Pedal steel pioneer you'd most like to read a biography of?

Jack Hanson · From: San Luis Valley, USA

Given the overall excellence and (apparent) runaway success of Mr. Fishell's recently released Buddy Emmons, Steel Guitar Icon, which other pioneering pedal steel player(s) would you most enjoy reading about?

Brooks Montgomery · From: Idaho, USA

Mooney.
And include that quip from Waylon when Mooney’s head went down on the strings, intoxicated,
and Waylon said “ladies and gentlemen, the Moon has set!”.
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A banjo, like a pet monkey, seems like a good idea at first.

Fred Treece · From: California, USA

Paul Franklin.
Rusty Young was the first pedal steel player I was ever aware of, then Emmons, then Paul. All three of them strike me as people who have lived full, interesting lives in addition to being exceptional musicians whose contributions to psg can’t be underestimated.

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

I'd say Lloyd Green, not only because of his illustrious career but because he has kept meticulous notes of every recording session he ever did and therefore can provide a wealth of detail. Plus, of all the players named, he is the only one still available to interview and fill in missing information, etc. So I'm sure it would be a very comprehensive and fascinating book, if he would agree to the project and a good writer like Steve would undertake the project.
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www.JimCohen.com
www.RonstadtRevue.com
www.BeatsWalkin.com

Skip Edwards · From: LA,CA

Sneaky Pete

Mike Bacciarini · From: Arizona

Another vote for Rusty. Was always looking forward to the book he was working on for so long. RIP
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MCI Arlington S-10 3+5, George L E-66, BJS & Emmons bars, Fender Stage Lead II 100W 1x12, Fender Satellite SFX, custom FX rack, 1983 Dobro 60D, SX-8 lap steel, Martin D16GT, Ibanez AS73, 1978 Rickenbacker 4000 custom.

scott murray · From: Asheville, NC

Bobby Black.

he's seen and done it all and he's still out there doin it at age 88!
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1965 Emmons S-10, 3x5 • Emmons LLIII D-10, 10x12 • JCH D-10, 10x12 • Beard MA-8 • Oahu Tonemaster

Gary Spaeth · From: Wisconsin, USA

i'd just like to read Bruce Zumstead's book but no copies are available anymore. anyone want to sell, rent or borrow?

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I just received the Emmons book.

M pick was Mooney, considering all he has recorded with and his history of early pedal mechanics.

Greg Forsyth · From: Colorado, USA

Shot Jackson, a true pioneer of the pedal steel guitar and also a great player!

Brett Day · From: Pickens, SC

Sonny Garrish because he contributed a lot to country music and the steel guitar world, and how his career inspired many steel players.

Bill Cunningham · From: Atlanta, Ga. USA

I voted for Lloyd for the same reasons as Jim Cohen.

However, a close second for me was Pete Drake. While not the most sophisticated player, his recording career is unparalleled because of his ability to play to the song, he contributed to or instigated so many “out of the box” projects, and had a big career as a producer and studio owner. If that’s not enough, he is also responsible for helping a lot of pickers get on their feet in Nashville including Paul Franklin, I believe.

Given the above, I’m surprised Pete places so low in the poll.
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Bill Cunningham
Atlanta, GA

Gary Hoetker · From: California, USA

Probably Pete Drake. Not because he is my favorite but because I think he was the most versatile and melodic.

Susan Alcorn · From: Baltimore, MD, USA

My vote would go for Lloyd Green (though a big part of me would love to read about Jimmy Day's life) or Paul Franklin - both of them are alive (as Buddy Emmons was when Steve Fishell started his project), and I bet both of them would have interesting things to say about life, music, and the pedal steel guitar.
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www.susanalcorn.net

"So this is how you swim inward. So this is how you flow outwards. So this is how you pray."
- Mary Oliver

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

John Hughey
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting.

Andy Jones · From: Mississippi

I second that Richard.I listened to Conway when I was a teenager and always thought that John was tops.He and Buddy Charlton were my major influences.

Years ago,there was a steel show in a music store not far from my home,featuring a John Hughey.I thought"could this be him?"I went and it was him! I told him of the pleasure and joy he had given me through the years with his music.He was a nice guy and a very modest man.Still greatly missed today.

Mike Neer · From: NJ

Maybe Speedy West in addition to Lloyd.

And simply based on the fact that most pedal steel players do not seem like the most exciting read, I think a Jerry Garcia biography might provide some engaging text.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links

David Wren · From: Placerville, California, USA

Just finished Mr. Fishell's book.... fantastic.

I also would vote for Mr. Sneaky Pete.... much adoration from Emmons is quoted in the book for Sneaky's unique approach, and mastery of the 8 string tuning.

How sad, pedal steel guitar was such an individualistic instrument in the early days.... feel sorry for the modern student facing a "standardized" copedant and tuning.
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Dave Wren
'96 Carter U12,7X7; 1936 7 string National; Line 6 HX Stomp; Quilter TT-15/TB202; Quilter "Steelaire"; DV Mark "GH 250"with 15" 1501 BW; Boss "Katana" 100 Head w/Line 6 Cab; Telonics VP.