The Steel Guitar Forum

Given the overall excellence and (apparent) runaway success of Mr. Fishell's recently released Buddy Emmons, Steel Guitar Icon, which other pioneering pedal steel player(s) would you most enjoy reading about?

Mooney.
And include that quip from Waylon when Mooney’s head went down on the strings, intoxicated,
and Waylon said “ladies and gentlemen, the Moon has set!”.

Paul Franklin.
Rusty Young was the first pedal steel player I was ever aware of, then Emmons, then Paul. All three of them strike me as people who have lived full, interesting lives in addition to being exceptional musicians whose contributions to psg can’t be underestimated.

I'd say Lloyd Green, not only because of his illustrious career but because he has kept meticulous notes of every recording session he ever did and therefore can provide a wealth of detail. Plus, of all the players named, he is the only one still available to interview and fill in missing information, etc. So I'm sure it would be a very comprehensive and fascinating book, if he would agree to the project and a good writer like Steve would undertake the project.

Sneaky Pete

Another vote for Rusty. Was always looking forward to the book he was working on for so long. RIP

Bobby Black.

he's seen and done it all and he's still out there doin it at age 88!

i'd just like to read Bruce Zumstead's book but no copies are available anymore. anyone want to sell, rent or borrow?

I just received the Emmons book.

M pick was Mooney, considering all he has recorded with and his history of early pedal mechanics.

Shot Jackson, a true pioneer of the pedal steel guitar and also a great player!

Sonny Garrish because he contributed a lot to country music and the steel guitar world, and how his career inspired many steel players.

I voted for Lloyd for the same reasons as Jim Cohen.

However, a close second for me was Pete Drake. While not the most sophisticated player, his recording career is unparalleled because of his ability to play to the song, he contributed to or instigated so many “out of the box” projects, and had a big career as a producer and studio owner. If that’s not enough, he is also responsible for helping a lot of pickers get on their feet in Nashville including Paul Franklin, I believe.

Given the above, I’m surprised Pete places so low in the poll.

Probably Pete Drake. Not because he is my favorite but because I think he was the most versatile and melodic.

My vote would go for Lloyd Green (though a big part of me would love to read about Jimmy Day's life) or Paul Franklin - both of them are alive (as Buddy Emmons was when Steve Fishell started his project), and I bet both of them would have interesting things to say about life, music, and the pedal steel guitar.

John Hughey

I second that Richard.I listened to Conway when I was a teenager and always thought that John was tops.He and Buddy Charlton were my major influences.

Years ago,there was a steel show in a music store not far from my home,featuring a John Hughey.I thought"could this be him?"I went and it was him! I told him of the pleasure and joy he had given me through the years with his music.He was a nice guy and a very modest man.Still greatly missed today.

Maybe Speedy West in addition to Lloyd.

And simply based on the fact that most pedal steel players do not seem like the most exciting read, I think a Jerry Garcia biography might provide some engaging text.

Just finished Mr. Fishell's book.... fantastic.

I also would vote for Mr. Sneaky Pete.... much adoration from Emmons is quoted in the book for Sneaky's unique approach, and mastery of the 8 string tuning.

How sad, pedal steel guitar was such an individualistic instrument in the early days.... feel sorry for the modern student facing a "standardized" copedant and tuning.