The Steel Guitar Forum

i've heard johnny paycheck was pretty good on the pedal steel. does anyone know if he ever played it on any of his or others' recordings?

I heard that also, but in a radio interview Johnny said that he didn't play steel and Lloyd did all his studio work...??? I dunno'

sjeeeeeez...just my luck....I thought by reading the topic title someone wanted to give away his "Paycheck".

Ron

He seems to have been good enough for Buck Owens, at least on this day 48 years ago:

Man that's a cool picture!!!

Brandon

Johnny could play the steel. He was no Emmons but he could play. I've listen to and watched him several times in the little town of Hillsboro, Texas.

omg mitch! whered you git that?

I understand that Johnny Paycheck was in the Cherokee Cowboy Band w/Ray Price along w/ Willie Nelson. Does anyone know what instruments they played and how long they played withh Ray?

Holy smokes what a great picture....

I'd pay big money for a recording or even better video of Johnny playing steel. He's one of my favorite country writers/singers. I'd love to hear what licks he would put in a good country ballad.

I have an old Gospel record that Paycheck sang on and was supposed to have played steel on. When I heard him say that he didn't play steel I assumed someone else did. Now I'll have to find the record and listen closely. Maybe he meant that he didn't play like Lloyd but the picking on the record is pretty good.

I believe he played bass for Ray Price

The photos like this one just blow me away.It's why The Forum is the premier web-site for those who love true country music and the steel guitar. They are inextricably linked. Thanks to all of you and especially BoB for making The Forum informative and enjoyable. It truly makes my day.

My best.

[quote="Mac McGhee"]Johnny could play the steel. He was no Emmons but he could play.

So what! I've heard other players say that about a steeler. I think it could be a little condescending. Joe

Joe: I certainly did not mean that the way it sounded to you. I knew Johnny and wrote to him when he was elsewhere. I guess what I meant was Johnny was good and would pass mustard in any band but he was a heck of a fine guitar player and in my book a singer.
Never would I say something to degrade another steeler except maybe myself. Johnny was a heck of a guy and was liked by so many and few in the business lived the life he did and live to sing about it.
Forgive me for that post. I went back and read it and yes it was worded wrong. At the least it gave me the opportunity to clear the air I hope.

Mac McGhee

There is no reason for him not to be able to play the steel guitar but not do so on his records or while on stage. Most guitarists can pick out simple tunes or do rather simple chord backup within a few days of practice.

Marty Robins could play the steel guitar; however, no one can say whether or not he ever sat behind the steel while doing a public performance or recording.

Mac, Thats OK, I know what you are saying. I guess what I'm trying to say its always about Emmons.People think of Emmons first,how great he is,rightfully so. I have other players that come to mind first.Joe

JP also played bass for Faron Young under the stage name, Donny Young..Bill

no ones an emmons but emmons...nothing degrading to apologize for!

That unknown fellow that Johnny is playing for also played steel.

I guess what I meant was Johnny was good and would pass mustard in any band but he was a heck of a fine guitar player and in my book a singer.

So true. I also sometimes wonder how good he was with the other condiments...

When he said that he didn't play steel he probably meant that he was not the steel player on his records, rather than he couldn't play steel. We need to know the context.

I think it was Herb Steiner who had a funny story about Paycheck sitting in on Jr Knight's universal

I think it was Herb Steiner who had a funny story about Paycheck sitting in on Jr Knight's universal

i hope herb might chime in...

That unknown fellow that Johnny is playing for also played steel.

buck played the steel too?

Connie I have a picture of him playing at the Blackboard, I believe. He was working with Bill Woods if my memory serves me right.