The Steel Guitar Forum

Anybody know a Steel player from Denver,CO. Named Leon Allison? His first name was Edger, but they called him Leon. He died in 1990. He played at the Opry back in the 40's or 50's. He had a radio and TV show in Denver years ago. His band was called the "K.L.A.K Ranch Hand Band", or something like that.

Also was a GREAT all-girl c/w band there about the same time. No idea WHO they might be. Female steel player was really great.

KLAK was a country radio station in Lakewood.
And I mean "country". It was literally a "shotgun shack" with a commode right in the middle of the room - (late 40's - early 50's). This was before "Sheriff Scotty", Ed Scott, bought it out. He may have been a member of the band also.
Pete Smythe might have been the leader of the band at the time, as I think all the members were also disc jockeys. Leon Allison on steel, Buster Jenkins played fiddle, banjo, and guitar, Jim Owen (?) on rythym guitar. Another steelman who was there about that time was Johnny Ward. Buster Jenkins went on to host the "Rocky Mountain Jamboree" for several years after that. Pete Smythe had a local afternoon TV show that would feature local talent. Seems like it was called Smythe's General Store with a sign saying it was in Tincup, Colorado.


<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Barbara Hennerman on 02 April 2006 at 08:37 PM.]</p></FONT>

Thanks Barbara: Leon was married to my other halfs exsister-in-law, Wilma M. 'Sue' [Kenner] Allison. She just died March 12th, in Lander, Wyoming. She was only 67. I don't know what yrs he played at the Grand Ole Opry or what yrs he played on the station. I figured the K.L.A.K. was call letters for a station. Thanks again, maybe I'll get some more info. Junior

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