The Steel Guitar Forum

I have two records in collection, one by Fiddlin' Frenchie Burke and one by Randy Cornor. Robbie Springfield is playing some great Steel on both of them, his pickin' on tunes like Burke's "Fire On The Mountain" and "Knock, Knock, Knock" is awesome!. Does anybody know more details about this guy?

Kind Regards, Walter
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf

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Robbie used to live in the Houston area, but now has moved to Arkansas, I believe. He is an awesome player. He is still doing some studio work from time to time. Robbie, I understand, recently had a heart attack but is now doing well.

Robbie's good friend is Randy Reeves, the drummer on all the Frenchie stuff. Randy rents a house from me and we play in the same band every week...from time to time Randy Cornor comes and plays too. Let me tell you, it's a blast!

I played a show in Arkansas a couple of years ago and he played for the singer who opened the show. Unbelievably great! (Robbie - not the singer...)

I seem to recall him saying that he was playing now and then with David Lynn Jones -a really under-rated songwriter I've always thought - mostly just playing locally. I think he also said that he was mostly playing six string but I can't recall for sure. A great player for sure.

Robbie did the steel work on my good friend Big John Mill's CD a couple years ago. I am still trying to figure this stuff out, but I don't think I'll ever get there.

It's a great CD by a true Texas artist. You can order a copy from Big John directly at
www.bigjohnmills.com

p.s. Tommy Detamore plays on the last cut too, it is awesome!

Yes,
Robbie is a fine player for sure.
I met him in 1997 in Drasco, AK. where he was at the time, a "Staff Steel player" at "John Raney III" Recording Studio where he played bass on a Gospel album that we were "Cutting". (I played Steel for a Gospel Group out of Winnfield, LA) He Plays Guitar & Bass as well. I had him sit behind my steel, and let me tell you folks, He BURNS IT UP, but, Is SMOOTH AS WELL. Very nice Guy.

Thanks for the info, guys!

Kind Regards, Walter
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf

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Robbie lives at Viola, Arkansas. He bought a volume pedal from me.

He's got a new maroon Millennium D10 on order.

Just went to Cave City Arkasnas Thurs Night Aug 12,2010 and Listen to Robbie Springfield Play Steel for Billy Joe French. Robbie is now playing a Mullen and let me tell you folks! HE WAS SMOKING THAT THING. I got to sit about 5 feet from him, he was AWSOME!!!!!

Robby also kicks butt on six-string!
Walter, Robby was only 15 years old on that Frenchie Burke album. Unbelievable!


Chris, David Lynn Jones isn't currently touring, but you're right, he is a VERY under-rated artist. He wrote "Livin In The Promised Land" for Willie, among others. He does occasionaly make an appearance, and is always amazing.

Robbie is a forum member, I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any questions you might have, Walter! He's been a hero of mine ever since I bought that Frenchie Burke record back in 1975. To be able to play that way at 16, wow! Fast AND tasteful, a rare combination for a steeler of any age.

He sure hasn't lost any chops since then:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDIvp5-nbw4

Here he is at our Ozark Steel Guitar Association February Mini Jam pictured with our departed friend Phil Coontz and Adam Guidry on drums.

This thread started a long time ago. I missed it back then and almost missed it this time. Thanks to all of you guys.

I'm still in the Ozark hills doing a lot of recording thru the net. I got myself set up a few years ago and it has turned out to be a mainstay. I have been having some serious computer issues after running very smoothly for about 4 years. So if you see someone come by your place draging whats left of a computer behind them...that will be me!

Robby is without a doubt one of the greatest steelers I've heard. I love his playing and I'm not just saying that because he is in the room..LOL
Robby try www.pcmortuary.com.. they conduct great services for the dead PC..(just kidding no such site I don't think??)

I have had the pleasure of knowing and watching Robbie play in this area. He and his lovely wefe Jimmy Lou live about 12 miles west near Viola, AR. He is Mr speed, tone and agility on the pedal steel,very professional, and one of the nicest guys to talk to. I purchased the Millenium (purple) from him when he moved to the
G2 which he loves. (By the way, he did not leave all the hot licks on it) If you haven't seen or heard him play, check the schedule of shows (maybe Robbie will post a schedule. His wife Jimmy Lou has a realatively new CD that is out that is very good. It has several songs writted locally with production
and much music by Robbie. He did an excellant job of mixing the instruments so that they or blended, but each is so easily heard in the mix. Contact Robbie for info about the CD. Good Luck Ron Plumlee

Just to add to this older post some more amazing playing:
Amazing Grace / America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHaE_P0zxSM

Robbie was a teenager when he played for Frenchie. He played at the Ozark Super Event a few years ago, unfortunately he didn't play anything of Frenchies or mention Frenchie. That has to be some of the best ever steel playing.