Buddy Emmons and Sneaky Pete Kleinow

Fish · Post by **Fish** » 25 Apr 2020 9:28 am

I'm writing a book about Buddy Emmons based on his memoirs. I need the Forum's help.

Did anyone here attend a California steel show in the 1980's when Buddy stopped midway through his performance to introduce Sneaky Pete Kleinow, who had just entered the concert area? I was there but I can't remember when or where this happened. I recall that Jay Dee Maness and possibly Bobby Black also performed that weekend.

Does anyone remember this event? Better yet, does anyone happen to have a recording of what Buddy said about Sneaky before he introduced him? I don't need the recording, but I'd like to remember Buddy's words about his old friend from South Bend.

Thank you!

Steve Fishell

Garry Vanderlinde · Post by **Garry Vanderlinde** » 25 Apr 2020 10:01 am

I remember attending a show in the 1980's at the MGM Grand in Reno, NV that featured Buddy, Sneaky, DeWitt Scott, Joe Goldmark, and many others.
Buddy introduced Sneaky and said when he is asked what steel players he listens to that Sneaky Pete is the one.
I may still have a tape somewhere...
It was called: Steel Guitar Invitational West - Reno, NV. - 1982

Fish · Post by **Fish** » 25 Apr 2020 10:13 am

Hi Garry,

That's the moment. I remember it was somewhere in the Northern California area but Reno, Nevada rings the bell. If your tape happens to have the date and location it would be a big help.

And this is what makes the Steel Guitar Forum so special.

My recollection is that Buddy saw Sneaky come in, halted the show and said something to the affect of (paraphrasing) "Steel players have asked me over the years who I like to listen to, and I just saw someone walk in the room. Please give a hand to Pete Kleinow."

Thanks a lot Garry!

Fish · Post by **Fish** » 25 Apr 2020 10:16 am

Garry Vanderlinde wrote: It was called: Steel Guitar Invitational West - Reno, NV. - 1982

I just saw your update...thanks!

Garry Vanderlinde · Post by **Garry Vanderlinde** » 25 Apr 2020 10:27 am

That's it! So, you were there too. What a great show, nothing like steel guitars and gambling.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 25 Apr 2020 10:42 am

Garry Vanderlinde wrote:That's it! So, you were there too. What a great show, nothing like steel guitars and gambling.

It could be said that anyone who hitches their wagon to a steel guitar is already gambling...

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 25 Apr 2020 10:44 am

Hey Fish...
I wasn't there, but the way I heard it Buddy gave a shout out to Pete as his favorite - or one of his favorite - steel players.

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 25 Apr 2020 11:04 am

boy I'd love to hear that tape

Buddy praised Pete on many occasions. I remember folks were doing top ten lists of their favorite steel players, and Buddy's included Pete.

he also had this to say:
"It was a real treat working with all the great LA players on the Suite Steel album, but my most haunting memory is playing Yesterday with Sneaky Pete. Pete did a beautiful job of supplying rhythmic arpeggios behind my solo, but when it was my turn to support him, the bottom dropped out of the track. You'll never believe how cold and lonely it got out there for me. Pete and I have known each other since we were teenagers and that experience renewed my respect for his talent and dispelled any notion that all roads for the steel guitar lead to Nashville. Sneaky Pete remains one of my favorite innovators of all time."

(I think Buddy was a bit hard on himself re. Yesterday. his backup work was lovely as always, just two different approaches)

Jerry Jones · Post by **Jerry Jones** » 25 Apr 2020 11:19 am

Here's a promo ad from the Reno Gazette - Journal. It doesn't mention Pete in the billing but maybe he just showed up which would make the moment even more special.

Fish · Post by **Fish** » 25 Apr 2020 12:57 pm

Only on the Forum. Thanks everybody!

Steve

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 28 Apr 2020 11:13 am

BTW Steve -

Happy to volunteer as a proofreader!

Duane Brown · Post by **Duane Brown** » 28 Apr 2020 10:20 pm

Steve, I was asked by Ernie Hager to play on that show. I was playing out of town Saturday night but drove home to play early Sunday morning. There were multiple players before Buddy ended the show. Sneaky Pete did a set and I was amazed at what he got out of that ancient Fender.
I remember someone asking Buddy who was his favorite steel player. He wouldn't say at first but finally laughed and said "Sneaky Pete."

I have it all taped and will listen to the tapes to confirm the memory. I haven't listened to them in years. I'll let you know in a few days.

Fish · Post by **Fish** » 29 Apr 2020 1:57 am

Duane - Thanks a lot for checking your tapes of the Reno show. I was there, but I can't remember Buddy's exact words. Interestingly, Buddy himself told this story to Forum member David Pinkston around 2014. As Mike Cass told me, "Buddy never forgot a thing. He had the memory of a two-headed elephant with OCD."

Frank- I'm sure you'd be a more than capable proofreader. ;0) Noted.

Russ Wever · Post by **Russ Wever** » 1 May 2020 12:55 am

I have some video of that
Reno show, I'll hafta check
if Emmons set is included . . .
~Rw

Henry Brooks · Post by **Henry Brooks** » 1 May 2020 10:39 am

I attended this show it was the Steel Guitar Convention West in March, 1982 at the MGM Grand Reno NV. Here is a picture I took at the close of show. I Think all of players are in this picture. Also, I think Sierra Steel Guitars was one of the sponsors.
Henry

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 1 May 2020 11:11 am

audio AND video of this show?? I sure hope so.

great photo Henry, I'm trying to find Red and JD... of course they could be obscured by HATS

Henry Brooks · Post by **Henry Brooks** » 1 May 2020 11:27 am

I have more photos many of the dividual player taken during their set. The picture above is a scan of a print that I have in photo album. The others are 35mm negatives that would need to be converted to digit images, not a simple process.
Henry

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 1 May 2020 11:39 am

I recognize a few but not all. Could someone please identify them all from left to right? Thanks.

Garry Vanderlinde · Post by **Garry Vanderlinde** » 5 May 2020 1:01 pm

I may still have a tape somewhere...

I did a thorough search for the tape and unfortunately could not find it. I hope someone else can provide the audio.

In the photo that's Blackie Taylor standing 3rd from right.
Bobby Black kneeling 1st on right
Buddy Emmons center with Ernie Hagar on his left.
They were younger there than most of us are now.

(edited names)

Stu Schulman · Post by **Stu Schulman** » 7 May 2020 2:02 am

Phish,Let me know when your book is available and I'll buy it.

Jack Stanton · Post by **Jack Stanton** » 7 May 2020 6:25 am

Is that Sneaky to E's left, or is that Ernie Hagar?

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 7 May 2020 9:23 am

The big black hat is on the head of Duane Brown...

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 7 May 2020 10:21 am

Buzz Evans, second from left. He's listed on the show and that sure looks like him.

scott murray · Post by **scott murray** » 7 May 2020 10:31 am

I believe Ernie Hagar is standing in between Buddy and Sneaky.

anyone know who is kneeling front and center?

Doug Beaumier · Post by **Doug Beaumier** » 7 May 2020 11:06 am

Bill Stafford in the white shirt standing behind Scotty.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Buddy Emmons and Sneaky Pete Kleinow

Buddy Emmons and Sneaky Pete Kleinow

no tape