The LIFE & TIMES of JERRY BYRD

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

As you realize, Jerry Byrd just turned 83. As much as I hate to even think about it, like so many other greats from our past, Jerry likely will not be with us "FOREVER."
This man has contributed so much to the steel guitar and the music many of us have enjoyed so very much.....and yet, some right here on the Forum, have chosen to slam this wonderful gentleman for a wide variety of reasons.
Surely, some of you older pickers, have had the opportunity to personally experience
or have been told reliable stories about Jerry's past life/music experiences.......that many of us, I'm sure, would enjoy hearing about.
Jerry shared with me recently, one such event: He was talking about a "funny" record session he was playing on. The two popular male vocalists where having a terrible time
getting in sync, breaking time, out of meter, etc. Finally after a number of frustrating attempts, the producer called down from the booth and asked if these two singers (actually brothers) had ever met each other before, and if not, perhaps one of the band members could take a few moments to introduce them to each other.
I tho't it was a very funny incident.
Do you have any others you'd care to share with us? Like the time a popular steel guitar artist we all listen to and admire, clipped all the strings of JB's guitar with finger nail clippers just before a show.
Let's hear from you. Let's keep the negatives out of this post, okay?

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

I recall when Jerry was playing at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel with his trio, he left his steel guitar at the door where the valets hang out to park cars. I am sure it was his intention to go to his car and return to pickup his equipment, but somehow he was probably distracted and clean forgot about it. To everyone's amazement, that guitar was still sitting outside in the morning, having been left there all night for anyone to walk away with! I often wonder how far any thief would have gotten on an island ?

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

Ray, keen post! Let's see how long it stays positive.
George, I've always wished I was the 'thief' for that one night, just to have the opportunity to sit with that fine guitar overnight and study/play Jerry's set up. Then buzz him and ask if he'd forgotten something. He was sure the guitar was history, but there it sat, right where he left it(as it should be). Not that it matters, but I think this occurred at the Halekulani Hotel, for when he told the story, he pointed to the spot where he left it.
But the story that needs to be heard, and I hope JB tells it fully in his book(if it ever comes out), is of the day he got his first Bakelite and what happened when he got home and proudly showed it off. I beleive the effects of that day were branded into Jerry's mind and heart to the point that it is where he really started the long and incredible journey that made him the person and legend he is. And the story doesn't end on that one day, it lasted decades. Maybe Jack would care to relate his take on this very personal event, as I'm sure he could do it more justice and fill in the blanks than I ever could. When Jerry told me this, we were both rather misty eyed at the end, it's heartbreaking, and frankly, I'm surprised he would relate it to anyone. But as I stated, it needs to be known, and perhaps he feels that way too.

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Jeff Au Hoy · From: Honolulu, Hawai'i

Kenny Dail · From: Kinston, N.C. R.I.P.

I was standing in the lobby at the ISGC 4 or 5 years ago and was talking with Jerry and Al Stotler(sp)and Jerry told us about the time early on in his career he had been in Cincinnatti (sp) doing some sessions for King and he and a traveling companion were enroute back to Kentucy or home. They were talking and had not noticed the gas gauge was on "E" and Jerry decided to try to conserve gas by coasting down the hills. This would have helped I am sure but as he related it, they were driving a mid 30s Ford and when you cut the ignition off... your steering wheel would lock up. Jerry was aware of this problem after they wound up in the middle of some farmer's cornfield, trying get back to the highway and find some help. We all got a good laug out of that one.

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kd...and the beat goes on...

[This message was edited by Kenny Dail on 28 March 2003 at 02:48 PM.]

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

Ron, with greatest respect, it was the Royal Hawaiian Hotel...long before he played the Halekulani. Perhaps he did it again at the Halekulani ? (Absent minded professor syndrom ?)

Jesse Pearson · From: San Diego , CA

I would like to hear the story of what happened when Jerry came home with his Bakelite. Did his folks give him grief for wanting to be a professional musician?

I dearly loved my Grandfather who was a bird col. He had no understanding of artist types and he asked me one day why I thought I was any good at music. I was booked in San Antonio for a couple of weeks and he came to see me on a night that the club had half priced drinks and give away drinks. When he and his friends came in, I had moments before told the crowd the loudest table would get a free round of kamikaze's. My Grandfather came through the door not knowing this and was seated in the front to a packed house yelling like it was the Beatles on stage! The look of surprise on his face was pretty funny.

Jack Byrd · From: Kalamazoo, Michigan

This event will be covered in his book I am sure. I know the circumstances of the event but would prefer that Jerry told it in his own words which he does cover in the book I am sure.

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