Charlie Norris

Jody Cameron · Post by **Jody Cameron** » 9 Feb 2015 6:44 am

Sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. My condolences to the family.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 9 Feb 2015 7:02 am

I too am saddened to hear this news. Since I have been emcee'ing this show, Charlie would always come over to the side of the stage and talk about the show. He would always let me help him get on stage for the awards.

Charlie you will be missed by entire steel guitar family.

Buddie Hrabal · Post by **Buddie Hrabal** » 9 Feb 2015 12:20 pm

Sorry to hear about Charlie's passing. He did so much for the steel guitar and he will be missed greatly. Condolences to Shirley and Family

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 9 Feb 2015 1:59 pm

Truly sorry to learn of the death of Charlie Norris, a very dear friend. I had the opportunity to visit with Charlie and Shirley at their store, Norris Family Music, in Mesquite, TX, numerous times before they retired. Charlie sold me his 7 string National Electric Hawaiian steel in October, 2004.

Guitar History from Charlie:
He picked cotton after school for $0.03/lb. to buy guitar for $67.95 (2265 lbs.), and purchased it in Las Cruces, NM. The "Hawaiians" came by his home and he took lessons once a week. Lessons were $1.00/ea. and he paid in eggs (3 dozen/wk.) He sold the guitar in 1941 in Roswell, NM, before going into the Marines. It was bought by a man from Colorado. In 1985, a man brought the guitar into Norris Family Music, and wanted to trade for a pedal steel. Charlie immediately recognized his old steel and made a deal to regain the guitar.

I had offered to buy the guitar several times after our first meeting, but he would not sell. Finally in October, 2004, he agreed to sell to me and I was very pleased.

My wife and I last visited with Charlie and Shirley in their home on October 12, 2010. We exchanged old stories and played several songs together. I had taken along his old 7 string National Electric Hawaiian, and he enjoyed playing it for his last time. Fortunately for me, my wife videoed the last meeting and our playing, which I will certainly enjoy in the future.

"Mr. Charlie" was certainly a very good friend and my wife and I will miss him. Shirley is a very gracious lady, and our prayers will be with her and the family.

Bob Kindy · Post by **Bob Kindy** » 9 Feb 2015 3:48 pm

Charlie & Shirley helped me start my music store in Conroe. That was almost 30 years ago. Have remained friends all these years. He will be missed. God bless you Shirley and family may you fill the comfort of his love

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 9 Feb 2015 4:40 pm

I am saddened very much to read of Charlie's passing.
He allowed me to play for one of TSGA meetings in the back of his store and invited me to play the TSGA Convention that year and every following year while he was president of the club. Charlie was always very nice to me and I will not forget him.
Jerry

Jim R. Harrison · Post by **Jim R. Harrison** » 9 Feb 2015 5:10 pm

God Bless Charlie; May He Rest In Peace. Condolences to Shirley.

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 9 Feb 2015 6:00 pm

Sad news. Charlie was a good friend to me and to the steel guitar community. I will miss him. My condolences to Shirley and family.
Chuck

Spencer Scott · Post by **Spencer Scott** » 9 Feb 2015 7:22 pm

From all of us in the UK that new Charlie or have met him, our condolences to Shirley and Family.
Spence (UK)

George Piburn · Post by **George Piburn** » 9 Feb 2015 8:15 pm

Condolences from George and PJ Piburn

When I first brought GeorgeBoards to the TSGA 2002 at the Harvey Hotel , Charlie welcomed me into the TSGA with awesome stories of his beginnings on Non Pedal Steel.

I'll never forget him saying "You Know -- I taught Jeff Newman how to play Steel" as he played my Demonstration Steel Guitar.

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 10 Feb 2015 6:31 am

RIP Mr Charlie ---- I found out about the SWSGA in Charlie's store the November before the first show. He gave me Fred Justice and Bill Easton's names and I have been involved every since.

Prayers going out to the entire family

Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com

Paul Wade · Post by **Paul Wade** » 10 Feb 2015 7:20 am

sorry to here about Charlie i talk to him many times
about m.s.a guitars and bought two msa guitars from
him. god bless the family
R.I.P

p.w

Leslie Elliott · Post by **Leslie Elliott** » 10 Feb 2015 6:24 pm

We are saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. He was very kind to us and made us feel at home every time he brought us to Texas. His input in the steel guitar world will never be forgotten. He and Shirley were very gracious hosts and we have been missing them every since he stepped down as president. We send our condolences to both his families - relative and musical. He surely will be greatly missed. Rest in peace ole friend. Your Tennessee friends, Leslie and Ron Elliott.

bruce fischer · Post by **bruce fischer** » 11 Feb 2015 2:50 pm

so sorry to hear about charlies passing.
he was one of the first people I would see at the stl convention. we would visit and chat about anything. always a great visit. will miss you and always remember you. lovya charlie.

C.D. Richards · Post by **C.D. Richards** » 12 Feb 2015 5:09 am

This is such sad news. I had the opportunity to visit Norris music store a few times and buy and trade steels with Charlie. Getting to know both Charlie and Shirley was a blessing. I always looked forward to a brief visit with Charlie at the Dallas show. For me the show just want be the same.
Clovis Richards

Stoney Stonecipher · Post by **Stoney Stonecipher** » 12 Feb 2015 11:41 am

SO sorry to hear the bad news about Charlie. He and I have been friends for many years. He asked me to do MCEE work on his Texas show on a couple of occasions. I was honored to do just that. We'll all miss Charlie. My heartfelt condolences to Shirley and the rest of the family., Charlie-May you forever RIP.

Emmett Roch · Post by **Emmett Roch** » 19 Feb 2015 5:09 am

Charlie was a cool ol' feller. Gonna miss him.

Jim Little · Post by **Jim Little** » 1 Mar 2015 4:37 pm

Charlie was one of the finest men I have ever known. Only good memories.

Franklin · Post by **Franklin** » 2 Mar 2015 3:53 pm

Albert,
This is sad news.....Please pass on our condolences to his family.
Paul

Bill C. Buntin · Post by **Bill C. Buntin** » 10 Apr 2015 4:27 am

A true friend to all. No telling how many lives were touched by Charlie.

My condolences as well.

Bill

The Steel Guitar Forum

Charlie Norris

Dallas TSGA Jamboree 2002

R I P

Condolemces to Charlie's Families

Friend Charlie