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Topic: Operation Russless, Pranksters Revealed! |
Randy Beavers
From:
Lebanon,TN 37090
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 12:19 am |
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As you know Russ and Laney created a contest where people could record themselves to Laney's "Matters of the Heart" tracks, and the winner would get to play the song on stage during their set at Scotty's convention in St. Louis. The only requirement is the contestants have never played the main stage there. I decided I would play a joke on Russ and record myself to a track, and then mail in with an alias name. Well... then I thought wouldn't it be funny if I could get several of the players here in Nashville and beyond to so the same thing. That's just what we did, and we have had Russ "chasing his tail" trying to figure out who these players were. And we have done a convincing job. We decided to let Russ off the hook last night at the NTSGA jam.
Here is a list of the co-conspirators:
Harvey Parish, (Don Helms)
Frank Walker, (John Hughey)
Ludlow Bushmatt, (Joe Wright)
Paul Scott, (Mike Sweeney)
Junior Hayward, (Ron Elliott)
Mike Branyon, (Larry Sasser)
Claude Willenberg, (Randy Beavers)
Sam Smith, (Doug Jernigan)
Dewayne Bockhorst, (Johnny Cox)
Alma McCoy, (Lloyd Green)
What a lineup! Now you know why Russ has been going crazy trying to find out who these people are.
We decided to have everyone play a separate song from the CD, and then present Russ and Laney with a copy. But it didn't end there. Every player gave their permission for these CDs to be sold. Theresa Sweeney designed a cover and made 50 copies for Russ and Laney to do with whatever they please. When these are gone they can order more. This is our way of saying thanks for some of the things they do for us.
When I listen to this CD it is very unique. 11 songs with 11 different steel players, and not one of them sounds like the other. And when you consider the lineup, this is history. The 11th name to add to the list is Russ Hicks. When putting together a list of players of this caliber, it wouldn't have been complete without him. So I added the cut of "I Miss You Already" as it was on the original CD.
We have had a ton of fun with this, but don't let our prank keep you from entering. There really is a legitimate contest. Fire up those recorders and get your entry in!
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David L. Donald
From:
Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 5:02 am
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ROTFLOL
What a GREAT Gag!!!
I put in dibs for a copy if possible. 
A killer line up of players. |
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Joey Ace
From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 5:41 am
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 5:50 am
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| Wow, what a mix. Please keep the alias names cross reference on the CD liner. Bushmatt? Bockhorst? They're hilarious. Put me in for CD when one comes available. [This message was edited by Ray Minich on 04 January 2006 at 05:52 AM.] |
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Fred Justice
From:
Mesa, Arizona
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 6:02 am
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Randy, I would love to have been there to see ole Russ's reaction to all this, I bet he was inside-out (he he)
Where can a guy order one of them CD's?
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Fred Justice,
Fred's Music www.fredjusticemusic.com
Rains Steel Guitars
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Walter Stettner
From:
Vienna, Austria
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 6:55 am
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The whole project will make it into steel guitar history as one of the funniest things that ever happened. Plus, we'll have the pleasure to listen to some unforgettable steel (and Laney!) 
Kind Regards, Walter
www.lloydgreentribute.com
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf [This message was edited by Walter Stettner on 04 January 2006 at 07:06 AM.] |
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Mike Sweeney
From:
Nashville,TN,USA
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 8:49 am
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Well, folks, what a fun night! I really want to thank Randy for letting me be a part of it. The joke on Russ was priceless but being able to be a part of something so special was quite an honor. The CDs are available now so if you want a copy drop an email to Russ or Laney.
Mike Sweeney
( aka Paul Scott )
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Bill Crook
From:
Goodlettsville, TN , Spending my kid's inheritance
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Bob Knight
From:
Bowling Green KY
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 10:50 am
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CONGRATULATIONS on The N.T.S.G.A. Legends Award Russell E., You are joining some "Real Heavies"
Bob [This message was edited by Bob Knight on 04 January 2006 at 10:55 AM.] |
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Kenny Burford
From:
Independence, Missouri USA
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 11:04 am
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| Randy, this kind of a prank is a big part of what playing music with good friends is all about and that's just another part of what makes playing country music fun. |
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Johnny Cox
From:
Williamsom WVA, raised in Nashville TN, Lives in Hallettsville Texas
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 11:37 am
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Randy, thanks for inviting me to be part of the gag. Last time I was at Russ and Laney's they had just got one in the mail and Russ was going nuts. Russ and Laney are two of the finest folks I know and I am honored to be part of this little ha ha.
By the way, I got the name Dewayne Bockhorst from my friend Duane Dunard and my mother-in-law, Laverne Bockhorst.
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Johnny Cox
MSA Millennium D10, Legend D10/12,
10 string Super Slide. Peavey Nashville 112, Walker Seats, John Pearce Strings and Bars, Goodrich Volume Pedals and a bunch of other stuff.
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Jim Hartley
From:
SC/TN
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 3:59 pm
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Randy,
I swore that I would never be too busy to go to the NTSGA jams, but somehow, this one got by me. Boy, did I pick a bad time to be busy. Sounds like I really missed a great time.
Russ, congratulations on your very well deserved award, you know you have always been one of my very favorites. By the way, does this mean that I can add to my resume that I have recorded with all these legendary players? I can't wait to get my copy.
See ya soon,
Jim |
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rpetersen
From:
Iowa
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Posted 4 Jan 2006 5:31 pm
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Hey Russ - Congratulations from Iowa - - -
Ron and Marcia
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Ron Petersen &
The Keep'n Tyme Band
Mullen Universal 12 - LDG SHO BUD - Session 400 LTD - Vegas 400 - ETC.
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Roger Crawford
From:
Griffin, GA USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 8:32 am
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Randy...shame on you!!! It was a good one, though, wasn't it? I can just see Russ scratching his hear over that list of players.
Russ... CONGRATS on the award.
Looking forward to seeing you guys in Atlanta next month. Bring me a copy of the CD!
Roger[This message was edited by Roger Crawford on 05 January 2006 at 08:34 AM.] |
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 10:06 am
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| Oops... maybe I should start reading the phone book [This message was edited by Ray Minich on 05 January 2006 at 10:08 AM.] |
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Laney Hicks
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 2:15 pm
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Tuesday night at the NTSGA JAM goes down in my "journal" as one of most memorable evenings we've ever spent! Visiting and really connecting with good "friends", (what an under-rated word!)is like a mood-enhancing drug for me, and I enjoyed every moment we spent together with folks we really love.
The music sets were excellent!!! We're a spoiled breed of people, blessed to be a part of a "community" of superbly gifted musicians and singers. Sweeter still is the undeniable fact that there honestly is, shared among everyone concerned, a genuine affection and appreciation for not only what each one "does" but also for who each one "is".
I know of no better example of this than the "whole story" around and behind the "Russless Prank"! First of all, only the twisted mind of a severely talented "person" would have come up with and orchestrated such a "project"; (Weldon, the "antic master, himself, must be proud of you, Randy)! Of course, I was put on a "need to know" basis when you guys realized that someone would have to be in place to separate the "real" entries from the "real doozies". Though I knew to "look for" certain cd's, I've had a bit of fun trying to guess "who" I was "really" listening to while Russ was being convinced that the greatest talents in America had yet to be discovered!!!
NOTE: At the time of our first "winner" declaration, which was "Alma McCoy", no genuine entries had yet been submitted. This only served to help along the "prank" because it got even more people aware and involved of the "situation" with the release of "her" name.
During the Jam, when the true identities of the "prank" were revealed, Russ stood there in the presence of most of his "heroes", and though he was speaking obsenities under his breath ( ) he was amazed and truly loved the "moment" of being part of such a "brethren".
But, neither of us was prepared for the "group" to present us with not only our personal, PRICELESS cd of this legendary compilation, but a box of cd's to do with "whatever we choose" and make such "magic" available to everyone else.
We are humbled and overwhelmed by this gesture of our Friends. Listening to the cd on our way home from the JAM, we laughed and we cried. The feelings run deeper than we could ever merely "say".
We're considering the possiblilities of how to best utilize the proceeds from the sales of these precious cd's that would benefit "everyone"; it's been such a "group effort", the "profits" must be likewise regarded.
For anyone interested in obtaining a cd of "Operation Russless",just mail $15.00 to 1020 West Sears Road, Pegram TN 37143.
Happy New Year, Everybody. We love you crazy, dear, talented folks so much!!!!
Laney (and Russ)
P.S. I'd also like to thank the club for recognizing my "Baby" with the Legend's Award. What a night for us!
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Jim Cohen
From:
Philadelphia, PA
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 3:24 pm
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| I notice that dear Russ has been remarkably silent on this matter. He must be off in a cave licking his wounds... |
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Michael Breid
From:
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 3:49 pm
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O.K. So much for the Matters of the Heart CD. Now, when are we going to get a Russless CD for all of Laney's CD's? That would be great! Especially the "Last Letter" CD.
Michael  ) |
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Hook Moore
From:
South Charleston,West Virginia
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 3:55 pm
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With friends like those, who needs etc...
Congradulations on the award my friend, you are my first pick too..
Hook
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www.HookMoore.com
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Merle Record
From:
Oxford, Maine, USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 4:26 pm
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Thanks for the nice post, Laney. Now I fully understand Russ's response after I asked him at the PSGA show how the contest was doing. He said "good, in fact too good, some of those contestants sound so good it's scary".
I think this whole thing is a "HOOT". It sounds like you two have some of the best friends in the world and I love reading stories like this. |
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Tony Rankin
From:
Land O’ Lakes, FL
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 4:58 pm
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I sure would like to see Scotty let all the "conspirators" perform the CD cuts with Laney at St. Louis. What a set that would be!
Tony
www.daytonambassadorsquartet.com
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Mike Sweeney
From:
Nashville,TN,USA
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Posted 5 Jan 2006 10:29 pm
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Laney,
Like I told you Tuesday night, This project was the most fun thing I've done all year. It was a true joy to watch this thing unfold and "grow" into what it became. You and Russ are two of our most favorite people and you are definitly my favorite lady singer. I can die a happy man now, I've finally gotten to record with you.
God bless you and Russ.
Mike Sweeney |
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Randy Beavers
From:
Lebanon,TN 37090
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Posted 6 Jan 2006 5:17 am
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I want to also say what a joy this has been for me. Imagine being in my "chair" and getting to record these folks. I have had many special days here at the house when we were doing the recording. I've felt like, (and still do), my hard drive has a treasure on it more precious than gold! I've made backups of my backups.
I'll never be able to thank everyone enough who had a part in this.
Jim, Russ probably is also sharpening his "claws" planning a counter attack! He did say something about getting even. |
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Sam White R.I.P.
From:
Coventry, RI 02816
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Posted 6 Jan 2006 6:08 am
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+Hey you know what they say Leave it to Beaver. Randy you have to be the greatest. I Met you for the first time at Steve Lenords 1st Annual Tri Cities Steel Guitar Show back in 2003 and I have seen you a couple of times after.When I seen you at the PSGA show in Norwalk Conn it was a pleasure seeing you again.Great Job setting Russ up. He is a great guy and you just better be ready for pay back big time. He and Laney will get their heads together and you are in for it.All great People at the NETSGA.I have to renew my membership I want to remain in your Association. RUSS HICKS Congradulatione on your award and get randy good he deserves it.
Sam White |
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Randy Beavers
From:
Lebanon,TN 37090
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Posted 14 Jan 2006 6:31 pm
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| A bump for this CD. This should be a "must have" for everyone's collection! |
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