Great steel player! Once discovered......

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

At one time or another, we have all read his sporadic, interesting, factually educational and thought provoking posts. I've never met this Forumite.. tho' his writings have always facinated me (and others as well) and have generated a strong curiosity about WHO he really is.

I sense he is a humble fellow...not one to brag or give any true and/or deserving credit to himself. He has a unique sense of humor...and tends to put himself down lest anyone might erroneously think he might be any kind of a braggart. (He IS NOT!)

Just recently, I was blessed to receive a tape of this gentleman's playing. It has taken me more than a year of asking and/or demanding it. It came without fan fare and was wrapped simply in a plain brown wrapper; to protect me, no doubt.

This steel guitarist has been GREAT for many years! We've heard very little about his actual playing talents/skills/techniques.
I can tell you this....his playing offers more exciting displays than ANYONE I've heard during the last decade or more.

I heard traces of N.Boggs, A.Ray, S.West,
J.Byrd and others......but more importantly he is HIM..... thro' his own style of playing

I'm very happy to have had this occasion to finally hear this man. He goes way back! AND, he's still with us today. There is so much we can learn from him.....history that may well be lost to us, one day.

Another thing......few know of his own personal battle or another equally important conflict that has severly impacted his life and continues with each new day. Pain and suffering........24/7 and yet not a complaint

I'm not going to mention his name at this time as I have been given no authorization to do so. His personal plight is a private matter.....but each of you, should at least be aware of this joyous person within our fold. He is a valued and supportive Forum member. At times, he perhaps has been mis-understood, as I myself, have been. At times he's created controversy by way of those who disagree with his position. That's why this is a forum for an exchange of ideas.

He gives to others, freely and without any prompting to do so.

Why not devote a couple of moments or longer to see if you can figure out just whom it is that I'm talking about. He is a wonderful guy...caring and sensitive and not a complainer.

I believe he is a classic example of someone that has been grossly overlooked in the area of his creative musical talents.

Today....he can use YOUR prayers! Are you up to it?

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Ray: He certainly has my prayers and respect every hour of every day. Your words say fine tribute where such is surely due. I would not want to say who I have in mind because I want to see some other's opinions as well because; fools rush in......

Regards, Paul

nick allen · From: France

I'm not sure which of two people you're referring to, Ray... applies to both of them, I do believe.
All good wishes to all of good will...
Nick

Rick Aiello · From: Berryville, VA USA

RAY, Might be tough to get him to play one of your Bakelites though

http://www.users.voicenet.com/~vanallen/index.html

Scroll down to HOT CLUB of AMERICA

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

The Forumite to whom I refer, is a northerner

He's won competitions.....and friends alike.

Thanks for your support guys!

I forget which kind of a steel guitar he plays.....or how many necks......or how many strings but he makes what he has "SMOKE"!

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Ray,,,,give us a hint,,,would you?

(Turn-about is fair play!)

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

Well I'll mention one thing...I went to the butcher shop the other day and asked for a particular cut of meat. You should have seen that carver do the job with his knife!
* * * * * * * *
Ray, you took all the words out of my mouth, damn you anyway! (ha) ! This unnamed "hero" of mine is the most fantastic steel player I have ever heard, his originality, super speed, and technic blows me away. As you have stated, he is humble yet can be very outspoken...he calls it like it is and for that, he has my respect.
Fellas and gals, this "annonymous" man, (and each of you knows who he is, I'm sure), needs all your prayers...not only for his dear wife of 48 years, but for himself also. He's carrying a helluva load and wouldn't it be nice if we had the power to help relieve some of the weight from his shoulders? God bless you Ydoj!...(alias "Bernie")

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 14 June 2002 at 10:20 PM.]

[This message was edited by George Keoki Lake on 14 June 2002 at 10:33 PM.]

Butch Foster · From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA

Idon't know who this gentleman and great artist is,but I will remember himin prayer. If there is any other way weall canbe of service,please let us know.

Butch Foster · From: Pisgah, Alabama, USA

I don't know this gentleman and great artist,but I will be glad to rememberhim in prayer. If there isis any other way all of us on the forum can be of service, let us know.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Hard to say a prayer for someone when you don't know who it is.

------------------
Carter D10 9p/10k
Richard Sinkler

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Well, like Keoki says....this special friend is "no cut up!" I'm not being evasive but just don't have permission to tell "his story" here on the Forum but I felt most of you, with few exceptions, would truly like to know of his plight. It has to be unbearable and we're all so very helpless to do anything directly to change things. He's been a frequent visitor to these posts and is more like a steel guitar historian than merely a participating member. He never shoots of his mouth but with his knowledge of the facts, he can "cut you to the quick".. but seldom if ever does that. No need to. He speaks with the confidence that only one who has been there....can do. He and his lovely wife both have my prayers. And, as an after thought: "HIS NAME" does not end in Foster.

[This message was edited by Ray Montee on 15 June 2002 at 06:38 PM.]

Roy Thomson · From: Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada

The problem with this kind of thread is that
people start speculating on who this person might be and draw wrong conclusions.
It could cause undue consternations and worry.
I know you intent is well founded Ray but..
......

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

I hid his name within my last message and figured everyone would catch it. But what Ray (Skip) says is all too true. He's been there, done that, and speaks with authority, (though sometimes by his own admission, lengthly.) Whatever he has to say, we as steel guitarists can learn from him. Even if you still don't know who he is, "He" ('upstairs') knows and your prayers will be directed accordingly....(they won't end up in the 'dead letter office').

Tony Davis · From: Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Well I got it figured out as his first name is the same as my daughters..spelt different though.
I havent met him as I have never been to Texas,but I consider him..'Friend' through this forum and send him and his wife my thoughts.
Tony

Ray Montee · From: Portland, Oregon (deceased)

Hi folks! I wasn't really attempting to play with your minds. For Butch, Richard and Roy...your comments are well taken. Therefore I will at this moment share the names of these two wonderful people. But let me again say for the record, I've never met the man, have only heard him play on a tape but have enjoyed his posts with great interest. He's got to be a pretty special guy or his wife Marilyn would not have put up with him all these many years. Jody Carver is the man to whom I have referred, along with Keoki Lake. Jody has been seriously ill and his wife is also suffering from Cancer. The two of them are up against one of the biggest struggles in their lives. They have each other... We are so helpless........ Your prayers are encouraged and do remember, they are not only deserving, wonderful human beings, but Jody is one of "us"......he is an active Forum Member and has contributed many informative things about artists, instruments and other items of interest to us all. I'm sure he'd enjoy hearing from each of you. Thank you........

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Thanks Ray... I would never have guessed them in a million years. They will definately be in my prayers tonight.

------------------
Carter D10 9p/10k
Richard Sinkler

Del Rangel · From: Clayton, NC

Mr. Carver and his wife both are in my thoughts daily. My mother is battling cancer right now as is Ted Smith's (Melobar guitars) mother Selby. This disease changes many things for a family and for two members of the family to be ill at the same time has to be incredibly difficult. Also, as a historian I am in total awe of Jody Carver and hope that he and his wife can beat this thing. The younger crowd (40 and younger) need people like him to remind us about those who came first, those who opened things up for the rest of us. I'll spend some time each day thinking about the two of them, and hope they come through. We need this gem of a man around to enlighten us.

John P. Phillips · From: Folkston, Ga. U.S.A., R.I.P.

Ray,
I only read your post late this morning, but I had it figured out after the first paragraph.. If not for this man's advice, intervention, help, and moral support, I probably still would not have my first "STEEL".
Him and Marilyn are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, and "CUZ" as I call him, is one of my true heros as a human being. I know of no other man that I can refer to as a best friend, that I have never laid eyes on, but JODY is that man.
I've not been in contact with him much lately, as I sense the problems that he has been facing, and did not want to intrude.
However, my spirit has been with him and his loved ones and I have tried to keep up with as much information as I could without being a bore to him at this difficult time.
Jody. I'll just say this, My home made tape of the hot club stays in my van and goes everywhere with me. No other music compilation has that distinction and I will forward my nickle royalty check to you
in yesterdays mail. I hope to do it by last week. HEY fellow forumites, I really LOVE that man. BTW, Jody is the only steel player who's picture is prominately displayed on my desk for all to see. I had to "steel" (pun intended) if off the internet and print it myself !!!

GOD SPEED MY STEEL BROTHER !!!

------------------
"Let's go STEEL something"
If it feels good, do it. If it feels COUNTRY, do it twice
jpp

[This message was edited by John P.Phillips on 16 June 2002 at 07:21 AM.]

[This message was edited by John P.Phillips on 16 June 2002 at 07:26 AM.]

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

My Heartfelt Thanks go out to all of you. Im
not left speechless often,,but right now Iam.

Its one thing to have been discovered as Ray
so kindly puts it,,,but its greater by far to
be remembered. Thats the "gold ring".

I never thought Ray would do this,,,all I did was send him a makeshift cassette tape,
I do appreciate all of you,,,Keoki,,John J,and all of you,I will never forget this,& I will make copies to keep along with my memories. Hey Ray,,Im the one who is supposed
to do the PR ,,,are you cutting in on me?

Thanks again and to those of you,,,Happy Fathers Day. The Best of health to all of you and yours.

Jody,,,,We are coping,,one day at a time,,,,,
sort of like learning how to hold the bar & picks,,,remember?

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

I REMEMBER !!

Regards, Paul

Greg Sullivan · From: Poughqaug New York

I have just now saw this tribute to Jody. I
was not aware that older issues of this Forum
can be accessed by looking into what is called the "archives". I saw this and asked Jody,he said,,Oh thats some old stuff some friend wrote about me.

Since Im new at this computer,I was not aware
that I could look back at the previous issues.

This is a wonderful tribute by Mr. Montee and Jody is deserving of it as much as anyone
and maybe more so.

It has been my dads good fortune as well as mine and my wife's to have known Jody as we do.

My dad was in the CBS orchestra the night Jody won the Arthur Godfrey show and as my dad told me,after he won, the entire orchestra
rose to a standing ovation for Jody,as they
considered him one of their own.

My dad told me that was the first and last time anything like that happened. That was back in 1955,Feb 7th. I was born a year later
to the day that this event took place.

If you could hear Jody tear into his guitar being backed by 25 of the best studio musicians in New York you would be amazed at
what he played like. He stopped the show and
the audience wouldnt stop applauding.

Godfrey himself was crying as his emotions got the best of him after hearing Jody play.

Mr.Montee,Jody has mentioned your name a few times as being one of the old timers of his
generation and I salute you as well for bringing this to everyones attention.

If any of you can,ask Jody for a copy of his
off the air recorded version as to what he calls terrible,If anyone heard the speed and execution of what Jody played you would be amazed. All of the orchestra members were pulling for Jody to win, and win he did.

Thank you Mr. Montee for this tribute to a good man and a fine human being.

He looks great and is funnier than ever and his wife is doing better every day.

So without getting as long a story teller as
Jody,ha I wish all of you a Happy & Healthy
New Year 2003. And to you Jody, get well we
are behind you and Marilyn 150 percent.

Thank You
Greg Sullivan . Best to all of you. Jody is my poppy

[This message was edited by Greg Sullivan on 24 July 2006 at 12:12 PM.]

Roy Ayres · From: Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Greg:

Thanks for reviving this 6-month-old thread. I've only been on the forum a couple of months, so I hadn't seen it.

Ray:
Thanks for starting the thread back in June. Jody has come to be a friend to me in the short time since I met him on the forum, and he is well deserving of everything you posted.

Al Marcus · From: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)

I must lhave missed this post, But Jody and Marilyn have been in my prayers for a long time. Prayers do work wonders..Happy New Year....al

Gene Jones · From: Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)

I missed this post also....back in June I was absorbed with my wife's health. But belatedly, I say double-ditto to everything said herein about my friend Jody!
Gene

[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 31 December 2002 at 03:34 AM.]

Greg Sullivan · From: Poughqaug New York

LISA AND MYSELF HAVE JUST WATCHED THE DAVID
LETTERMAN SHOW. ITS AFTER MIDNIGHT NOW AND WE
WERE THINKING OF MY DAD AND JODY. IT WAS AT
THE VERY SAME THEATRE MANY YEARS AGO THAT JODY WON THE ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW AND MY DAD WAS IN THE ORCHESTRA AT THE TIME.

I THOUGHT YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW THIS.
JODY TOLD US THE STORY OF A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN HE WAS ASKED TO TAKE INSTRUMENTS TO THE DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW ,PAUL SCHAFFER WAS MOST APPRECIATIVE AND GAVE JODY A $25.00 DOLLAR TIP. HE THOUGHT JODY WAS A DELIVERY BOY FOR A MESSENGER SERVICE.

JODY THANKED PAUL SCHAFFER AND SAID, NO ITS OK,I LIKE MUSIC AND I DID MY JOB.
SCHAFFER ASKED JODY IF HE WOULD LIKE TO STAY AND MEET DAVID LETTERMAN AND JODY SAID ,SURE I WOULD. HE ASKED JODY WHAT HIS JOB WAS AND HE SAID,I SELL GUITARS AND I DELIVER THEM TOO. I LAUGHED WHEN JODY TOLD ME THIS. HE SAID WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT? ITS TRUE,THATS
ALL IAM NOW IM A DELIVERY BOY.

DAVID LETTERMAN THANKED JODY AND ASKED IF HE WOULD LIKE TO STAY AND SEE THE SHOW BEING TAPED.JODY SAID YES I WOULD LIKE THAT.

PAUL SCHAFFER AND HIS GUITAR PLAYER ASKED JODY IF HE PLAYED AN INSTRUMENT AND JODY SAID,YES I USED TO PLAY STEEL GUITAR A LITTLE BIT. A "LITTLE BIT"?.HA HA THERE IS MORE TO THIS STORY,BUT IM AFRAID TO TELL YOU
AS JODY MIGHT GET UPSET WITH ME,BUT ITS REALLY A FUNNY STORY.EVERYTHING HE DOES IS FUNNY.

LITTLE DID ANY OF THEM KNOW THAT JODY ROCKED
THE WALLS OF THAT THEATRE WITH HIS STEEL GUITAR MANY YEARS AGO. I DONT THINK THOSE WALLS HAVE BEEN THE SAME SINCE THAT NIGHT.

HE NEVER TOLD THEM WHAT IM TELLING YOU, I ASKED HIM WHY HE DIDNT SPEAK UP AND HE SAID,WHAT FOR??. WHO KNOWS ME??.

MY DAD ASKED JODY AFTER THE SHOW HOW IT FELT
TO WIN THE GODFREY SHOW,HE SAID,WELL ITS OK I GUESS,BUT IM SORRY THE OTHER TWO PEOPLE COULDNT HAVE WON TOO BECAUSE THEY TRIED SO HARD,AND I WISHED WE COULD HAVE ALL WON.

I KNOW JODY DONT BLOW HIS HORN,SO SINCE IM A TROMBONE PLAYER LIKE MY DAD,I WILL BLOW IT FOR HIM AND MARILYN AND WISH THE BOTH OF THEM
THE VERY BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR AND GOD BE WITH THEM.

I WONDER WHAT THE WALLS OF THAT ED SULLIVAN THEATRE COULD SAY IF THEY COULD SPEAK?? JUST
THINK OF ALL THOSE PEOPLE BACK THEN WHO PLAYED IN THAT THEATRE MANY YEARS AGO.

JODY HAS BEEN ILL THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND I PRAY THAT THE NEW YEAR BRINGS GOOD HEALTH TO HIM AND MARILYN. JODY IS TEACHING ME TO PLAY
STEEL GUITAR AND HES TEACHING ME TO TELL LONG STORIES LIKE HE DOES,BUT IM NOT AS GOOD
AS HE IS AT EITHER ONE OF THE ABOVE. I THINK
ITS CATCHING. I WISHED HIS PLAYING WAS.

I WOULD SETTLE FOR BEING THE PERSON HE IS.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU,AS JODY SAID TO ME, I HAVE FRIENDS ON THAT FORUM LIKE I HAVE NEVER HAD BEFORE AND I HAVE NEVER MET ANYONE OF THEM.

IF YOU CONSIDER JODY YOUR FRIEND,CONSIDER ME AS YOUR FRIEND TOO,WE LIKE THE SAME PERSON.
IM GOING TO BLOW MY TROMBONE NOW FOR JODY AND
WAKE THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU

GREG SULLIVAN

I'M PROUD TO CALL JODY MY POPPY.MARILYN WAS MY GRANDMOTHER GOD REST HER SWEET SOUL.

[This message was edited by Greg Sullivan on 24 July 2006 at 11:52 AM.]

Forum Index > Steel Players	Goto page 1, 2 Next	Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic