Author |
Topic: NASHVILLE is finally calling me................. |
Ray Montee
From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)
|
Posted 24 Sep 2011 9:04 am
|
|
Several weeks ago, I had the honor to be invited to the Nashville home of a Steel Guitar Hall of Famer. It was a pure joy to actually be in the surroundings of one of my all-time steel guitar idols, who, at age 18, was the staff steel guitarist on the Prince Albert, Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio Show with Red Foley. He was on many of Foley's Decca records and I have virtually everyone of them. In fact, he was the first on the Opry to own a BIGSBY Steel guitar. Billy Robinson, one of America's finest steel guitar players and historical figures.
Then yesterday morning about noon=time, I received still another telephone call from a Nashville steel guitarist, Lynn Owsley. Lynn invited me down to the hotel for coffee, where the band was staying and once again I got to meet up with an earlier acquaintance Norm Hamlett, Merle Haggards' steel player of many years. Norm has a 1956 BIGSBY also.
Well now, after all of these years, no one offered me a BIG TIME Record deal or a job playing with one of the BIG TIME Opry Stars of today, but I do feel that after all of these many decades, I am definitely moving closer toward 'the Nashville inner-loop'.
Perhaps the next telephone call I get will be that long awaited call from Nashville with that deal I've been anxiously waiting for since the age of about 15.
(Aren't dreams wonderful.........)
Last edited by Ray Montee on 24 Sep 2011 12:12 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Dave Grafe
From: Hudson River Valley NY
|
Posted 24 Sep 2011 9:18 am
|
|
I'm glad to hear of it, Ray, you have paid some serious dues over the years and definitely have something worthwhile to say with both your mind and your guitar, hope your entire trip is a magic one and the relationships formed are lasting. |
|
|
|
Larry Freeman
From: Texas, USA
|
Posted 24 Sep 2011 12:05 pm
|
|
Ray, What a call. I knew Billy and Lynn when I worked in Nashville, Billy was always coming by Bobbe Seymours. Hvaen't seen him since 1990 when I left Nashville then I ran into him at Texas Steel Guitar Show in March. SAME WONDERFUL GUY! Those two are absolutely remarkable guys and Billy is a FANTASTIC artist. I mostly do car art, muscle cars, old dirt track race cars, old gas stations, drive ins, etc. Billy and Lynn are two of the finest guys in the world! I am happy for you!!! |
|
|
|
Jim R. Harrison
From: North Vancouver, B. C., Canada
|
Posted 29 Sep 2011 9:03 am
|
|
Hi Ray,
Have you got that long awaited 'phone call yet?? Hope you enjoy your time in "Music City!" By the way, I'm sending this from the other side of the country, in Lark Harbour, Newfoundland.
Regards, Jim Harrison |
|
|
|
Andy Sandoval
From: Bakersfield, California, USA
|
Posted 29 Sep 2011 9:12 am
|
|
Very cool Ray. |
|
|
|