Fran and Jeff Newman...together again!

[Tony Prior]

Peace and prayers to the Newman family.

[John Brabant]

More sad news. It seems every time I speak with someone from the community, we lose them 6 months later. Happened when I called Jimmy Day. Happened when I called Herbie Wallace and ordered my Hilton pedal from him.

I called and spoke with Fran just before Christmas last year to order metal picks. Of course, had a great chat for close to an hour about all the history we love to talk about. Very nice lady and very sad to hear that now she has gone as well. It has been a real rough couple years. RIP Fran.

[Al Brisco]

I suspected something was amiss the last time I spoke to her...app. 2 weeks ago, just before my 10 day tour.

She will be missed.
Al Brisco

[Michael Breid]

I always liked talking to Fran, and thanks to Jeff I dabbled with the pedal steel. I'll always be grateful to both of them who always treated me with kindness, and gave me encouragement. RIP good people.

[Bruce W Heffner]

She was a nice person and always a pleasure to deal with over the years. There aren't many of the old guard here anymore.

[Ollin Landers]

My condolences go out to her family. She will be missed by many people.

I had the pleasure of meeting Fran on several occasions. I was able to spend time with her and Jeff at Jeff's Top Gun school back in the 90's.

I spoke with Fran on the phone several times after Jeff's passing. She was always helpful and encouraging when I spoke with her.

I think we often forget about those behind the scenes people that give so much to the steel guitar community, and Fran was definitely one of them.

[Tony Rankin]

Rick,

Denise and I are sorry to hear this news. Prayers for you and the family.

[Frank Freniere]

Sad news. Condolences to you and the family, Rick.

[Don R Brown]

I talked to Fran once time, just when I ordered some picks. She of course had years of involvement with the entire PSG world, I was a newbie. But she treated me as if she had known me for years, and our conversation made me feel as if we were old friends. I had been meaning to give her a call and place another order, sadly I put it off too long.

[John McClung]

My sincere condolences to the Newman family. Fran and I always had lovely long chats when I'd call to order Right Hand Alpha's for my students. She was one cool lady. RIP, Fran. We're all going to miss you!

[Lavon Chappell]

Saddened to hear this. I have talked with Fran many times over the years, she was down to earth and a nice lady,


Will anybody carry the business on?

[steve takacs]

I agree with Jack Stoner and hope Jeff's pedal steel instruction will continue to be distributed. Besides the courses, being invaluable to steel guitarists, it would be a way for the memory of the Newman's to be kept alive.

If I am not mistaken, Rick Kornacker,s wife is related to the family, so perhaps she and Rick will continue the flow of this material. Stevet

[John Norris]

Very sorry to hear this. Sincerest condolences to the family.

[Paddy Long]

Very saddened to hear of Fran's passing, I have very fond memories of my stay with her and Jeff at their wonderful steel guitar school back in 1982 ... it was a life changing experience for me.

RIP Fran and condolences to the family

[Carlos Polidura]

My sincere condolences to the entire family.
This is Fran with my three children when I attended classes at the Jeffran College back in the summer of 1982.
Rest in peace.
The Poliduras.

[bob drawbaugh]

Sending my thoughts and Prayers out to the family.

[David Weisenthal]

What sad news to hear. I had talked with her on the phone twice over the last year and a half when ordering some of Jeff's courses. She had a great sense of humor. I loved how she tried to teach me how to make biscuit stuffing over the phone last thanksgiving season. I wish I could have met her and Jeff like many of you have.

[Jack Stanton]

Carlos,
That picture of Fran is the image of her I always see in my mind when I think of her. Met her many times at Jeff's seminars, and was especially lucky to spend some time over a couple of beers with her and Jeff after a Buddy Emmons C6th seminar at Jeffran. Everyone from the class had shipped out except me ( I couldn't get a flight till the next day). They both told stories about steel players and life in Nashville and life in general. They were both just great, and she was so sweet and funny. No doubt in my mind they're back together again.

[gary pierce]

I'll never forget in about 1980, I went for a week E9 seminar, and when it was over and everyone was gone, Jeff asked me to go with him to the bowling alley to see some guys jam.
To my surprise the bowing alley was closed, and Jeff, Paul Jr. and Hal Rugg jammed for two hours with only me watching. I don't even remember driving back to Memphis that night.
Jeff, and Fran were the nicest people I ever met, and treated you like family.

[Mike Vallandigham]

I spoke with her a few times, ordering some instructional material and finger picks. What a nice person, and an asset to all steel guitarists.
Fran will be missed.

[KENNY KRUPNICK]

Does anyone know if Jeffran products are still available?

[Adam Johnson]

I saw on facebook that someone posted about her daughter taking over the Jeffran publications. Hope that someone else can elaborate more?

[Paddy Long]

Adam I believe it is her grandaughter who is going to take over the reins of the Jeffran stuff - this is great news
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=309032

[Chris Templeton]

Although I never saw Fran sitting with a steel guitar, as many classes as she sat through, I bet she was a great steeler. RIP Fran

[Carlos Polidura]

Yes Jack. She was a sweet person. She was very polite and friendly with my wife and children when we were there. And so was Jeff Newman. I will always remember them.
Carlos