Pedal Steel on Marty Robbins song?

Dan Meadows · Post by **Dan Meadows** » 8 Feb 2010 8:14 pm

Do any of you fine folks know the make of the pedal steel on Marty Robbins original recording of "I'll Step Aside"? And who was playing PSG on this song if you know? I heard it on you tube but don't know about posting a link to it. I figured if anybody would know, some of you would just from the sound. That is about the finest pedal steel sound I have ever heard. To my ear at least. I appreciate it.

Mitch Drumm · Post by **Mitch Drumm** » 8 Feb 2010 9:12 pm

James Farmer was the player. As far as I know, he played a Fender.

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 9 Feb 2010 2:33 am

Hey Dan, have you ever heard the old Marty Robbins tune "The Shoe Goes On The Other Foot Tonight"? I think it has some of the best pedal steel work I've ever heard. I'd sure like to know who played on the session. If you've never heard that one it's worth checking out........JH in Va.

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 9 Feb 2010 4:57 am

Ditto on Marty Robbins steeler. I usually play "The shoe goes on the other foot tonite" followed by "Shoes" by Patsy Cline (for a little Jimmy Day fix I think...).

Dan Meadows · Post by **Dan Meadows** » 9 Feb 2010 6:50 am

Thanks Mitch for the information. That old pedal steel sound just does it for me. I like that era of songs and style on the pedal steel.

Jerry, I have only heard a live version before on you tube and listened to it again today.The pedal steel on this live is great stuff. I would like the record to listen to. I love Marty's older songs with lots of pedal steel best.

Ray, That Patsy Cline song "Shoes" is a great song. The pedal steel does it. I just listened to it on YT.

Thank you all.

Ben Rubright · Post by **Ben Rubright** » 9 Feb 2010 10:22 am

James Farmer played a Fender Dual Professional that had one pedal (the E to A) change. It sold on Ebay within the last year or two. The album that "I'll Step Aside" is on is 'The Song of Robbins' CL976 recorded in January and April, 1957. There was a follow on album titled 'Marty Robbins' CL1189 recorded March and May 1958,that featured James Farmer on steel as well. Two great albums. I have the box set covering his career with Columbia up to his move to the 'pop' side of things.

Bill Johnson was the steel player on 'The Shoe goes....' There is a YouTube of the old Marty Robbins syndicated show that features that song. The link is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNQjGr5lCGM

For my money, it is better than his recording....there is not any vocal group on the YouTube...just Marty's wonderful voice and Bill's great playing.

Ray Harrison · Post by **Ray Harrison** » 9 Feb 2010 3:18 pm

Jerry, I love the steel on "The Shoe Goes On The Other Foot", and after asking every steel player I know, Russ Hicks told me tha Bill Johnson cut Marty's version. Great job.
I've mentioned this song a number of times as being one of my favorite steel cuts.

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 10 Feb 2010 10:42 am

Ray, I love it too but I've never had the pleasure of working with a singer who knew it so I could try to do my half @$$ed version of the steel ride. If we're ever in the same space and I have my steel I'd love to try it with you as I know you could nail the vocal with no trouble at at!.....JH in Va.

Chippy Wood · Post by **Chippy Wood** » 10 Feb 2010 7:52 pm

Who played the backing steel on Marty Robbins 'Shackles & Chains' please?,I never tire of listening to it.

Thanks.

Ray Harrison · Post by **Ray Harrison** » 10 Feb 2010 9:15 pm

Jerry, thanks for the compliment, I'll sure try it.

We're doing our Marty Robbins Tribute show in Willcox, AZ. 6 March, a fundraiser for the MR Museum.
I'll be doing My Woman, My Wife and Devil Woman.

Chippy, I can't swear to the steel on Shackles and Chains, but sounds like someone was doing their Lil Roy Wiggins impersonation.
Maybe Farmer, I don't think Byrd.

Ben Rubright · Post by **Ben Rubright** » 11 Feb 2010 3:38 am

It was certainly James Farmer. On the box set, there a number of takes of that song.

Chippy Wood · Post by **Chippy Wood** » 11 Feb 2010 6:27 am

Thanks Ray & Ben.