Jerry Byrd Article - Honolulu Advertiser

Don Kona Woods · From: Hawaiian Kama'aina

JERRY BYRD STEEL GUITAR PIONEER

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Jerry Byrd, a legendary country music steel guitarist in Nashville of the 1960s and a fixture on the Hawaiian music scene since the 1970s when he relocated here, died yesterday in Honolulu. He was 85.

Byrd
"He changed his whole style of playing Nashville steel to Hawaiian steel," said singer Melveen Leed, who worked with Byrd on many albums. "He loved Hawaiian music and he traveled with me to Nashville. He was one of the greatest musicians I've ever come across; inside and out, he had a pure heart. We will miss him."

Byrd was widely respected and acknowledged as one of the pioneers of steel guitar, in both the country and Hawaiian music genres. He performed with some of the greatest country headliners of his generation, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Ernest Tubb, Red Foley, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Burl Ives and Chet Atkins. When he was head of a publishing firm, he was the first to sign on Dolly Parton, who would — years later — hire Byrd to play steel guitar for her set-in-Hawai'i TV series.

When he moved to Hawai'i more than 30 years ago, the steel guitar was not in vogue but he helped bring it back into the mainstream through his work with local artists, including Danny Kaleikini and Leed. He recorded sessions with other Island talent, including Irmgard Aluli and Puamana, Emma Veary, Karen Keawehawai'i, Don Ho, Joe Recca, Alan and Julie Grier, Eddie Kekaula, Hui 'Ohana, and Gary Aiko.

For a time, he appeared on the "Hawaii Calls" radio show and did gigs at the defunct Blue Dolphin nightclub at the Outrigger Waikiki hotel, where, as Byrd recalled in his autobiography, Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead showed up one night to ask if Byrd could give him steel guitar lessons.

"Last week, Gordon Freitas (a local entertainer) and I went to see him at Malama 'Ohana at Kaiser's Moanalua hospital, and had a long talk with him," said Honolulu musician Keith Haugen. " 'I did it all,' he said. 'All that I wanted to do.' That sort of summed it up for a man who was truly the greatest steel guitar player ever, and a musician's musician.ÊI remember when he came to Hawai'i and was so happy to be teaching young Hawaiians to play what everyone outside of the Islands called the 'Hawaiian guitar.' "

"He certainly did things his way," said Leah Bernstein, president of Mountain Apple Co., which recently distributed Byrd's newest CD, a reissue entitled "The Master of Touch and Tone."

"He was a lot of fun, but not big in promoting his albums," Bernstein said. " 'Oh, no, I just make the music,' " he would tell Bernstein, declining radio interviews or other marketing options. "He would bring the masters of his recordings for Mountain Apple to release — that's what he wanted — and he did it his way, not the Mountain Apple way. Which was all right."

Bernstein said when she visited Byrd recently at a hospital, few knew who he was. "I brought a box of CDs so he could pass them out," she said. Among the birthday greetings and photos, Bernstein said she saw a photo of astronauts for the next space mission, who had written a note to Byrd when they saw he was in the hospital through postings on the Web.

Byrd was born March 9, 1920, in Lima, Ohio, the oldest of five siblings.

He is often credited for defining the steel guitar sound of early Nashville — the twang that characterized many recordings — as well as the lush tunings he incorporated in Hawaiian music renderings.

Byrd was the first inductee into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, and his Rickenbacher lap steel, common among pioneer country musicians, holds a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

His first instrument was a mail order number he paid $65 for, from a Spiegel catalog. He later acquired, in 1937, a Rickenbacher Electro Steel Guitar, which came with an amplifier, for $150, working out payment with the seller, a man named Ronald Dearth, who operated a music studio in his hometown.

His first band was a Hawaiian-styled combo. He toured cities such as Dayton and Chicago before joining Tubb as a backup musician in Nashville.

According to his autobiography, "It Was a Trip: On Wings of Music," Byrd said he got hooked on Hawaiian music in 1933, when, at age 13, he encountered a touring Hawaiian troupe during the height of the Depression. "There were six or eight of them, and the stage drop was a scene with palm trees along an ocean shoreline, and a volcano erupting," he writes. "All that exotic stuff, like in the movies. And the music — you couldn't have captured my attention any more if you hit me in the head with a hammer. But it was the sound of the steel guitar that captivated me the most."

He still believed in Santa Claus then, and asked for a steel guitar for a present. But that year, he found a banjo-'ukulele beneath his tree. "I could have shot Santa Claus!" he wrote.

He tuned in to "Hawaii Calls" and was enchanted by the steel tunings of David Keli'i.

Byrd also was a prominent country radio personality between 1935 and 1937 on WLW in Cincinnati and also gigged at WJR in Detroit from 1942 to 1944.

Over the years, he underestimated his own popularity. He conducted his steel guitar classes at Harry's Music Store in Kaimuki, and one day, his autobiography notes, Alan Yoshioka, an employee there, called Byrd to ask him to come over since two musicians wanted to meet him. They were Stevie Ray Vaughan and his brother Jimmie Vaughan, two contemporary icons from The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Byrd later gave Jimmie lessons in Hawai'i.

In Hawai'i, Byrd performed at such venues as the Royal Hawaiian Surf Room and the Halekulani's House Without a Key.

Survivors include his wife, Kaleo Wood, who was at his side when he died. His two daughters, Lani Jo and Luana June, also were present, along with a brother, Jack.

Byrd died of complications from Parkinson's disease. He had been hospitalized since March 4.

Services are from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Elks Club, to be followed by a scattering of ashes.

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, fax 525-8055 or wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Bill Creller · From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)

Thanks for posting the article Don. I always felt I was taking lessons from Jerry long before I met him. I'll miss his dry sense of humor. See you at the convention??
BILL

[This message was edited by Bill Creller on 12 April 2005 at 04:22 PM.]

Derrick Mau · From: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

I had the privelege of having lunch with Bobby Ingano and Jerry about 8 months ago, and when Jerry first entered the hospital. He was in good spirits and rambled on for 2-1/2 hours. I'll never forget the quips Jerry used to make. My favorite is: What's the use of collecting and having the best steels if one can't play?

Jerry told me his favorite steel is the Rickenbacker Bakelite.

Aloha Jerry!!!

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

Thanks Don !
Bob

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

Thanks Don, that was very good readin. Jerry will always be in our music and in our hearts but missed just the same.

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55" Fender Stringmaster T8, 54" Fender Champion, Carter D-10, two Oahu laps, two National laps, and two Resonators

Jack Byrd · From: Kalamazoo, Michigan

If you would like to print out the article with a picture of Jerry it is here: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Apr/12/ln/ln47p.html/?print=on

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Two of the greatest players ever to pick up a tonebar: Jerry Byrd & Curly Chalker ...
http://www.nashvilleportraits.com/NPhtml/JerryByrdandCurley.htm

A few years ago, Jerry shared his Diatonic Tuning arrangement of Cold Cold Heart with the Forum. The links are still active:
http://picturehost.net/av/003.jpg http://picturehost.net/av/004.jpg http://picturehost.net/av/005.jpg

John Billings · From: Ohio, USA

I met Jerry at the Blue Dolphin. There were only two people in the club that night, a gorgeous hooker, and me. I had just purchased my first pedal steel, a Shobud D-10. I knew nothing about steel but had been captivated by the playing on "Sweethearts of the Rodeo." I also had no idea who Jerry Byrd was! Not a clue. I was astonished by the beauty of his music, and offered to buy him a drink during his break. He was gracious and friendly to a totally ignorant youngster, and I'll never forget him.. He was playing a Shobud 11 string, I believe.
John

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

Nice article.
I am sorry to hear of Jerry Byrds passing, and know it is a heartbreaking event for the Steel Community.
Our thoughts are with Jerry and his Family at this time.
Pete Burak

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

Excelent articles.
I think Jerry would be heartened to see how much he is being remembered.

Derrick Mau · From: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Here's a nice photo of Jerry I came across with his steel guitar students from Hawaii. L-R: Greg Sardinha, Jerry, Casey Olsen, and Alan Akaka.

Much Aloha to Kaleo and family. And many thanks Jerry, for your years of wonderful steel guitar music. ALOOOOHA!!

Warren Slavin · From: Southampton, PA, 18966. USA

Thanks Don for posting the article.
As I said in a couple of prior posts that the current generation owes a lot to Jerry for keeping the Hawaiian Steel Guitar alive and encouraging both Hawaiians and mainlanders to play the steel guitar.

Yes, Jerry had a sense of humor -- I remember when he came to Winchester in 1993 he was telling stories about a lot of his gigs. One was when he was playing in the Surf Room and an older woman came up to the stage and asked him if he knew "Pearly Shells" -- Jerry replied, Oh you mean
"Shirley Smells". The woman abruptly turned around and went to the manager -- Jerry found out later that the woman's name was Shirley. Jerry liked to change the name of the songs -- his intent was harmless. "Beyond the Reef" was "Beyond Relief" and "Soft Green Seas" was "Soft Green Cheese".

Jerry will be missed both musically and as a great person.

Warren

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George Manno · From: chicago

I was lucky to meet Jerry many years ago. It was at the home of Homer Haynes in Lansing, Illinois. Homer, Jerry, my Uncle Tony and Hank Goodday sat on the back porch and played the afternoon away. Through a friend, I purchased a National Lap Steel that Jerry used when he performed with Chet Atkins on the "Two Guitars" radio Show.
I'm going to miss him.

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

Today, we arrived home from a month's vacation in Mau'i and O'ahu. While in Waikiki, Jerry passed away to our great sadness. His memorial service was very moving and beautiful as so many fine steel players came out to honor him at the service held at the Elk's Club. His ashes were scattered 'beyond the reef' by oarsmen in an outrigger canoe at 11:00 am. Many well known entertainers spoke moving words about the Master. Such a loss, however as Jerry stated, (and his wife Kalao reiterated to me), he had 'done it all' and was ready to go. He left a great legacy in the fine ability of Alan, Casey, Greg, Paul, and many others. The turnout to the memorial service was less than expected, (many chairs were empty). We feel this was due to the fact the Honolulu Tri-athalon was on and the entire area around the Elks Club was cordoned off limits. Only those who arrived before 8:00 am were successful in attending. Nevertheless, of about 200 chairs set out, at least 100 were occupied by those who admired and loved him and wished to pay their respects to Kalao and Jerry's two lovely daughters.

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 27 April 2005 at 03:44 PM.]

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 28 April 2005 at 10:34 PM.]

Denny Turner · From: Oahu, Hawaii USA

Keoki,

It was very nice finally meeting you at the Memorial.

At 9:15 AM Kimo returned in his car from a scouting mission and reported that about 150 people enroute to the memorial were stranded by the triathlon cordon, and that the he had spoken with the police dept to find a means to get passage for those folks to the Memorial ASAP. I never heard how many of those made it. I did notice though that about 10:00 the void in the back half of the chairs was much better occupied and about 30 people were out of their chairs at "any" given time. One of our Fo'Bro's arrived about 9:00 after taking DaBus in and having to walk from the other end of Waikiki.

Enough cannot be said about how well Jerry and Kaleo planned for his trip beyond the reef, ...and for how well Kaleo carried it out. And much Mahalo to the unknown number of Folks that helped her, particularly Scotty.

Aloha,
DT~

[This message was edited by Denny Turner on 28 April 2005 at 01:39 PM.]

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

Aloha Denny...eh brah, nice to have met you and that side-kick of yours Ron Whitfield! Yes, Kaleo did a great job planning the memorial service and as I understand it, Jerry also did much of the pre-planning himself. Keith Haugen did an excellent and accurate write-up which can be read in Don Woods thread (above). Best wishes to both you and Ron !

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

George, it was great to meet you face to face (you know what I mean!), as well as seeing your wife Mary, the ukuleleist. Too bad we where left to smoke signals for your whole time here, please don't make this your last trip to 'lulu.

Canada has the Hawaiian spirit in spades thanx to Keoki's popular classes for uke and steel thru most of the year, and keeping it balmy in all kinds of hellish weather.

Denny Turner · From: Oahu, Hawaii USA

Keoki,

Ron was not a "sidekick" per-se (although I am rather fond of that title, from long ago); But a fine and reliable cohort and friend standing-by ready for whatever Kaleo or circumstances might have needed.

I too hope to see you return to Hawaii as soon and often as you can; And my home is always open to you for such occasion(s).

Aloha,
DT~

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

By "side-kick", I meant he is a friend of yours Denny. Mahalo for your very kind invitation. Whether or not we will return is pure conjecture at the moment. 25 times to Hawai'i to date ! Hopefully, we will return.

Denny Turner · From: Oahu, Hawaii USA

Thank You Keoki. I figger'ed that's what you meant, but didn't want anyone to mis-translate!

Aloha,
DT~

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

Denny Turner · From: Oahu, Hawaii USA

Yeah.

Denny Turner · From: Oahu, Hawaii USA

Ron,

I didn't feel the need to mention that you were asked to keep close tabs on me ...and push the electric dog collar button if need be; ...And that I had coffee in hand and big eyes on Keoki's very cool Aloha shirt.

Aloha,
DT~

[This message was edited by Denny Turner on 05 May 2005 at 01:35 PM.]

Ron Whitfield · From: Kaaawa, Hawaii, USA

Den, it was just great to meet all the 'beautiful' people like Keoki..., Bill C. and yourself again. You looked quite fetching in that black straight jacket.
Too bad it was under the saddest of circumstances that day at Jerry's service, but it was a day I'll never forget.

The capper was getting a long talk in with the Byrd girls and Kaleo after most everyone had gone. Jerry was fortunate to have them in his life, and we sure were lucky to have him.

Maximum kudo's to you for having their backs in case of need thruout Jerry's last days, and for hanging with him to help make his end time better.
That took guts, and showed a lot of class.

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

Hey guys, I wasn't aware I am "beautiful" however I appreciate Ron's very kind comments. I only wish in retrospect that we had a little more time together under the circumstances. Perhaps another time ?

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