As Terry Wood said in his posting, I am eighteen years old and will be graduating this year. I was flattered to read that I "play the fire out of a piano," but honestly, I quit piano lessons shortly after my father died. I do love to write poetry, though. As of now, I plan on going to college to become a neonatal social worker.

I'm sure that most of you have read the entry made by my Aunt Edna. She and I both are very excited to hear from all of you. She and I keep in touch, and I hope that you will continue posting information and e-mailing us about my dad.

I was definately a "daddy's girl," and I miss him very much. However, it is very comforting to know that he was so well-loved and admired.

posted 20 March 2000 09:03 PM         

It is my understanding that the voting for the inductees to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, is made by the board directors, members, those who have already been included in it.

I have been told that they are voted on several months before or almost a year before they recieve the award, because it allows for time to prepare for the ceremony and let the players/inductees and their family members know, so that they may attend if they are still living.

I'd like to know why they don't include more than one or two players at a time. They inducted three players into the Hall of Fame the first year. Those were Jerry Byrd, Leon McAuliffe and Alvino Rey.

This is the reason I say why not include three at time? What's it going to hurt to honor these individual's while they are living. I still say JulianTharpe, Maurice Anderson, Jimmy Crawford and a few more need to be included.

Thanks to Slick and the others who have spoken up; thanks for having the courage or guts as we say in MIssouri to speak out for Julian and the others who deserve it!

posted 21 March 2000 08:14 PM         

We are glad that you and your Aunt Edna have joined the Steel Guitar Forum!

It would be nice to hear some more input from you and Edna regarding your father. If there are any stories or info that you would like to share, we would greatly appreciate that.

We are like a big family here, we share ideas, thoughts, info and yes sometimes, some will bicker and disagree like little elementary school children, (I oughta know, I teach 640 each week), but we have one thing in common. We all love the steel guitar! Glad you joined us!

posted 21 March 2000 08:23 PM         

We are glad that you and your Aunt Edna have joined the Steel Guitar Forum!

If you have any stories or info that you would like to share with us, we'd love to hear it.

We are just like a big happy family here on the Steel Guitar Forum. We share ideas, thoughts, and sometimes a few will argue and disagree like elementary school children, but we all love the steel guitar.

Glad you joined us!

posted 22 March 2000 02:45 PM         

Let me know about the 14 string SHO-BUD that belonged to Julian.

I was inquiring about the 14 string BMI that was last seen at Zane Beclk's house but I'd be intersted in any of Julian's steels.

Good work and thanks for the info!

posted 23 March 2000 06:46 AM         

If I can ever get this figured out as to what to do, I'll try and share some photos of steel players.

Besides some great shots of Julian, I have also have photos of Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, Speedy West, Jerry Byrd, Maurice Anderson, Curly Chalker, and several others that my wife and I have taken over the past 25 years.

I am fairly new on the forum and I'm not the sharpest on a computer yet, but as you will learn, I am not one to give up.

By the way, we would welcome any stories or more info on Julian. Thanks for your support, regarding his induction into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

posted 25 March 2000 04:46 PM         

This coming Tuesday, the 28th of March would have been Julian's 63rd birthday. Interestingly, he was born the same year as Buddy Emmons and Lloyd Green. Looks to me like that was a great year (1937) for steel players.

If any of you have any more info on Julian, I would ask that you post it. I know that this forum is monitored by several of the heavy weights, the big steel cats and the powers that be, those that select inductees to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, so speak up.
Thanks!

God Bless You All!

posted 26 March 2000 10:10 AM         

Thank you and God Bless.

Brent T Gregory

[This message was edited by edna on 26 March 2000 at 12:53 PM.]

posted 27 March 2000 12:42 PM         

I heard the steel before I even entered the door, and man was he swinging. I walked in, said hello, and sat at the table next to him.

Needless to say, my chair should have been equipped with a seat belt. He played some of the most incredible things I had ever heard on steel guitar, and I almost ended up on the floor.

It was not long before he again came to MSA and said he wanted to talk to me. Sitting down in my office he said, Reeceeee, I want MSA to build me a 20 STRING SINGLE NECK. One can only imagine the look of shock I must have had on my face.

After conferring with Bud Carter concerning this specific instance, this is the way we both remember it happening.

I took Julian back into the factory and we told Bud what we wanted to build. Bud then pointed out, our first problem was the designing of a keyhead which would fit the dimensions of our guitar cabinet. So Bud got out pencil and paper, and within minutes he said, "we can do it".

At the time my dear friend and master guitar builder Chuck Wright (Orginal builder of the Wright Custom and Sierra guitars)was working with us, and he machined the key heads for Julians guitar.

We used a double neck body, double neck endplates without a step down, and put two MSA fretboards together. I don't recall how they put two changer units together, but Bud Carter would certainly remember.

Julian himself put the guitar together under Buds supervision, and paid for the parts by working with MSA. After he had paid for the parts he continued with MSA about a year and a half. He was also a very good and enthusiastic worker.

The guitar cabinet was made of dark marble formica. I have wondered many times where that guitar is today.

He installed both an F6th and an E9th on the guitar. We maintained the 11/32 string spacing all the way across the 20 strings.

As soon the guitar was completed and it hit the floor he started playing it, and he sounded just as good as he did playing the guitar I had earlier heard him play.

The next time we went to the DJ convention in Nashville I asked Julian if he would go and alternate playing with me in the MSA room. He of course agreed.

Our playing schedule was something like this.
I would play for about 30 minutes and Julian would play about 2 hours. I would come back and play another 30 minutes and Julian would play 3 or 4 hours, AND THAT WAS THE WAY HE WANTED TO DO IT. As long he was fed and watered he would keep going and loved every minute of it, as did those listening, including me.

I personally must concentrate very hard while playing, which in itself is very tiring, but when Julian was created they threw the mold away. He was remarkably creative with seemingly no effort at all.

Julian and I were dear friends, and I miss him, as do many of you. But by the grace of GOD we have memories, which when coupled with faith will suffice until we meet again.

Rest in peace Julian!

posted 27 March 2000 06:46 PM         

Forum Members,

Here are a couple of photos from when Julian was picking with Barbara Mandrell. One shows the White colored Wright Custom that he played with 20 pedals and the other is a Sho-Bud he played.

You'll notice Barbara and her sister Erlene on the drums. Sorry but I can't identify the other musicians.

God Bless You All!

posted 27 March 2000 08:12 PM         

I thought you all might get a kick out of these photos of Julian with Barbara Mandrell. I am not certain what year the photos where taken.

Thanks Jon for helping me getting them posted on the forum!

By the way tomorrow would have been Julian's 63rd birthday.

God Bless You All!

posted 28 March 2000 04:36 AM         

Your father may have made more than one steel for Julian. I was surpised to learn from Maurice's posting that Julian had them build a 20 stringer. I knew he played a 12 string MSA for a time, because I have a black-n-white photo of him with it.

I was told once that Julian had a steel that had two rows of pedals on the floor which were supposedly off set from each other. It seems that he and those who built his steels all knew what they were doing. It is amazing to me that they all came up with these innovations. steelers need to rember these were the beginnings of all the Universal tunings and 12 and 14 string steels we know today.

I dare say if Julian were still alive today, there is no telling what he would be doing. He wasn't a copy cat but was a true innovator and had a talent and mind like no other.

Julian has always has remind me somewhat of Vincent Van Gogh one of the most popular artists of the past. Vincent was misunderstood by so many, but boy was he an innovator. By the way his paintings have sold for more money than anyone that has ever lived. I think the last one went for $84 million.

God Bless,

posted 28 March 2000 04:38 AM         

Today is Julian's 63rd birthdate. He was born 1937 the same year as Lloyd Green and Buddy Emmons.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIAN!

posted 29 March 2000 07:40 PM         

Your friend was right on about Julian.

In all my 36 years of playing music all over the USA, I have only seen two musicians who could be playing their instrument, smoking a cigarette, sipping on the refreshments and playing all over the neck of their steel or guitar and talking, carrying on a conversation with someone on stage and off. One of those musicians was a guitarist and bandleader named Terry Martin and the other was none other than Julian Tharpe.

Honestly, it was as if he had two minds or was more than one person in his body. I can do it for a short time but you can guess what happens if I prolong it. Julian would do all those things and well frankly just set his steel on fire.

I think it's time that the man was honored for all his efforts, innovativeness and great talent.

Scotty sumed it all up when he wrote the liner notes for Julian's last album during the fall of 1984, titled "Deep Feelings," here is the quote by Scotty for those who may not have heard or read it:

"Julian Tharpe - A man of many moods, capable of running the musical gauntlet from Jazz to Country, Pop to Rock and all styles in between. In this album, Julian chooses to play for you his nice laid back easy listening and moody style. Full of big chord voicings and played in his innovating style that has made him one of America's greatest steel guitarists. DeWitt Scott "

For those who don't have any of Julian's album, Scotty or Tom Bradshaw of Pedal Steel Products may have copies.

posted 30 March 2000 10:01 PM         

I know how you felt, the first time I ever met Julian, I was really just a greenhorn out on the road. We were playing in Tallahassee, Fl and a guitar player by the name of Ray Wiley and I drove like crazy to catch Julian's last set of the night at a club in Panama City.

We walked in and everyone by then had, had their share of the refreshments but Julian was burnin' up his 14 string BMI. It was the first time I had ever seen a 14 string steel up close and it looked like a sea of strings across the neck. He was playing, smoking a cigarette, sippin' on the refreshments, and talking to two or three different people all at the same time. As I posted earlier it was like he had two minds when he played.

When I was introduced the only thing I could think of was I have a couple of your albums. Julian looked at me and said "How come you ain't got em all!" That was how I was introduced to my mentor and friend. He then came over sat down and we all visted for who knows how long. I never forgot that night or the impact his steel playing had on me. From that night onward I set out to learn everything I could about him and his steel guitar.

As Maurice Anderson mentioned earlier when they made Julian they broke the mold there will never be another like him.

I believe in Julian and Maurice, and their music. I believe that I'm a blessed man, because they came into my life! I just wish that all of you out there on the forum who never had the opportunity, could have seen and heard Julian pick live.

God Bless You All!

Terry Wood

posted 01 April 2000 04:53 PM         

I recieved an e-mail message from Edna Tharpe Cheek and there is someone else that we forgot to mention.

Julian has a son Gregory Lee Tharpe. I apologize Gregory for leaving your name out. Your Aunt Edna says that you too are a musician.

Greg if your out there monitoring us. We would like to hear from you! We all sure loved your father and his ecellent steel guitar playing!

God Bless You,

Terry Wood

I am so blessed to have people like you to help me understand how my dad was seen by other musicians and friends. I honestly do not remember him the way that many of you do. I remember him as my dad, the man that I never got to see enough-and then, suddenly lost. But I believe that I will see him again someday, on that happy day, when I will be called up to be with my Heavenly Father for all of eternity. You will never know how much your postings and support mean to me. I will definately continue to read the interesting things you all have to say about my dad.

Thank you again,

posted 02 April 2000 09:25 PM         

I read your post about this guitar picker Sid. You are the second or third person that has referred to him. Who were some of the others that picked with Julian while he was playing in Birmingham?

Where is he located? Do you have an e-mail address for him?

Thanks Slick!

By the way thanks for supporting Julian and Reece for the SGOHF!

God Bless Ya!

posted 03 April 2000 06:19 PM         

I recieved your e-mail and I'm returning a reply. By the way ask Sid if he would share some info on Julian.

Thanks!

posted 04 April 2000 09:07 PM         

Tonight I finished composing my letter of nomination for Julian's induction into the SGHOF. It will be placed in the morning mail. I really had a lot to think about while writing the letter for his nomination. Of course I believe reflection is a good thing.

My next letter for nomination is for Maurice "Reece" Anderson. I can't think of two more deserving individuals than Julian and Reece!

I hope the rest of you will write letters for them and for Chuck Wright too.

God Bless You All!

Terry J. Wood

posted 05 April 2000 04:43 AM         

Just an interesting side note about Julian Tharpe and Reece Anderson. Here is something that Mr. Fred Layman (One of the Steel Guitar Board Members) referred to on the Steel Forum a few days ago,

"The umbrella statement of criteria
for consideration includes the
nominee's musical impact, influence,
contribution to a new-style of playing,
innovation, originality and life-long
devotion to the steel guitar."

Boy now if Julian and Maurice "Reece" Anderson don't fit those criteria, nobody does.

Hey guys, I don't know about you all, but I have been a member in various bands numerous times where I wasn't allowed to showcase any of my steel playing talent. I had to set back and roll along with the simple basic licks. In fact, it was for this various treason I left the Big Branson USA during the summer of 1983. The only tune they's ever let me play was "Steel Guitar Rag." It was the most frustrating and boring situation I was ever in. I know there are great players all over who never get to showcase any of their stuff. Julian and Reece battled this for who knows how many years. When they did get their spot, boy did they ever shine. Just another reason they both need to be included in the SGHOF.

posted 08 April 2000 02:21 PM         

Just to let you know out there I sent my letter of nomination for Julian Earl Tharpe for the SGHOF.

An individual e-mailed me on the side and informed me that Julian and Walter Haynes have never been nominated for the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

I hope that all of you will take the time to write your letters of nomination for your favorite steel players too!

They have already made their decisions about the SGHOF for this year. I was told in the past that those already inducted had a chance to vote for the inductees. No, it is just the SGHOF Board. Also I was informed they nominate and decide about a year in advance. If this is true your letters now would be for the year 2001's inductee or in the future.

Lastly, I'd like to say many thanks to all of you who have supported Julian Tharpe, Maurice Anderson and Chuck Wright for the SGHOF!!!

Goodluck and Goodbye!
Terry J. Wood

posted 10 April 2000 08:32 PM         

Thanks for your support of Julian!

This evening I was listening to some of Julian's picking and I just can't hardly stand to think that man hasn't been honored yet with the SGHOF.

Next, I just wish that all of the steel players out there who never had the chance to hear Julian could hear the guy pick. He had such a unique and expressive way of playing the steel guitar.

Saturday I sent Scotty my letter of nomination for Julian for the SGHOF. I would like to know if any of you out there have ever heard a reply back concerning your letters of nomination?

If you do, please post it and or let us all know.

Thanks!

posted 13 April 2000 05:19 PM         

Besides JulianTharpe, Maurice "Reece," Anderson, Chuch Wright, another guy that deserves to be inducted into the SGHOF is PeeWee Whitewing. He's been shoved off in a corner some place too.

These guys all more than paid their dues. I still say we ought to have some say in their inclusion into the SGHOF and be able to help with funds for their plaques if that were a big problem. I for one would be willing to chip in "the Kitty" for these guys any day.

Sorry, but I don't understand why it's almost
like a crime to even talk about them. Here are a group of individuals who gave their lives for steel guitar, and now it's like it is wrong to even stand up and say they deserve their spot in the Hall of Fame too.

Please explain?????????????????????

Terry Wood

posted 16 April 2000 09:15 PM         

I just may have located Julian's last BMI 14 string steel guitar. The red one with all of the "real gold" plating on it. I'll let you know when we find it!

By the way I noticed Pee Wee Whitewing's name come up and some postings on him. Here's a guy a long with Julian Tharpe, Reece Anderson and Chuck Wright who belongs in the SGHOF.

I haven't never heard anything from any of the SGHOF Board members?

Just to let You All know I'm still pluggin' for these guys! Why,? Because they deserve the SGHOF!

posted 20 April 2000 06:21 PM         

Yeah, I am back!!!

Johnny Cox did you ever pick on Julian's guitar?

You said you played a 14 stringer and I am wondering when you got the urge? I heard a story about you pickin' once on Julian's steel. I would be curious about how you found his tuning and pedal setup.

Terry Wood

posted 06 May 2000 08:07 AM         

We are glad you jumped on board with us, and welcome to the Steel Guitar Forum!

We are pulling for your dad's induction for the SGHOF, which is long over due. I am looking forward to the day when Julian, Reece Anderson and Chuck Wright are all included in the SGHOF.

Again thanks for joining us and be sure to post some about your dad. Several of the younger players aren't familiar with his playing and many contributions to the steel guitar.