Bobby Garrett was/is one of the greatest pedal steel
guitar players of all time. He added so much to the
music of Hank Thompson, Ernest Tubb, Boxcar Willie,
Jim Reeves and many countless others. He was a friend and
a musical genius who many major country music stars owe
a debt of gratitude to. He enhanced every band he ever played
in and got the most out of each Note.
His composition, “Rose City Chimes” (Tom Perryman’s
Theme song) honors Tyler, TX and is a country
music anthem. I only got to play a few gigs with
Bobby but he was a true professional, a real
artist, who could not be surpassed.
Hoss Huggins
In memory of Bobby Garrett who went home to be with the Lord on April 24th 1999. RIP Pop, see you on the other side.
Rick,
I really enjoyed your book a few years back! I felt like I was right there with you and your dad!
Donna
Donna Dodd
Georgia Steel Guitar Association (GaSGA) Board Member & Website Administrator
"Every person is a new door to a different world."
- from movie Six Degrees of Separation
Bobby Garrett will always have a place in my heart. We went down lots of roads together. One of the greatest players ever. Check the CMA Hall of Fame. Bobby worked with 6 of them. Jody.
I had the pleasure of hearing your Dad at the St. Louis conventions a few years ago and of course on records over the years. And yes of course, Rose City Chimes.
About 20 years ago, I picked up one of those truck stop cassettes that was titled "golden country hits" or something like that. One of the cuts was Hank Thompson doing Oklahoma Hills. That steel ride by Bobby Garrett turned me on my ear. It sounded just a new and fresh as anything you hear today. And the tone...Oh My!... One of my favorite all time steel rides, brief though it may be.
I still listen to it regularly just for that steel break.
Hi Rick.....Sorry I haven't seen this thread before now. Bobby was a dear friend, and without question one of the finest steel guitars players to ever hold a bar.
I first heard him when walking into McCord Music in Dallas where I heard some of the most beautiful playing I had ever experienced. Bobby's personality and exceptional playing ability has always been an inspiration to me.
I cherish the memory of playing twin steels with him at Scotty's show just before his passing. Memories are one of HIS greatest gifts.
Rick; one of my greatest honors was being inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame on the same day as Bobby. Although Bobby had passed I believe all of us on the stage that day felt his presence. cc
Every time I am on stage playing steel guitar, I feel Bobby's presence with me. We first met in 1948 and as I said, we have been down many roads together. I learned so much from Bobby, and will always cherish the time spent with him. Bobby recorded "Rose City Chimes" several different times. My favorite cut is the one with the band at Dewey Groom's club in Dallas. Bobby's legacy in the world of steel guitar will never die. Jody.
I first met Bobby Garrett several years ago at the Country & Western Museum in Del City, Oklahoma, where Buddy Emmons was doing a seminar for Bob Woods Music, and Bobby was in the audience.
BE acknowledged Bobby's presence, and that Bobby said that he was going to start playing again after a long absence. I don't know if he ever did.
IMHO Bobby was a humble, reticent individual, who seemed to be unaware of his influence on the music scene.
All I have to do to know what Bobby contributed is to listen to some of Hank's albums.
Thanks again guys for all the stories and for honoring my dad. I've met so many wonderful people through this forum and the steel guitar community and I am so very thankful that I've been treated as family by all of you.
Hi Rick
I never got the opportunity to see or hear your dad but a while back I bought a used volume pedal from you that you had said was your dads. Without ever knowing him or hearing him play, I still feel like I have a little piece of him when I play. Would you be so kind to post a picture of your dad playing? I would appreciate that.
thanks Rick
steve
Rick probably won't post this but he has written a book that is a tribute to his dad and also about his Rick's relationship with GOD.
I want to highly recommend you obtain a copy of this book titled "Momma's Secret." It is beautifully written from the heart, and I am so thankful that I purchased a copy. This book will bless you.
I read half of the book, then had to start sharing it with my wife. Well, I wound up reading her half the book one night last week before putting it down. Just an awesome book and again it's true and is heartfelt by the author.
