Kayton Roberts: Super Picker

Butch Foster · Post by **Butch Foster** » 24 Oct 2002 5:36 pm

Read Kayton's name in the list of players on the Hank III recording-I have always enjoyed his sound. Have any of you pickers worked shows with him? His backing of Hank's vocals, and then Hank backing Kayton's lead with his fine guitar picking was so enjoyable! Did Kayton back Billy Walker on his tribute to Hank? I would like to hear your comments on Kayton' work and any associations you have had with him.

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 24 Oct 2002 6:44 pm

Haven't met Kayton, but recall the great set he did at Scotty's ISGC a few years ago. Seemed very at ease like he was just entertaining friends in his living room. If they have him back, don't miss it.

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David Cobb, 1992 Emmons Legrande 8&5,BlueTubeII,TubeWorks RT921Reverb,Stewart World 1.2 poweramp,Black Widow/Steelers Choice cabs,Pro-Fex II/Lemay mods.

Jim Florence · Post by **Jim Florence** » 24 Oct 2002 7:45 pm

He's the main reason I play steel guitar. I've never met the man, but I've tried to emulate his tone since about 1950 or so.
Jim

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 24 Oct 2002 10:23 pm

What kind of guitar does Kayton Roberts play?
How many pedals? What affects does he use?

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 24 Oct 2002 10:31 pm

I saw Kayton on the Opry with Hank Snow in the 70's and he is the stuff. He can do without pedals what I wish I could do with.

nick allen · Post by **nick allen** » 24 Oct 2002 10:52 pm

Ray -
Do a search in No Peddlers (I think) and you'll find an interview with KR posted by Andy Volk (I think), and also various threads on him.
No pedals, a D8 Fender ("of course"! - Hi, Jody

)... and as various people have commented over the years, in "gear-oriented" threads, Kayton bought his guitar in about 1951, and has used the same one ever since - never bought another!
Nick
P.S. Oh yes, and C6/A7 tuning, if I recall correctly...

George McLellan · Post by **George McLellan** » 25 Oct 2002 2:02 am

On one of the clips I have on video from the old "Outlaw Channel", Kayton Roberts was playing a three legged single neck if I remember right. He was with Hank Snow on that one and was for years.

David Cobb, I was at the ISGC that same year, and I believe he used the same three legged guitar then too. Both he and Herb Remington would change their tunings between songs while talking to the audiance. I don't recall him playing a double neck at the ISGC that year. (that doesn't mean he didn't have or play one, I could have missed it)

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SUAS U' PHIOB
Geo

Keith DeLong · Post by **Keith DeLong** » 25 Oct 2002 2:23 am

I met Kayton last year, he came up to Nova Scotia, along with his lovely wife Iva Lee and bass player Roger Carroll, as a guest of the Hank Snow Society to play at the Hank Snow tribute. We were fortunate to have them as guests in our home and, as you say, great folks and outstanding playing. We keep in touch from time to time and I hope he continues to play for many years to come. He was, in fact, playing with Billy Walker one night on the Opry, Billy was doing A Fool Such as I--talk about chills up your spine.

Jerry Hayes R.I.P. · Post by **Jerry Hayes R.I.P.** » 25 Oct 2002 3:50 am

I saw Kayton and got to meet him at the 1st Steel Show which Carl Dixon put together in Atlanta a few years ago. I believe it was the first show Kayton had ever performed on as a featured artist. From what I heard, he didn't think anyone would want to hear his music anymore as it was kind of dated. He received a tremendous response from the audience at that show and I think it kind of revived him. I normally don't care too much for non pedal players (David Lindley excepted) but I watched his every move and enjoyed his show as much as anything that went on that weekend. I think it's neat the way he sets the steel real low and hangs his right leg outside of the steel. It's a good thing he ain't no pedalman as he wouldn't be able to use any knee levers....

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 25 Oct 2002 5:25 am

I saw Kayton Roberts w/ Hank III on the Opry a year or so ago. Sounded like he played through a tube amp for a honky, slightly overdriven sound. Great stuff!!

Drew

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www.newslinkassociates.com
www.drewhoward.com

Joe Goldmark · Post by **Joe Goldmark** » 25 Oct 2002 11:56 am

Recently I congratulated Marty Muse on his picking on the new "Here Come the Derailers" CD. I then mentioned the unbelievable harmonics on the first cut "More of Your Love". He quickly informed me that it was Kayton Roberts on that track and he agreed that Kayton is an amazing player who don't need no stinkin' pedals.

Bill Maynard · Post by **Bill Maynard** » 25 Oct 2002 1:19 pm

I had the pleasure of playing with an opening act 30 years ago in Northern Michigan, when Hank Snow and Kayton Roberts were the main act. Kayton is truly one of kind on non pedal steel. His ability to pull strings with his left ring finger and change the tones were truly phenominal. He should me a number of things that night that will always be with me. He was playing a new guitar called as I recollect was called Holiday Steel which was built in Indiana. A great player and one to always remember...

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 26 Oct 2002 6:18 pm

I do not, nor have I ever, cared for non pedal steel but Kayton is nothing short of incredible. I don't miss Hank but I always enjoyed watching Kayton hunch over his steel and was amazed at the stuff he extracted out of it.

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 26 Oct 2002 8:58 pm

Incredible is the correct description for Kayton Roberts! One night on the GOO Hank Snow was next up and Kayton played the Coca Cola theme song with Jerry Whitehurst and the Band. He played so incredibly well that my Dad and I just looked at each other and laughed. We figured that Weldon was watching!