Wilbur Keeton

About Steel Guitarists and their Music

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Chuck Cusimano
Posts: 898
Joined: 19 Nov 2004 1:01 am
Location: Weatherford, Texas, USA
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Wilbur Keeton

Post by Chuck Cusimano »

Everyone has a different approach, and attitude to their instrument, and I'm not sure how many of the Forum brothers (and Sisters) know of someone I consider one of the greatest E9th man I ever worked with, Wilbur Keeton. I met and hired Wilbur to play in my first band waaaay back in 1974 in Lubbock Tx, and for a few years took his touch, tone, taste, and approach to sweet E9th Steel guitar (What some of ya'all call "CORN") for granted. Now, I have worked with some extreemly great steel players through the last 35 years, and they are great friends, and outstanding players, but you should hear Wilbur...Sometimes a person has a way of putting ALL of their emotions into a musical instrument, and that's Wilbur. I talk to him on the phone ever so often, and He bought a new MSA MILLINIUM, and he loves it and the tone. Wilbur still lives in the Lubbock area, and plays a couple nights a week. I'm sorry to say I havn't gotten to hear him live for years, but I have some recordings of some of his work. His kick off to my recording of "I Forget You Every Day" puts chills on the back of my neck! We recorded that one in 1978. He never seemed comfortable to have to play fast, and he didn't try to do something he wasn't comfortable with, but in our last few conversations he tells me that he's been "WOODSHEDING" and can now play fast too. I just wanted the forum to be aware of this unknown MONSTER. This thread is in no way meant to take away from my other great friends, and STEEL MONSTERS in their own right. After all there is room for everyone.
Gary Carriger
Posts: 277
Joined: 4 Jan 2002 1:01 am
Location: Victoria, Texas

Post by Gary Carriger »

Chuck,
I was surprised to see Wilbur's name here..but then I shouldn't have been. He lived in Corpus for several years in the early 70s, and was an inspiration for me as a novice starting out. Do you have any contact info on him...email address or phone number?
Gary
Chuck Cusimano
Posts: 898
Joined: 19 Nov 2004 1:01 am
Location: Weatherford, Texas, USA
Contact:

Post by Chuck Cusimano »

Wilbur lives in or near, Lubbock Texas. Please first try to find his number in the Lubbock Directory. He didn't tell me to NOT give his number out, but I'd rather you try that first. If you can't get him, let me know, and I'll contact him with your info, and let him call you.
I'd love to hear him play again sometime. Hope this helps, Chuck
Wilbur Keeton
Posts: 12
Joined: 20 Sep 2005 12:01 am
Location: Lubbock, Texas, USA

Post by Wilbur Keeton »

Thanks for the mention Chuck. I just became a new member today after watching for a couple of years or more.
Great to hear from you Gary.
Michael Keeton
Posts: 21
Joined: 2 Feb 2008 10:54 pm
Location: Lubbock, Tx

Post by Michael Keeton »

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