Hal Rugg Stories

Pat Coyne · From: Gallatin

I wanted to start this thread for us all to share "Hal Stories". After reading the many tributes you realize that Hal had that knack of making everyone feel like a "special" friend. And maybe we could all share some special times together...I will start with one....this was at the Texas show, the weekend was winding down and everyone was saying their goodbyes. I was standing between Hal and Paul Franklin. Someone had given Paul a bag of grapefruit, and while packing, the bag opened and a couple rolled out on to the floor. Paul retrieved them and placed them in my hands and said "here,take these" I looked at Hal and said jokingly, "great...everyone else gets tapes and cds from Franklin ..I get grapefruits" Hal put his hand to the side of his mouth and said "kid, your better off with the grapefruit!" Of course this was all in jest as Hal had nothing but the GREATEST admiration for Paul's playing.

Walter Stettner · From: Vienna, Austria

Here is a photo from 2001. John Hughey was the poor guy on stage, playing his set, when these three gentlemen, Tommy White, Lloyd Green and Hal were sitting on the side, having a great time commenting on John's playing - but John didn't lose the smallest bit of his playing quality, although he had a hard time not bursting out laughing!

Kind Regards, Walter

www.lloydgreentribute.com
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf

JERRY THURMOND · From: sullivan mo u.s.a.

A few years ago a bunch of us was at Bill Jobes house having a jam, well Jeff Newman likes to get his sleep so he went to bed early around 10pm. Hal an several of us went on playing till about 2am in the moring before we went to bed. About 3am Jeff got big dish pan an a large spoon an got right at the foot of Hal an Vickie bed an just beat the hell out of that pan it woke every one up in the house, an Jeff said how do you like that noise, its hard to sleep ain't it. This was just one story that I thought you might enjoy. Jerry

Nick Reed · From: Russellville, KY USA

Hal was my childhood hero. I used to love watching him on those old Wilburn Brothers TV Shows. NR

Lee Warren · From: Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Hal obviously touched so many lives -- here's how he touched mine.

In the early 1990's I played, for the first time, on Music City Tonight (or Nashville Now -- I forget which one this was).
Wimpy wasn't playing that night -- there was a sub that I didn't immediately recognize (I know better now, of course!).
The guy was a fantastic player -- man oh man!

After the house band finished their setup, I approached the stage.
The "sub" took his steel and seat from the very cramped riser and, before I could get there, proceeded to put my steel in place.

I thanked him for his kindness, and we chatted for a few minutes while I got settled in.
He was very reassuring on my first time at that rodeo, and made me feel right at home.(tho' still VERY nervous, having heard him play!).

I introduced myself, wondering who this kind, and VERY talented, soul was.
"Hal Rugg" was his reply.
I felt honoured and embarrassed, in equal amounts!
He was just cool and collected. LOL

I ran into Hal on another tv taping (the Statler Brothers show, I think), and chatted with him again -- he was so down to earth and approachable.
A true gentleman in every sense of the word.

If I could only ever have one iota of his talent, I'd be good to go!

Thanks HAL.
You may have left us, but you'll never be forgotten.
Lee

[This message was edited by Lee Warren on 17 September 2005 at 07:22 PM.]

Lee Warren · From: Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Hey Walter -- that's a GREAT photograph!
Lee

Paul King · From: Gainesville, Texas, USA

I do not have a story per say but I do remember what Hal Rugg said one time at the Texas show. He was advertising his new CD when he said "The proceeds would go to help benefit a needy family of whom he just happened to be the head of". The crowd loved Hals playing and his sense of humor. I definitely miss him.

Mike Brinkmeyer · From: Houston, Texas

In 1971, before I started playing steel, my family took a trip to Nashville to see the Grand Ole Opry, then at the Ryman. I took this picture of Hal while backing singer Norro Wilson. He caught my attention back then as a kid and held it since. Notice pedals for E9th only that night...

Luke Morell · From: Ramsey Illinois, USA Hometown of Tex Williams

Billy Walker played here in our high school gym back in April.He said Hal Rugg Gave him the idea of writing the song "Down To My Last Cigarette".

Larry Self · From: Spring City, Tn. Bledsoe * R.I.P.

The last time I saw Hal was at St. Louis a year ago. everyone was packing up on sat. night. I seen Hal in his booth by himself. I wheeled over in my wheelchair.about 20 ft. away and called his name. he did,nt hear me. so I wheeled up to about 10 ft. cupped my hands and said HEY you old white headed fart. he looked up with that million dollar smill. I said see you down the road. he waved and said O. K. pal.-----I wish I had gone the other 10 ft and shook his hand once again, and huged him . I miss you buddy---Larry

pdl20 · From: Benton, Ar . USA,

WE all miss Hal very much.this ole world will never be the same without him.Worked the G.O.O show a bunch and looked forward to seeing Hal, Weldon & Sunny.

------------------
Rudy

Steve Dodson · From: Sparta, Tennessee, USA

Hal Rugg, Jimmy Capps and Spider Wilson.
It doesn't get any better than that!

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