John David Call

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 4 Apr 2020 9:08 am

Going through my scrap book I found this photo Of John with PPL. Thought some one might enjoy it. Date is March of 1977.
John was very friendly and easy to approach.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 4 Apr 2020 10:04 am

Thanks Bill. Here's one of my favorite Pure Prairie League tunes with John David Call's steel.

I loved that era of country rock..melodic tunes, great harmonies, and lots of steel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqPIjIadbpE

Mike Schwartzman · Post by **Mike Schwartzman** » 4 Apr 2020 10:33 am

Cool Bill...When I was a kid we didn't have much in the way of country music with PSG at home. So PPL was one of my first exposures to the instrument. I heard the tune that Jeff linked to his post (Tears) on the local Baltimore "underground radio station". I went out and bought that first album. It sounded like magic, and I dig it just as much to this day.

Norman Allen · Post by **Norman Allen** » 4 Apr 2020 1:03 pm

That's a great photo Bill. And Jeff. Tears has always been one of my favorite PPL tunes as well. Such a great example of the old Sho~Bud tone. So rich and sweet and when you can rip into it like John can it can really honk as well.

Steve Mueller · Post by **Steve Mueller** » 5 Apr 2020 6:42 pm

I met John around 1971 when PPL was getting their start playing at New Dilly's in Cincinnati. He was the one that inspired me to take up the steel guitar. I talked to him again in 2019 when PPL performed at the Ludlow Garage in Cincy. Great guy and a wonderful steel player.

John Brabant · Post by **John Brabant** » 11 Apr 2020 6:32 pm

Yes, but THIS is the song that I became so fixated on, with Craig Fuller playing tele against JD Call's steel playing that caused me to obsess to the point that I had to buy a pedal steel. This and Pearl of the Quarter...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRad3UCgxrw

Frank Agliata · Post by **Frank Agliata** » 12 Apr 2020 8:22 am

One of my favorite players. He had that perfect blend of county twang and rock and roll. Takin' the Stage is still one of my most played albums.

Joe Cook · Post by **Joe Cook** » 19 Apr 2020 9:10 am

One of my favorite bands because of his authoritive and melodic playing. I love the two part steel intro to Tears. Just fantastic.

Dennis Ellerbee · Post by **Dennis Ellerbee** » 19 Apr 2020 5:11 pm

I have really got to know John and become friends these last couple of years. He is still a great steel player, and one of the nicest guys you will meet. When you see Pure Prairie League playing some where go talk to him. He is always glad to meet you. I should be in jail for all the steel licks I stole from him.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 20 Apr 2020 12:24 am

great photo. John is one of those that for whatever reason never got the NATIONAL NASHVILLE type of recognition that he truly deserved, but he may have single handedly influenced more people who were on the fence with regard to Country Music and Pedal Steel, to take the plunge over any other player.

Lets put it another way, I knew who John was and enjoyed his playing well before I was familiar with most of the Nashville iconic names. They came later, John was leading the way. I bet I am not alone.

Suite Steel came AFTER my PPL records !

THX John ! I'm Still listening to those PPL cuts !

John Brabant · Post by **John Brabant** » 1 May 2020 2:10 pm

Me too Tony! John and Buddy Cage. Those boys got me going. Of course, when I bought my used Maverick for $200 and the guy gave me the Winnie/Bill Keith Pedal Steel Guitar book, my horizons began to open up. I was so clueless. No internet, but what a way to learn about the world, incrementally, through by chance articles, conversations, musicians in bar bands...that's how we did it back then. My boys are so spoiled.

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John David Call

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