RIP Don Helms

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 11 Aug 2008 8:33 am

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=139658

His influence on steel guitarists worldwide cannot be measured. I think I'll go put on some Hank Williams.

Tom Pettingill · Post by **Tom Pettingill** » 11 Aug 2008 9:12 am

Sad news and a big loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family.

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 11 Aug 2008 9:45 am

When I was little kid about 4 years old I had a wind-up Victrola and a few 78s including a couple of Hank Williams records.
I used to play them all the time.
Back then I didn't know exactly what I was listening to, I just knew I liked it.
I was hoping to see him in St Louis again this year.

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 11 Aug 2008 11:22 am

At least he had a real good run.

Mitch Druckman · Post by **Mitch Druckman** » 11 Aug 2008 1:54 pm

Don Helms was a true legend. He will be remembered for a long time.

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 12 Aug 2008 8:13 am

Don and Hazel have been personal friends to me and my wife for several years. We enjoyed visiting, trading old stories, having meals together, and playing our Gibson Console Grandes. He was always patient in trying to teach me the exact techniques he used for playing his unique style of music. He was a Legend, True Gentleman, and a Christian. He will be missed by all friends and steel guitar players worldwide. Hazel is a strong Christian and we wish her well during this time of sorrow.

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 13 Aug 2008 10:33 am

REMOVED

Michael Lee Allen · Post by **Michael Lee Allen** » 13 Aug 2008 10:35 am

REMOVED

James Harrison · Post by **James Harrison** » 13 Aug 2008 11:23 pm

Now that Don is gone, you will read and hear stories that are not true about his early Steel Guitar playing, and with what bands he played with.
Read and listen all you can about Don Helms, but remember you will read and hear stories about Don Helms that are not true. Not bad, just not true.
Please do not speak or write anything about our friend Don Helms unless you were there or Don told you the story. Just keep the dates and stories correct.
James Harrison

Curt Langston · Post by **Curt Langston** » 14 Aug 2008 2:44 pm

Now that Don is gone, you will read and hear stories that are not true about his early Steel Guitar playing, and with what bands he played with.
Read and listen all you can about the great man Don Helms, but remember you will read and hear stories about the great Don Helms that is not true.
I caution people not to speak or write anything about my friend Don Helms unless they were there or Don told them the story.
James Harrison

Well James, now that you brought that to light, people will be curious to know what you are talking about.

I never heard anything but good about him.

James Harrison · Post by **James Harrison** » 17 Aug 2008 8:16 pm

Curt, I edited my original post to be more clear. No, I have not heard anything bad about Don. I have seen dates that are not correct.
James

Martin Huch · Post by **Martin Huch** » 18 Aug 2008 3:37 am

James, aaaaaah ok, good to know !

Edward Meisse · Post by **Edward Meisse** » 20 Aug 2008 8:05 pm

If not for Mr. Helms I would never have picked up a steel guitar. I consider him the most powerful player ever. I wish I could figure out how he took those simple lines he played and made them sound so ............

Mickey Adams · Post by **Mickey Adams** » 20 Aug 2008 9:35 pm

A weekend to remember for a lifetime...
We were sitting in the lounge after the show that night with my lifelong friend Tim Bridges. I told him what a great inspiration he was to us, and how we ALL looked up to him in so many ways. There were tears in his eyes...

The Steel Guitar Forum

RIP Don Helms

RIP Don Helms

Another tough loss

A good personal friend who will be missed.

Peace be with you Don