Big E...

Obituaries and remembrances
of steel guitarists, their friends and families

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billy tam
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big e

Post by billy tam »

Hard to write this one. RIP Mr Emmons and prayers to the family during this time. Many tributes will be made to the life of this unbelievably talented man by people who knew him very well. For me when I finally heard him live at the Scottie's 2007 convention after listening to the best of the best for hours and hours it only took a few notes of an intro for me to understand. A notch above all I have ever heard. Touch, tone, brilliance of execution unsurpassed. And in IMHO the best note selection in any setting of any player on any instrument. Like so many others he will be terribly missed.
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Russ Tkac
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Post by Russ Tkac »

Sad time indeed.
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Bent Romnes
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Post by Bent Romnes »

I am so sad to hear this. One of the biggest has passed away.
I am extra saddened to think that he died all alone and lonely. He is back with Peggy now and that makes me feel better.
Rest in Peace, Buddy
Teddy Lloyd
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Post by Teddy Lloyd »

Joe Adams is right Ron E knows just what happend
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Walter Stettner
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Post by Walter Stettner »

Can't say much at this point, I am shocked. What a terrible loss for the music world.

RIP, Buddy and thanks for your contribution to music history.

Walter Stettner
Vienna, Austria
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John McClung
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Post by John McClung »

Next to parents passing, this was the day I dreaded most. I'm so saddened at our loss. Going into a week of mourning, talk to y'all later.

I have many steel guitar idols and heroes, but Big E was the top of that long list.
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Larry Chung
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Post by Larry Chung »

Although I never met Buddy Emmons in person, he taught me more about what to play, when to play, and how to play, on whatever instrument I happened to be playing, and even how to just listen carefully when I wasn't playing at all.

An artist in the fullest sense of the word, innovator, inventor, scholar, teacher and, even despite never having met him, friend, especially of the pedal steel guitar. A head matched by a heart matched by a soul. An inspiration to so many of us. And, without a doubt, a lover of music and all things musical. You will be missed and have my everlasting gratitude.

RIP.
Last edited by Larry Chung on 29 Jul 2015 1:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Pat Heller
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Buddy's Passing

Post by Pat Heller »

Over the years hundreds of players have developed into great players. Buddy was born a great player, God made him that way from day one. When he played he was connected to that guitar with his heart and soul. It was an honor to have known him. He was steel guitar-------GOD BLESS HIM.
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Susan Alcorn
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Post by Susan Alcorn »

I just read this in a post on facebook, so I came here to read, desperately hoping it wasn't true. I don't know what to say. So much sadness today for all of us.
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James Leaman
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Post by James Leaman »

The steel guitar world will never be the same again. There will never be another giant like him. RIP Buddy!
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Malcolm McMaster
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Post by Malcolm McMaster »

Sad news, sincere condolences to his family and friends.Had privilege of meeting him a few times, fantastic player.
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Nick Reed
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Post by Nick Reed »

Rest In Peace my friend

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Don Sulesky
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Post by Don Sulesky »

The music world will never be the same. Rest in peace, Buddy.
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Bill Hatcher
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Post by Bill Hatcher »

RIP....you are still the gold standard.
David Alexander
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Post by David Alexander »

Rest in peace Buddy. So sad!!!
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Ben Greene
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Post by Ben Greene »

Truly a sad day! Rest easy Big E!
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Al Brisco
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A Legend Passes

Post by Al Brisco »

What sad news!

I am blessed to have known him, having brought him to Canada several times for conventions, etc., & of course getting to play on the same stage at St. Louis & Dallas, etc.

The pedal steel world will not be the same without him.

Condolences to the family.
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Frank Freniere
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Post by Frank Freniere »

A punch to the gut...

Go rest high on that mountain, Big E.

Condolences to the family.
Steve Alcott
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Post by Steve Alcott »

Very sad-there's not a note played by anyone on PSG that isn't influenced by Buddy Emmons.
Larry Miller
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Post by Larry Miller »

Rest in Peace Buddy.
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George Seymour
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Post by George Seymour »

Very sad, shocking. The music world has lost the best that's ever been. RIP
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Johan Jansen
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Post by Johan Jansen »

I'm shocked. R.I.P. Buddy.
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Joe Casey
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Post by Joe Casey »

I'm truly sad and lost for words.
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Jack Stoner
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Post by Jack Stoner »

So sad. The "Maestro" is gone. There are a lot of great steel guitar players but Buddy was the innovator and is the greatest.
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pdl20
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The Big E

Post by pdl20 »

RIP Buddy, you have and will always be # 1 in the memories and fans of this instrument. im so Glad I have Played your creation, The Emmons PP ,Emmons Legrande and Legrande II. and had the Pleasure to meet you . I hope with Gods help we will all see you again. Prayers go out to your Family.
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