Merle's steel player

[Charles Tilley]

Does anyone know who played steel on Merle's. "After Loving You"?

[Ian Worley]

Norm Hamlet. He was on pretty much all of Merle's stuff after about '68.

[Jack Aldrich]

Norm is a fine West Coast style steeler. He's also famous as the teacher of Barbara Mandrell.

[Walter Stettner]

...and a super nice gentleman!

Here's a clip from the 2009 convention:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIRZEd4JeX4

Kind Regards, Walter

[Charles Tilley]

I am aware of Norm Hamlet with Merle but are any of you sure he played on the "After Loving You"?
Sounds a bit like Hughey on the ride.

[Richard Sinkler]

I wouldn't bet any money on it being Hughey. Stranger things have happened though.

[Ricky Davis]

"The wrecking Crew" including James Burton and Ralph Mooney did do some recording when Merle went to Capitol Records. Also there are some recordings around with Curly C. on them...not sure which ones...but yes mainly Norm of course...But I just messaged my friend Redd V. and he'll know for sure.....so hang on.
ricky

[Quentin Hickey]

Went on a youtube hunt and found some great amature video of Norm playing an outdoor gig, He is a great steel player for sure!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=400bDwUe-Qc

[Ian Worley]

I found this on "Praguefrank's Country Discography", the session logs from that album. Apparently that track was cut at Cowboy Jack's sometime between 6:00-9:00pm on April 28, 1975:

22 April 1975 [no. 21019, 22:00-01:00] Jack Clement Recording Studio, 3102 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN - Merle Haggard (Dave Kirby [gt], Roy Nichols [gt], Ronnie Reno [gt], Eldon Shamblin [gt], Tiny Moore [el mandolin], Norman Hamlet [steel], James Tittle [bass gt], Biff Adam [drums], Johnny Gimble [fiddle], Mark Yeary [piano], Hargus Robbins [piano], Don Merkham [sax]. Producer: Ken Nelson)
330 92154 NOTHIN'S WORSE THAN LOSING ST-11483 BCD 16749
331 92155 COLORADO ST-11586 BCD 16749
332 92156 THE ROOTS OF MY RAISING 4204/ST 11586 BCD 16749

28 April 1975 [no. 21024, 18:00-21:00] Jack Clement Recording Studio, 3102 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN - Merle Haggard (Dave Kirby [gt], Roy Nichols [gt], Ronnie Reno [gt], Eldon Shamblin [gt], Tiny Moore [el mandolin], Norman Hamlet [steel], James Tittle [bass gt], Biff Adam [drums], Johnny Gimble [fiddle], Mark Yeary [piano], Hargus Robbins [piano], Don Merkham [sax]. Producer: Ken Nelson)
333 92175 LIVING WITH THE SHADES PULLED DOWN 4141/ST-11483 BCD 16749
334 92176 AFTER LOVING YOU ST-11483 BCD 16749
335 92177 COTTON PATCH BLUES ST-11483 BCD 16749

29 April 1975 [no. 21025, 18:00-21:00] Jack Clement Recording Studio, 3102 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN - Merle Haggard (+Dave Kirby [gt], Roy Nichols [gt], Ronnie Reno [gt], Eldon Shamblin [gt], Tiny Moore [el mandolin], Norman Hamlet [steel], James Tittle [bass gt], Bob Moore [bass], Biff Adam [drums], Johnny Gimble [fiddle], Mark Yeary [piano], Hargus Robbins [piano], Don Merkham [sax]. Producer: Ken Nelson)
336 92178 RUNNING KIND 4525/ST-11693 BCD 16749
337 92179 WALK ON THE OUTSIDE ST-11586 BCD 16749
338 92180 LET'S STOP PRETENDING (DIRTY OLD HAT BAND) ST-11483 BCD 16749
339 92181 RIGHT OR WRONG unissued/ BCD 16749

22 August 1975 [no. 21107] Capitol Recording Studio, 1750 North Vine St., Hollywood, CA - Merle Haggard (unknown musicians. Producer: Ken Nelson)
340 92456 IT'S ALL IN THE MOVIES 4141/ST-11483 BCD 16749

The page is here: http://countrydiscoghraphy2.blogspot.co ... art-1.html. Buddy is listed on a couple of sessions in the later 70s, Chalker only on one, Hughey is not listed on any of the sessions but there are many that say "unknown musicians".

[Ricky Davis]

Wow great find Ian.
I also just got confirmation from Redd; that is indeed Roy Nichols and Norm Hamlet.

[Charles Tilley]

Thank you Rickey