Ralph Mooney..1928-2011

Obituaries and remembrances
of steel guitarists, their friends and families

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Jerry Lee Newberry
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Post by Jerry Lee Newberry »

So sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Family.


Donna
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Danny Naccarato
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Post by Danny Naccarato »

A hero of mine. Back in 1988, a close friend of Buck Owens (and mine) said that Buck told her that Mooney's sound was how a steel was supposed to sound and that he was his all time favorite.....

RIP Moon
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Brandon Ordoyne
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Post by Brandon Ordoyne »

Rest in Peace Mr. Moon

Brandon
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Curt Shoemaker
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Post by Curt Shoemaker »

I know Heaven heard a big "HOWDY!" when Moon walked through the Pearly Gate.

My condolences to the family.
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Chris Schlotzhauer
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Post by Chris Schlotzhauer »

I'm just now hearing of this news.
My heart is heavy today.
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ray qualls
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Post by ray qualls »

Seen Moon play many times over the years at the Texas show and St. Louis & Tulsa shows.He always had a smile on his face and you could tell that he was enjoying himself. Condolences to the family. Ray
Ray Qualls
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Jerry Hayes
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Post by Jerry Hayes »

I'm really saddened to hear of this! Ralph's been my hero long before I even took up steel. When I first started playing "out" in the early sixties in SoCal, I was a lead guitarist and it seems like most of us were trying to do "Mooney" licks on guitar. I know that Moon was a direct influence on the late Clarence White and was probably the person who was responsible for the B-Bender Tele. Clarence wanted to do some "Mooney" things and he and Gene Parsons devised a way to play Moon's stuff easier on a guitar. I'd have to say he's probably been my main infuence on steel and I'm proud to say that I have an 8th pedal on my steel that doesn't do anything but raise the 4th string E to F#. RIP Moon, we all love you and what you taught us.....JH in Va.
Don't matter who's in Austin (or anywhere else) Ralph Mooney is still the king!!!
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David Griffin
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Post by David Griffin »

RIP Moon :( What can I say that hasn't already been said? Ralph,we love you & you will never be forgotten.
Dale Bennett
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Ralph Mooney

Post by Dale Bennett »

It's so hard loosing a friend espeacially after 45 yrs. We may all try but, we will never be quite the man you were. I feel so sorry Mrs. Mooney and family. We were all your family. Rest in peace my friend. I'm so glad I have lots of your music, I will never forget you. I really loved you guy. db :cry:
Mike Vallandigham
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Post by Mike Vallandigham »

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Norma Jean Lucas
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Post by Norma Jean Lucas »

I too have seen and heard Ralph play many times but I'll never forget the time he was playing at the Tulsa show and Speedy West put a sack over Ralph's head while playing Rainy Day Woman. Ralph came over to me and said I can play in A all day long without having to see the frets! I loved his steel playing and most of all his humbleness. He always had time for his fans. Prayers go out to his family. RIP Ralph, the best is yet to come!
Ronnie Miller
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Moon

Post by Ronnie Miller »

Just saw this, I am so sad. RIP my friend, you are loved by so many, and will be missed by all....Ronnie & Ginger
Ken Frazier
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Post by Ken Frazier »

I read somewhere that Ralph Mooney was so Original that he was never duplicated.
I truly believe that.
RIP SIR.

Ken Frazier
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Roy Rosetta
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Post by Roy Rosetta »

Mine and Barbara's prayers and condolences to Moon's family. We've lost a special friend.
..Roy and Barbara
Music is a "gift" with many wrappings....
....Roy
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Jack Stoner
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Post by Jack Stoner »

Although we knew this was coming it's still sad when it happens. Condolences to the family of a true Pedal Steel Guitar Pioneer.
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Johan Jansen
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Post by Johan Jansen »

I'm shocked.
I hope he takes the tourbus to heaven now.
RIP Mister Mooney
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Jack Dougherty
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Post by Jack Dougherty »

God bless Moon.
Our great loss but Waylon gets his picker back.
RIP and prayers to his family.

JD
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Don Sulesky
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Post by Don Sulesky »

When I saw Mooney on the cover of the Steel Guitarist mag I knew I wanted a ShoBud like his.
He will be missed by all.
Don
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"Steel guitar is like playing chess in the dark with three players". Jeff Newman quote from 1997 seminar
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Kevin Mincke
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Post by Kevin Mincke »

We knew this was coming sooner than later, but it's never any easier to accept. My prayers are with Ralph's family.
He's a big part as to why I wanted to play pedal steel as I recall writing him a letter back in the mid 70's with "questions".
A pioneer giant who many of us looked up to :cry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-urOq56Ofc&NR=1
Shorty Smith
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Post by Shorty Smith »

Rest in peace Ralph, the world and I will surely miss you, Shorty
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chas smith
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Post by chas smith »

Image
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Jimmy Youngblood
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Post by Jimmy Youngblood »

Gone but never forgotten. Moon, you're a real hero!
Mark McConville
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Post by Mark McConville »

Sad to lose a legend.

RIP.
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Chuck S. Lettes
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Post by Chuck S. Lettes »

Thanks for the great music and the inspiration, Mr. Moon. You created the sounds that drew me to the steel guitar. My condolences to the family.
Chuck
Billy Murdoch
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Post by Billy Murdoch »

Sincere Condolences to Moon's Family.
The pain is over,Rest in peace Moon.
I will always treasure the memories of meeting You.
Billy
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