The Steel Guitar Forum

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

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

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!

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

I just saw your update...thanks!

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

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...

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.

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)

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.

Only on the Forum. Thanks everybody!

Steve

BTW Steve -

Happy to volunteer as a proofreader!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

anyone know who is kneeling front and center?

Bill Stafford in the white shirt standing behind Scotty.