Skeeter Davis,steel &3 part harmony

Butch Foster · From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA

Back in the early stage of her solo career, Skeeter Davis did some fine songs with steel and very enjoyable overdubbing,even 3-part harmony overdubbing,which as you know for that time frame was rare. The quest for commercial success eliminated the steel for a long time on her recordings, but thankfully she eventually did more with steel and dobro backing. Earl, when you worked with her did members of the band do harmony behind her lead? Who did steel and dobro on "Bus Fare To Kentucky"-Weldon? Have any of you pros played steel with her on recordings or tour? I would enjoy your views on her early recordings and harmony patterns.

Earl Erb · From: Old Hickory Tenn

Butch,
My tenure with Skeeter was not quite 2 years between 1968 and 1970 before taking the job with Jim Ed Brown in the summer of 1970.
Skeeters road band consisted of bass, guitar and drums.She never carried a steel player on the road.None of us players sang any backup harmony. The only time we got to have steel with us was when we worked the Opry and Weldon was there to play with us.Weldon also played on her sessions whenever the producer wanted steel including "Bus Fare To Kentucky".I was still with her when she had her last chart record called "I'm A Lover Not A Fighter". Weldon played on that single.
I remember in early 1970 we were booked to perform on the Merv Griffin Show when Merv was still in New York. RCA was really promoting that record. Because the song had steel intro, turn around, and ending we hired Jimmy Crawford to go and do the show with us. I remember when Jimmy was learning what Weldon did he said he had to change his setup to play exactly what Weldon did on the record. Jimmy flew back to Nashville after the show and we were back to our normal trio configuration.When we performed the song as a trio I played Weldon's part pretty close without having the benefit of having pedals.
My old army buddy and room mate, Gregg Galbraith worked for Skeeter before me. I took Gregg's place when he went to work for George Hamilton IV.
I guess the reason Skeeter was able to get by with a small band all those years was because she would not work in the clubs and beer joints. We played a lot of concerts and fair dates. Even though we just had a trio, I'm proud to say we got the job done.

[This message was edited by Earl Erb on 25 July 2002 at 10:04 AM.]

Earl Erb · From: Old Hickory Tenn

Butch,
I just did a little research and dug up all the albums I got when I was working for Skeeter.The record companies back then were not very consistant with showing musician credits on the albums. I have an album called "Mary Fransis" which was Skeeters real name recorded in 1969. The album showed credits for three of the tunes. Hal Rugg played on one, Jimmy Day played on the second and Weldon played on the third.I was mistaken thinking that Weldon was exclusive to all Skeeter Davis sessions.

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

This thread piqued my curiosity so I got a bunch of Skeeter Davis off Kazaa. Particularly amusing is "Some Day My Prince Will Come". Imagine my surprise when I heard an inventive steel guitar solo with good tone and phrasing, and even the correct chord changes. Only one player could have done it, the greatest steel player who ever lived.

Gary Harris · From: Hendersonville, TN, USA

I have a 45 record with the hit, "I've Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know About Him".
I always thought that Jerry Byrd was the steel player on that tune. Skeeter is in very, very bad health.

Gregg Galbraith · From: Goodlettsville,Tn.,USA

I just dragged out an old LP entitled "The Best of Skeeter Davis", that was released in 1965 on RCA (LPM, LSP-3374). I don't think Betty Jack Davis is on any of the tunes, and this version of "I Forgot More" has no steel on it, but there is some great guitar work----probably Chet. The selection that really stands out as an example of great 3-part harmony and beautiful steel work is
"Am I That Easy to Forget." While there are no credits listed, it sounds like vintage Jimmy Day to me. As they say in the sunny south,"It would bring a tear to a glass eye!"

Earl Erb · From: Old Hickory Tenn

Well, here's the latest. Gregg and I had a discussion about "I Forgot More". He has a later cut of this tune that Skeeter did in 1965 w/o steel. I have the RCA Camden album 1964 with the original cut with the Davis Sisters.It has steel all over it except the turn around in which Chet played. I know this because Skeeter told me this when I went to work for her. As far as the steel goes it sounds like non pedal steel and my money is on Bud Issaces on this record. I know that back in the late 50's early 60's Bud was a hot item with RCA and did a lot of recording for Chet and Felton Jarvis.

Butch Foster · From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA

Earl & Greg, thanks for sharing your insights on Skeeter's music with us. In her book ( P.135) Skeeter credits Jerry with playing on the first session. Greg, thanks for your views on the steel artist on" AM I THAT EASY TO FORGET". I think this is the best recording Skeeter ever did. In listening to her 3rd part, do any of you hear a hint of pedal steel dynamics in her"bending" notes?

Gregg Galbraith · From: Goodlettsville,Tn.,USA

Butch,
Skeeter told me years ago that one of the biggest thrills and compliments she received early in her career was walking into the E.T. Record Shop one afternoon, and discovering Buddy Emmons and Jimmy Day playing a particular section of her current single over and over again for exactly the reason you mention.I think that singers and arrangers refer to those "vocal pedal licks" as "planing", where one part stays on the same note, while another part moves. That technique certainly was a trade-mark of the early work of the Davis Sisters and Skeeter's early solo career.

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

Butch Foster · From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA

Earl, Gregg, Theresa, could you please get an update on Skeeter's health and pass it on to us?

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