Remembering Leon McAuliffe 30 years ago today...

Earl Calvert · Post by **Earl Calvert** » 20 Aug 2018 8:31 pm

One of my first steel guitar heros left us 30 years ago today...I remember playing tapes mom and dad recorded from the TV of the Austin City Limits show that Leon led the Texas Playboys on. I had the honor of meeting him at Bumpershoot in Seattle in 1985. Thanks Leon!

Jeff Harbour · Post by **Jeff Harbour** » 21 Aug 2018 3:27 am

In 1935 Leon recorded an instrumental with Bob Wills that he had composed.

I bet he had no idea how many times we would still be playing "Steel Guitar Rag" 83 years later!

(I should add that I prefer to play that tune with Leon's original 'quick bluesy' pace... and Not at 'horse race' tempo as many others do.)

C. E. Jackson · Post by **C. E. Jackson** » 21 Aug 2018 9:45 am

LEON McAULIFFE

WESTERN SWING PIONEER BAND LEADER, COMPOSER OF THE MOST FAMOUS
INSTRUMENTAL "STEEL GUITAR RAG"

BORN: JANUARY 3, 1917 HOUSTON, TEXAS
DIED: AUGUST 20, 1988
INDUCTED: 1978 (Steel Guitar Hall of Fame)

STEEL GUITAR RAG

Leon was the second member elected to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. I really
enjoy his playing. Notice how he doesn't watch his bar hand too closely.

C. E. Jackson