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Topic: letter from Jerry Byrd |
Rick Alexander
From:
Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 1:21 pm |
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Shortly after we got the news that Jerry had cleaned out his teaching studio due to health problems, I wrote him a letter. I just wanted to tell him how much his music has meant to me over the years and how much his instructional materials have helped me and that I hoped he would feel better. Considering his health, I didn't expect a reply.
But about 3 or 4 days later a handwritten letter came in the mail, postmarked Honolulu HI - from Jerry Byrd. He answered everything I said in my letter. He also gave me some words of wisdom about steel playing and music in general that I will keep in mind always . .
Jerry may have closed up his studio, but he hasn't stopped teaching and he never will. Besides this letter and others like it, his wonderful teaching materials and his many students who have become excellent steel players will carry it on forever.
I put the letter in a frame on my studio wall, and I felt I should share . . http://rickalexander.com/BigSteel/LetterfromJerryByrd.html
It would be nice to see other letters from Jerry . . .
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Rick Alexander
57 Fender Stringmaster T8, 57 Fender Champ, Remington Steelmaster D8, 47 National New Yorker - Music Man and Peavey Amps . .
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Craig Prior
From:
National City, California, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 1:46 pm
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Poignant.
I especially like his advice to "decide what you think you should play and then cut it in half..."!!
Craig. |
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HowardR
From:
N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 2:46 pm
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| Wow! A personal letter from Jerry Byrd with Jeff Au Hoy pictured on the postage stamp! Smokin'! |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 3:00 pm
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I have ... literally ... a drawer full of letters like this ...
Except mine are not as "fit to print" ... 
I will always be ... more than gratefull ... that someone of JB's stature ...
Not only took the time to listen to my pathetic attempts ... but to critique and offer quidance ... and hope.
I'm sure most of the folks who read them (my wife, for example) ... couldn't get past the "honesty" of his writin' ...
But to me ... they mean/meant everything ... gruff or not ...
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Aiello's House of Gauss
My wife and I don't think alike. She donates money to the homeless and I donate money to the topless! ... R. Dangerfield
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Gene Jones
From:
Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 3:42 pm
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This is not a small thing. Bless you Jerry for your life and for your not insignificant contribution to the steel guitar.
www.genejones.com |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 9:27 pm
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Jerry has always been known to hand write a reply to everyone's letter. Not many big "stars" will do that ! His letters always have a piece of wisdom in regards to the steel guitar. I would imagine he could have bought a computer many years ago to do the job of answering letters, however he preferred the personal touch. There'll never be another like him !  |
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Barbara Hennerman
From:
** R.I.P. **
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Posted 14 Nov 2004 11:42 pm
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| I have one of those letters from Jerry. He really is a wonderful man. Such good advice. I wonder how many "stars" today would take the time to encourage and advise young people??? |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 15 Nov 2004 10:58 am
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I too have a letter from Jerry Byrd framed and hanging on my music room wall. He handwrote the letter on light blue paper.
I had it framed with a dark blue mat, white frame, and non-reflective glass.
There are very few steel guitarist in the world, who do not owe a lot of gratitude to Jerry Byrd. He has been a major influence on just about every steeler I've met.
Rick |
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Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 15 Nov 2004 12:16 pm
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| I second Keoki's comment - there will never be another like him! He has answered every letter I've sent him over the years. Those of us that have met him or have corresponded with him are truely blessed. His heart is all for the steel guitar and helping those who share the love for the instrument. |
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Wayne Cox
From:
Chatham, Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 16 Nov 2004 5:24 pm
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I guess I owe my whole career to Jerry Byrd. I have played pedal steel professionally for over 30 years. The main reason I played "pedal steel"...I couldn't play the "other kind" like Jerry Byrd. Then I found out about Buddy Emmons and was tempted to give up pedals also. Fortunately I didn't, and had a great time anyway! Through it all I learned that there is only one Jerry Byrd and only one Buddy Emmons. But I also learned that I could still be me and be happy too.
~~W.C.~~ |
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