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Topic: My Thoughts And Memories of Jeff Newman! |
Reece Anderson
From:
Keller Texas USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 4 May 2004 1:11 pm |
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Like everyone else, I was devastated to learn of the tragic accident which took Jeff’s life. Since that day, I have revisited my memories, and after passage of time I believe it to now be appropriate to share my thoughts and impressions of Jeff.
I met Jeff Newman in 1969 at what I believe to be the first steel guitar convention type show. It was organized by Tom Bradshaw and myself, and held at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas Texas.
Over the years Jeff and I remained casual acquaintances, due mainly to the fact we lived so far apart. As a result I never knew much nor inquired about his personal life, lifestyle or beliefs. It is however now my understanding, we shared Masonic Fraternity Brotherhood as Shriners.
I have been both a player and teacher for many years, I’m familiar with his teaching techniques, materials, and I have seen the positive results of his teaching influence, therefore I consider myself to be qualified to comment on that which I do know about Jeff.
Even in 1969 it was clear to me that Jeff planned to devote his life to teaching others. In the years that followed he pursued his exceptional gift for teaching and became known the world over, for both his playing and teaching skills.
It has been said by some, Jeff was at times “blunt” when teaching, but no one I have ever known took offense or questioned his methods because they understood him and knew his intentions were well meaning. Most importantly each became a better player, therefore each is a testament to the effectiveness of Jeff’s combination of personality and teaching methods, which were unique only to him.
Jeff enjoyed a longer life than many doing what he loved to do while being helpful to others and enriching their lives, in so doing he left a positive indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
In the final chapter of his life it could be written; “His achievements and accomplishments are well documented, he was home with his family, and passed instantly and painlessly while doing something he loved to do”. Being a pilot myself I can imagine the beautiful landscape, gentle warm breeze and exhilaration he must have felt while soaring freely and experiencing his love of flying on a beautiful spring day.
I believe there’s a purpose for the creation of each of us. Jeff was blessed because he recognized and followed God’s plan which brought joy and happiness to him and countless others with which he shared his music and knowledge. It would surely be written; “Well done Jeff, and thank you for sharing your God given gift with the world for the benefit and happiness of others, for that is exactly what HE intended”.
Jeff will be missed, but the legacy he leaves behind will remain in the hearts and minds of the many he touched, and will forever be linked to the history of steel guitar.
Rest in peace my fraternal friend……….and welcome home.
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 4 May 2004 1:55 pm
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Thanks for sharing.
Jeff will be missed. The world is a better place thanks to his work here.
I have been on the receiving end of his "blunt" teaching methods. I kept coming back because he was the best.
(I even shared this comment with him.)
This discussion really belongs in "Steel Players" so I'm moving it. |
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 4 May 2004 3:02 pm
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| Very beautifully said. |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 4 May 2004 6:20 pm
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| Eloquently stated Reece..... |
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Jerry Hayes
From:
Virginia Beach, Va.
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Posted 5 May 2004 3:22 am
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Thanks for those words Reece, also thanks for the info about Jeff being a Masonic Brother, I wasn't aware of that.
Fraternally, Jerry Hayes
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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.
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Richard Gonzales
From:
Davidson, NC USA
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Posted 5 May 2004 5:36 am
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| Great editorial Reece! After reading your words, one has to give a moment of silence and a prayer of Thank You for Jeff! |
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Bill Sampler
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Posted 5 May 2004 9:26 am
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Reece,
Thank you for sharing those wonderful thoughts. I agree that he has touched many lives within the steel community. He will be greatly missed.
Bill |
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Dave Horch
From:
Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Posted 5 May 2004 6:12 pm
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Wonderfull!!
An aside to Bobby Lee; Reece's thoughts and others like this on other threads belong in something like the Best of the Steel Guitar Forum. Perhaps some sort of book. Some things need to be preserved as historical documents. |
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Paul Graupp
From:
Macon Ga USA
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Posted 6 May 2004 3:17 pm
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Reece: You and others on this Forum have complimented my writing efforts over all these years. But I have always known you were something special to all of us. Be the topic musical theory, pedal steel guitar issues or tributes such as this one and Boxcar Willie too, you have been an eloquent and touching voice for all of us. I can speak for myself of course but the responces in this thread are what I have always been saying to myself. You are a special voice for a special type of musician and instrument. My wish would be that you know this as well as your own words show us the way. My thanks for a lifetime of knowing you as as friend and mentor !!
Regards, Paul |
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Jennings Ward
From:
Edgewater, Florida, R.I.P.
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Posted 12 May 2004 5:46 pm
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| Reese, glad to know that you and Jeff are brothers.... sincerly, jennings. I liked the way Jeff got rid of the [chaff][BS] and got to tje point wuickly, my brother RIP. jennings |
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