Bob Dunn w/ Musical Brownies

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

I have a book on the history of Bluegrass and there is a reference to Bob Dunn being the 1st electric steeler.
But I haven't heard enything of his, or much more than the bands name.
I assume he was playing a very early Ricky, but it could have been something else.

So what's a good CD of this stuff, and some history from you guys who were there then.
Albeit still children then I suspect!)

nick allen · From: France

... or even not yet born!

Milton Brown and His Musical Brownies - there are a number of compilations available - check www.allmusic.com
I believe his initial "electric" steel was in fact a Mexican acoustic guitar fitted with a pickup, which required the strings to be magnetized before each performance... There is some information on this in one of Stacy Phillips' dobro books.
His tuning is generally believed to be the standard open G or A dobro tuning.
I *think* (and if I'm wrong I'll soon be corrected

) there is a chapter on him in Andy Volk's new book - available NOW from b0b !!! with FREE postage !!!
Nick

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Thanks for the plug, Nick. Yep, there's an interview with Roy Brown who toured with Dunn & the Brownies when he was just 14 years old. Dunn alternated between a Mexican guitar and a Martin through a Volutone amplifier in his early days with the Brownies then played an Epiphone lap steel with Cliff Bruner and others. Dunn in his prime was like joaquin Murphey 10-15 years later ... simply unmatched by his peers.

John McGann · From: Boston, Massachusetts, USA * R.I.P.

Bob Dunn had a rock and roll edge to his tone, 20 some years ahead of it's time...I bet Joaquin dug him!

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

I remember I have a western swing compilation, "As Good As It Gets"with the Brownies, but I couldn't find it earlier, and went out to play.
It has Easy Riding Papa, Brownies Stomp and Sweet Jennie Lee.

All very interesting stuff guys. Nick, I'll check the site.

Andy I plan on getting your book, but I have a few things need fixing first in the budget.
But it's definitely on the list.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 05 November 2003 at 06:02 PM.]

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