The Steel Guitar Forum

Marian, what a treat having you on this forum. I grew up in Lynwood, CA in the 40's and 50's. I was glued to the old black and white TV on Saturday nights, watching Hometown Jamboree first and then Townhall Party usually until 1 am. Then, listening to Bill Johnson's Record City on radio until the wee hours of the morning, hoping to hear interviews of THP cast members. That was my first experience of ever wanting to be as good as a woman and still working at it.

Marian,
You can help me solve a mystery. In about 1953 or '54 My dad sponsored a show on a local tv station in L.A. I used to go to the studio with him because I wanted to stick around for the county music show that came on right after his show. This country music show was a non-audience show, so it was just the staff and musicians. Someone was kind enough to let this snot nosed kid onto the set. Thus began my love for the sound of the steel guitar. The head-liners were Merle Travis, Joe and Roselie Maphis. I think you were the steel player.
If my old memory is correct, can you tell me the name of that show and confirm that you led me into this wonderful world of steel.
My love of the sound and the instrument never faded, but it took nearly 50 years before I tried to learn how to play it. That's what retirement has allowed me to do.

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Allen Harry
Zum SD10
Nashville 1000

sounds like you stumbled onto the
Town Hall Party set.


man, I am so envious.

Allen, From your description we have two possibilities. At one point Town Hall Party had a two hour show live every afernoon with no audience in addition to the Sat. nite live show with an audience. The second possibility is we took the cast from Town Hall Party and did a syndicated show for Screen Gems called "Tex Ritter's Ranch Party". That show was filmed in a studio without an audience and they dubbed the audience in later. Those shows were filmed in Los Angeles but never played here.

If I haven't totally confused you let me know if this helps............Marian

Marian,
I did not remember that THP was on everyday. Of course I only got to see it once a week, after my dad's show.
I remember that I took a friend with me one day, who was trying to learn how to play guitar, and he and Merle struck up a conversation. Merle offered to give him lessons, which he did. I mentioned that I loved the steel and someday wanted to learn how to play one. Merle told me to go ask the steel player, you, about teaching me. I was to shy to do it. Wow, my loss.
Anyway, thanks for the memories.
Allen

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Allen Harry
Zum SD10
Nashville 1000


<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Allen on 03 September 2005 at 08:12 AM.]</p></FONT>