Laurel, Ms. show

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 31 May 2010 2:01 am

I want to thank Billy Carr and his staff, and mostly his wife, for producing a very good show. Lots of major talent on his stage this past Saturday.
I am more impressed with the playing of Steve Sanford every time I hear him. The future of our steel guitar is in excellent hands with Steve at the helm. His execution, and knowing when and what and how much to play and not play, can be graded in ranges of Emmons, Byrd, Chalker and anyone else in that category of players. His attack, tone and techinque leaves nothing to be desired with listening and enjoying a player of this much talent.
Thanks Billy for inviting me to this show...

Bill Stafford

Stephen Wells · Post by **Stephen Wells** » 31 May 2010 6:41 am

Yes indeed, a great show; everyone involved did a super job. Lots of fine players and singers and great fellowship all around. I'll add my Thanks to Billy and all the folks who made that show happen.

Stephen Wells

Jack Harper · Post by **Jack Harper** » 31 May 2010 7:58 am

add my thanxx as well.
all of the above and more.

country.............

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 31 May 2010 9:29 am

Thanks guys for coming to our show. It was truly a pleasure to see and get to hear everyone play/sing. Yes Bill, my other half, Glenda, never meets a stranger and goes out of way to try to keep everybody happy. She makes friends everywhere we go and she's usually the first one folks ask about. Glad to see you again Stephen. Thanks for coming down. Country Jack, excellent job as usual. The best of the best here folks. Bill, you're correct about Stevie Sanford, he gets better and better and always has a good time. Glad to his wife, Patricia at the show also. Two of the nicest people anyone can meet. Also glad to see our friends from Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. Wendell Gurly and wife, Jack Goodson and wife, Gordon Dodson and wife and Hal Higgins and wife. Doc Rickles also did an excellent job with Jim Parker and his red Emmons. Special thanks to Wendell, Jack, Martha, Hal and Doc for some fine music.Special thanks also goes out to Andy Jones, Woody Hill and band, Rudy Carr,Ken Cranford and his son on bass. Ken sounded better than I've ever heard him. Jerry Courtney and his 13 year old grandson, Justin did an excellent job. Justin will have a good future ahead of him if he decides to stick with the singing. Very talented young man. Autry Rutledge and his wife, Susan on bass, did a great job. Glad to make them regulars from now on. Bobby Ray played keyboards and then a steel set on his Derby. BR is one of most talented players I've ever seen. Robby Hudson sang, backed by Bill Carter on his D-12 BMI. Both did a great job. Glen and Julie Musgrove, two fine people, as well as, singers and players. They did an excellent job running the PA and performing. Really a lot of hard work from these two folks to keep us all going for 12 hours. Gordon Dodson played an excellent set on his 14 string Excel and 8 string Emmons. Jack Harper, super entertainer folks. Performed a perfect set with Stevie Sanford and Arvis Moore on steels. Very nice. 2010 Ms. Steel Player Of The Year Award was presented to Roy Lunn earlier in the show. Bill Stafford did a great set. Truly a Mississippi legend here in the world of steel guitar. First time singer, Marie Clinton, came down to sing a set with Mitch Ellis. Excellent set. Marie was invited to become a regular member at our yearly MSP Show and join the staff band, which she accepted. Thanks to Marie. Ellis Simmons, another new face, did an excellent job. MSP regular, Ed Cluff had the crowd in the palm of his hands also on two sets. It was very nice to see everyone there and the food was great along with the American Legion folks that bent over backwards to please everybody.

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 31 May 2010 9:42 am

Special thanks goes to our MSP Staff Band of musicians that really worked hard during the show. These guys put forth 100% the entire show. On bass was, The Legend, Tommy Fortenberry. On keyboards was Bobby Ray. On lead guitars were Bob Saxton and Wayne Gray. On drums were Michael Courtney, Dwight Vick and Johnny Patterson. I covered the steel myself. Thanks to all of the guys for a great show! Thanks to Sammy Matheny also for sitting in on bass during the show. Great job Sammy!

Doc Rickles · Post by **Doc Rickles** » 31 May 2010 9:42 am

Thanks to Billy and Glenda and all who helped with this show. It was one of the best I have ever been to. It had every element of great steelers, some old pro's and some exciting youngsters destined to be the ones who get high accolades in the future. Thanks Billy and all your team who went overboard to help every one during the show. Not too many realize putting on a show like this is almost like " herding cats ". Some new faces seen who were a delight to see and listen to their renditions of their styles and love of it. If I had to use one word to describe the event, it would be "Heart" Those with "many days" ahead putting everything into what they play hoping to be accepted by those who have been in it for years. Those who have been in it "for years" encouraging the young to hang in there and give it their all. Others in the twilight of their love of this one of a kind instrument are still expressing themselves with all they have left. A note of sadness to the day, we learned of the passing of the legend and great guitar impresarrio Woody Ledford. Many eyes were filled with sadness and tears. He will be missed by all. We loved you Woody.The band outdid itself, skillfully makng every one sound their best. This one had it all and is getting better all the time. Autry Rutledge you are still one of my hero's. Martha Goodson you sound better all the time. But with a teacher like Jack what do you expect. Steve Sanford dosen't even realize where he's headed. Gordon Dotson has come a long way from his first steel jam. When he didn't even know any of the songs they were playing and sat sheepishly on the side sitting behind a new 14 string Excell and only 10 fingers. Now he has the ASGA Horizon award.Mr Roy Lun was awarded the Miss Steel Player of the year award. Billy Carr out did himself at this show. Jim Parker had that Emmons singing, best ever Buddy. The Big Man Ed Cluff showed us you can still do it all and bring the house down. Had to leave early but am positive Mr Smooth was still smooth and wonderful. As always I talk too much but don't feel I can say enough about this great show.
Looking for the DSSGA June 11 and 12. Don't miss this. With many steelers and singers always welcome to be a part. Sharing what they have to contribute.Plus great food availabe all day with a smile.
Blessings to you all, Happy Memorial Day
Doc Rickles

Charlie C Harrison · Post by **Charlie C Harrison** » 31 May 2010 10:57 am

Billy, really enjoyed the show. I thought everyone sounded good. Want call no names, like them all!

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 31 May 2010 11:18 am

Thanks Doc & Charlie. Glad to have you both with us. You're correct, Doc about the new young faces. I'm always on the lookout for new talent. 13 year old Justin Shows just simply needs some exposure and time working with a band. Another five years or so and he'll really be at the top of Mississippi talent. Another new face, Marie Clinton, has the talent, the looks, personality to go anywhere she wants in the music business. She couldn't ask for a better singing partner than Mitch Ellis. Mitch is also a fine steelman but was having knee problems and didn't play steel on this show. Thanks for just being yourself, Doc and spreading blessings to us all. It's an honor call you a friend.

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 31 May 2010 3:46 pm

Special thanks to Winston Street and Andy Hinton also. Winston plays a left handed 12-string Fessy Universal. He can also play right handed as well. He sounded the best I've ever him sound while he was backing Julie Musgrove on there set. Clear and clean as a bell out front. Another fine Louisiana picker, Andy Hinton played some nice steel on his D-10 Sho-Bud. Andy also brought several sale items including the coated fingerpicks. Anybody that hasn't tried Andy's coated picks are in for a real treat. More later.

Wendell Gurley · Post by **Wendell Gurley** » 31 May 2010 4:59 pm

Thank you Billy and Glenda for the great show we all were able to enjoy this past Saturday. I must agree with Doc, this was one of the best shows we have ever had the opportunity to attend. Everyone was so nice to us in our first in trip to Laurel and we were so impressed by the music and singing. We feel so fortunate to have met you at a show in Fulton, Mississippi a few years back--you made us feel so at home at Laurel and look forward to being with you again when you have another show.
I hesitate to start naming individuals, but feel I have to mention a few that I know from previous times and was so glad to see again--Jim Parker, Doc Rickles and Andy Jones, Jack and Martha Goodson and Country Jack Harper. I also was happy to get to meet the legendary Tommy. The piano playing by Bobby Ray was simply outstanding and added so much to the steel playing. There is no reason why one man should be so talented and be able to be a great steel player also. To be able to see Mr. Roy Lunn get his award was such a pleasure. And last but not least, my wife and I were completely blown away by the talents of Ed Cluff--he has one of the best voices I have ever heard and does he ever know how to use it!! You indicated I might be able to sing at one of your future shows, but there is no way I would want to follow him--he just did a fantastic job.
Our one low time at your show was the call letting us know of the passing of Woody Ledford, one of the finest guitar pickers I have ever known and such a special friend to many of us.
Billy, thank you again for all the hard work you did to make a great time for all of us and I've not even mentioned your superb steel playing--you make me proud to be a native of Mississippi and to call you friend. Thanks, Wendell and Glenda

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 31 May 2010 6:31 pm

Thank you Wendell and Glenda for attending our 3rd MSP Show. I'm glad you enjoyed everything. We all certainly enjoyed your singing. Just wasn't enough of it. I'd like to have you in a slot for our 4th show. You fit right in with our singers/players. ( You can go on before Big Ed. Ha!) Thanks again and thanks for the kind words about our show and the way we treat folks. All of our MSP folks work hard each year to present the best show possible. Singers/Players only perform through invitation. You certainly have one, my friend!

Andy Hinton · Post by **Andy Hinton** » 1 Jun 2010 12:19 pm

I want to add my thanks & praise to Billy & Glenda & their staff. I had a great time & enjoyed the fellowship of a bunch of great Miss. steel players. Had some good conversations with Mr. Smooth as well. I'm planning to be at the Gulfport Show too. I especially want to thank Billy for the life membership in the MSP club. I consider that one of the best honors I've ever recieved. Everyone in Laurel treats you like a brother. Steve Sanford & Ed Cluff just blew me away. Thanks again & Happy pickin'. Andy H.

J PARKER · Post by **J PARKER** » 1 Jun 2010 12:48 pm

I feel like it was the best show as of yet and sure did have a great time. Good to see everyone there.If a person wanted some true country they should of been there.

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 1 Jun 2010 2:53 pm

Billy....again thanks for the invite....my wife and I really enjoyed what time we got to spend in Laurel. I wish that I could have stayed and heard everyone.....It took us a little over 5 hours to get to Colfax, LA. We made it and had quite an evening of good music for the crowd at the Louisiana Mud Fest. They liked us so much that they gave us a bonus. We'll be doing it again soon, too. The next show for all of us is in Gulfport, MS on June 11 & 12, when the DSSGA, under the great leadership of Bill Stafford, gets it on at the VFW on Dedeaux Rd. Friday Frolic at 7 PM and Sat Show starts at 11 (I think). Again Billy and Glenda....great show....thanks for everything.....HAL & Debe

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 2 Jun 2010 2:55 am

Andy, glad to have you at our 3rd show. The products you brought were all first class quality. Anybody that isn't using your coated picks are really missing out. Enjoyed your playing also. Jim, the S-10D red Emmons with the TY mod really cut through the mix and sounded great. You played better than I've ever heard you play. Pleasure to have you and Doc down. Hal, what can I say? Standing ovation halfway through your set! You need to be in St. Louis at the big one! Great job, as usual and the blue denim D-10 Emmons sounded great. Good to see Deb also. After talking with several folks, I believe this show was actually our best one yet, so far. It had everything. A/C was nice, plenty of room, good food & drinks(coke mainly), nice crowd that appreciated Classic Country music & Steel Guitars and it felt like a family reunion of musicians coming together. We'll really have to work on #4 next year to top this one! Thanks again to all of the gals/guys that made #3 a great show. Special thanks to the American Legion also. They done everything possible to help MSP before and during the show.

Wendell Gurley · Post by **Wendell Gurley** » 2 Jun 2010 11:15 am

Billy, I regret having to do another post after the rather long one I did on 5-31, but as I stated then, I was afraid I might omit someone when I started naming individuals and I did in fact do just that. The one I need to add to that list is Gordon Dodson, who I should have remembered as he was kind enough as to honor my request of "Hot Rod Lincoln" in his set. Such a talent and also a pleasure to meet his wife Jane. Thanks for allowing me to add this--there were many more at the show that stand out in my mind, but I best quit while I'm ahead---
Wendell

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 2 Jun 2010 5:48 pm

Not a problem, Wendell. Post all you want. You're correct. Two fine Alabama folks , Gordon & Jane Dodson.

Jack Harper · Post by **Jack Harper** » 2 Jun 2010 6:20 pm

as a matter of clarification and factual information, let it be known that gordon sang this song as well as cab driver as he acompanied himself on what i believe was 14 strings, though it might have been 12(i only have 10 toes and lose my reference after that). other than to hal higgins, i'm sure that ain't no easy sell, but he(gordon)is a natural.
and, we must be nice to the mrs, cause she might just share some of those award winning photo's she snapped through-out the 12 hours of steel.
country.........

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 3 Jun 2010 3:54 am

Great job, Jack, on the show. Gordon's guitar is a 14-string Excel which has the Julian Tharpe set up on it. I believe it's called a E96th tuning, I think. As for the pretty wife, Jane, she was given the ok to post any pics of the MSP Show she wishes. Pics of any MSP Shows are also fine to post.

Doc Rickles · Post by **Doc Rickles** » 3 Jun 2010 9:32 am

OK Jane you have the OK.
When do the posting begin. You are one of the best and most thorough photographers I have ever met.
It is a joy to see you and Gordon at these events.
Thank you for just being you and adding so much to the Shows.
Love you,
Doc

Andy Jones · Post by **Andy Jones** » 4 Jun 2010 7:17 am

What a show!Thanks a million,Billy and Glenda,for all the hard work to make this possible.You know,Billy is the person who sold me all my equipment and got me started in this great endeavor.If anyone didn't like my singing,take it up with Billy.Jim Parker,my friend,you never sounded better.Gordon Dodson,what can I say?Man,I'm amazed how you play that Excel.What a showman!
Stevie Sanford has got that sound that I like,pure hard steel.I hate that I didn't get to sing with
Hal Higgins playing,but Billy Carr did a great job,as always.
I hate that I had to leave early(11:45pm)because I had to get up early for work.Man,what a blessing to see and hear my friend Wendell Gurley and his wife Glenda,all the way from Georgia.
I'm looking forward to the next show.Maybe I'll have the nerve to play myself.

Andy

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 5 Jun 2010 11:21 am

Andy, you did a great job as usual. Appreciate you opening the show since HH was running a little late. See you in G'Port, my friend.

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 6 Jun 2010 8:04 am

Andy....I, too, want to add my thanks along with Billy...for a job well done....I caught the last few songs that you did man...they were great...of course you couldn't have gotten a better man to play steel for you on that bright blue carter d-10 either. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Gulfport on the 11th and 12th....got some great pickers gonna be there.....

Bobby D. Ray · Post by **Bobby D. Ray** » 7 Jun 2010 6:08 pm

I wish I could join you all down on the coast this weekend. But, I have a previous commitment to play somewhere else this Saturday night. Maybe I can get with you all next time. I sure had a great time playing at the show in Laurel. Thanks for letting me be a part of it!

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 8 Jun 2010 3:32 am

Door is always open for Bobby Ray. No invitation needed. Pleasure to work with such talent. G'port show is going to be a good one.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Laurel, Ms. show

Laurel, Ms. show

Msp 5-29

Msp Staff Band

Miss Show

Laurel,Ms Show

Msp

Msp

Thank You!

Msp

MSP Show Laurel, Ms.

Msp

Msp

Msp

Msp

Posting Pics

Msp

Laurel