RIP. Maurice Anderson

Randall Palmore · Post by **Randall Palmore** » 8 Jul 2013 1:50 pm

My heartfelt condolences to Teresa and the family.

Peter Freiberger · Post by **Peter Freiberger** » 8 Jul 2013 3:35 pm

A terrible loss to much more than just the world of music. I didn't know the man, except through his music, but always have heard wonderful things about him. He was portrayed to me as a man of great faith, but also great tolerance for those of differing faiths. A quality of which the world could use a lot more today.

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 8 Jul 2013 5:09 pm

I've just seen this and am so sorry to hear this terrible news. terrible for us who he leaves behind.

I first met Reece when I talked to him about one of the superslide guitars they were building and I bought the first 12 string they made. Soon, I had an MSA Universal and took some lessons via phone.

Later I was able to meet him in person when he gave his teach in at Howard R's hat store in Manhattan. Howard and I picked him up at the airport and I escorted him around new york. It had been decades since Reece had last been in New York and I think he was amazed at the changes. We walked to central park and I showed him the Jazz at Lincoln Center building, we had lunch at Grand Central and Reece laughed at the price of a New York burger, but still insisted on paying for the both of us. Later we shared a drink or two in Times Square.

Throughout, Reece was an open, honest, funny, interesting, caring, person. He told me stories about the Bob Wills days, his life, his music.

And during the class itself, Reece couldn't have been more giving, patient, or clear as an instructor. I met Jim Cohen in that class.

I will miss having him on this earth with me. I know you are showing some angel right now the benefits of 12 strings.

Louie Hallford · Post by **Louie Hallford** » 8 Jul 2013 7:34 pm

Buying a new MSA in the late 60's was the best thing that ever happened to me musically. Dealing with Reese and Jerry was a pleasure. (Thank God the old Sho Bud crossover is gone) Reese and Jerry have always been so approachable every time I see them. WILL MISS YOU REESE.

Condolences to Teresa,Jerry, and Reese's Mom. He was always so proud to show off those two leading ladies of his life. While I never met his children,I did meet the husband of one daughter as he was a doctor in Denison Tx where I live, He later moved his business closer to the DFW Metroplex.

Frank Harris · Post by **Frank Harris** » 9 Jul 2013 5:02 pm

Rest in peace my friend and thanks for the many years of your great steel playing we all enjoyed.

Lee Barber · Post by **Lee Barber** » 9 Jul 2013 9:55 pm

Maurice Anderson: What can be said about him? Everything good, he was a gentleman, a Christian, a good husband to Teresa the lady he adored, loved and cherished. He was a teacher, mentor, inventor, and a friend to others. In all the years I never heard a bad word about Reece. I had the pleasure to meet, be taught and befriended by Reece and what a joy to have in my life. You will be sorrowfully missed. God bless and RIP.
Lee Barber

Michael Gentry · Post by **Michael Gentry** » 10 Jul 2013 8:49 am

My first and only pedal steel I've ever owned.

MSA Semi-Classic 3-2

I'm an MSA guy for life.

RIP

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 11 Jul 2013 11:38 am

It's taken a while for me to think of how to best express how I feel. To me, Reece simply IS the best steel guitarist of all time (although... I do believe he's with about five to ten other players who could all out-play one another depending on who was having a good day).

The steel guitar community, on average, is filled with some of the most generous good-natured people I've ever met. Even with that considered, Reece stood out above the rest and was in a class of his own.

He's meant more to my steel playing than any other one person ever has (or probably will). Since I first studied with him, he's been on my mind with every note I've played. We shared a love of jazz and western swing. I fully intend to honor him by taking those styles as far as I can. Wish me luck.

Teresa, you are in our prayers.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 11 Jul 2013 1:39 pm

I was discussing Reece's passing with a friend of mine today who was also a mutual friend of Reece. We both recounted the spectacular set that Reece performed at last year's Dallas Steel Jamboree with the guest band that he helped to put together. It was an incredible live performance, one of which showcased his amazing musical skills and playing ability. There was a big gap in this year's show due to his unavailability. Not one of us there at the 2012 show last year would have guessed that it would be Reece's very last time on the Dallas stage.

I have the memory of that performance firmly entrenched into my brain, along with seeing many of the fellow Texas players leading the well earned standing ovation at the end of the remarkable performance. Maurice Anderson's legacy is that of consummate musician and family man.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 11 Jul 2013 7:30 pm

Every time I take a glance at "Gone Home"......man,,
I dunno, can't add much... Just so sad.
Reece was an exceptional gentleman.
If someone found a raggedy old battered MSA in a barn somewhere and posted a question about it here, Reece was quick to take the time to answer personally, and would always say, "Thanks for being part of the MSA family".. I played MSA steels exclusively for many years.. I truly did feel like "part of the MSA family" during those years mostly because of Reece.. May he rest in peace, In God's care... bob

Al Vesel · Post by **Al Vesel** » 11 Jul 2013 8:05 pm

I'm with you Bob. I also hesitate everytime before I go to this site wondering who has passed on now. Everything I would have said, has been said about Reece. What a legend. God Bless you in your new journey with our Lord, Reece.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

God Bless and another great one is gone !!

Al V.

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 12 Jul 2013 5:50 am

Fridays are usually pretty slow at work, so I play music from my Itunes library. Today I'm listening to Maurice exclusively. The man was a musical genius, no matter what style of music, the man could play it superbly, and always with that smile on his face. RIP Maurice, your music will live for a long time.

Guenther Dachs · Post by **Guenther Dachs** » 12 Jul 2013 2:37 pm

I am very sad to hear that Maurice Anderson has passed away.

He was such an outstanding musician and a wonderful person. I met him in the 80's in a small club in Basel, Switzerland when he did a concert with his Band.

Reminiscing this unique concert I put a video on YouTube only a few weeks ago
(http://youtu.be/Ulvpn57OyaE)
not having the faintest idea that Maurice Anderson would have to die so soon.
In this video I tried to express my feelings and unforgettable impressions about that remarkable concert with Reece in the 80's.

Raybob Bowman · Post by **Raybob Bowman** » 13 Jul 2013 12:33 pm

Fred Justice wrote:David, what a legacy this man leaves us.
A very censer man, loved by all. I know Reece is with the Lord.
I too will miss that big smile.

+1

Tom Johnson · Post by **Tom Johnson** » 13 Jul 2013 3:40 pm

I attended a dobro workshop that Reece taught last August. The things he told us about made me want to explore the steel guitar. He was a great teacher as well as player. A classy gentleman the world will miss.

Raybob Bowman · Post by **Raybob Bowman** » 13 Jul 2013 4:53 pm

He gave a seminar in bay area in '77, shared his new uni tuning. I was a newbie and tried following his footsteps. He explained thing so well and answered every question in great detail. God bless his family, his legend will live on forever in my heart.

Stuart Basore · Post by **Stuart Basore** » 13 Jul 2013 4:57 pm

I've kowwn Reese for A good while and will miss him great deal. R I P old friend. Stu

Smiley Roberts · Post by **Smiley Roberts** » 15 Jul 2013 3:52 pm

What can I say that hasn't been,already,been said? Reece was a true gentleman. Back in the '70's,when I was working w/ Tommy Overstreet,Reece gave me a D-10,8 & 5 to play. I would call him on several occasions,just to chat,including his b'day. He will,TRULY,be missed!

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 15 Jul 2013 4:08 pm

Before Reece started making the new millennium model I needed a fretboard for an old MSA that I was restoring. I contacted Reece and he had his daughter, who is an artist, paint a beautiful fretboard for me to use. He was a true Christian, and is with his Lord now. Thank you!

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 16 Jul 2013 7:46 am

Any question I ever asked Reece, he quickly and thoroughly answered. I'll bet a lot of players could say that of him. He helped come up with the MSA steel, quite an accomplishment in terms of precision and durability. Undoubtedly it was most helpful if one were training to become a weight-lifter.

Of course he was among the greatest players of that funny
contraption. Thanks for everything, Reece. Condolences to family and friends. steve t

joe long · Post by **joe long** » 16 Jul 2013 1:48 pm

What a gentleman and such a kind person. Athough we were not close friends he was still a friendto me. We both shared December 12th as the day we were born. Had to have been the mid-60's the first time I met Reese when he and Tommy Morrell had their business on Jefferson Blvd behind a music store. This was in Oak Cliff (Dallas). Somehow our paths would cross acouple times a year.
Reese was such a fine person andI miss him already.

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 16 Jul 2013 2:05 pm

I learned so much from you.

I still hear your voice in my head.

I learned a lot more than steel.

I will do my best to "pay it forward".

Ron

Lee Gillespie · Post by **Lee Gillespie** » 16 Jul 2013 6:46 pm

I just read this thread...Did not know Reece had passed away. I[ve known Reese for many years. When they designed and started manufactoring the new style steel Reece talked me into buying the new MSA.
(Which I still have today). Ive talked with him on the phone many times and he was always a gentleman and always treated me well. I am indeed shocked and sadden by his passing. May he rest in peace in the Lord"s heavenly home. I'll miss you old friend. Lee

Niels Andrews · Post by **Niels Andrews** » 16 Jul 2013 10:04 pm

Reece now has a Facebook page. Just go to Facebook and enter "Maurice Anderson".

Dallas Cheked · Post by **Dallas Cheked** » 17 Jul 2013 2:58 pm

The Big "A" in MSA Guitars. Godspeed to you, Reece...
you will be dearly missed.

The Steel Guitar Forum

RIP. Maurice Anderson

m. anderson

an Ode to a great

R. Anderson's passing

A real good man, good person.

Thanks for your contributions, Reece

Reece Anderson...You will be missed!

Reece