Bill Stafford -- a True "Class Act"

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 21 Oct 2004 6:31 am

A while back I posted a thread on the subject of the prerequsite for being a class act. Quoted below is an email from a New York steel guitar fan, Bill Repsher, regarding my special friend Bill Stafford, who truly meets my criterion for "a class act". Mr. Repsher requested that his email be posted here, as he is not a Forum member.
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I just wanted to drop a quick note of thanks to this forum. A few weeks ago, I watched the video for the movie of My Own Private Idaho, and what immediately occurred to me was how great the soundtrack was. I knew I
didn't have it in my vast music collection, and a quick search of the Web let me know that a soundtrack for the movie didn't exist. So, I went back to the closing credits and noted that someone named Bill Stafford was responsible for this music.

This sent me back to Google searches on the web, where I came upon this website, and mention of Bill Stafford. Almost imediately, I noticed that someone on the forum had provided an email address for Mr. Stafford. So, I figured, let's get it straight from the horse's mouth, if that really is his email address.

I sent an email explaining my situation and asking if there was any way I could get a copy of that music. Weeks passed, and I figured that this was a waste of time. But after three weeks, I got an email from Bill, checking in from Gulfport, Mississippi. He had been sidetracked by the awful
hurricane season that blew through the Gulf Coast this fall, and it was only now that he could answer some emails.

He told me that yes, he was responsible for that music, and yes, he had a CD that had a few of the tracks that appeared in that movie. He offered to send me a copy if I provided a mailing address, and if I liked it, I could send him a check for $15; if I didn't, simply send the CD back.

That's my kind of deal. The CD, Going Home, arrived in the mail within a week, and I put it on the night it came, watching the baseball playoffs with the sound turned off while the CD played. Needless to say, I was deeply impressed by Bill's talents -- particularly on his version of America the
Beautiful. I've been listening to country music with steel guitars for years, but this was the first time I sat down and listened to an entire album of nothing but solo steel guitar music, and it's a strange experience,
both calming and disorienting at times. It's like nothing I've heard before -- in a good way.

I wrote Bill back the next day, asking if he had more CDs, and sure enough, he has two more, so I immediately ran out and got a money order in the amount of $45 to pay for all three discs. I've yet to hear the other two, but I'm certain they;ll be as intriguing and well-performed as Going Home.

So, it's been an odd experience for me, to watch an old movie, enjoy the music in it, have my curiosity piqued, do some research and end up not just finding the music I was looking for, but the musician who created it. And its been a pleasure dealing with him, as Bill Stafford seems like a
stand-up individual with a good heart. You can listen to his playing on "America the Beautiful" and hear something wonderfully open about our country -- and you can feel the same when you deal with the man personally.

Again, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Bill Repsher
New York City
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Mr. Repsher: Thanks for the kind words about my special friend, Bill Stafford. Anyone who has ever met Bill and heard him play will agree that he is one of the best steel guitarists on the planet and is a true gentleman.

Roy Ayres

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Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 21 Oct 2004 8:18 am

Roy-Thank you for Posting this for all of us to read.

"Them" is my Sentiments exactly about Bill Stafford.

He is a tremendous talent and a really nice guy, and my friend. He did it all his way!.......al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Chuck S. Lettes · Post by **Chuck S. Lettes** » 21 Oct 2004 8:34 am

I also heard Bill's music when I saw the movie, and I got to meet Bill at a St. Louis convention. We have had many conversations about that recording, and about the steel guitar. I have found Bill to be a wonderful rersource, plus he is one smooth player.
Chuck

Greg Simmons · Post by **Greg Simmons** » 21 Oct 2004 11:09 am

Bill, as always, was fantastic at this past ISGC

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Greg Simmons
Custodian of the Official Sho~Bud Pedal Steel Guitar Website

[This message was edited by Greg Simmons on 21 October 2004 at 12:09 PM.]

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 22 Oct 2004 8:30 pm

Bill will always be a great friend to me. From the day we met almost 18 years ago, we have kept in touch and I was honored to have been asked to write the liner notes on "GOING HOME"...it's a great cd and should be a part of everyone's collection.

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 22 Oct 2004 10:16 pm

Bill Stafford, aka Mr. Smooth, is a gentleman's gent. What a class act. He and his wife made my granddaughter and I so welcome in their home this last year that we really hated to leave. Bill and Betty were so kind as to saddle their little pony, Pumpkin, and let my granddaughter ride for as long as she wanted. I hope that the Staffords will remain as they are for eternity. Super people and one hell of a guitar player.

fred

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The spirit be with you!
If it aint got a steel, it aint real

erik · Post by **erik** » 23 Oct 2004 6:43 am

Can someone post the tracks and general theme of the CD. He should have a web site.

-johnson

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 23 Oct 2004 7:35 am

Erik,

I have Bill's CD but I don't have it with me on vacation. A few of the songs I recall are: America The Beautiful; Going Home; Danny Boy; E Mama E; Home On The Range; and Hawiian Wedding Song. It is the best bargain you will ever find in terms of steel guitar CD's.

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Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.[This message was edited by Roy Ayres on 23 October 2004 at 08:39 AM.]

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 23 Oct 2004 8:50 am

I will echo Roy's post on the CD. It is just a great CD and I don't recall those tunes ever being recorded so beautifully. It is an eye opener, better get it!....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 24 Oct 2004 3:23 am

Thanks to all for the wonderful thoughts and words. You guys have left me speechless. Wish my mom and dad could still be here to read all of this. It is so appreciated.
Our love for this instrument comes out in many different ways and I wish I could thank all of you personally. Wish to see you all soon at all the steel shows around the country.
I will be in Saluda in November, Arizona in Jan., and we here in Gulfport, Ms. will be having our DSSGA end of the year session on Dec 4th. and you all are most welcome.
Thanks again from my heart and soul.

Bill Stafford

Roland Buras · Post by **Roland Buras** » 24 Oct 2004 9:15 am

I have the album as well and it is truly an inspirational work.. full of Bill's heart and soul. I would like to add that Bill Stafford is not only the gentleman you know at the steel guitar shows or the public apperances he makes, Bill is an all the time Gentleman and a wonderful friend. I have the opportunity that many do not ; that is to live in the same neighborhood as Bill. being a student of the guitar, Bill has encouraged me to play the instrument. time after time i have set up my Excel SD12 in Bill's home in front of Bill's guitar to try and capture a little of the magic in Bill's playing , my eyes light up and my Ears stand at attention when Bill play's that steel. many times he will stop me while playing and show me a better way to cord changes and progression. I've been wanting to say this for a long time... Thanks Bill ..
And to miss Betty' a wonderful friend,, she can really Cook. love you both.

R J Buras

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 24 Oct 2004 10:03 am

Bill,

You have more fans that you know!

Drew

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Fessenden D-10 8+8 / Magnatone S-8 (E13)

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 24 Oct 2004 10:03 am

Did you ever wonder what makes Bill's playing stand out so far above that of most others and how he came to be known as "Mr. Smooth"? My wife and I had the honor of being house guests of Bill and Betty on two occasions, the last being a four-day stay while I recorded my "Footprints" CD at Roland J. Buras' studio near Bill's ranch. No matter how early I might wake up while we were there, Bill would already be in his music room practicing. He is an "early riser" and spends hours and hours each day sitting behind that beautiful 14 string Excel. It is an amazing thing just to sit in the quiet of his home and listen to him go for hours on steel. Even in spite of the fact that he is already a super-accomplished player, he still keeps practicing and getting better and better. Of course, Bill's inherent talent is a great contributer to his musical accomplishments -- but it is my opinion that practice is what honed those talents into a razor's edge. He is a gentleman's gentleman and has truly earned the name "Mr. Smooth" -- and Laurie and I are so very honored to be able to call him and Betty our special friends.

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Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

George Keoki Lake · Post by **George Keoki Lake** » 24 Oct 2004 7:48 pm

Bill takes the pedal guitar to the outer limits which most other pedal guitarists can only dream about. While doing so, he utilizes his tone control which brings out the beauty of the instrument instead of the mundane sound I have heard from so many country pedal steelers. (Sorry, but that's what I hear!) Also, getting away from the guitar for a moment, never ask Bill to tell you a joke. You'll be extremely sorry because you'll be in stitches from laughing so hard !!!

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 24 Oct 2004 9:06 pm

We here in Portland were graced by Mr Stafford's countenance for several years while he worked around Sierra. Tom Baker, Bill, Neil Rogerson, Danny, Felix and a few others were the best parts of that company.

I loved Private Idaho, as it's a real "Portland Story" though some might find it a touch disturbing, and it's probably not one you'd send your mom and her church group.

The Sound Track was MASTERFUL.

Thanks to Bill from myself and all my friends here. I never ran into anybody that had a bad word to say about him.

Eric West.

Hal Higgins · Post by **Hal Higgins** » 28 Oct 2004 8:19 pm

Bill Stafford.....in the steel guitar community....his is a name that speaks great volumes......concerning the steel guitar....with his tremendous innovations over the last several decades, and his flawless way of playing all the great songs including "big-band" tunes that are very seldom, if ever, heard played on this instrument....but Bill plays them with such finesse. Truly, he is one of the living legends of the steel guitar, and no wonder he receives the high accolades he has gotten. I really appreciate this man and his tremedous talent. May he be around for many more years to come and inspire all of us to do greater than we've ever done. You're my friend, Bill....I appreciate that friendship........HAL

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Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 6) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 30 Oct 2004 4:28 am

Again, no words could ever fully describe the respect and admiration I have for everyone I have met in our steel guitar world. I can only give much thanks every day forever to all of you that have crossed paths with me. As Jerry Byrd always tells me in his letters-"...keep your thumb pick hot", I am sure he would not mind should I extend those warm words to all of you guys.
Thanks again.

Bill Stafford

Billy Robinson · Post by **Billy Robinson** » 9 Nov 2004 5:56 pm

Bill Stafford is not only a great steel player but a great artist as well.I have seen some of his paintings and they are really good .Beautiful music and beautiful art work go hand in hand.
Billy Robinson

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 9 Nov 2004 8:38 pm

You can't hardly beat "Mr. Smooth. Also, he plays "The Tennessee Waltz" better than anybody. Jody.

[This message was edited by Jody Sanders on 10 November 2004 at 09:28 PM.]

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 10 Nov 2004 5:14 am

Billy,

You are right. The man is multi-talented. He has one painting hanging on a hall wall that he literally did overnight -- detail one wouldn't believe. And he is the soothest and one of the best steel men around -- and you "ain't no slouch" yourself, Billy. You amaze me imitating a pedal steel with no pedals.