Now, RIP Tom Brumley

Obituaries and remembrances
of steel guitarists, their friends and families

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Jack Dougherty
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Post by Jack Dougherty »

Most of us owe Tom for more then we could ever thank him for. His passing will leave a hole in our hearts. RIP TOM.
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Brandon Ordoyne
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Post by Brandon Ordoyne »

RIP Tom....Rolene and the family are in our prayers

Brandon
Ronnie Miller
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Post by Ronnie Miller »

My Heart is sad, and I did not sleep much, as I knew this would be the news I would hear this morning.
Tom was much more than a great Steel Guitarist, He was a special human beeing. I remember his kindness to a kid steel player back in the 60s. I loved him, and am grateful for the time I got to spend with him and Rolene. That was the best part of having to be in Branson all those years.
Our heart goes out to Rolene, and the family.
Tom is another who will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Ronnie & Ginger Miller
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Ken Byng
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Post by Ken Byng »

This is a very sad day. Tom was so kind and helpful to me back in the 70's. Bobbe Seymour's last newsletter said everything abouth Tom that could be said in a few words. God bless Tom for giving us so much pleasure from his musicality and personality. The word legend is so over-used, but it is never more deserving than in the case of Tom Brumley. We should offer prayers to his family in this most difficult time.
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Ashley D\'Silva
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Post by Ashley D\'Silva »

Such a great loss to the PSG community.

Tom Brumley was the first to get me loving this wonderful instrument we all play.

I am sure that he will continue WoWing all the folks up there with his master.

Thanks for so much Mr Brumley and may the Lord bless and comfort your family.

Ashley (Aussie Paunchy)
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Colm Chomicky
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Post by Colm Chomicky »

So very sorry to read this news. Tom set such a high standard for us all in every way. My sincere condolences to Tom's family.
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Don Sulesky
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Post by Don Sulesky »

We have now lost another of the greats of the Steel Guitar.
It will never be the same without them.
May you rest in peace Tom.
Don
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Hank Ruf
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Post by Hank Ruf »

We have lost so many GREATS in the last few years. Tom will truly be missed.
Maybe some of you don't know this about Tom, he was one of the founders of The Ozark Steel Guitar Association in Branson MO. Rest in peace Tom.
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Adair Torres
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Post by Adair Torres »

We will never forget you Mr.Tom Brumley.

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Bill Ferguson
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Post by Bill Ferguson »

Yes, this is so sad. Tom & I had become friends for many years in St Louis.

We will all miss him.

Our prayers now go to Rolene and the family.

Bill Ferguson
Barry Gaskell
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Post by Barry Gaskell »

Words are inadequate really.
His skills and sound reverberated around the world and inspired so many people to take up the steel. It's a difficult thing to evaluate one persons effect on so many. The hours I listened to Tom's playing on all the early albums with Buck,Don,Doyle and Willie. I wore the albums out. I can't get a grip on how so much talent and experience can be wiped out and lost in a moment.
Fly on Tom, the chords are ringing still and will continue to move and inspire.
Thank you
Barry
:cry:
Jerry Lee Newberry
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Post by Jerry Lee Newberry »

This is indeed sad and unexpected news. He will be missed I know. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Family.


Donna & Jerry
Shorty Smith
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Post by Shorty Smith »

May Tom rest in peace and God bless his Family, We lost one of the best and He will alway be remembered by the steel guitar Family, Shorty
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Alan Harrison
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So Sorry He Is Gone!

Post by Alan Harrison »

It's been many years since Bakersfield where I first met Tom, he was always your friend anywhere you might see him. I'm still in shock. I know that he is now with our Lord.

Our prayers and thoughts will be with Rolene and the family during this very difficult time....

Tom was much more than just being a great steel guitarist, he was a fine Christian man and true gentleman. RIP TOM BRUMLEY.
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Junior Knight
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Post by Junior Knight »

Another master in heaven..
Allan Thompson
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Post by Allan Thompson »

Tom's passing is a great loss to the steel guitar comunity and far more. He was a true gentleman.
Rest in peace Tom.
Billy Knowles
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Tom

Post by Billy Knowles »

Tom was the best. His playing has influenced as many if not more people that any of the great players. His playing with Buck was always great and always out front. As Buddy Charleton said, Tom's playing on Together Again changed the way steel guitar was played. He played some of the prettest steel ever recorded. My heart is heavy. He was so excited about the show in San Antonio.
But more importantly he was without a doubt one of the nicest people on the earth. I count myself lucky to have known him and visited with him. The steel guitar community will not be the same.
My prayers continue to be with Rolene and the boys.
Billy Knowles
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JERRY THURMOND
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Post by JERRY THURMOND »

A fine person an great Steel Player, he will be missed.

Jerry
jerry harkins
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Thanks to Tom

Post by jerry harkins »

This is hard to take. My heart goes out to Rolene and the family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom was the one who started me playing steel. In 1980 Tom had his ZB shop in Kingsland Tx where I lived at the time.
I didn't know Tom at the time but I liked the sound of the steel, so when I learned the ZB shop was there I had to stop by and check it out. Tom was sitting at his green ZB guitar and his playing knocked me out.
After we talked he said he would build me a guitar if I wanted to learn to play.
I was hooked. We became friends and I later owned two ZB's that tom built for me. Tom was a wonderful man who took the time to help me and so many others enjoy the love of steel guitar. I will always remember Tom for the gift of music that he gave me and taking the time to be a friend.
Jerry.
Last edited by jerry harkins on 4 Feb 2009 8:06 am, edited 1 time in total.
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J D Sauser
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Post by J D Sauser »

This is so hard to believe and accept. You never know when you see somebody for the last time.
Tom Brumley, besides being a musical genius, gracious and most generous person, must have had an incredible memory. I had only the pleasure to meet him twice... a couple of years apart. The second time, I re-introduced myself and he interrupted me, telling me he remembered me, being the one he talked to years ago at a different venue. Even knew where I was from and that I was building a PSG with a very different approach about which he then inquired. I would reckon, being the nice guy he was, he had been approached by hundreds of people at each show.
So today, I remember him, his music, his smile, his generosity and his words and recommendations to me.



... J-D.
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steve takacs
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Post by steve takacs »

Condolences to Tom's family. I never met the man but heard a ton of postive things about him, mostly in terms of his kindness. The music speaks (sings actually) for itself.

My father and an uncle had every Buck Owens record and immersed me in the Bakersfield sound in the 1960s when all I was interested in was R&R, Motown, and the Memphis sound. Never admitted to my father that I liked Buck's music (to uncool) but it must have made an impression on me. A few years later I was humming this stuff and in a few more I was playing it. I continue to love it to this day. No small reason for that was Tom's contribution to the band.

So thank you, Tom. Though I never met you in person, we did undoubtedly meet. steve t
Last edited by steve takacs on 4 Feb 2009 6:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
steinar
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Tom Brumley.

Post by steinar »

Billy Knowles, thanks for putting my exact sentiments into words through your own post.
I don`t know what more to add, I`m heartbroken.
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Tony Rankin
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Condolences

Post by Tony Rankin »

May God strenghten and comfort Tom's family.

We will miss him.
Tony Rankin
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Craig A Davidson
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Post by Craig A Davidson »

RIP Tom Brumley. Our prayers are with Rolene and the family.
Bob Taillefer
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Post by Bob Taillefer »

This is indeed very sad news.

Debra and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family.

Another great player has left us!

May he rest in peace!

Bob and Debra
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