No More Steel on Roy Clark Show

Bob Hempker · From: Goodlettsville, TN.

Let me clarify something.; Jimmy Henley has been gone for a year. He and his father were let go a year ago to the day I was given my notice. Also, George Strait may have 2 keyboards, but he also has steel guitar. Whoever said the bandleader is a keyboard player is correct. The synth player doubles on banjo. Get the picture. Again, I'm not asking for sympathy or anything of the like. I'm relieved it's soon gonna be over. I just hate to see another act dumping steel guitar. I have plenty of work to keep me going, so that is definately not the issue. Guys, we're at a crisis situation, because without steel guitar gigs, not only do they affect steel players, but it eliminates incentives for new younger players to take up the instrument. I don't want our beautiful instrument ending up like a zither or some other instrument you might see in a museum.

I'm definately not saying that all of them do it, or anything like that. I have some dear friends who happen to be keyboard players. But, there are some, and let me emphasize my quantifier,SOME, that are deliberately going out of their way to stick it to steel players to create work for themselves. I'm sorry, but that's not the way I came up in the music bus. If my phone rings, and someone offers me a gig, fine. But I don't go out of my way to get another established musician already working in a group fired, so I can get their job. This appears, and I may be wrong, to be the case with keyboard players going after steel players' jobs.

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Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Maybe RC does not have fame and fortune..maybe he's still playin' cuz' he's got ta...maybe his bookings are not much better than some of ours...in same cases maybe not as good !

I saw him at the Opry a year or so back when we attended..he played Orange Blossom Special and smiled a lot...one song only...

now I am trying to be gentle here out of respect.. I have always had high regard for Roy..but that night at the Opry LIVE..it was good that they "TOLD" the audience what song he was playing..I'll leave it at that..

Goodnight Ladies
Goodnight Ladies
Goodnight Ladies
I'm gonna leave you now....

t

Herb Steiner · From: Briarcliff TX 78669, pop. 2,064

Bob, yes George Strait does still have a steel guitarist, the same one he's had for 30 years. George wears a white hat, IMHO. I was answering the question of why an artist would carry two keyboardists.

I've been in your position before. You'll do fine, a great player such as yourself.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

John Daugherty · From: Rolla, Missouri, USA

I sent a link to this thread to an old friend in Nashville who has been a performer/writer/producer for the past 30 years.(he shall remain nameless).
You may be entertained by the following reply he sent to me.

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"IF ROY THINKS THE SIX STRINGS ON HIS AX ARE ENOUGH TO ENTERTAIN THE FOLKS HE'S FULL OF CRAP, ALSO TOO FULL OF HIMSELF AND GETTING HARD OF HEARING IN HIS OLD AGE, NOT TO MENTION "UNGRATEFUL" AND "DISLOYAL"."
********************************************
.............JD

Paul King · From: Gainesville, Texas, USA

I have always wondered about some of the artists and their egos. I felt like Roy always thought he was a fantastic player. No dobut he is talented but personally I always felt his sound was very dry. He was a showman and played mostly fast songs to showcase his talent. However, I have never heard him play a steel nor have I heard him play the hard driving jazz chords. He plays a lot of scale licks which a lot of us do as well. He does have something that producers and record companies would push him but I have never figured out what it is. I do not want to accuse him of anything since I do not know who made the decision to no longer carry a steel player or why the decision was made. To carry 2 fiddles and 2 keyboards does not make sense to me but I guess they know something I do not. Nevertheless, I am highly disappointed in Roy Clark and would not go see him for sure now. It always bugged me to see him on Hee Haw playing that banjo knowing that in the background there was a fabulous banjo player in Bobby Thompson. I am certain this is a financial decision that they felt had to be made.

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

I just tried to email him and it got returned also. The last time I saw RC on the Opry he was hopelessly out of tune and had a crappy tone to boot. I think his time in the limelight is coming to an end as he should be retiring soon as I hope. I used to be a big fan of his and I guess I still like his old records but I won't play them as much. Bob, your old drummer with Loretta (Lonnie Godfrey) is working for Cox Communications installing cable TV services and seems really happy just playing weekends. He's got a new young wife and a baby girl. Have a good 'un....JH

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Wally Maples · From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA

Bob I caught you in Laughlin in Feb? and I really enjoyed you, esp the number you were featured on. I won't see Roy again. Good luck. wally

Neil Lang · From: Albert Lea, Minnesota, USA

Bob,
I always felt that Roy did NOT give the Steel enough "Ride Time" in his shows! But I was still glad to see he had one!!! Maybe your next "Boss" will let you "GO" more!! I hope so! THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!
"Just NO FEELING, when nobodys STEELING!"
Neil

Jim Hartley · From: SC/TN

Bob,

Like everyone else, I'm very disappointed that RC won't be carrying a steel in his show. With your talent and great reputation, I'm not too concerned about your future. You'll have all the work you can handle.

Out of respect, I think Roy should have spoken to you and given an explanation. But give him credit for one thing, he did give you some time(not that you will need it). In my days in Nashville, I saw more than one musician be let go with no notice at all. Just "take your stuff off the bus"

Good luck with everything. By the way, I finally found the fiddle player I called you about a few months ago.

Jim Hartley

Jody Carver · From: KNIGHT OF FENDER TWEED

Bob
I am so sorry to hear this. I always had much respect and admiration for Roy and still
do in spite of this unfortunate situation.

I have known Roy since the early days and he was always a stand up kind of guy a sincere person.

On the other hand I feel for you as well,in fact I feel for both of you. I still feel somehow this will be resolved to both yours and Roys satisfaction.

We both know of Roys allegiance to his band members and perhaps he had no say in the matter.Sometimes things happen that we dont want to happen.

Time will pass and all this may resolve itself. For both yourself and Roy I hope it does.

Best to you

Jody

Terry Bethel · From: Hollister, Missouri (deceased)

Bobby,
I was shocked by the news when you called me, but not surprised. Country music artists, and I use that term loosely, really do not respect a musician as a person. Most of them want a body to fill a slot on the stage. I know from first hand experience. The more slots they fill, it seems like their heads get emptier. In the first place they don't really know what a steel guitar is capable of doing. It really can do more than do-ey do-ey licks. On my last "STAR" job, I decided after 24 years that I didn't want to work the road anymore. I found a great sit down job in Branson with A true person and a great entertainer, his name is Paul Harris. I could go on and on about Paul, but that is not what this is about. When I turned in my notice to the star, he said I will miss you and I hate to see you leave, but I understand. I was going to work a three week notice so it wouldn't put him in a bind, and I recommended a friend Tim Sergent who did get the job.
One day later as I was heading to Tennessee to see my kids and grandkids, the bandleader called and said,"Star said if you wanted to stay on you could, otherwise you are through tomorrow and he was cancelling my health insurance. Well, guess what? I haven't looked backward one day since that day. And yes he did cancel my insurance and didn't pay me any severence pay. Great business this music business. Oh; well, it's water under the bridge.
Bobby ,at least you are getting a 4 month notice, and as great a player as you are, I know in my heart you will find a better job, and better people to be around. I know I did.
I love you brother, and keep your head held high, cause you are one hell of a man.
Terry Bethel

[This message was edited by Terry Bethel on 28 August 2004 at 10:16 PM.]

Jim Cohen · From: Philadelphia, PA

Ah yes, the music business, where each day is better than the next..."

Tiny Olson · From: Mohawk River Valley, Upstate NY

Bob:

Sorry to hear about the gig. But you've got the right attitude.

You'll find work for sure, probably with someone you'll allow your great, playing talent be heard alot more too.

Keep the faith Brother.

Your friend,
Chris "Tiny" Olson

Whip Lashaway · From: Monterey, Tenn, USA

Bob
I just got back from a road trip and got the news. So sorry to hear it. You certainly were the focus of my attention when I've seen the show. I can't begin to tell you how much your friendship has meant to me. You're a class act and you'll stay busy I'm sure. I hope to see you again soon. There is a rumor that we may do a show in Branson. I'll keep you informed. Take care. Whip

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Whip Lashaway
Sierra E9/B6 12 string
Sierra E9/B6 14 string
78' Emmons D10 P/P

Ray Uhl · From: Riverside, Missouri, USA

Bob, I too am sorry to hear of your situation. The country music we know hasn't died, it's been killed!! (Murder on Music Row). The business men of the music industry have "brainwashed" the younger generation by telling them who and want constitutes "Country Music". True country artists and writers have been replaced by people with music degrees and absolutely no emotional feeling for a true country song.

As long as I have my soap box, has anyone given any thought to abandoning Nashville and establishing a new Country effort in Texas? From what I read on the forum, and what I observe, true country is still supported in Texas. Do correct me if I'm wrong, but why can't all the true country singers and musicians ban together, seek financial investors, and do this. I know there's enough of us out there, that support true country. We all need to brain storm and think of something. I live to play steel guitar and "true" Country music. Let's do something fast....at my age, I don't have forever.

Joey Ace · From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Ray,
That's an interesting thought, and I'd like to read a dicussion about it, especially from folks in both areas.

I suggest you post a new thread over in the MUSIC section, with a title that describes your idea and see what happens.

(your remarks won't be noticed as much here, and I don't want to move Bob's thread.)

Bob Lawrence · From: Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia, Canada

Bob

So sorry to hear about the changes to the show. You certainly were the star of the show (for us)when Bob McDonald and I visited a few months back. We truly enjoyed meeting you, the chance to hear your great!!! playing and appreciated! the time you spent with us. All the best in the future.

Bob

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

quote_____________________________________
"He was a showman and played mostly fast
songs to showcase his talent"
__________________________________________

......seems like I recently heard a similar comment by someone on another Forum thread about a steel-guitar player?

Note: My comment above is factitious...I also emailed Roy about disappointment in his show no longer carrying a steel)

[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 24 August 2004 at 06:54 AM.]

Bob Farlow · From: Marietta,GA,

I think RC should be advised that if his decision is not soon reversed, if he later needs a steel player he will have a helluva time getting one.

Mike Sweeney · From: Nashville,TN,USA

Don't worry Bob. You'll always land on your feet. Just think you might get to play more steel friendly music.

Mike

Nick Reed · From: Russellville, KY USA

Bob,
I wouldn't sweat it to bad. It just hurts your feelings a little for now. Personally I've never considered ROY CLARK to be much of a drawing card in the entertainment biz. I couldn't ever see myself paying money to see one of his shows. I'd rather come hear you play Steel for a artist that can sing country music that sounds country.

Nick

BUDDY BARROWCLIFF · From: Sayre,Pa

Bob
I am a nobody steel picker up here in the northeast and altho I have backed some of the pros in the years past. It seems the higher up the pecking order the artist might be at the time the less a sideman is valued.
I don't know your status but feel if you were on the show in the first place your playing proweness ranks in the upper level as seems to be noted from posts of other name artists on here.
I think Mr Roy is on the downside of his abilities now judging from some of his more recent performances I have seen.
It seems like he needs more cover from his backup people to get thru even one piece be it vocal or instrumental with out revealing his mistakes. He is much slower and less acurite instrumentaly and off key more often than he would permit from any other performer in his group.
Budd B

Sidney Ralph Penton · From: Moberly, Missouri, USA

well this is sad that there will be one less steel out there on a big name like roy clark. i didn't read all of the replies before it got my dander up and i only been trying to play for 5 months now and it really pulled the wrong hair when i read this. i am going to try to find a web site for roy clark and tell him i refuse to listen to his music because of him dropping the steel and i will not go see any of his shows and if i hear a song of his on the radio i will turn it off! i suggest that everyone does the same. thanks sid

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Bob Hempker · From: Goodlettsville, TN.

Hey, guys, I finally found a computer out here on the road. I took another gig with a beautiful human being named Randy Newman. He has a travelling version of the Ozark Jubilee. The money is comparable and the music is older traditional Country Music, like we all like to play. I start next weekend. Sunday is my last gig with Roy. We're in Wilmington DE. at the 3 Little Bakers thru this Sunday. Roy wanted me to stay until the end of the year, but I just couldn't without knowing what came after that. Besides, I think I would have taken this job anyway. I just wanted to share the news with you. I'm looking forward to putting this behind me, and starting a new job. Like the rest of you, it really kills me to see steel guitar being dropped from yet another show. Also, they are keeping everyone else, now. That means 2 fiddles, 2 keyboards, and no steel guitar. I'll be home Tues and update you all on this.

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Joey Ace · From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Good for you Bob. (Bad for Roy)

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