MR SMOOTH"--He Really Is.

Fred Shannon · From: Rocking "S" Ranch, Comancheria, Texas, R.I.P.

My Granddaughter and I had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours with Bill and Bette Stafford this week. What a beautiful place in the country they own and these two wonderful people emitomize "Southern Hospitality". Bill is looking great and seems to be more than well on the way to recovering from his "near death experience". He made special mention that Mitsuoi Fuji (sic) took the time to fly over from the Far East and spend 2 days with him during his recent near disaster. What a guy, huh? To those that don't know the Staffords, you are missing the "meeting" of your life. To those who do know the Staffords, you know I speak with straight tongue. A great couple and what an asset this family is to the Steel Guitar Community. Thanks Bill and Bette for the show of friendship.

Fred and Nicole

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The spirit be with you!
If it aint got a steel, it aint real

Billy Easton · From: Nashville, TN USA

Fred...
You are so right. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill and Betty for several years now, and two nicer people you will never meet. He gave us all quite a scare recently, but I am so thankful he is on the mend, and I look forward to spending time with the two of them in St. Louis. Are you listening Bill??

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Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association

Pookie Anselmi · From: Galliano, Louisiana, USA

Fred, you're right about Bill and his wife. I met them for the first time this past March at the Gulfport show. I didn't know anything about steel guitar( still don't), but he answered all my questons and even invited me to go over to his house to get me started. Perhaps one of these days I'll take him up on that offer.
He talked to me like we were old buddies. You can't beat that kind of hospitality.

Pookie Anselmi

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

Fred:
YOU ARE RIGHT! There are not enough words or ways to say how wonderful these two people are to us and the world in so many ways! Southern hospitality CAN'T be shown any better than by these two! Roy and I consider them among our BEST friends for many, many reasons! We have grown to love them dearly and wish we lived closer to them so we could see them more often! They are full of warmth, helping hands and love. We will see you both in St. Louis Bill & Betty! We miss you both. Tons of hugs and love, Laurie

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

John Floyd · From: R.I.P.

Bill Stafford

He ain't getting any older, Thats whats puzzles me,

but he sure gets better and better on that Excel U-14.

I thought after knowing him for 37 years he would peak out someday, but That ain't happening either.

Could it be Ole Mr Smooth found the Fountain of youth in that catfish pond of his.

That ole rascal has something and he ain't a tellin us, he's hawging it for himself.

There oughta be a cotton pickin law against that much talent, touch, and tone.

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The Southern Steel Guitar Convention at Saluda, SC Since 1987

For informstion on the Shriners Childrens Hospitals, go to:
http://www.shrinershq.org/hospitals/geninfo.html

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 24 July 2004 at 08:50 AM.]

Roy Rosetta · From: Nederland, Texas.. On the Texas Gulf Coast

Fred, thanks for the thread. All of the nice things said about Bill and Bette are "right on". They have been friends of mine and Barbara's for many years and two of the nicest people we have ever met. It's pleasure to be in their company. We hope to see them in Gulfport at one of the DSSGA jams real soon.
...Roy and Barbara

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Music is a "gift" with many wrappings....
....Roy

Hal Higgins · From: Denham Springs, LA

I don't know of two finer folks in the world than Bill & Betty (hope I spelled it right). I live about 2.5 hrs away and I don't know how many times in the last few years that I've been in their home and been treated just royally.....I, too, really appreciate their friendship. I'm truly thankful that God has kept his hand on Bill the last few months. Bill is quite an assett to the steel guitar community, a truly gifted innovator and player of the instrument that we all love so much. C-ya soon "Mr. Smooth" (and Mrs. Smooth) LOL.

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Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 6) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.

Dan Dowd · From: Paducah, KY, R.I.P.

Bill always has time to talk to you and loves to show you his new licks. There isnt a finer guy on this planet.

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

Fred-Thanks for the post about Bill and Betty Stafford. Real nice people.

I first met Bill at LT Zinn's HOF show in Grand Rapids, just 25 miles. from my home.

I first heard him there on that White 14 string Excel. Talk about Mr.Smooth!! You are so right Fred.

Everyone ought to get his CD "Going Home" . A Lot of talent there.

It was a pleasure for me to sit next to Bill for two nights while the all the pickers were on.

I enjoyed his comments and was happy to be able to be there with him, while watchiong all those other great pickers.

As you say, Fred, he is a super nice guy too as well as a great Steel Guitar Player. I missed him this year in Grand Rapids, but sure glad he is recovering well.....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Bill Stafford · From: Gulfport,Ms. USA

WOW!! All of you are the TREASURES I have discovered in this world and I cherish all so very much. Thanks.
It was my pleasure to have been visited by Fred and his lovely grand daughter. And the treats go on and on with all this wonderful friendship from all of you.
Hope to see a lot of you on our DSSGA show on Aug. 7th. and then in St. Louis over the Labor Day weekend..
I have just about replinished my internal blood bank and all is looking pretty good.
Thanks again for all the concern. I will never forget.

Bill Stafford

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

I miss you from way up here, also.

Those little playing sessions you blessed me to enjoy while you were with Brand "S"....here in Portland, were a special treat and will always be fond memories for me.

Glad to hear you're on the mend. Having you and JB both on the sick list is not at all encouraging.........

Rick Collins · From: Claremont , CA USA

Ah! southern hospitality. Fred, I don't know Bill and Bette; but I sure know what you're talking about when you mention southern hospitality. It's the best kind.

Rick Collins
Claremont, CA

[This message was edited by Rick Collins on 25 July 2004 at 10:51 AM.]

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

Speaking of "Going Home" ... it is indeed a great cd! I had the awesome privilage to meet Bill and jam with him many years ago in Joliet, an experience I'll never forget. Someday, I hope Mary and I will meet Betty and Bill will also meet Mary. No one has mentioned his crazy sense of humor! He tells jokes just as smoothly as he plays that smooth guitar. Love ya Bill !

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