50 Years Ago Today February 7th 1955

Greg Sullivan · From: Poughqaug New York

A young man of 25 years of age stepped on to the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theatre on West 53rd Street in the heart of the Great White Way carrying a Fender three neck guitar.In view of millions across the country they watched what had never been seen before coast to coast.This was Fenders debut nationwide as my friend Jody Carver backed by a Great 25 piece CBS orchestra backed this young man as he tore into his Fender guitar. I am proud to say that my dad was a trombonist with the CBS Staff orchestra on that night and for years after that night has told me of the events that took place on that night. My dad told me that story thousands of times before he passed away back in 1982.

The walls were shaking as the Fender guitar took command of the show. JODY CARVER was that young man and his playing was so exciting that before Jody finished his perfomance the audience was standing and applauding Jody. The entire orchestra of 25
of CBS's finest were standing as well.

Never before did this ever happen and I doubt that excitment of that fleeting moment will happen again at least not in my time.

Arthur Godfrey himself was astonished as Jody tore into his Fender guitar,. To stop the audience from applauding Godfrey asked the crowd to please stop.

Godfreys comment was "Wow" did you ever hear such a collection of sounds? as the audience once again started to cheer and applaud this astounding performance by Jody as Godfrey said,,Ok folks I know how you feel,he's got me crying.

50 years ago on February 7th Monday night at 8pm on a cold winter night Jody Carver rocked the walls of that CBS studio audience.

Jody's mom was his talent scout as Jody's
dad and his wife Marilyn sat among the audience and watched as millions of people across the country did as well.

My congratulations to a pioneer who helped blaze the trail for Steel Guitar a long time ago.

If those of you who have heard Jody's performance of that incredible event you will agree. If those who have not are missing a valuable piece of history for the instrument you love.

Jody has this performance on CD which is available by ordering his CD now. I know you will agree that this is a milestone for Fenders popularity as Jody put Fender out from from coast to coast.That was the first and last time that a Fender Steel Guitar was seen by millions of people who didnt know a Fender Steel Guitars from a grapefruit. It was Jody who paved the road for Fender back 50 years ago tonight.

If you wish to order this CD you can by writing Jody at PO Box 548. Milford PA 18337

You will be glad you did. Cost of CD is $6.00 plus $3.00 shipping. These are newly arrived CD's and due to the increase of mailing the price of $5.00 has been increased a dollar. There are app 50 CD's available and that will be it.

I guarranty you will love what you hear.
The entire country including the man responsible Mr.Leo Fender was watching the show as was every employee at the Fender plant in Fullerton and Santa Ana.They too were standing and cheering for Jody.

Congrats to a Steel Guitar Legend. My friend

JODY CARVER. This is my Tribute to my friend who is deserving of this.

Thank You

Greg Sullivan

Edit for spelling errors.

[This message was edited by Greg Sullivan on 07 February 2005 at 07:11 AM.]

Smiley Roberts · From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075

Greg,
This is a WONDERFUL gesture on your part,& you're a heluva man for doin' it. I'm mad at myself for not thinkin' of it first. Everything Greg says here is TRUE!! You owe it to yourself to own this piece of steel guitar history. These CD's are kinda like an item at "Big Lots" discount store...once they're gone...THEY'RE GONE!! In fact,they may rival the original vinyl album,as it took 50 years to show up here. I don't think anybody here wants to wait 50 yrs. until it shows up here again,as a "collectable CD".
If you want one,do as the good ol' boy says & "git 'er done!"

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  ~ ~


  ©¿©  It don't mean a thang,   


  mm   if it ain't got that twang.


       www.ntsga.com

Ron Brennan · From: Orlando, Florida, USA; Formerly, Edison, NJ

Greg,

I just listened to it again the other night. I am still awed by Jody's "collection of sound" as Godfrey put it. What a night that must have been for everbody who saw and heard Jody's preformance's, even fifty years later. How wonderful your Dad was there to see it, God rest his soul.

And thank you for the FYI on the aniversary date.....I can't say enough, how powerful this event was for the Steelguitar world...and to be able to hear it 50 years later!!!! Priceless!!! TX
rgds,
Ron

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JCFSC member since 2005
"55" Stringmaster D8,"59" Stringmaster D6
"67" Telecaster,
"60"Fender Concert Amp 4-10's

Roy Ayres · From: Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Laurie and I are so honored to have Jody as a friend and to have known his wonderful Marilyn. I have the Godfrey recordings as well as Jody's "Hot Club" CD, and I marvel at his talent every time I listen to the recordings.

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Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

Rick Alexander · From: Florida, USA, R.I.P.

What a great recording! It's everything you fellers said and more. There's just nothing else like it anywhere.

We are so very fortunate that this historic event was recorded and preserved . .

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

What a great aniversary!!! Jody congratulations, then AND now.
I am awaiting my copy of the AG show, grace of HowardR,
and regulasly litsen to the Hot Club record.

DD member of the JCFSC

Bob Hickish · From: Port Ludlow, Washington, USA, R.I.P.

Happy Anniversary Jody

As A member in good standing
of the JCFSC -- I intend to
order my copy soon ! Right now I
seem to have all my money tied up in
debts !!

Bob

Dave Van Allen · From: Souderton, PA , US , Earth

Hot Club of America in Hi-Fi!

Mr. Jody Carver...

Fender, of course!

(edited to finally fix link)

[This message was edited by Dave Van Allen on 19 December 2005 at 07:12 AM.]

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

Wow! 50 years ago ! It must seem like "yesterday" for Jody. The problem with Jody is his modesty, but then perhaps that is his virtue. He's a legend in our time and let's always remember that fact. Not only a legend, but a great guy whom many of us have never met, yet from corresponding with him, I'm sure each of us feels he is amongst our best and closest friends. Luv ya Jody !!!

Todd Weger · From: Safety Harbor, FLAUSA

Greg -- that's fantastic! Thank you for posting this. I want to order this CD.

Is there a way for me to order a copy of the Hot Club of America CD, too? I saw a thread about that some time back, but I was in the middle of a lot of stuff at the time, and wasn't checking in here much.

Mahalo!
TJW

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Todd James Weger/RD/RTD
1956 Fender Stringmaster T-8 (C6, A6, B11); 1960 Fender Stringmaster D-8 (C6, B11/A6); Chandler RH-4 Koa semi-hollow lapsteel (open G); Regal resonator (open D or G)

Smiley Roberts · From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075

Todd,
The ordering info is contained,above,in Greg's post.

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  ~ ~


  ©¿©  It don't mean a thang,   


  mm   if it ain't got that twang.


       www.ntsga.com

[This message was edited by Smiley Roberts on 08 February 2005 at 09:09 AM.]

Greg Sullivan · From: Poughqaug New York

Jody will be receiving a Tribute spot on swinginwest.com in the next few weeks. Mike Gross will feature Jody on many recordings he has done over the years. Elton Britt,Rosalie Allen Vaughn Monroe.Jimmy Dale,Texas Jim Robertson Bucky Pizzerelli Tony Mottola George Barnes etc etc Montana Slim (Wilf Carter)Chet Atkins and Jodys recording with the Count Basie alumni. The Texas Panhandle Band. Tune in and check it out..you can enjoy Mike Gross as he knows Jody personally and will play as many recordings that Jody did in the past.
Thats www.swinginwest.com from Friday at 1pm eastern time until 4pm eastern time.

Thanks Greg Sullivan

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