Jerry Byrd's book

Bill Creller · Post by **Bill Creller** » 19 Feb 2019 6:16 pm

I was just re-reading Jerry's book, "It was a trip "
I had not read it again since Jerry's passing. I bought it from Jerry in Hawaii, at the HSGA convention there. He and his wife both signed it for me, on 4-29-03. Sad that he was gone two years later. Kinda wondered how many folks here have the book (?)
I see that Amazon has a few in stock yet...

Frank James Pracher · Post by **Frank James Pracher** » 19 Feb 2019 6:18 pm

I have a copy Bill.. Great book!

Blake Hawkins · Post by **Blake Hawkins** » 19 Feb 2019 7:43 pm

I also have a copy. Interesting. Especially for a fan who remembers JB from his early days.

Jim Mckay · Post by **Jim Mckay** » 19 Feb 2019 8:23 pm

I have a copy also.
While I like all players for their different styles, Jerry still holds 1st place for me.
Also great to mention his relationship with the great Chet Atkins among others, another one of my top idols.

Steffen Gunter · Post by **Steffen Gunter** » 19 Feb 2019 10:25 pm

I bought a used copy from Amazon about two years ago (it's never been published in Germany). I guess it is always a bit more expensive being a steel guitar fan and player in Germany...

Nic Neufeld · Post by **Nic Neufeld** » 22 Feb 2019 3:31 pm

I have a copy but I never really properly worked through it...it spent a lot of time in tunings I wasn't set up for when I was getting started, so I kind of skipped it mostly, but maybe someday (when I'm not actively taking lessons and trying to keep up with that!) I'll revisit it. The accompanying CDs have some nice backing tracks (real instruments as I was told).

Scott Thomas · Post by **Scott Thomas** » 22 Feb 2019 4:18 pm

Jerry's autobiography

It Was A Trip, On Wings of Music

I need to finally pick this up.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 23 Feb 2019 9:14 am

Nic,
This isn't about his instructional material, it's about his book.

Keith Glendinning · Post by **Keith Glendinning** » 23 Feb 2019 10:11 am

C'mon Erv, I think you're nit pickin in this respect.

David Matzenik · Post by **David Matzenik** » 23 Feb 2019 1:07 pm

The only thing wrong with Jerry's book is that it's too short.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 24 Feb 2019 7:02 am

Keith,
I was just trying to clear up a bit of confusion.

Erv

Nic Neufeld · Post by **Nic Neufeld** » 24 Feb 2019 10:19 am

Appreciated, not sure why I overlooked that!!

Have never read his autobiography but will some day hopefully! I'm currently reading the biography of R Alex Anderson (famous songwriter of hapa haole tunes)...

Tony Oresteen · Post by **Tony Oresteen** » 10 Jan 2023 2:43 pm

So I am late to the party here but I just finished Jerry's autobiography "It was a Trip: On Wings of Music" and I really enjoyed it. Every steel player should read it.

A few things that I learned:

1. Single strings. We take for granted that individual strings are available. Jerry had to beg Squier to sell individual strings by gauge.

2. C6 Tuning. I never knew that Jerry developed it in 1938.

3. The importance of radio shows in the 30's & 40's for working musicians

4. Jerry didn't read music scores.

Now to finish Steve's book on Buddy Emmons

.

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 10 Jan 2023 7:25 pm

I purchased a used but mint copy from an Amazon seller a few years back. Was surprised and delighted to learn after delivery that it was an autographed copy.

Roger Fletcher · Post by **Roger Fletcher** » 10 Jan 2023 11:25 pm

Nic Neufeld wrote: I'm currently reading the biography of R Alex Anderson

I searched for this book on Amazon but just came with numerous books on quilting!

However, I did stumble on this video of R. Alex Anderson singing Lovely Hula Hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKFnWgWED5E[/url]

David Matzenik · Post by **David Matzenik** » 11 Jan 2023 2:02 am

I read JB's autobiography. My complaint was it is too short.

I have not seen his instructional material. So, to those who have: is it actual helpful, or is it just a number of transcriptions?

I have spoken with several great musicians, and it is my conclusion that many of them are inarticulate, or don't know what is difficult for us mortals.

Ethan Shaw · Post by **Ethan Shaw** » 11 Jan 2023 10:53 am

His instructional book is great! If you can get through it and play everything right, you're a really good steeler. A lot of it is pretty advanced, and in my opinion it's not the book a beginner would want to start with. But really good for someone who has some experience and is looking to get even better. He works through different tunings, and it's a wealth of information.

David Matzenik · Post by **David Matzenik** » 11 Jan 2023 2:23 pm

Ethan Shaw wrote:His instructional book is great! If you can get through it and play everything right, you're a really good steeler. A lot of it is pretty advanced, and in my opinion it's not the book a beginner would want to start with. But really good for someone who has some experience and is looking to get even better. He works through different tunings, and it's a wealth of information.

Thanks Ethan, it seems to have rubbed off on your playing. I may look into it, but like Dylan said, "Some things get to late to learn."

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 11 Jan 2023 2:30 pm

You might have better luck with this Jerry Byrd's instructional book.
This was my first exposure to the C6th tuning, quite an eye opener.
Erv

Matthew Lyons · Post by **Matthew Lyons** » 12 Jan 2023 7:13 am

It's available of Amazon in paperback and Kindle version...used and new copies it seems. Hope this helps. I'll try and post this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Was-Trip-Wings-M ... C67&sr=8-1

Ethan Shaw · Post by **Ethan Shaw** » 12 Jan 2023 10:56 am

Haha, Thanks, David! But trust me, I had the same thoughts more than once!

Olaf van Roggen · Post by **Olaf van Roggen** » 12 Jan 2023 12:43 pm

I bought the book when it came out while on holiday in Austin Texas.
I want to read it again, it's on the list with some other books.

Tony Oresteen · Post by **Tony Oresteen** » 12 Jan 2023 6:40 pm

Matthew Lyons wrote:It's available of Amazon in paperback and Kindle version...used and new copies it seems. Hope this helps. I'll try and post this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Was-Trip-Wings-M ... C67&sr=8-1

I got my copy on eBay for $15 shipped in VG condition.

Terry Wood · Post by **Terry Wood** » 28 Jan 2023 9:48 pm

Yes I highly recommend Steel Guitarists to read Jerry Byrd's book titled "It was a Trip on the Wings of Music." Also I recommend that they read Don Helms book titled "Settin' The Woods on Fire," and the new recently released Buddy Emmons biography titled " Buddy Emmons Steel Guitar Icon." Everyone of these books are excellent and very informative. They tell it like it really was in the beginning of Steel Guitar. All Legendary Players and 3 of the best ever to play the instrument.