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Topic: Big Daddy Buddy Emmons. Still # 1 |
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 5:40 am |
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| With the passing of time steel players come and go, but I also realize that the living legend of pedal steel guitar is still and always will be Buddy Emmons. Think about the generation gap that this man bridged on an instrument that he was instrumental in creating! Absolutely amazing. If you've never seen him play, go see him. Its like seeing Jimmy Hendrix for the first time. They broke the mold after they made him. One of a kind. |
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Michael Douchette
From:
Gallatin, TN (deceased)
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Paul King
From:
Gainesville, Texas, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 5:51 am buddy
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Kevin, You are so right. Seeing Buddy Emmons in person is a must for every steel player. I have seen him several times and there is just something about him that has set him apart from others. He has played a huge part in the history of the instrument and the tuning as we know it today. Take the licks he has invented, a designer of the instrument and the tone he has just set him ahead of the class. Top that off with a down to earth attitude and I consider to be the "Total Package" when it comes to the steel guitar. At 70 years of age, most people will never reach the level of playing he still plays at today.
Last edited by Paul King on 3 Sep 2007 6:23 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:17 am
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I agree. There are some hot and extremely good pickers around that have made a name for themselves, but none compare to the "Big E".
One thing I've found, being born the same year as Buddy hasn't helped my picking one damned bit.  |
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Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:19 am
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I don't think I've ever seen him play live (unless I unknowingly saw him play as a sideman at a concert I attended...or mixed...in the 70's - there were so many it's possible), just on video. Although a lot of what he has played isn't really my type of music, it's STILL amazing to watch - not only the skill but the creativity; I don't hear him repeat himself much, but he always sounds like himself...that's true genius. And when he's putting on a "show" doing bar spins and crazy stuff,it's not like he's showing off - he's doing it with a sense of humor.
He also seems like a truly nice guy. Not a "put on a happy face for the crowd" nice guy, just a regular, down to earth good dude. I have also never seen anyone play any instrument who always looks so happy doing it - he always looks like he's having a good time - I don't think I've ever seen a grimace, frown...nothing but a real smile.
It was a wondeful thing for him to present Sneaky's Hall of Fame award as well. Knowing their mutual respect and admiration, there was no better choice, and was great that he was willing to do it.
_________________
No chops, but great tone
1930's/40's Rickenbacher/Rickenbacker 6&8 string lap steels
1921 Weissenborn Style 2; Hilo&Schireson hollownecks
Appalachian, Regal & Dobro squarenecks
1959 Fender 400 9+2 B6;1960's Fender 800 3+3+2; 1948 Fender Dual-8 Professional |
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Mat Rhodes
From:
Lexington, KY, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:39 am
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| Makes you wonder if he appreciates his own talent and abilities on the same level as we do. |
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 8:04 am
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The first night of the ISGC last year, I was roaming the lobby checking out all the wares, when in strolls Buddy and starts checking out the HOF plaques. I had no idea what he was like personally, so I resisted my urge to go tell him that I was a big fan. It was funny to watch everybody kind of staring but giving him his space nonetheless. 
The next day I was in the lounge, and Buddy was sitting there with a few guys, shooting the breeze. I was looking for an ashtray, and Buddy noticed this and started looking behind the bar to find me one. There was none there, so he just passed me the one on the table. I told him I was working on his Half Dozen Shuffles course, and he just smiled geniunely and said thanks.
That afternoon I attended his set in the ballroom. Some pretty big name steel players were actually sitting on the floor in front on him for his set. Nobody missed this show, I can tell you. It truly was like seeing Hendrix. You had this overwhelming sense that you were in the presence of greatness, and witnessing the history and development of steel guitar right before your eyes. It was pretty incredible.
I saw him again in Dallas, and watched all the other steel players mill about him outside on smoke breaks. He's the man, and everybody knows it.
_________________
Jackson Steel Guitars
Web: www.chrisledrew.com |
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Jelle Biel
From:
the netherlands
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Chris LeDrew
From:
Canada
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Jay Hudson
From:
Austin, Texas
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 9:10 am
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Everytime I think I'm starting to "get it", a listen to Emmons gives me a reality check.
Puts me in my place real quick.
Tone,style,technique,originality,taste,intonation......
It just doesn't get any better.
What an incredible talent. |
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Charles Davidson
From:
Phenix City Alabama, USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 12:23 pm
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Never heard him live,Did get to meet him close to thirty years ago at a NAMN show in Atlanta,Ran into on the floor of the show,[I spotted his derby in the crowd and made a beeline for it]He talked to me and a friend that was with me for a long time,like he had known us for years,even tho he had no clue who we were.He is as much a gentleman as he is a picker.
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Hard headed, opinionated old geezer. BAMA CHARLIE. GOD BLESS AMERICA. ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST. SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC ! |
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Billy Carr
From:
Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 12:57 pm psg players
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| Two players I've wanted to see play are Franklin & BE. I got to see PF in 06' in Dallas. Froze me in my seat literally. A true master. In 08' I want to try to see BE play live somewhere. The King of Kings! |
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Larry Bowen
From:
Anderson, SC USA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 1:27 pm A young Buddy
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I saw him in the late 50s at a school house in Hartwell, Ga...I was playing a lap steel with a coat hanger rigged to a barn door hinge for a pedal.
After the program I walked up to him and chatted with him. He let me try a real guitar out...Dont even remember what kind it was. Both of us were teenagers. He was really nice back then. Playing with ET
_________________
Sho-Bud D-10 Professional, Nashville 112, Goodrich H-10, Boss DD-3, Steelers Choice Seat |
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Jody Sanders
From:
Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 3:54 pm
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| Always,The Big E. His playing speaks for itself. Even tho his status is legendary,he is one of the nicest guys in the business. Always has time for everyone. A true master in so many ways. His friendship is one of my lifetime's greatest treasures. Jody. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 3:57 pm
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| the chris ivey 'joy of steel guitar' award goes to buddy emmons.......... thanx buddy !! |
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Gary Walker
From:
Morro Bay, CA
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 6:35 pm
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| I saw Buddy in Fresno CA around '62ish with Ray Price. Ray introduced a new song written by "a boy down in Texas." Of course, the song was "Night Life" and the Texan was Willie. When they struck up that song, I was in a daze for days at what I had heard and seen. My girl friend with me that night, complained about her feet hurting.(she had'em on the wrong foot. That's how excited she was) |
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Marlin Smoot
From:
Kansas
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:32 pm BE & PFJR
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I got to see Buddy Emmons live at Cowdaddies in Oklahoma City in the early 1980's (1982ish) and he sat up next to house steel player; Doug Campbell with the house band and they traded licks through out the evening - What a treat.
I got to see Paul Franklin Jr at the Hall Of fame Inn (Around 1983), he was playing with Phil Baugh - at the time I didn't know who Paul Franklin Jr was - but I sure did after that night. I can't even begin to tell you what I heard from these two super pickers but it was a very special night of music, ability and talent unmatched. Phil and Paul were playing so far 'outside the box' and it was amazing. |
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Bo Borland
From:
South Jersey -
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 7:55 pm
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I just watched the "nightlife" video on this link and at about 4 minutes into the tune you can see why there is only one E. Besides the coolest turn around ever played, he plays a little drag arpeggio behind the bar... I mean he knows what those notes are too!
I am stunned... again.
Thanks E
_________________
Bo Borland
Rittenberry SD10 , Derby D-10, Quilter TT12, Peavey Session 400 w/ JBL, NV112, Fender Blues Jr. , 1974 Dobro 60N squareneck, Rickenbacher NS lapsteel, 1973 Telecaster Thinline, 1979 blonde/black Frankenstrat
Currently picking with
Mason Dixon Band masondixonband.net |
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Jody Sanders
From:
Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.
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Posted 2 Sep 2007 11:38 pm
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| The Funhouse with Danny Gatton on the same link is wild. Jody. |
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David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 3:53 am
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| For those who have not heard Mr. Emmons live, the "Buddy Emmons and Hal Rugg, Live at Bell Cove" video is the next best thing IMO. Buddy and Hal play off each other brilliantly and there were a few moments where Buddy would do something so amazing that even Hal would stop playing and applaud. |
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 5:05 am
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Well the best thing to say is that.
"Most ANY steelplayer doing an album for himself,
would love to have Buddy sit-in for even one tune."
And secondly oh so few of them would want to
trade licks with him in the same tune!
_________________
DLD, Chili farmer. Plus bananas and papaya too.
Real happiness has no strings attached.
But pedal steels have many! |
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Ted Solesky
From:
Mineral Wells, Texas, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 9:58 am
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| I was fortunate to see Buddy and Bobby Garrett play together with the ET when I was a kid. I'll never forget those moments. I have, of couse, seen him do a few concerts. I have always admired his God given talent. He made quite an impression in my life as he has in others'. |
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Roger Crawford
From:
Griffin, GA USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 5:11 pm
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| When you say "E", you've said it all. |
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Ben Elder
From:
La Crescenta, California, USA
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 5:48 pm
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(Jack S.:
Having the same initials is no help either.) |
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Paul Wade
From:
mundelein,ill
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Posted 3 Sep 2007 7:40 pm B.E
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1982 saw him with scott'y at country music inn i wanted to quite right there playing steel
p.w |
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