The Steel Guitar Forum

George, I was thinking about the other day about the time you came by my house in Flagstaff with your son, thirteen years ago. I was quite nervous when you were there.
In 1968, Tom Bradshaw put on a steel event in the Napa CA area, Reese was there with Chuck Wright Noel Boggs and others. While walking around the display area, I heard some sweet sounding chords and it captured me. When I walked up to the source of those sounds, and the Late Great Zane Beck had built the crudest piece of eye-ugliness out of a 4 X 8 beam. With eyes closed, you imagined a beautiful instrument of the finest quality and forethought. Instead, you witnessed a salvaged piece of wood from a house demolition. I have heard Zane playing one of his finest and it didn't sound any better than the "Plank" As they say, "it's in the hands". So I agree Tommy could bring out the best in any thing place in his hands.

Hello Gary, Yes, I remember that and the fact that you soon moved away to California. My son now lives in Colorado Springs. I was through Flagstaff on Friday of last week. I wished I could have spent more time talking with you and listening to your great stories. Hope this finds you well and in good health.
Tommy is a great player and would sound good no matter what he was playing. Great imagination.

Do you still have the emmons that you had that day or did you sell it? It was a great guitar.

Have a great day and thanks for the note.
George

For many years I had been aware of Tommy's contributions to our instrument, its players and our musical culture. That awareness prompted me to nominate him for the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2008. He was inducted in 2013. For those who may not be aware of those contributions, I'll post a link to what I said in that 2008 nomination letter. And, his contributions and accomplishments still continued to grow ever since.

http://pedalsteelmusic.com/?p=1248

Well done, Tom!

I will forever be indebted and grateful to my friend Tom Bradshaw and my sweet wife for their countless hours spent researching and gathering my career history for nomination to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, which Tom so eloquently assembled and delivered.
It was and is an honor as well as touching to know someone cared enough to take on such an overwhelming task on my behalf.
The Steel Guitar Hall of Fame is a special entity. Not because I was inducted but, after a few arguably questionable years, I feel they are now on the correct path to inducting those who by all means should be there while also bolstering The Hall of Fame's integrity. That's evident by the inductees for 2014. My sincere congratulations to those fine deserving gentlemen and the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame!

Good job on the nomination Mr Bradshaw. We all have differing views on who should be in the HOF, and some of the choices over the years have been controversial and debateable. Tommy White's inclusion and induction would be universally approved as he has achieved a standard of playing that few if any have matched. He has incredible chops and technique. This last month, I enjoyed seeing Tommy stretching out playing in a band situation that gave him more freedom of expression than he gets at the Opry. Tommy has so much in his locker in the way of licks and runs, soulful expression and blistering speed that I believe he has probably forgotten more than most of us mere mortals will ever know!

Incidentally, I bought the Bluegrass All Stars CD over 10 years back because Tommy was playing dobro on it. His dobro playing is just stunning and innovative and quite possibly the best I have heard, even surpassing the legendary Jerry Douglas.

I would like to see Tommy's fellow Nashvillian's Buck Reid and Mike Johnson elected to the SGHOF at some stage of their careers, as they are among a tiny and elite group of players who have also achieved exceptionally high levels of world class expertise. They also encourage younger players in taking the instrument to new heights.

Finally, I will add that none of these 3 guys that I have been writing about go to great lengths to promote themselves. They don't flood YouTube with clips of themselves, or have massive web sites doing 'aren't I great!' self promotion. They just let their playing do the talking, which just shows their innate modesty and minimalistic egos .

Tommy - my gf and I were watching videos of you on the opry the other night and both commented on how well you cut thru the mix. I've also been spending some time this week coping your licks off a Bucky Pizzarelli album. Hasn't been the first time I've thought "HOW is tommy white playing this?!" You are an incredible musician and a big inspiration to me. You certainly deserve your place in the HOF. Thanks for all you have taught me, thru learning your recorded material, and for posting on the forum. I am a huge fan.
Sincerely,
Will Van Horn

Tommy is the "World's #1" steel player today in my opinion but most important is the man he is.

His heart is big, he is an awesome friend to me and he goes out of his way to help anyone. Integrity, love and honesty is the way he is.

I not only strive to play one note as good as he does but work hard to gain the integrity and respect he has.

I would have never made through some tough times without his heart taking the time with me.
Also, playin the Ryman scared to death with him standing there was a priceless gift.

I was about to shake to death fixin to kick "Fire on the Mtn" and i heard him say "Sounds good Kenny relax and have fun". Tommy White telling a nobody like me i sound good was off the chain!

Tommy, thx for being there brother and all the help you gave me. Love ya brother....km