Is James Aaron still playing?

[Don Chance]

When I was in the house band of a large North Texas nightclub back in the early 1980s, everyone who was anyone in country music came through on tours (many of them came through several times in the three years I was there); and I saw some of the best steel players in the business in that time.

One player who came in with a couple different acts based in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex was James Aaron. Great guy, fine singer and a fantastic steeler. I thought he was really, really good in the Robert Duvall movie "Tender Mercies," too.

But I haven't heard anything about him in a long, long time - and his name isn't on the Forum's member list.

Does anyone know if he's still playing in the D/FW area, and if he is where might I go to see him?

Thanks!

[Dick Wood]

Last time I saw James was around 2004 at the Top Rail Club. I was working there that night and he dropped by and spent some time chatting with me about what kind of steel I was playing.

That's the last time I ever saw him. Wish I had more info for you.