Visit with Rick Simmons

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 10 Nov 2009 4:28 pm

Just thought I would let you all know that I had the most enjoyable get-together with Rick and Lil Simmons today. As many of you may know, Rick and Lil are the parents of the late Bill Simmons who passed away in April of this year. Bill lived and worked in Alabama. He was a very able steel player and respected by all of us.

Rick brought along his guitar and their voices. We had an enjoyable little jam session in my garage/shop/ music room. I must say that I was very impressed by Rick's great pickin'!

Ryan Barwin · Post by **Ryan Barwin** » 11 Nov 2009 2:49 am

That's great, Bent. Sounds like a lot of fun. Rick is a very good guitar player and both of them are really nice. They were over here for a jam a few weeks ago as well.

Bruce Snow · Post by **Bruce Snow** » 11 Nov 2009 7:22 am

Hello Bent, Thats a great pic...I've never met Rick & Lil but I have an album of theirs since the 70's & Bill is on it as well ,so I pretty much grew up listening to the simmons team as it is called...I actually exchanged several emails with Bill & we discussed this record. Would love to meet them.
Thanks for sharing Bent...btw your guitar looks great too & I bet you guys had a great jam!!!!

Bruce

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » 11 Nov 2009 8:06 am

I loved Bill Simmons like a Brother. Also love Ric and Lil as my adopted parents. Finer people you will never meet.I pray for Ric, Lil and Darleen every day!! They are a great christian family. They also have beautiful harmony with Ric picking. There is not a hour that goes by without me thinking of my brother Bill. He was the closest thing to an angel on this earth. Thanks very much for this post and picture.I am sure Ric and Lil appreciate this very much as they like to stay in touch with all of Bill's friends.

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 11 Nov 2009 10:49 am

Hey thanks for y'alls responses. Bruce, I figured you might know these fine people. Rick picks some mean Chet Atkins doesn't he? Rick and Lil looked me up because of some small exchange I'd had with their son on this forum last year.

Bill Cook, after their visit I looked up postings by Bill and found out(too late) what a nice and genuine person he was. It seems so unfair that these unique people seem to be taken away from us way too early.
You had a great 'brother' indeed.

Rick Simmons · Post by **Rick Simmons** » 11 Nov 2009 1:20 pm

Wow...To think that some one remembers "The Simmons Singers"!!! Thank you all for the nice comments & especially those regarding our son Bill. Mr. Bill Cook, President Of The Alabama Steel Guitar Association,Russ & Laney Hicks, Woody Ledford & Johnny Thomas,(great guitarists)Jim Hartely,Pat Coyne, Bobbe Seymour,Tom McDonald,Ricky Cottle, Charley & Denise Tryon & so many others have been so gratious & supportive.
From our hearts...'Thank You" Bill would have been so proud.
Rick & LiL Simmons

Charlie Tryon · Post by **Charlie Tryon** » 11 Nov 2009 2:46 pm

Well Denise and myself had the pleasure of knowing Bill for afew years. We talked alot on the phone and always got together with him at the steel shows. We now have the pleasure of getting together wit Rick and Lil for music and fun. The whole family are great people.
Bruce Rick and Lil come over and jam quite often so I will try and call you the next time they are coming and perhaps you can make it over.

Charlie

Bruce Snow · Post by **Bruce Snow** » 11 Nov 2009 3:45 pm

Charlie, Just let me know & i'll be there,looking forward to seeing you as well,thanks Charlie,I appreciate that.

Bruce

Darleen Simmons Brauen · Post by **Darleen Simmons Brauen** » 11 Nov 2009 4:40 pm

Hi everyone, thank you for your wonderful thoughts and prayers for mom and dad (Rick & Lil)and I. I miss my brother so much that somedays are still hard to bare. BUT Bill would have wanted us to continue on with life and that is what I am trying to do. I am so glad that mom and dad are so involved with their music again. It will be 7 months tomorrow since my wonderful brother went to see Jesus. It feels like yesterday.
Again thank you for your love. Bill and Cathy Cook I love you. Denise and Charlie thank you for being beside us all the way through the memorial and after wards you are wonderful people. Bill had great, great friends. Love "Forever Bill's sister" Darleen Simmons Brauen

Jim Hartley · Post by **Jim Hartley** » 11 Nov 2009 8:13 pm

Bent,

Thanks so much for this post and the picture of yourself and Rick. Very Special.

There just aren't words enough to say how truly, truly honored I am to be counted amongst Bill's friends. Thank you Rick, Lil and Darleen.

Funny, but as I type this, next to my keypad is a tape Bill sent me to learn for a show we were going to do. "Lincoln Strut" Bill Simmons. It has been sitting there for about eight months or so. I've just never moved it.

Anyway, thanks again,

Jim