The Steel Guitar Forum

Anyone know who played steel on The Pridesmen instrumental album? It would be the one that started with Spitoon and Raisin' The Dickens.

I'm pretty sure it's Gene O'Neal

Jim in Missouri

Thank you Jim, much appreciated. I'm not familiar with his name, but reeeeeeeally enjoyed the steel playing on that album.

Gene played so good. I used to see him at the St. Louis convention. One of the highlights for me.

I don't know the Pridesmen instrumental recording. Do you know where it might be available?

I have this old cassette tape of Gene's. Besides the lighthearted Funkey Monkey, it's full of nice playing from Gene. JIC you may not be aware of it.

I particularly like the C6 rendition of Tripps to Win.

http://www.steelguitarshopper.com/produ ... onkey.html

Jerry:

The lp in question can be bought here"


http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Pridesmen-S ... SwQupXUL9Q

Their first lp (1973) can be bought here but for a greater price.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Charley-Pride-P ... SwstxU6sp-

Thanks Graham.

Gene was a great player who left us way too soon. So glad I got to see him several times in St. Louis.

Jim in Missouri

Here in Kauai we have a Sat. Afternoon country radio show...the theme song is "I can't help it if I'm Still in love with you" by the Pridesmen...the steel solo is soooo nice...I've wondered if it was Gene?...Larry

Larry:
That song was done on their 2nd lp, which is the one this topic was about. LP was released in 1975.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlqdqUqbRWY


Here's Charley Pride with Gene O'Neal on pedal steel.

I'll have to dig my vinyl out of boxes. I believe I have both of their albums. Loved Gene's playing I have so many great steel guitar albums. I could probably sell them all and be able to buy a hamburger and a cup of coffee.

I bought that 1975 album forty years ago and was immediately struck by Genes playing in A maidens prayer. Anyone knows who are the others to play in there? Everybody but the players in that production are mentioned on the sleeve.

That's strange Ake. I got several hits online, but none of them show musicians credits. Seems like a musician's album of work would identify who they are, but it was like that a lot in the 70s.

Nothing on either LP cover. Odd.

Here's one well-known Gene O'Neil story: Gene liked to play his steel ALL the time. He worked with Pride for 9 years. A part of those years was Charlie and Gene in a station wagon. Charlie lived in Dallas. One time Gene was driving the station wagon back to Nashville on a Sunday and drove by a church with a service already underway. Gene stopped and talked the preacher into letting him set up and play gospels on steel guitar the rest of the day.

here's the 1975 Pridesmen album. great stuff
https://youtu.be/EmZxtQO6nq8

Ake, I recognize Tommy Williams as the fiddle player. He's in the center of the LP cover photo with Gene O'Neal just behind and slightly left.

Sorry, I don't know who any of the other players are.

Jerry Overstreet wrote:Ake, I recognize Tommy Williams as the fiddle player. He's on the bottom center of the LP cover with Gene O'Neal just behind and slightly left.

Sorry, I don't know who any of the other players are.

No big deal Jerry but my LP doesn’t have a picture of either the musicians nor their names just a just a spanish guitar drawing.

Scott! Thanks for posting that link - it's an eye-opener. Gene was a truly fine player, wasn't he?

Here's cover art from the 1973 LP.
Dunno if these are the same musicians as in the 75 recording.

If Ronnie Miller is still around maybe he can tell you. He was Charley's last steel player, I think.

No Jerry that's an earlier LP from 1973.

Ake Banksell wrote:I bought that 1975 album forty years ago and was immediately struck by Genes playing in A maidens prayer. Anyone knows who are the others to play in there? Everybody but the players in that production are mentioned on the sleeve.

The tone that Gene got on The Maiden’s Prayer is about one of the best I’ve heard. And it doesn’t sound like Gene is using any effect at all.

David Zornes wrote:

Ake Banksell wrote:I bought that 1975 album forty years ago and was immediately struck by Genes playing in A maidens prayer. Anyone knows who are the others to play in there? Everybody but the players in that production are mentioned on the sleeve.

The tone that Gene got on The Maiden’s Prayer is about one of the best I’ve heard. And it doesn’t sound like Gene is using any effect at all.

Indeed that tone is high-class David, but as we’ve all learned by now, the tone is in your hands. 😆
I believe the tone from your hands originally come from your psyche which naturally can’t be changed deliberately but as you mature your tone does too.

Wow, that's some great music and Gene was killing it. I wasn't aware of this album back then. Thanks for posting. I seen Gene at the ISGC convention in St Louis probably in the 90s. Outstanding player. Funky Monkey is still one of my favorites.