The Steel Guitar Forum

I went to all the shows that Scotty had even before the Labor Day shows, the 1st time went to Doug J at the local VFW, one time there was only 8 of us in a hotel room with Curly C no Band just Curly playing for us. This was before any of Scotty',s shows in the late 60's. Then I went to every labor day Show he had, because of Scotty I seen more history on stage that most people just dream of seeing. Back in the 1st 30 shows Scotty got musicians to come from all over an they where glad to be there, it was just a great time to be any kind of a musician an be in the crowd.I met so many Stars an there sidemen my brain couldn't take it all in during those three days. I would go home an be useless for a day or two. Scotty had many small shows through out the year, but the big one was Labor Day Weekend. I can remember when we had over 5000 people over the 4 day event it was great time to be a steel player. I sure hope that the other shows keep up there good work, but Scotty shows was one of a kind that can't be reproduced, yes every Labor Day I have a void in my life missing Scotty's shows. But just think of all the friends we made during those 40+ years that belongs to all of us we have Scotty to thank for this, with out him it would not have happen.

Amen to that Jerry. Scotty brought the greatest show to the world. The Texas show is becoming a must see for me. I also love the Branson and Baxter Springs Kansas shows. I try to make all that are in my budget and within driving distance. Pat Heller hosts a great show in Pevely Mo. I'm just trying to fill my void after attending Scottys for 25+ years.

What Jerry Thurmond said about the ISGC in early days. Those were the times when every legend of steel guitar was still walking the earth, with the exception of the early Hawaiians. Truly great opportunities to hang and possibly become close friends with true history makers.

The legends of today and the future still populate the TSGA Jamboree each year in March, and is the big dog show currently. It is a "must attend" for me. Another favorite for me and getter better each year is the Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc. (hereafter referred to as "SWSGA" ) Steel Guitar Show.

I remember my first at St. Louis. I was at the Carter room and I was a newbie on steel and I started playing one of the Carter guitars on display. Herb Steiner came up to the steel next to mine and started playing. I stopped and started watching Herb and I thought, man that guy is good!. He still is my favorite player. You gotta hear him play, "Gatta Have My Baby Back", an old Floyd Tillman tune.