Shee-sh Buddy, you could've went all night long without telling anybody your real age. See..? No one would've believed you were that old if you hadn't told them. Me? I'm still only nineteen! Ha!
Bob<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bob Wood on 13 June 2004 at 11:35 AM.]</p></FONT>
I have been around for 50+ years also. I've played with young and old and have my share of compliments.
However, there are a few that ask how old I am and suddenly have someone else in mind. My age doesn't bother me, but obviously it bothers them. I've asked "how old do I have to be to play in your band?" One guy said he was looking for 20ish or even 30ish if I was good.............Whoa Baby! I said I didn't think I'd be available then or ever for them. Guess I got a little up tight, but I'm sure I could've kept up with him.
Past my 70's and have been playing steel for over 55 years now. I still play 2 and 3 times per week, but I only play for folks who want to hear steel music, so I have to please only them, my wife and myself. I play by myself, so I get to play whatever I prefer plus what the people want to hear. Sure is fun. I played many years for dances and various other venues, 2 and 3 nights a week, worked six days a week and I guess I owe Buddy Emmons an apology. In all that time I can't remember having heard of Buddy Emmons. I know why, but that is no excuse I guess! I spent all my time working and trying to raise a family and didn't have time to pay attention to who was who. Anyway my life has been full and it's still fun and rewarding to play music.
I believe a persons attitude holds one back,more than their age.Today I saw on TV a man parachute,he is 80.I know of good steelers that can't get a playing job,not because of their age,but because they can't get along with people.I'm 64,and working a 6pc. band and two players are under 30, I'm the oldest in the band. Joe<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Joe Miraglia on 13 June 2004 at 03:14 PM.]</p></FONT>
Ed
NOW ! This is a subject a heck of a lot of us can identify with - I have to be one of the lucky guys - I live in an area where a lot of folks like to retire to ! So age is with us ! I to am 63 and the the Kid in the band ! Our base player who also plays /fiddle/mandolin/guitar is 75 , and the lead guitar / singer / fiddle is 70 and has been inducted in the Western swing hall of fame just last year . we have a fellow that will work with us that is in his 80's - Now! you say ! that sounds like a Jeritol group ! we might be ! but these guys are like you ! you name it They do it - two of this group have recorded with Faron Young among others . and the fellow thats 80 has worked for Hank Tompson Tex williams an more , and was playing in the Palomino Club in LA when I was still in Grade school - I don't think we really need to pick with the kids - But on the flip side ! They don't know what there missing
Ed, Right youth is wasted on the young, at 20 I thought my dad was the dumbest thing around, WOW what a year makes, at 21 he was pretty smart. I'm 64 and play bass, and would love to get to play more than I do. Got to pick a little at the Gulfport show, enjoyed it very much and will try to make the next one in August. Every one is right about him waking up in a few years to the real world
Mike
You hang in there partner. You got some good company. Willie Nelson said a few years back, referring to himself, Waylon, Cash, and others, that Nashville wasn't lookin' for talent but wanted the flat bellies.
Well, I ain;t got a flat belly anymore, neither do several other of you all, but I still love to pick. Jerry Byrd, Reece Anderson, Lloyd Green, Buddy Emmons, Doug Jernigan and others at the top of the heap, can still cut it and for that matter always could.
Age has nothing to do with real artistry.
Hang in there, "Root Hog or Die," as they say here in the Ozarks! And we's all a rootin' for you!
Ed--I would have told him O.K. sounds like fun and I would be there. I would ask him if we could do "Your Cheatin' Heart" or "The Wreck of the Old 97". Then I would turn to him and say let's play "You Look Wonderful Tonight" and "I Wanna Talk About Me". And for kickers play "Play That Funky Music White Boy"! That would show him OLD.And be nice about it. .Joe
My wife and I went to hear a band that was playing in our town Friday night. To make a long story short, I ended up playing lead guitar for them, 3 1/2 sets. The steel player was doing double duty on steel and lead. The band made me feel very welcome. 3 of the band members didn't have a clue who I was. We had never met. The steel player, Tommy Allison did a fantastic job on his new Mullen's. Nice Guitar. Just to show you that good bands have no problem with players that treat them as men, not just players. I think that is the difference in bands. I had alot of fun playing with them. Thanks, Ed
When you feel too old to play, go see Johnny Wright in concert. He's just 90 and has a full Canada tour booked for Sept!! His wife (whom all of you have heard) I believe is in her mid-'80's. Makes me feel 16 again.
Crazy Eddie, first thank you for the kind words. I really ebjoyed pickin' with you again. Also, thanks for taking some of the heat off of me by playing lead. I usually only have to play lead on six or eight songs in an eight hour gig. Don't tell the band but, thats what I get paid for. The steelin's free. You sure haven't lost anything on your lead playing. Next time you'll have to play some steel. As far as adge goes I'm 57 so I'm not far behind you.
Shee-sh Buddy, you could've went all night long without telling anybody your real age. See..? No one would've believed you were that old if you hadn't told them. 
Me? I'm still only nineteen! Ha! 
.Joe
