Steel man with Mel Tillis

Dave Cochran · Post by **Dave Cochran** » 18 Dec 2020 4:23 pm

I saw a video with Tillis singing New Patches. The steel man had on a funny-looking hat, a beard and a mustache. Any one know his name?
Dave Cochran
Montgomery, TX

Steve Hinson · Post by **Steve Hinson** » 18 Dec 2020 4:50 pm

Phil Koontz...

I've spelled his last name 3-4 different ways and keep finding other ways to spell it...I'm leaving it like this...

SH

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 18 Dec 2020 8:20 pm

Phil was such a great guy! He loved our instrument and always did his best.

Charles Kurck · Post by **Charles Kurck** » 19 Dec 2020 5:07 am

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 19 Dec 2020 6:10 am

Totally agree. Phil was a great addition to the Branson area and his passing was a loss to our Ozark Steel guitar association. He was indeed a 1st class musician.

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 19 Dec 2020 8:18 am

RIP Phil Koontz. Good guy, good player, one of a kind!

Tyler Hall · Post by **Tyler Hall** » 19 Dec 2020 11:32 am

Phil was a dandy. We sure played a lot of music together while I was in Branson. Underneath his gruff exterior was a sweetheart of a man. Hard to believe everyone in this picture except the guitar player (Brian Sterling) and myself are gone now.

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 20 Dec 2020 7:28 am

Phil became a good friend. He had an ex and kids out in Springfield OR. He'd come to town and we'd go out jamming. Once in the late 80's, while passing through Nashville, back when he played for Jean Shepard, I hung out for a few days and saw the sights. Went to Reel Country and got called up to sit in. Met Cal Sharp, Allen Love and a few others; a most memorable time. A big heart and a very soulful player!

The Steel Guitar Forum

Steel man with Mel Tillis

Steel man with Mel Tillis

Phil Coontz