Went to my first steel show in Magee, MS yesterday. On the bill were greats such as Hal Rugg and John Hughey, but the ones that really made an impression on me were the two generations of steel players with two generations of Hank Williams--Don Helms and Cowboy Eddie Long.
Mr. Helms of course was brilliant, and he did not mind taking questions about working with Hank or anyone else. In fact, he talked about as much as he played. He teared up a few times--perhaps the most moving time was when he talked about recording "Your Cheatin' Heart". He said the session was the only time he ever got to play the song with Hank--and they only played it once.
I was not familiar with Cowboy Eddie Long (at least not by name) before the show, but he was totally amazing in a different way. He had such energy, and the hot licks just came effortlessly to him. My jaw stayed on the floor, as did most of the other attendees. He was also very personable during and after the show, as was Mr. Helms.
If you have a chance to see either of these guys (if you haven't already), do yourself a favor and check 'em out.
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Don Helms, Cowboy Eddie Long
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Clinton Kirby
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