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Red Rhodes? (Page 1)
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The Steel Guitar Forum
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Red Rhodes? (Page 1)
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| This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Wanted To Buy |
| Author | Topic: Red Rhodes? |
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Billy Macon Member Posts: 31 |
posted 19 February 2000 06:30 PM
Does anyone know what happened to Red Rhodes? He used to have a shop in North Hollywood, California, I believe. |
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Herb Steiner Member Posts: 6119 |
posted 19 February 2000 06:33 PM
Red passed away 5 or 6 years ago. ------------------ |
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ajm Member Posts: 556 |
posted 19 February 2000 07:49 PM
I believe, in his later years, that he was also associated with Groove Tubes. He is mentioned in the credits of their book. |
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Al Marcus Member Posts: 7471 |
posted 19 February 2000 10:43 PM
Red was a great player and had a unique tuning , like a E6th or E13th. I'll bet he was the first with a locking foot pedal. He hit that and changed tunings, like you do on the U12's but it wasn't. Then he hit it again and went back to his other tuning. He was way ahead of his time....al |
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Bobby Lee Sysop Posts: 14849 |
posted 19 February 2000 11:11 PM
I believe that Red Rhodes played an Eb Diatonic tuning. |
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Billy Macon Member Posts: 31 |
posted 20 February 2000 12:03 AM
Thanks Guys, I'm sorry to hear that. He was not very old was he? |
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Rich Paton Member Posts: 686 |
posted 20 February 2000 12:20 AM
Red was Chief Engineer at GT. He was deeply involved with Fender; (do you remember "Fender, Rogers, Rhodes"?) for a long time prior to that. He ran a small amp shop out of his home, and I had some work done by him about 7 years ago. He was friendly, humorous, had a million stories, and freely shared any information I asked him about. He had recently gotten (?) either a Grammy or an Oscar, for playing PSG on the soundtrack of the film "Days of Thunder". I believe he was in his early sixties when I was saddened with the news of his demise. > Here's a nice Red Rhodes website: > http://members.aol.com/JoeAlterio/redrhodes.html |
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Earnest Bovine Member Posts: 4687 |
posted 20 February 2000 12:24 AM
Red was 65 years old when he died. |
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Steve Hinson Member Posts: 1837 |
posted 20 February 2000 06:35 AM
Red built me two blackface Deluxe Reverb amps about 10 years ago...100 watts each!He changed them to accept 6550 power tubes and put giant transformers in them.They weigh a ton,but are killer guitar amps...My favorite playing of Red's is on"Games People Play"-he really had a great style,IMHO.He was fun to hang with-I sure miss calling him and asking him stupid questions... |
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Mike Perlowin Member Posts: 6731 |
posted 20 February 2000 06:49 AM
Red died from asbestos poisoning. Somehow the stuff got into his lungs. He thought it was from working on amps that had it inside. BTW, the Rhodes associated with Fender was not Red, but Harry Rhodes, inventor of the electric piano. I was at Red's funeral. There must have been 30 steel players in attendence. He was a good friend to all of us. |
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Jerry Hayes Member Posts: 3306 |
posted 20 February 2000 09:18 AM
I had an old Fender Deluxe amp that we took to Red's Royal Amp Repair I believe they called it when I still lived in California. When I got it back the thing was louder than a Twin Reberb and sounded better. Red was a master at this kind of modification. I sold the amp about 10 years ago and am still kicking myself in the butt for it. I got to see Red a year or two before he died when I went to Scotty's convention and he was booked there. Later that night we went to Jack Laux's club in East Alton, Ill. and Jack had booked Red to play with the house band for the whole night. I got to sit in on lead guitar for a little bit and enjoyed it a lot. As for as his tuning, he fooled around with the diatonic tunings but his main commercial tuning was always an Eb13th. He had the chromatic strings on top but the second was different than most of us use. I think it was a B. For E9 players it would be like having a C in the 2nd slot. His tuning was a lot like what Buddy used in the Rainbow album except for the 2nd string. Around 1971 or '72 I was in a trio at a club called the "Swizzle Stik" in Huntington Beach, Calif. Our bass player (Bobby Ray) had absconded with a bass Red had loaned him a couple of years before when he worked with him. Red showed up one night to repossess the thing. Bobby didn't have it anymore but they patched up their differences and he brought in a guitar and played the last set with us. ------------------ [This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 20 February 2000 at 09:22 AM.] |
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John Macy Member Posts: 2290 |
posted 20 February 2000 11:26 AM
One of the two records that pushed my button to go buy a steel guitar was Red's playing on the first Michael Nesmith and the First National Band release. Put steel in a whole new and unique light. What a stylist. [This message was edited by John Macy on 20 February 2000 at 11:26 AM.] |
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Steve Hinson Member Posts: 1837 |
posted 20 February 2000 12:06 PM
Mike-someone told me(can't remember who)that when Red first moved to LA,he worked at the Shell refinery as a welder inside the tanks and they were lined with asbestos.I guess it takes that long(35-40 years)for it to show up sometimes... |
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Michael Johnstone Member Posts: 2535 |
posted 20 February 2000 01:54 PM
When I arrived in L.A.in 1973,I showed up broke and with a blown up silver faced Twin Reverb and a gig to play that night.Somebody steered me to Red's shop which was down in Hollywood on Cahuenga Blvd.- across from the Catalina Bar and Grill.Anyway,I got there around 6 PM and the door was locked.I saw him inside and yelled to him.He let me in,took me in the back and basically rebuilt my amp into a pre CBS blackface and retubed it in about 45 minutes-all for $35 and a six pack of Michelob.While he was working,I remember him saying: "So....you just got to town? Have you met Linda Ronstadt yet? She LIKES steel players..... -MJ- |
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Jason Odd Member Posts: 2665 |
posted 20 February 2000 02:28 PM
Ah, Red, yes what a player. Ernest is right, Red was 65 when he passed on, born in 1930 and died in 1995. Red could play a real fat tone and yet sound so delicate. He played on psyche-pop, folk rock, country rock and country sessions, the Byrds, Johnny Meeks, Carole King, Nesmith, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, the Lovin'Spoonful and the list just keeps running. In interviews Mart Stuart has mentioned the excellent job Red did in modifying the pickups in his Clarence White Tele, yep that'd be String bender number one. Something interseting I have heard is that in 1970 a young steel guitarist named Jeff Baxter came to L.A in 1970 and apparently worked at the Pal' in the house band. Any ideas?
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Herb Steiner Member Posts: 6119 |
posted 20 February 2000 02:35 PM
Jason I was hangin' out pretty often at the Pal in those days and I don't recall Skunk Baxter being in the house band... maybe he sat in a few nights. But by early 1970 Jay Dee was definitely Tony's steel player. As you know, Tony had the Kastner Bros. as well as Larry playing for him, and Jerry Cole from time to time. And Tony's German wife, whose name I have forgotten, was one of the waitresses, though Sherry, who had not yet married Tommy Thomas, was the head waitress. ------------------ |
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B Bailey Brown Member Posts: 606 |
posted 20 February 2000 02:42 PM
I lived in LA between 1970 and 1972. I have some fond remembrances of the place…and some NOT to fond! I was very aware of Red, and a fan when I went out there. One of my NOT too fond remembrances was, that I never took the time to go meet him. There are sometimes that I have been really stupid. Really great player! B. Bailey Brown |
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Buddy Carter Member Posts: 76 |
posted 20 February 2000 04:22 PM
I have a story regarding Red Rhodes that I'm not sure is completely appropriate to divulge here, but I feel I should tell it. My introduction to Red Rhodes came in the way of a cassette album "Steel Guitar Favorites" I found in a cutout rack. This was in 1985. I wasn't very involved in steel guitar at the time, but my dad was, and my interest was growing. My dad and I shared this tape for many years. I lost my dad in a head-on collision in 1993. He apparently had this tape with him at the time, as I found the J-case in his vehicle afterward, but the tape cartridge disappeared. Without my knowledge, my fiance' (now, my wife) traced down Mr. Rhodes from the J-card information. He personally called her in Chicago, got her address, and sent a replacement tape, which she gave me for Christmas that year. I only learned of Mr. Rhodes passing a few weeks ago from a post on this forum. Though I didn't know him personally, I was very saddened by the knowledge of his passing. He must have been a very personable individual, judging by my experience and what I've read about him here. He certainly had my respect, both as a musician and a person. |
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ROGER SHACKELTON unregistered Posts: 76 |
posted 20 February 2000 05:38 PM
Back in the mid to late 70s Scotty's convention was called "The National Steel Guitar Convention." I would arrive 1 day early at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel and get Red's room No. I would go to his hotel room and shoot the breeze with him and listen to him practice some of the tunes he was going to play on the convention. One year he had worked up his own version of "The Shadow of Your Smile." He said "I don't know if I should play this tune. Curly has sort of claimed it as his tune." I said "Red, as much as I like Curly's playing, he doe not own that tune. Go ahead and play your version." And he did. Roger |
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Mike Dennis Member Posts: 1387 |
posted 20 February 2000 06:44 PM
I hadn't heard that Red had passed away... I'm saddened with the news... I don't know how I missed it being a big fan and all. Red's " Velvet Hammer" was a big influence for this beginning steel guitarist back in the mid 70's. Later I caught Red live on Austin City Limits performing with the Michael Nesmith Band... it is one hot performance if you get a chance to see it on rerun. Also.. Red played on Micheal Nesmith's "Tropical Campfires " CD... 1992. a very good recording. I know Michael Nesmith has a live concert video for sale... Red should be on that... I will most likely order it. |
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Jerry Hayes Member Posts: 3306 |
posted 20 February 2000 09:51 PM
Some of you California guys might remember this! In the late 60's Red teamed up with the great guitarist Jimmy Bryant to form a duo called "Orville (Red's name) and Ivy (Jimmy's) name. They had a hit instrumental out called "Shinbone" which was pretty good. I used to play it at the time and would like to know if any of that stuff is available anymore. Herb you probably remember that stuff. Also Red had an instrumental called "StarRoute" which was the theme song for the TV program of the same name hosted by Rod Cameron the cowboy actor. ------------------ [This message was edited by Jerry Hayes on 20 February 2000 at 09:53 PM.] |
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Jason Odd Member Posts: 2665 |
posted 21 February 2000 08:01 AM
Jerry, I think there's a version of Star Route on Red's 'Live At The Palomino' album, cut around 1968 with the Cass {Kastner} brothers, Dennis Hromeck, Jerry Cole and Biff Adam. I have heard of the Bryant/Rhodes album, titled "Wingin' It with Norval & Ivy" 1967 on the Imperial label. There's a Californian based couple George& Vicki Angelo who are working on a film about the Pal' It isn't great to navigate, but they do keep adding bits and pieces so it gets a little better each time, most of the pictures are links to their emails {sadly not bigger versions of the pics}. Mike, you mentioned
quote: There is one from a 1994 gig and it also features..oh crap I forgot his name, Mr.Hipshot himself..John whatsit from the Desert Rose Band and the Hellecasters? ------------------ |
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Jon Light Member Posts: 6528 |
posted 21 February 2000 08:08 AM
Jorgenson |
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Jason Odd Member Posts: 2665 |
posted 21 February 2000 08:25 AM
I just checked the Pal' link and there's a page missing, maybe you guys will have better luck, but it's a hard page to navigate! This is the page, for some strange reason I bookmarked a couple of the pages, so try this page instead, it's more interesting to. By the way Herb, I don't know what ol' Skunk wasdoing in 1970 when he hit L.A, but it's interesting to note that Pete Frame in his book 'Rock Family Trees' has a footnote with the info I passed on before. He doesn't mention whether he played steel, rhythm or lead or if it was just a couple of gigs. ------------------ |
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Jason Odd Member Posts: 2665 |
posted 21 February 2000 08:26 AM
Thanks Jon. ------------------ |
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Joe Alterio Member Posts: 851 |
posted 21 February 2000 09:08 AM
From the obituaries that were released, Red's cause of death was pneumonia as a result from rheumatoid arthritis. This stuff about asbestos poisining is news to me.....and certainly those of you close to Red would know better. I would be grateful for any information regarding his actual cause of death, as well as the exact date of his death (I have misplaced it). I would like to add the info to my Red Rhodes Web Page: "http://members.aol.com/joealterio/redrhodes.html" Thanks! Joe P.S. Red's bandmate in the First National Band, bassist John London, passed away this past Monday at age 58. |
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Joe Alterio Member Posts: 851 |
posted 21 February 2000 09:15 AM
Mike Perlowin: As you attended Red's funeral, I am curious as to whether any of his old bandmates (Michael Nesmith, John London, John Ware) attended....especially Nesmith, as rumor had it their relationship became quite strained in the '80s due to legal disputes over the ownership of Red's music. Everybody: For those of you looking for the Red Rhodes concert with Michael Nesmith from 1994, it is available on Nesmith's website "www.videoranch.com". It is called "Live At The Britt". This is not the same concert as the Austin City Limits one, but was performed within weeks of it...and is a much better concert. Red was ailing, however (this was right before his death) and his playing was nowhere near what is had been in the past.....without a doubt, John Jorgenson stole this show!) Joe |
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Eddie Lange Member Posts: 662 |
posted 21 February 2000 03:08 PM
Didn't Red play on some of Wynn Stewart's later stuff? ------------------ |
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Jerry Hayes Member Posts: 3306 |
posted 21 February 2000 03:43 PM
Hey Jason, Mr. Hipshot would be Will Ray of the Hellecasters instead of John Jorgensen. Hipshot now uses Will's name on their string bending units. Also Will's got a video out called "B-Bender Mania". By the way, the Hipshot was the brain child of a Van Nuys steel player named David Borrisoff. ------------------ |
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Jason Odd Member Posts: 2665 |
posted 21 February 2000 04:53 PM
Jerry, you are right, I got him totally confused with John though. Will and John, John and Will...etc. Eddie, I don't know if Wynn recorded with Red Rhodes, up through the 1960's it was 99% Ralph Mooney on his material, although Carl West, Jimmie Collins and Leo Le Blanc all have valid claims to having played on 1967's 'It's Such A Pretty World Today'. Joe, we swapped some emails on Red a while back and I have some info for you. ------------------ |
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CHIP FOSSA Member Posts: 2536 |
posted 21 February 2000 08:04 PM
Well if I may so, you guys all missed the boat on this one. Where I first learned about Red Rhodes, which to me, catapulted him, as well as James Taylor, into the history books, was his undeniable and understated steel on Jame's 'debut' album, "SWEET BABY JAMES"......."There is a young cowboy, who lives on the range........" You talk about back-up steel, go back and give this beautiful album another listen to; |
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Joe Casey Member Posts: 3402 |
posted 22 February 2000 04:56 AM
At the old Huntington park ballroom between the "Cals Corral"set up's,Gene Davis would have the Early Spots and Red would hang around after for a while. What a Great guy he was? I am really saddened with his loss. |
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GEOFF GOULD Member Posts: 14 |
posted 22 February 2000 05:18 PM
I first heard Red on The Byrds Notorious Byrds Brothers Alblum 1967-68. Goin' Back was the single from that alblum didn't do well however Wasn't Born to Follow (both C. King G. Goffin penned) did well from the film Easy Rider. Red really shined here along with Clarence White. Turned me onto steel! Bought a Red Rhodes and the Detours Live at the Pal at Scottys a few years ago. In the pay line behind me a guy said "Boy what a great player" it was Jimmy Day. Nuff said. ------------------ |
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CHIP FOSSA Member Posts: 2536 |
posted 23 February 2000 04:24 AM
Geoff, welcome to the Forum. All these years I thought it was Lloyd Green playing steel on Notorious Byrd Brothers [one of my faves]. Until I got the re-released CD. No credits were given on the LP I believe. Actually it figures that it would be Red Rhodes. He was one of the 1st pioneers looking at 'effects' with the steel. A great player and innovator ahead of his time, he is sorely missed. |
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CHIP FOSSA Member Posts: 2536 |
posted 23 February 2000 04:24 AM
Geoff, welcome to the Forum. All these years I thought it was Lloyd Green playing steel on Notorious Byrd Brothers [one of my faves]. Until I got the re-released CD. No credits were given on the LP I believe. Actually it figures that it would be Red Rhodes. He was one of the 1st pioneers looking at 'effects' with the steel. A great player and innovator ahead of his time, he is sorely missed. |
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CHIP FOSSA Member Posts: 2536 |
posted 23 February 2000 04:25 AM
Sorry about that double post. Shakey finger I guess. |
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Tommy Detamore Member Posts: 478 |
posted 23 February 2000 06:45 AM
I first heard Red playing on Willis Alan Ramsey's landmark record. One of my favorite and most influential (to me) records ever. Check out Red on "A Boy From Oklahoma" Tasteful and beautiful. |
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Jason Odd Member Posts: 2665 |
posted 23 February 2000 07:55 AM
Geoff, that's also the first place I heard Red, on The Byrds Notorious Byrds Brothers Album of 1968. Goin' Back was most likely Carl West, who was next door in studio B at Columbia studios and had just finished on Jerry Inman's Beatles album with James Burton, etc. ------------------ |
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Mike Dennis Member Posts: 1387 |
posted 23 February 2000 09:56 AM
"Wasn't Born to Follow" that is a great song.... It would be nice to have a collection of all these songs Red performed on... [This message was edited by Mike Dennis on 23 February 2000 at 09:58 AM.] |
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RickRichtmyer Member Posts: 2522 |
posted 23 February 2000 10:43 AM
I'll have to check the credits, but it seems to me that Red played steel on Ian Matthews version of Seven Bridges Road (the arrangement later popularized by the Eagles). That was one of the songs that captivated me as far as steel is concerned. In fact, Matthews' version is far superior to the Eagles version IMO. ------------------ |
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