2015 9:44 am

Very Sad news indeed, he will be sorely missed. I had the honor of meeting him on a couple of occasions, he was always friendly and had a great sense of humor.
RIP Buddy!

Skip Ellis · Post by **Skip Ellis** » 30 Jul 2015 9:46 am

L to R: Me, Big 'E', Ron Moody (best shuffle bass player ever) '78 or '79 at Scotty's

The Steel Guitar Forum

Big E...

Buddy

Buddy Emmons

Be

Buddy Emmons