Greatest accomplishment as a steel player?

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 24 Apr 2002 5:34 pm

My only noteworthy accomplishment in the steel guitar world is that I've only been divorced once (so far).

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Doug Earnest
Zum2000U12,Sierra12,Sho-Bud ProII D10 PV DPC 750 ProFex 112E, Fender Cyber Twin

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 24 Apr 2002 5:53 pm

Don't worry Doug, there's more ahead!

Tiny Olson · Post by **Tiny Olson** » 24 Apr 2002 6:08 pm

When I bought my 1st pedal steel guitar I never even thought I'd really ever be able to play the darn thing. Getting hired to go on the road in 1972 at age 17 was something I never would have imagined one year earlier when I started.

Playing on many of Gene Watson's albums, number one hits and top ten hits, going into the studio following the likes of Lloyd Green and Sonny Garrish... well that still blows me away. Thanks to Gene for having confidence in me and the rest of the band. It got me some sessions with other folks too.

Playing for Dick Curless on many shows in NY and NE after I moved back to the northeast. Gene and Dick are my favorite singers. Getting to work with your favorites truly is special.

Almost sitting on Buddy Emmons' silver derby when doing a tv taping for "Good 'Ol Nashville Music." Buddy was the staff player and told me to use his seat if I wanted. He walked off the set but left the derby on the seat. The 325 lber. (me) almost flattened 'er. I told Peggy Emmons about the near-miss at a show Buddy was doing in Houston months later and she roared. She insisted I tell Buddy who up to that point hadn't known and he too roared. He also pointed it (and me) out to the croud on his next set. What a way to be recognized, by flattening your hero's signature piece of attire. Fortunately, I missed.

Playing a paying gig in all 50 states and much of the world. Meeting so many cool folks. I'd never trade it if I could. I've been very fortunate and very blessed. I thank God for it all.

Tiny Olson

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 24 Apr 2002 7:51 pm

1. At 17, doing a gospel music TV show. It was all pantamine(?)My dad was the steel player on the tracks.
2. Recording in Nashville with a local group.
3. Backing Walter Bailes on one show.
4. Kicking of "The Lighthouse" for Ronnie Hinson.
5. Backing Marty Haggard on "Amazing Grace".
6. Playing a duet with Steve "Rabbit" Easter.
7. Played one gig with The New Hinsons.
8. Got an email from Lloyd Green!

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 24 Apr 2002 9:35 pm

I've been on stage at the Big D Jamboree, The Louisiana Hayride, and The Opry at thre Ryman. Played shows with a lot of famous people. But my greatest accomplishment was seeing two of my students, Janet Lynn, and Jody Cameron make it to the "Big Time" as steel guitar players. Jody.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 28 Apr 2002 1:57 pm

I don't know if you can call them accomplishments, but the 2 biggest thrills I ever got were when Buddy Emmons approached me at the convention several years ago with a big smile on his face and told me my Firebird Suite album was really great, and some time later when Paul Franklin called me long distance to tell me how much he liked it, and later wrote that I inspired him to arrange his version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

These things mean more to me than I can possibly say.

Terry Wendt · Post by **Terry Wendt** » 28 Apr 2002 2:50 pm

Okay Bobbe, I may be slow... but did you "steel this topic" from my book theme

I've heard about you "steelers" and swizlersticks, and such

Just wondering

2pT

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TheEarlyDays.com

and appearing regularly...
Jimmy Crawford/Russ Hicks... and Buddy Emmons on Bass! aLotOfSpace.com

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 28 Apr 2002 3:54 pm

OK Bobbe, you asked for it. I played in a group in the early 80s and I met my wife there and now we have been married for years and she is the most wonderful person I have ever met and I am amazed how blessed I am to be married to a real live angel. That's all. No big White House gigs, Opry shots, world tours, just get to awaken every day with a 1-in-2million person. Gary.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 28 Apr 2002 4:44 pm

Gary, this is what I was sort of looking for to hear about for myself, These are the heart wrenching things that steel has done for our lives, I love reading about all the accomplishments that are milestones in ones careers, (I really do!) but it's these little soulful things that no one else sees that do it to me, I've done every kind of public playing known to mankind, but there was something about that first public playing when Mom and Dad were in the audience, or my mentor, uncle Doug, know what I mean? I feel you do. As do most of you.
Bobbe

Bob Cox · Post by **Bob Cox** » 28 Apr 2002 7:27 pm

Telling My late father that I got to open in a band for George Jones,and taking him to a steel jam I got to play at.

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 28 Apr 2002 7:44 pm

Bobbe, thanks, "O Great Picking One" for the personal email and the public. I have had the great opportunity to meet some of the greatest people in the steel world and exchange correspondence with fine people like yourself but I still attribute my playing that introduced me to Christine, the love of my life and consider this the greatest of all events of my playing life and this rises to the top of "greatest" in this catagory, thanks again, Gary. PS. I see your are at the computer on Sundays as usual and probably will until the midnight oil. You are a real case feller. G.

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 28 Apr 2002 7:53 pm

Hi Bobby. I think one of many great moments in my life was when my parents took me to community halls to play for dances all by myself on my 6 string Gibson electric steel guitar. My parents were so proud of me and it really made me feel special, yet my feet shook like you can't believe.
I have backed a few well known celcbrities in my life, but they are not near as special as my parents who encouraged me when I was so discouraged. I now play and sing and back my self for strictly nursing homes. You cannot believe the wonderful feeling of giving something to someone who has so little. I really encourage everyone who loves to play steel guitar or whatever to share their talent they have been blessed with, with others who will not criticise or down grade you no matter what. I have been playing for 56 years and I still love every minute I get to play and my wonderful wife also loves everything I do. I hope it doesn't sound like I am boasting, but I really can't complain about anything, except my age and slowing down and dreading not being able to play music any more.

Jim Whitaker · Post by **Jim Whitaker** » 28 Apr 2002 7:58 pm

Many on Guitar & Bass but No Biggys for me on the steel. So mainly just getting to meet many great steelers (Bobby at his store) & at the Bush/Emmons show and of couse here on the Forum. And having a great wife that doesn't care if or how much I practice and she also said if you want a new steel THEN BUY ONE. What a woman.
Thanks Bobby this is great reading

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JIM
"Carter SD10" "73" MSA S10, "74" LTD & NASHVILLE 400, Profex II "55" Esquire, "63 Epiphone, "63" Precision,
"71" Jazz [This message was edited by Jim Whitaker on 28 April 2002 at 09:00 PM.]

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 28 Apr 2002 8:50 pm

After reading all these other replies, I find I have no great accomplishments on steel. All the others I've read are quite impressive though.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 28 Apr 2002 10:50 pm

Lem, you are a great accoplishment on steel!!!

Rusty Hurse · Post by **Rusty Hurse** » 29 Apr 2002 4:52 am

Bobbe I left this out but I dont know if this would be an accomplishment or not.One of the most lasting memories I have is playing with Lynn Owsley and Jimmy Day and myself.We had some great jam sessions at Lynn's house. One of the last live jobs that Jimmy played, I had the honor to play with him but Lynn could not be there.It is a nite I will never forget. Pete Mitchel played guitar and it was an unforgetable experience.Jimmy gave me the best compliment I have ever had in my life he said "Rusty, you have the best hands I have ever seen on a steel guitar'.We were sitting at Lynn Owsleys kitchen table and I will never forget this.I sure miss UNCLE JIMMY!

Rusty Hurse · Post by **Rusty Hurse** » 29 Apr 2002 5:01 am

I owe Lynn and Jimmy a debt that I can never repay because they brought me back into playing at a really bad time in my life after I had a stroke.Lynn is also one of my son's godfathers, and I could have no better friend or brother than Lynn Owsley.

Chuckie Acevedo · Post by **Chuckie Acevedo** » 29 Apr 2002 11:35 am

Teaching my oldest grandaughter about steels.

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Chuckieboy
Sho-Bud Prolll
Fenders Deluxe6,CD8 C3,D10

Danny Naccarato · Post by **Danny Naccarato** » 1 May 2002 8:07 am

It's funny how things happen. I had read this a couple of days ago and gave some thought to it. I was fortunate to be able to play in Europe a few times on short tours. My proudest though is the 2 years I toured with Janie Fricke. Top of the list was the Live Album (her first) we did at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth in 2000. Because of financial problems with the producer I thought it would never get released. I then found out 2 days ago, that it was just now released. What a thrill to hear it. They actually have the steel out in front of the mix on nearly all 17 cuts (not sure if that is good or bad). It's too funny that it was released as I was giving pause and thought to this post.

My biggest regret is that my Dad, Joe Naccarato, who started me playing and reading music at 5 years old, passed away before seeing some of my proudest times as a steeler.

The "Janie Fricke - Live at Billy Bob's" CD is supposed to be in Walmarts shortly if not already and also at http://www.billybobstexas.com .

Terry Miller · Post by **Terry Miller** » 1 May 2002 8:24 pm

Putting The Tribute to Shot Jackson albums together. Being able to say Shot was my friend. Also working with Hank Thompson.

erik · Post by **erik** » 2 May 2002 12:52 am

I can say that Bobby Lee's is creating and maintaining the Steel Guitar Forum. Without it i never would have access to all the great CDs that so many of you pros have made. Nor, would i have learned so much about the instrument and the many players, the history, the hubbub going on in Nasville, etc.

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 2 May 2002 10:30 am

Bobbe
What a great way to get players to remember
why the started playing to begin with. Too
often we bury ourselves in the right gear and
the right tone and forget those precious moments that really matter. My moment was
backing the late great Carl Perkins who wrote
some really great country songs like Turn Around. Most people only know him for Blue Suede Shoes. He dearly loved the steel guitar
Also a great singer and performer Narvel Felts who was a joy to work with.I'll also never forget the kind and generous steel player for Johnny Paycheck who allowed me to
play my first push-pull in the 80's.Guess who

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 2 May 2002 4:08 pm

I guess it was me Chuck!! You treated Paycheck and myself very nicely in Jackson Tennessee in 1985. I remember this job and you very well because of the way you treated us all. Your job with the sound reinforcement was above and beyond reproch.I'm still playing that same P-P Emmons, it's also the one on all my recordings. Serial # 1554 D.
It is very nice to see you on this forum,I hope to see more of you!
It is also very great to see so many players tell what was and what is so important about their playing past. These are the things that make playing so important to our souls.

Lets all be smart enough,nice enough,and love steel guitar enough to get along and love each other and our instruments enough to be happy for our entire playing lives. The great posts on this thread show how this instrument can touch our souls and lives so deeply, This goes beyond what kind of guitar we each play, what our tone is like, or who we think is the greatest player is,who we play with, how famous we are,Etc., what matters is the love of the instrument and the love of each other. This post is showing this, and it looks good!!!!!

Bobbe -(let's all help each one another)
Seymour

Earnie Sumerall · Post by **Earnie Sumerall** » 2 May 2002 5:55 pm

The biggest thrill was being able to jam with Buddy Emmons for two days when he came into the old Uptown Club in Tulsa after playing Cains with Ray Price.
Buddy let me play his Rosewood Emmons while he played bass and sang. I hadn.t been playing PSG very long and I was so scared with Buddy looking over my shoulder, I couldn't keep my foot on the volume pedal.
I had just started working with Conrad Clements Band and in the audience was Speedy West and Ray Price. It was just too much pressure, but quite a rememberance.
Later I got to work shows with Freddy Weller, Carl Belew, Bobby G. Rice, and Cal Smith, just to name a few of the enjoyable gigs.
Just wondering if anyone knew Conrad Clements and whatever happened to him? A good guitar player and singer.[This message was edited by Earnie Sumerall on 02 May 2002 at 06:58 PM.]

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 2 May 2002 6:25 pm

A couple of "moments" pop in my mind, Bobbe.

Around 1972 ,played the Governor's Ball in Phoenix, behind Tex Williams on "Smoke , Smoke that cigarette".

Then playing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" while he did his recitation.

I did it on my PP Emmons. You could hear a pin drop. It was one of my Real Moments.....al