Tommy White, My favorite steel player

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 15 Sep 2011 5:43 pm

The first time I saw Tommy he was playing for Donna Fargo and was so young, I believe he had to leave the club on the breaks when he was not playing. He was playing great even then. It's nice to see he has gone on to fulfill his destiny as one of the true premier steel guitarists on the planet. We're all listening, Tommy ….

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 15 Sep 2011 6:01 pm

Tommy is a very deep musician whose weapon-of-choice just happens to be the pedal steel guitar. I could sit and listen to him all day long, if it weren't so depressing.

Jim Robbins · Post by **Jim Robbins** » 15 Sep 2011 7:46 pm

Andy Volk wrote:Tommy & Lloyd Green. Master's both. Tasty stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP3u8cP8 ... re=related

That is too cool. One of the nicest two steel tracks I've seen/heard.

Earl Briggs · Post by **Earl Briggs** » 15 Sep 2011 10:42 pm

In 1973 When i was 17 i bought 3 albums fron Tom Bradshaw's Pedal steel products catalog.Tommy's was one of them.That's the one that got wore out.... What a Player... Best in the business....... Earl Briggs.

Buck Reid · Post by **Buck Reid** » 16 Sep 2011 3:14 am

Tommy... your musical ability is matched only by your character and integrity. We don't get together much but I've always felt we were good friends, thanks for your humility and kindness over the years. I'll be applauding you when you ARE finally inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame. Cheers and hope to see you soon.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 16 Sep 2011 5:15 am

I just stumbled across this little gem this morning, and felt it appropriate for this thread.

Tommy with Hank from back in the day

Randy Beavers · Post by **Randy Beavers** » 16 Sep 2011 5:18 am

Nothing more I can add, but to echo what's been said. I had the pleasure to watch and visit with him last Tuesday night. If there's anyone who doesn't appreciate what he does, then they don't matter!

And yes, his character runs much deeper than being a great steel player.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 16 Sep 2011 6:38 am

I'm on board wit this tread , Tommy is one of my favorite players ever..he has it all, tone, taste, speed, and knows how to use them all...

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 16 Sep 2011 6:39 am

It occured to me that there is something significant in this thread that differs from most Forum homage or praise threads. That is, it's a heartfelt expression of admiration, ultimate praise really, not from a fan or hobbyist but from a recognized master with an admirable and impressive mile-long resume' himself.

And he's joined in that praise by other acknowledged masters. When Herby Wallace, Buck Reid, Randy Beavers, and others of that caliber echo the comments, it's not just fan-worship or gherming, it's more meaningful because it's from peers and colleagues. Which speaks to the truth of Johnny's intial post.

Just sayin...

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 16 Sep 2011 7:20 am

Herb Steiner wrote:......And he's joined in that praise by other acknowledged masters. When Herby Wallace, Buck Reid, Randy Beavers, and others of that caliber echo the comments, it's not just fan-worship or gherming, it's more meaningful because it's from peers and colleagues. Which speaks to the truth of Johnny's intial post.

Just sayin...

A few succinct words that sum up things so accurately.

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 16 Sep 2011 7:36 am

I was once asked the question "If you could only listen to one steel player for the rest of your life who would it be?" it was this question that ultimately led me to the knowledge that Tommy was my favorite. When I thought about having to hear only one player it was hard to choose. Buddy, Hal, Curly, Lloyd, Weldon, John, Herby, Randy, Pete, Tommy and the list went on and on. I kept saying to myself, I want to hear them all. Then it finally dawned on me, if I choose Tommy I would be able to hear them all plus Tommy. Then it was a no brainer.
Tommy, I'll never forget that weekend we spent terrorizing Nashville. We were too young and silly to know that we shouldn't be playing steels with Buddy playing bass for us. We have had some great times together and I have learned so much from you.
Joan and I both love you.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 16 Sep 2011 10:54 am

Uh oh Johnny. Has Joan seen this

Not to sound like a copy cat, but Tommy is one of the best. I also put Johnny high up on that "list". Both great players.

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 16 Sep 2011 2:14 pm

I listen to as much of your playing as i can possibly find Tommy...And Johnny, this post is a fitting piece of respect for the very artistic talent that Tommy has developed. Love you too my friend...Mick

Elton Smith · Post by **Elton Smith** » 16 Sep 2011 3:23 pm

Out standing!

Larry Freeman · Post by **Larry Freeman** » 16 Sep 2011 5:17 pm

You just saw a photo of two first class players. I was aquainted with Tommy briefly in the mid-late 80s when I worked with Seymour and he was with the Whites. I've known them for years as they were from my home area. He was, is, and will always be a true gentleman and what hasn't already been said about him as a player. It would be a neat thought if Tommy did an album depicting all the styles from all the players Johnny mentioned with Tommys touch as Tommy can play anyones style. Truly remarkable and it was my absolute pleasure to be aquainted with him for a brief while.

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 16 Sep 2011 7:11 pm

Tommy White is a hero and an inspiration to not just me, but a lot of steel players here. I remember the night I met him at the Opry, I was watchin' an artist he was playin' steel for on the legendary Opry stage. After the artist finished, Tommy came over to me and said, "Did you hear the steel guitar, man? I then told him how amazed I was by the sound of his steel, and we became friends. I now play steel with a cd that features Tommy's steel playin'.

Brett

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 16 Sep 2011 9:30 pm

Staff steel player of the Opry band. You can't get much better than that. Very few with that on their resume. Great player.

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 17 Sep 2011 4:42 am

I do not know Tommy but he must be a great guy from what many of you say. The clip of "The More I See You" just blows me away. Tommy you are one of the best! Does Tommy have a CD out? I have not been able to find one.

Peter Freiberger · Post by **Peter Freiberger** » 17 Sep 2011 7:10 am

If this thread could possibly help finally, and belatedly, put Tommy in the Hall Of Fame, I'm all for it! As if being an incredible musician wasn't enough, he is also a gracious man and frequent contributor to the Forum. And a terrific representative for our instrument in his high visibility position at the Opry.

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 17 Sep 2011 8:45 am

Again, I'm absolutely overwhelmed by this thread. I'm convinced that pedal steel guitar players are so completely different than any other people. It seems the instrument creates a brotherly, bonding spirit to and among it's players or anyone with interests in pedal steel guitar. I would guess because of it's rare beauty and complexity.
My sincerest thanks to everyone of you fellas.
Herb,
Thank you for posting the Hank Thompson clip. 1993 I believe. Man ,I was much thinner and a little full of myself. Well, I was full of myself because I was much thinner. $:\$

J PARKER · Post by **J PARKER** » 17 Sep 2011 9:12 am

I had been reading this post and wasnt going to say anything but i have got to put my two cents in. When i first met Tommy he was at the Dallas Steel show several ago and was one of the nicest people i had ever had the pleasure of meeting. When i listened to him play it was mind blowing. Congrads to you Tommy for helping keep the steel guitar alive.Its always a pleasure to listen to you.

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 17 Sep 2011 10:37 am

Absolutly 100% "World's #1"!!!

Johnny, finally somebody to go on record and tell it like it should be. Put me on the record as well!

He stuck his hand out when my daddy passed away and said, "come hang with me at the Opry one night back stage". He gave me the gift of his heart as a friend that truly wanted me to be ok. Daddy was my hero but Tommy is right there with him.

I'm very proud to say he is also my friend and i hope to gain the integrity he has some day.
Also some of them speed licks to!

Always my best Tommy!....km

Mike Cass · Post by **Mike Cass** » 17 Sep 2011 2:54 pm

I couldnt agree more. I first saw Tommy with Donna Fargo, playing an MSA S-10 in pretty much standard C6 tuning and sounding as commercial as can be on her hits. Then soon after on his house gig @ The Lemon Tree in Louisville...awesome! Yep, we all love E, Hal, Curls, Weldon, John, JD et all, but Tommy has taken it to yet another level. Its with good reason that Buddy Emmons calls him "Killer"

If anyone was ever born to play steel, it'd be Tommy. Heck of a nice guy to boot, and that ain't always easy in Music City. And Steve Palousek: youre 100% on the money with your comment. TW in the SGHOF??? most definitely, and loooooong overdue....and right next to him; Johnny Cox.
great thread JC!

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 17 Sep 2011 5:22 pm

Herb, I'm by no stretch a master but thanks anyway for saying. It's my belief that players like Tommy deserve praise from their piers and that just doesn't seem to happen very often.

Mike C. I'm glad you got in on this. Your another one that plays so great and has not got your due either. We should talk soon, email me your number.

Joan Cox · Post by **Joan Cox** » 17 Sep 2011 5:44 pm

I also agree with what everyone says about Tommy. I tune
into the Opry on satellite radio and am happy
when I get to hear ANYTHING that Tommy plays.
Johnny and I talk alot about players who "light you up". Tommy
lights us both up. Tommy, I love hearing anything you play anytime .
Joan

The Steel Guitar Forum

Tommy White, My favorite steel player

Tw