A special request

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 19 Feb 2005 11:34 am

JERRY BYRD is extremely ill and desperately needs some cheering up at this time from those he has loved most.......those of us in the steel guitar community.

I have a very special request to ask of each and everyone of you. Normally, I'd never ask anyone to do something like this but I do believe this occasion is more than justified and I'm sincerely hopeful that each of you will share this viewpoint with me.
A man that has dedicated his entire life to our favorite instrument, the steel guitar,
is now gravely ill. Through his beautiful and technically intriguing music, he has shared with each of us (and thousands we'll never know about), his very heart and soul.
He has given us the best in country music and also Hawaiian music.........all played with the highest quality, and superb "touch and tone". Not a lot of jumbled notes and shrill sounds but truly "original and creative" listenable music.
For some of us, our lives have litterally been dominated by the music this wonderful, caring and sharing gentleman has created.
Jerry Byrd's "recovery from his recent illness" seems to have taken a backward step; a serious occurance at his age and under the circumstances. WE all realize that there is nothing we can do for the physical aspects of his illness.......however, there is most definitely something each of us can do for his will and spirit which is extremely important at this point in time.
How many records of his own has he performed for "our" listening and learning pleasures? How many more songs has he lent his rare talent to for an army of faceless hopefuls and established recording artists, alike? His educational courses have added another important element to the playing progress of thousands of "us". How many of you play steel guitar today because you heard one of his fabulous recordings at an early age?
So here is my one-time request: With more than 4,000 Forumite Members at this time, can you imagine how wonderful it would make Jerry feel, to receive 4,000 cards and letters from "us", offering our words of encouragement and support? He truly needs this kind of support at this time or I wouldn't be asking for your help. You could easily double the total by asking and encouraging one or more close friends to likewise send along their personal comments about his fabulous life-long career playing the steel guitar for our listening pleasure.
We've lost so many wonderful artists this past couple of years and most simply slipped quietly away without a chance for any of us to send along our personal expressions of love and caring or good-byes.
Lets' not let this happen to JERRY BYRD. He has been unselfish in the time he has given freely to answer your cards and letters on a personal level. Please, let us show him now, while we can, that each of us holds him in the highest regard and that he is in our prayers each day. Perhaps send along a snap shot of yourself, your guitar and/or family. Won't you please give just a little of your time.......to give this fellow steel guitarist some much needed comfort and support during what has to be some of the darkest hours of his lifetime?
Please send your cards and letters to:
JERRY BYRD
P.O. Box 15026
Honolulu, Hawaii 96830

THANK each of you!

<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ray Montee on 20 February 2005 at 10:12 AM.]</p></FONT>

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 19 Feb 2005 11:43 am

Absolutely! None of the guys I love to listen to would exist without him, I think.

Les Anderson · Post by **Les Anderson** » 19 Feb 2005 12:10 pm

My card will be in the mail this afternoon.

Thanks for the push Ray.

Roger Kelly · Post by **Roger Kelly** » 19 Feb 2005 4:27 pm

I'll get a card in the mail tomorrow. Great idea Ray!

Dale Dorsey · Post by **Dale Dorsey** » 19 Feb 2005 6:01 pm

A wonderful thought and far more than well deserved. My letter will go out Monday. Thanks for the idea.

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 19 Feb 2005 6:10 pm

Ray-Thanks for your post and Jerry's mailing address. I hope we can lift his spirits, that might help. ......al

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

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 19 Feb 2005 11:27 pm

I'll get a letter off this weekend - I do suggest you re-title and re-post this, something like "Jerry Byrd sick - please send cards", it'll get more attention.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 20 Feb 2005 1:10 am

I will send him one from Bangkok tomorrow,
maybe that will tickle his fancy.
A post card from a yank steeler living in France,
but coming from Thailand.

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 20 Feb 2005 3:01 am

i'll get a card off to Jerry
Bon Voyage Bro D

Jan Mulder · Post by **Jan Mulder** » 20 Feb 2005 9:55 am

I will send him a card from a fan in Holland

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 20 Feb 2005 11:50 am

I've already addressed the envelope.

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 20 Feb 2005 3:06 pm

I hope others will also participate in this event. It does not look good, at the moment.
Thanks to those of you that have made a commitment to send along a card or note to Jerry Byrd. You can listen to some of his fine music on his web site: jerrybyrdfanclub.com

Rick Aiello · Post by **Rick Aiello** » 20 Feb 2005 3:34 pm

I owe JB ... bigtime.

Nothing I can do or say can relay my appreciation ... so I'm senin' him this picture ...

My finest "accomplishments" ...

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 20 Feb 2005 3:45 pm

Ray, you are one of our special people in this great steel guitar world. Thank you so very much for this posting to inform all about Jerry. It is heart breaking to hear this about Jerry. I talked with him about two weeks ago. I told him I wished he was 18 again so more generations could experience his heart and soul-felt music. He said "...I have had my trip and am thankful for my times...". He was in good spirits even then, but that Parkinsons is a dreadful disease. My older brother died from that last year and for us to see a former all American foot ball player disappear in front of our eyes was most difficult. Jerry, our love and sincere prayers are with and for you in your time of need. God bless you and your family for the strength required at this time.
Bill Stafford

Buddy Blackmon · Post by **Buddy Blackmon** » 20 Feb 2005 4:13 pm

I am a relatively new convert to Jerry's music, but once I heard him play, I have been addicted to Jerry's playing.

Card goes out tomorrow!

John Pelz · Post by **John Pelz** » 21 Feb 2005 6:07 pm

Bump for a good cause...

Laurie Ayres · Post by **Laurie Ayres** » 21 Feb 2005 6:19 pm

Ray: Roy and I sent him a CD of the song we did for him at the ISGA last year and Roy sent him a nice letter along with it. I will also send him a card tomorrow. Anyone who knows anything about steel guitar, knows Jerry Byrd and the contributions he has made. We all love him and are praying for him. That was a really sweet thought Ray! Thanks and I know Jerry will thank you too! Laurie

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 22 Feb 2005 1:58 am

Many thanks Laurie and Bill Stafford and all of the others, as well. I'd enjoy seeing a stack of mail arrive on Jerry's doorstep...... just so he'll know that we all do care very much about his health and over-all well-being. He's given us so very much. Come-on folks........get those cards and letters in the mail to our great friend, Jerry Byrd. Please don't be one of those that "should've done it" but failed to do so.
Thanks to all!

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 23 Feb 2005 4:23 am

Letter to Jerry on the way!

Jerry Van Hoose · Post by **Jerry Van Hoose** » 23 Feb 2005 6:02 am

That's a great idea, consider it done.

Howard Tate · Post by **Howard Tate** » 23 Feb 2005 9:08 am

I've sent a thank you card for all he has done for the music world. As a poor kid, there was no radio or phono, but once in a while I would hear a snippet of steel in a movie or at someones house. I've had a passion for it since. Thank's Jerry.

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Howard, 'Les Paul Recording, Zum S12U, Vegas 400, Boss ME-5, Boss DM-3
http://www.Charmedmusic.com

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 23 Feb 2005 6:16 pm

I'm sure all the gratitude will be much appreciated, and few have ever deserved as much appreciation for there efforts as our main man, Jerry Byrd.

Jerry's been better the last few days after being reinstated on his Park. medicine. He really was feeling about as low as you can, so hopefully all these cards and the medication will give him another long stretch of good health.

Leave it to Ray to do the right thing!

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 24 Feb 2005 11:42 pm

Thanks to each of you! thanx Ron for the latest word direct from Honolulu. Come on steel players and fans, let's let Jerry know that you really, really care. Much appreciated.
When Jerry was healthy and very busy playing music everywhere....he still had time to hand write letters back to those of you that wrote to him....... You're healthy, eh, so take the time to return the favor, ok?

Ron Whitfield · Post by **Ron Whitfield** » 25 Feb 2005 11:19 am

Ray, you remember Bobby Ingano, right? He's hoping to go with a very small group to Jerry's apt. and simply play for him to boost his spirits, maybe tomorrow. Wish you could be here. The timing may be too off, as Jerry wasn't into anybody or anything last week except dying, so it'll be a special moment if it happens.

Ray Montee · Post by **Ray Montee** » 25 Feb 2005 4:40 pm

Thanks again Ron........ Surely wish I could make the trip and such a visit but as we all know, this ole man is "poor". I'm sure that Jerry will enjoy it, provided he's in a social mood. With what he's gone thro', I wouldn't blame him for however he might be feeling at this time. Best Wishes for a successful outcome........