Wonderful!! I absolutely love a steel guitar!! This is what real country music sounds like!! Those pop singers today calling themselves country should be ashamed!! This is the stuff legends are made of!! God bless all you great steel guitar players still here and some already passed!! I know you’re going playing that steel guitar in Heaven and my Daddy and Mama are listening!🙏🏻❤️
Parissteel, thank you for posting this fine instrumental by the Big E. I met him several times during his life, in different places/cities/states and he was always such a gentleman to speak with. Always a very easy conversation, without a big ego. I'm 71 now and I am saddened by country music's moving away from the dominating role the pedal steel used to play back in the 50's, 60's and 70's. All things change, musical styles too. I have fond memories of (me) playing steel on Ralph Emery's early morning radio show on WSM, at the Stage Door Lounge at Opryland, and at fairs and casinos across this great USA. All true fans I came into contact with knew of the talent and contributions that Buddy had made, over the years. Thanks for your excellent works and inspiration, Buddy Emmons. Rest in Peace!
Buddy Emmons is the greatest steel player who ever lived, I got to see him in person a few times, there will never be another one like him, thanks for posting this fantastic song
What I love about Buddy's playing is his pure taste, and he never overplays, even though he could. Like every instrumentalist he likes to play the second verse slightly different, many other players use this as a " let me show you what I can do " and proceed to over complicate things and sometimes spoil it........Buddy never does this, he has exquisite taste and that is why he will always own the benchmark.
The Master! "Never overplays" is so appropriate! I've seen him play like a monster - but it was appropriate. Else he was always about quality, correctness, taste and respect - for the other musicians on the stage (if live). I've covered a lot of his stuff through the years, as learned from his courses and recordings, but there will never be another Buddy Emmons....
I treasure the brief time I had with Buddy, he was a musical genius and there are none to fill his shoes, yet he left us with his great big smile and an humble spirit what a great man he was to all of us!
I met Buddy in the fifties when he was playing with Jimmy Dickens. Later he wrote to me and explained a tuning he used in a Dickens song - “We Could” as I recall. As I remember he used a C6 tuning and replaced the first string with a banjo string to get the sound he wanted. I only played a steel - pre pedal- for a few years, but always had fond memories of my Edmond encounter.
The Very Best... My dad love the steel guitar... He loved to hear Buddy play the steel guitar... Buddy was my dad's favorite steel guitar player of all times... 💯 percent
We give a lot of credit to steel player but the guitar player at the end put the icing on the cake. There are a lot of great guitar players but unfortunately they over play. But this is not the case here......perfect.
One of the greatest Country songs ever written. Perfect for the pedal Steel. Performed by the master himself, the great Buddy Emmons whom I had the honor of his incredible Gift of music on my last rec. session in Nashville. I think the Harps should be replaced by Steel Guitars in Heaven.
We here on earth morn the dead who were important to us musically and other ways. The sadest words of tongue and pen are, what might have been. We should honor them while they live.
I went to the St. Louis show the first time about 20 years ago. t the time Ron Elliott started things off with "The Star Spangled Banner". Then the stage changed and Buddy Emmons was the first act. There is something about star power. Sinatra had it, Elvis had it, and so does Mr. Emmons. Members of the audience were chatting and visiting like it was a class reunion, until Buddy took the stage. Then, you could hear a pin drop, in anticipation of greatness. I noticed that year that with all the other great players, none received that kind of respect.
The talkers drown out the players. The players should stop playing and tell the talkers, "I'm going to leave now because you didn't come here to listen to the players, you came here to socialize which is not bad but it shows you the disrespect you have for us." The leadership should make it plain that this is not the place to carry on a conversation and if you disagree then security will escort you to a place in the building where you can talk to your friend.
This is still, without question, one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Buddy's musical eloquence and absolute mastery of his instrument are astounding; his melody and counterpoint display picturesque brilliance, and no matter the musical setting, he always plays with a commanding sensibility that immediately directs a whole band. Truly just a wonderful talent and innovator.
Many of the modern steel players jerk the bar (steel) from fret to fret. This is not really all that bad but I like the bar to glide from fret to fret.
Profound gratitude to Fred Rose and Mel Forre who authored this beautiful song back in the 1940's. So many covers bear tribute. When Mr. Emmons arranged it, it took on new life. Agree with all the adulating comments posted here about Buddy's incomparable soul, skill, and interpretable prowess. My small opinion would be about Mr.Jimmy Day. Maybe I am off point , but I truly hear Jimmy's influential stylings in Buddy's sublime version. Certainly Buddy has his own special flavorings added, but both of these pioneers could sustain like few others. They served the song, the melody line with real discipline. They transcended fancy tricks and pyrotechnics meant essentially for other musicians to dote over. That is how "beyond," they were. Such is the power of a song to move a person emotionally. Sheer beauty. Beauty itself we witnessed here.
Met Buddy Emmons years ago, when he played on the Opry, but my husband knew him from when he was in Detroit and worked shows that Vic Lewis promoted, and later years was my husband's partner. So sad to lose these very talented people. Bless him
When any one else has thought about it, Buddy has already forgotten it. And one of THE most perfect things he does; that FEW ever do: is His sustain remains constant giving EACH note the exact time it is suppose to "ring". NO one I have ever heard gets it like Buddy does. While listening to his playing in this video; notice how perfect his sustain is.
The BIG E baby........not much more you can say. He doesn't just play the steel guitar...he FLIES it. If he isn't in a class totally by himself, he's in one where it doesn't take long to call the roll..........
@@packingten Rudi Wairata was in my opinion the best lap steel guitarist…… better at marches than anyone…. Don’t want to offend anyone but I have never heard anyone as good ….. George defretes another great player…. They never got the recognition they deserved …. Rudi died at the young age 50 …. Regards to everyone
There are very, very few who come close to the bar that Buddy has put in place. However, the biggest thrill I ever got musically was when once I went to Nashville for what was then known as the "D. J. Convention I played in a few of the jams in the clubs and actually played in one place..(can't remember the name of it)..and Buddy played bass for a tune I shared with Jimmy Day. I'll never forget that as long as I live.
at this point haven't found any other steel player that has the finess for playing various songs and with the touch that adds to the total music world. I'm so thankful to have had the fortune to have permission to sit/stand beside him while he was playing with Earnest Tubb and Ray Price a number of times. His accuracy of playing a non-fretted instrument is beyond belief. The slight variation, more obvious on a violin, is only to add to the beauty in his style. Sure would like to say more but for those that haven't played the steel, it would be boring, regards
You might want to check out Davepedalsteel on You Tube. Dave Hartley is the best steel playing bar none you will ever hear. Check him out right here on RU-vid.
@@jerryhubbard4461 I concur about David Hartley, absolutely top class steel player without a doubt and I would say he's right up with there with Big E.
ONLY a fool would give him a hands down. For if that was justified, NO musician on earth would do! Period. For Buddy is the greatest MUSICIAN that has EVER played a steel guitar. PERIOD. More succinctly: He was MORE than a steel guitar player. He was gifted beyond fathomable; when it comes to music. As Ray Charles said, "He gets into my soul and plays what I would have asked him to, if I had asked him!". Mac Atcheson (Georgia's best SG player said, "I would rather listen to him TUNE his guitar; than to listen to ANY one else play his guitar!" Finally,: Buddy and Jimmy Day were waling down a corridor when leaving a concert; when a drunk stopped Jimmy and said, "You're the one that did NOT play on "Night Life!". Where upon Jimmy responded, "You are correct, but I COULD'VE!". The drunk continued, "For Buddy has forgotten it when any one else thinks about it!" As Jimmy left to catch up with Buddy, he turned back and yelled, "He AINT forgot NUTHIN!" End of story!
I second that not even Paul or Tommy or Doug or Lloyd or any of those guys could top The Big e. Of all the above that I mentioned you could hear in their playing, buddy emmons. But not one of their styles could be heard in buddies playing. Think about that for a moment.
I've listened to three different steel players play this awesome song. Buddy's version is, without a doubt, hands down, goes over and above all others on this beautiful song. Has a much fuller, richer sound. Only version that just grabbed me from the git-go and I had to hear the whole song! He's just gifted with that extra special ability and uses it so well.
The GODFATHER of the pedal steel. Tommy white once told me.......BUDDY designed the thing, then turned around and showed us all how it was to be played. Sooooo true.
This is off Volume 2 of the Pickin' on Shot Tribute albums that my dad Terry Miller produced. My dad also played the dobro on the album Shot Jackson style. There is nothing like the tone and touch of Buddy Emmons. I played rhythm guitar on the session and it is one of my greatest memories I have from working in the music industry.
Those ol' Push/Pull Emmons guitars are still highly sought even to this day - when it seems no one wants a steel guitarist. NVM the changers though - THOSE HANDS. Hands are where the sound comes from..... RIP brother Buddy!
There are so many great players past and present. To name a few Papa John Hughey, Jay Dee Maness, Paul Franklin, Mike Johnson, David Hartley from England, but it's hard to argue that Buddy Emmons wasn't the greatest. His technique was flawless and musical interpretation was pure traditional country as well as terrific jazz!
One of the prettiest steel solos on RU-vid. Really amazed more viewers haven't watched this video from one of the all-time great pedal steel players. Thanks to parissteel for posting Many Stars *******
The Sho-Bud started off being built in Madison, Tennessee. I stopped there for a few minutes and watched the steel builders work. The shop was probably less than a thousand square feet. One side of the building opened up about 8 X 20. It was possible to sit in your car and watch them work.
Thank you paristeel for getting the correct sound level on this video. Sadly, MOST videos on RU-vid, the sound is usually too low and sometimes it changes level throughout the video. Your's is perfect.
As an old retired teacher I would be looking for originality. A perfect example would be Emmons break "Night Life". Along the female line would be Sarah Jory". There are many good steel players living and one of my favorites would be Mike Johnson. Santos and Johnny came up with the famous "Sleep Walk" and they would get my A plus for originality. During your life time as a steel player have you ever written a song comparable or risen to the level of "Steel Guitar Ragg", "Steeling The Blues?. If you have not done anything that would be classified as original then you are not alone. The guitar world doesn't recognize Less Paul and these are the guys that still depend on their wives to bring home the bacon. If you looked in your dictionary "originality" would feature Les Paul as the perfect example. One great country singer advises youngsters to not depend on music to make a living unless you are willing to spend thirty-five years on a bus during your career.
It is irritating that much of today's so-called country music has bred w/rock, turning it into a bastardized cow pasture shuffle, while basically throwing the steel guitar into the closet. 50's. 60's. & 70's were the golden age of steel guitar and real country music. I know several will blow a gasket for this comment but I played rock every other week and country the opposite weekend back in the late 60's & 70's so that is why I feel the way I do. Old school, steel guitar by the Master himself. The Big E, derby powered.
Really shows the difference between the smoother Nashville stylists like Emmons or Jimmy Day and the edgier more accented playing of the Bakersfield & L.A. steelers like Ralph Mooney or J.D. Maness.
It would really be nice if these players that are playing the steel guitars would put what toning they’re using to play the song that would help a lot of beginners out to know because different songs can be played easier and different tunings for certain people anyway I think the turning should be put in with the song that they’re playing that’s my opinion it would sure help there’s so many different tunings
