The Southern Steel Guitar Convention

charles reece · Post by **charles reece** » 22 Dec 2004 2:48 pm

To all of my friends and pickin buddies:
The death of Buddy Walker was a devastating lost to me. We were friends forty plus years.
We were like brothers. Buddy and I started The Southern Steel Guitar Convention in Saluda,SC. in 1987. With the help of a lot of musicians,friends and the Shriners of Saluda. Buddy was also a shriner. I must say with Buddy's hard work and the support of the musicians and our friends it has been a success.
I would like to mention a few names of the faithful pickers and friends. It's hard to mention eveyone,and I don't want to slight anyone either. The great Herby Wallace has been with from day one. Herby is one of the world's greatest steel players and I'm happy to call him my friend and pickin buddy. Mr. Bill Ferguson, he's been with us a long time. He does a good job as master of ceremony. he also is a great steel and bass player and also my friend and pickin buddy. We have one of the best Staff Bands in the Country. I don't want to boast, but we're all close. Mr woody Ledford plays lead guitar, one of my favorite. Mr. Billy Puckett is another great guitar player.Mr Jerry Burns another great guitar player. Mr. Steve Gambrell another great guitar player. Mr Wayne Smith, I can't say enough about this guy, great bass player and friend. My son, Jerry Reece our drummer. Jerry has been with us from day one. I'm proud to call him my son. Mr. Wayne Stowers a great drummer, and from time to time Roger Crawford play's drums,another great steel player. Mr. Jim Hartley another great drummer. Mr. Rob Parker, great singer and steel player. Rob drives from Kentucky to be with us. Mr. Joe Turner has supported the convention since day one, one of my favorite steel players and good friend. Other great steel players who perform with us at the convention:
Mr.Tommy Dodd, Mr.Bill Nicholson, Mr.Larry Moore, Mr.Randy Beavers, Mr.Bobby Boggs, Mr.Mike Bagwell. A big thanks to Mr.John Floyd who runs our sound system.
Please forgive me for not mentioning everyone's name. I appreciate all of you and support. I'm going to try to carry on with the convention. I want to thank the shriners for all of their support. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you on Feb. 19,20. We've had some of the best steel guitar players to perform at our convention. We would like to get Mr. Buddy Emmons . Where are you Buddy? Happy Holiday's, Your pickin buddy Charles.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 23 Dec 2004 4:17 am

Why heck Charles, you could cover this show with your eyes closed!!!

Just kidding, you will continue to have the full support of the "Atlanta Gang".

I have been a part of this show since 1989 and only have missed 4 since then.

This show is family and then music.

Bill

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 23 Dec 2004 5:43 am

Charles, I've waited to see this post! I can't begin to tell you, and the rest of the Saluda crowd, how much you mean to me. As Bill said, it's a family. I get treated like any of the REAL musicians there.

It's great that you are continuing the conventions. We'll all be there to help, have fun, and ALWAYS remember Buddy.
Folks, Charles Reece is truly one of a kind. I walked into his shop a couple of years ago with a Sho-Bud Professional, not knowing an "A" pedal from the "A" train, and Charles got that old machine up and running in an hour or two. I've owned more steels since then, and every one has been through Charles' garage. I'd have to say that Charles is one of the FINEST steel mechanics in the country, and also a great player. Also a wonderful sense of humor(see:great guitar players, above).
Charles, I love you and Mrs. Reece like family. No other way to put it.
Now, I'm through being mushy, we've got a steel guitar convention to put on! February is just around the corner!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!!!

Larry Moore · Post by **Larry Moore** » 23 Dec 2004 8:49 pm

Way-to-Go Charles........
Like Steve said I think we all have been waiting for the report

Like Bill said you can count on the Ga. Gang to continue to support this Fine Show It is more like a Family Reunion....

I will help any way I can to keep this a sucess in The Memory of Buddy Walker..

Your Pal
Larry

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 24 Dec 2004 12:30 pm

I've said it before and I'll say it again...it's like a family reunion every three months. If you miss it, you have an empty place in your heart until you can get to the next one. Charles,let us know how we can help.

Herby Wallace · Post by **Herby Wallace** » 24 Dec 2004 11:22 pm

Charles, I am happy that you will be carrying on the Saluda show as I have always enjoyed being a part of it. Being a Shriner myself, this show has always had a special meaning for me in that any profit is always donated to the good work of the Shrine. I will be there for your next show on February 19th and 20th. I had to miss the last one as I had a previous booking in CT. I hope to see all my friends and musician buddies there.

Herby Wallace

------------------

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 6 Jan 2005 9:22 pm

'Bout time for a little bump! Herby, Hughey, and who knows who else??? Always some surprises, like when Clyde Bloodworth showed up and dazzled everybody with his great C6 stuff, Joe Wright walking in and playing a set, me playing the dobro with Joe Turner(Sorry, Joe...).
Anyway, you get the idea it's about having fun, enjoying steel guitar, enjoying seeing old friends, making new ones, saying "Hello" to Larry Moore

And this one's gonna be special, since it's the first one without Buddy. I'd like to ask ALL Masons and Shriners to be there at "high noon," we're gonna pay tribute to Buddy.
Come on, be with us, and plan on having a good time!!!

Russ Hicks · Post by **Russ Hicks** » 7 Jan 2005 5:13 pm

Hey Charles...it was great to hear that you're keeping the show going...we're looking forward to our next time.
Russ & Laney

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 8 Jan 2005 12:20 am

Hello, Charles, I'm glad to see that the Saluda show is still being organized. I'm really looking forward to showing all the players my new GFI steel guitar. I love the Southern Steel Guitar Convention! Brett, Emmons S-10, Morrell lapsteel, GFI Ultra D-10

Shorty Smith · Post by **Shorty Smith** » 10 Jan 2005 12:07 pm

Never had the chance to attend the Convention but hope I might be able this year. Would like the dates and times. Shorty Smith, Columbus, Ga, Emmons D10 p/p, Peavy 1000, Goodrich Dobro Box, Dobro Guitar, Fender Acustic Amp

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 11 Jan 2005 3:52 pm

Dates are Feb. 19th and 20th, times are: Saturday, noon, folks start pulling in, 7 PM, jam with the band till everybody quits.
Sunday, starts morning, ends whenever you get ready to leave!

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 12 Jan 2005 9:18 pm

OK, here's a PARTIAL lineup, I just talked to Charles---Herby Wallace, John Hughey, Walter Haynes, and "Mr. Smooth" his own self, Bill Stafford. My buddy Larry Moore, my OTHER buddy, and one of the most reliable guys I know, Mr. Joe Turner, and, as always at Saluda, a few surprises!
The band is rarin' to go---we'll probably only have 8 or 10 guitar players this time, but maybe we'll pull through.
And, that crowd from Georgia, that don't know how to get nowhere but the Varsity and Saluda, will be there----and what a good bunch of guys and gals! (See, I didn't forget Donna and Yvonne!)
But the most important person there will be-------YOU!!! Come on, have a good time with us![This message was edited by Stephen Gambrell on 12 January 2005 at 09:19 PM.]

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 18 Jan 2005 11:09 pm

Don't forget!!!

Chuck Campbell · Post by **Chuck Campbell** » 20 Jan 2005 6:55 am

Great News. I’ll be there and hope to see my old friend Clyde Bloodworth and all the new friends I made at the one before last.

Jim Hartley · Post by **Jim Hartley** » 20 Jan 2005 9:49 am

Chuck,

Glad to hear you're gonna be there, but we're not going to let you in unless you promise to sing one or two Ray Price songs for us. And if you talk to Clyde, tell him there will be one fat, grey headed drummer who will be very disappointed if he does't make it.

See ya soon,
Jim

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 21 Jan 2005 10:07 am

Jim...you talkin' about me again?

DeWitt Scott · Post by **DeWitt Scott** » 21 Jan 2005 1:01 pm

Charles, I was able to play on your show two times and I always enjoyed it. Buddy was a good friend and a brother Master Mason and I miss him. Your show is like a lot of other shows around the country....of course the music is great but meeting with friends is also a big part of going to the shows. I will try to attend one of your shows in the near future. I could do like I did the last time...I drove to Paducah and picked Rob up and then on to Nashville and picked Ron Elliot up. THAT was a hillarious trip! Ron is full of jokes and no one can't help but like his superb playing.
Scotty

Jim Hartley · Post by **Jim Hartley** » 21 Jan 2005 1:36 pm

Roger,

I wasn't, but.........and if we count Wayne, that makes three.

See ya soon.

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 23 Jan 2005 7:42 am

Yep, the Three Mouseketeers! Looking forward to seeing you there. Got some info on golf in June!
Roger

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 25 Jan 2005 11:16 pm

'Bout time for a little bump--I talked to Mrs. Walker today, what a great lady. She'll be at the door, as always, waiting to say hello to everybody. You folks don't forget, the 19th and 20th of February! I think Tony Prior's gonna do a set!

Clyde Bloodworth · Post by **Clyde Bloodworth** » 25 Jan 2005 11:32 pm

I plan to come and am looking forward to seeing everyone.
Clyde

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 26 Jan 2005 2:17 am

Hey Stephen, yes we are planning on coming down on Sunday AM and if it's ok and time permits would like to do a short set..

I'm gonna miss not seeing Buddy..His memory will continue forever...

look forward to seeing all my SC /Georgia pals..

t

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 26 Jan 2005 8:05 am

Clyde, that's great news, dude! I think your "back neck" stuff is out of this world.
And Tony, PLEASE bring that teen-aged-Tele terror, OK?
I suppose some folks are wondering About the Southern Steel Conventions without Buddy. Good Lord willing, Charles and whoever else is helping will make these events continue to grow, and continue to have as much class, as Buddy would have wanted. And of course, all the profits go to the Shriners' Hospital, and players donate their time for these events. So COME ON!!! ENJOY YOURSELF!!

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 27 Jan 2005 5:06 am

Stephen, the plan is to bring the "Tele' Teen" along for the ride..you have my permission to smack him at any point you feel is appropriate.

We hope to be there by 10ish...

t[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 27 January 2005 at 05:57 AM.]

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 28 Jan 2005 5:11 pm

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE

SOUTHERN STEEL GUITAR CONVENTION

9:30 A.M. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2005

SALUDA SHRINE CLUB

On Hwy. 121 (3 miles south of Saluda, SC)

For Information Call

Charles Reece 803-593-3002 * Jerry Reece 803-593-0454

E-Mail clr51735@yahoo.com jdr7356@yahoo.com

Guests: John Hughey, Nashville, TN.- recording artist, former steel player for Conway Twitty, Vince Gill and other Opera stars. Walter Haynes – former Vp MCA, Producer of the Year.
JAM SESSION Saturday with band, 7p.m. UNTIL, $5.00.

NO VIDEOS ********** ADMISSION $15.00

It's official---This is Charles' email, notifying everybody. PLEASE come out, help honor our friend, and Masonic Brother, Buddy Walker----and have a great time with some real good folks! Charles, Larry, Tommy, Clyde, Jerry, Woody, Roger, Tweedledum and Tweedledumber...
This is gonna be a good one, y'all. And remember, you're benefitting the Shriners' Hospital.

[This message was edited by Stephen Gambrell on 14 February 2005 at 11:17 AM.]