Pop goes the country steeler?

Terry Sneed · Post by **Terry Sneed** » 18 Jul 2005 7:04 am

Who was the steeler playin for Bill anderson and the po boys on pop goes the country this past week? They never showed his face, but he had long dark hair, and might have been wearing glasses. Larry Sasser? whoever it was, was tearin-it-up!

Terry

------------------
Mullen D10 /8x5 / session 500rd/ American Strat Highway 1 model
steelin for my Lord

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 18 Jul 2005 7:13 am

Terry,i heard it too,don't know who,but sure made me want to quit.that rascal knew how to play for sure.there was some fine steel on pop goes the country thru the wk.end. farris

Mike Sweeney · Post by **Mike Sweeney** » 18 Jul 2005 7:14 am

I didn't see it. But, When Pop Goes The Country was running it could have been Jack Smith for one. Sonny had already left and Mike Johnson was with Mel Street untill he died then went to work for Jack Greene before Bill Anderson.
Bill always used The Po' Boys on everything. And I don't think Whimpy ever was a Po' Boy.

Mike

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 18 Jul 2005 7:21 am

Bill did,IF you can live with it, never heard such pretty steel before. farris

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 18 Jul 2005 4:30 pm

Farris, he did get some face shots. It definately wasn't Larry Sasser. Boy that man could pick though. He was probably in his early to mid 20's as far as I could tell.

------------------
Carter D10 9p/10k, NV400

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 18 Jul 2005 7:21 pm

It was my friend, Jack Smith. And he IS a monster player!

Farris Currie · Post by **Farris Currie** » 19 Jul 2005 5:27 am

REGGIE do you know how long ago that was recorded?? What has happen to Jack since then,he has got to be great. farris

Wayne Tyler · Post by **Wayne Tyler** » 19 Jul 2005 7:20 am

Jack Smith has been and is still working for Connie Smith and according to the credits that particular show was in 1976. By the way, if I'm not mistaken that was Greg Gilbrath on lead guitar. A great lead gutarist and also the husband of Theresa Gilbrath. Two other members of the band that I know were Jimmy Gately on fiddle and Larry Fullam on bass. What a great band

Jack Smith · Post by **Jack Smith** » 19 Jul 2005 1:26 pm

I worked with Bill from mid 74 through 79. The band was unbelievable due to the standard left by Sonny Garrish and carried on by another genius, Gregg Galbraith. Gregg was band leader after Sonny left and believe me when I say, he carried on the Sonny tradition well. I think we twined while tuning it was so tight. You're right it was an awesome band and as I was then, I'm still honored and proud to have been a small part of it. The other members were Larry Fullum on bass, Woody Woodard on piano,Doug Reno or probably Randy Houser on drums, Jimmy Gateley on fiddle along with me and Gregg. That was the last 'Po Boys Band. After that it became 'Po Folks band. I was 20 years old when I became a 'Po Boy and they were way over my head but fortunately for me they put up with me until I could keep up.I don't think I'd want to be 20 again but I would love to play once again with a group that dedicated to excellance. I have always felt that what ever it is I have done well is due largely in part to the foundation that Gregg so unselfishly took his time and helped me build.

Ted Solesky · Post by **Ted Solesky** » 19 Jul 2005 1:56 pm

It looked like Sonny in his earlier days. The style sounded like Sonny too. He's a pro.

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 19 Jul 2005 2:55 pm

Gregg has quite a reputation for helping young fledgling musicians get started in Nashville. I was watching the "Players" DVD again a couple of days ago, and Brent Mason credited Gregg with getting him started in Nashville when he was living in a tiny apartment and using food stamps for groceries. There's not very many musicians of Greggs caliber that would help someone get started that could eventually take some jobs away from him.

Kudo's, Gregg you set a fine example.

------------------
Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

Franklin · Post by **Franklin** » 20 Jul 2005 4:54 am

I believe "Pop Goes The Country" was around in 73. So, if it looked like Sonny, its possible it was him.

Franklin · Post by **Franklin** » 20 Jul 2005 4:58 am

Also, when I first heard Jack Smith play Bill's show, I thought he sounded as well as Sonny did with the band. It was though Sonny never left. I was blown away with how much detail Jack took with replicating the bands original arrangements.

Paul

Gary Spaeth · Post by **Gary Spaeth** » 22 Jul 2005 3:34 am

check out hal rugg's great playing this week. awesome c6 solo and backup on d10 emmons.

Roger Light · Post by **Roger Light** » 22 Jul 2005 7:28 am

Gary,
Is that(Hal)who was playing for Paycheck last night. (7/21/05) It was awsome!

Gary Spaeth · Post by **Gary Spaeth** » 22 Jul 2005 3:25 pm

YUP. loved the e9th on the ballad too!

Michael Weaver · Post by **Michael Weaver** » 24 Jul 2005 11:16 am

What network broadcasts these shows? And when do they usually air?

Roger Light · Post by **Roger Light** » 26 Jul 2005 5:24 am

Michael,
We get it on RFD TV on Channel 9409 on Dish Network Sat. TV. I don't know the times I usually just channel surf and stumble on to them. I do think there is a program guide you can buy from RFD that tells you the times.

Bill Shields · Post by **Bill Shields** » 26 Jul 2005 3:54 pm

Hey guys you can go to R F D on computer and get a Program guide Bill

Billy Carr · Post by **Billy Carr** » 26 Jul 2005 5:03 pm

I've been able to catch Jack Smith on the late Saturday night ET show on AM-650 a couple of times playing. Super player and very clean playing in and out of chord changes. I really enjoy listening to Jack pick. Last time I listened to the show they had Jett Williams on it. I thought it was Don Helms playing behind her on a pedal guitar. Turned out it was JH. Wonderful playing that night. Pure steel!

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 27 Jul 2005 11:11 am

I have never met or even heard Jack -- but his humble reply above, giving the credit to the foundaation that supported his playing, qualifies him as a class actaccording to my criterion for greatness posted a few months ago.

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

Terry Sneed · Post by **Terry Sneed** » 31 Jul 2005 1:01 pm

I usually go to www.rfd-tv.com and print off the program guide. make sure you click on your time zone, then click, print version.

Terry

------------------
Mullen D10 /8x5 / session 500rd/ American Strat Highway 1 model
steelin for my Lord

[This message was edited by Terry Sneed on 31 July 2005 at 02:03 PM.]

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 1 Aug 2005 3:07 pm

I'd guess it was either Sonny or Jack. Mike Johnson wasn't there, yet. (Jack give yourself some credit. Those were big shoes to fill. You did a great job of it!)

I don't get RFD-TV. (I have seen it, but not at home.) Can somebody watch for Haggard clips that have the Strangers? I'm on the look out for any video Roy Nichols stuff. If anybody has any, or can watch for some, please let me know! Thanks!

------------------
My best,
Ernie

www.buddyemmons.com

[This message was edited by Ernie Renn on 01 August 2005 at 04:09 PM.]