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JUST 'CAUSE I STEEL, DON'T MAKE ME A THIEF

Many of you know him,if not personally you know his name. There is so much to say about this gentleman,I find it difficult as where
to start.

I am going to add that as much respect I have
for those who I have made my feelings known,this will be my FINAL tribute.

Not because I am leaving, but because it is
becoming difficult to express my feelings for those I care for so much on this Forum.

I have paid tribute to Al Marcus and a well deserved one at that,and long overdue. I have paid tribute to my friend Gene Jones whom I feel is my boyhood Cowboy hero even at my age, I have paid tribute to others as you well know,look at my profile on here & see who and how many people I have bragged on

Please let me pay tribute to a fine friend and a important person who dedicated his life
to pedal steel guitar.

I'm tired and weary now and I know I am boring as well as corny, but my feelings are
my own and I feel that I shall express my thoughts and compassion and respect for this gentleman when my mind is clear and I can do justice to what I feel he deserves.

Since I am tired,it would do little good for me to post what I have planned.I gave it second thought for fear of boring those of you who have made it clear that I am boring.

With that said,let me have this time to try to abbreviate my words of praise for my friend. I will be back as soon as I re group
my thoughts of this fine gentleman.

I dont want to leave anyone hanging,it is something I have wanted to do for a long time
and since it will be my last,I would like it to be one of my best.

No John..Im not pregnant, If I was I'd be able to collect child support

Sure it bothers me,sure I have thin skin,I like to think of others as having thin skin as well so I dont hurt them in any way.

I'm sure this will be one of those boring stories for many,but I have to for this time
acknowledge someone I hold the highest respect for. And if I have to be accused of being boring and corny,so be it,but to me he's worth every word I can say of him.

I learned of Harry Hess passing shortly after his last post on the Forum regarding his sleep Apnea problem,and that bothered me
as it did all of you I'm sure.

The late Bill Sharpe another gentleman and a good friend of many of you passed away suddenly. He was a good friend of Smiley's.

I did not know Mr.Sharpe other than his kind
comments and support for my so called boring
episodes..he would e mail me and tell me how he plays steel etc,,just everyday kind of things. That bothered me when I heard he passed.

I look each morning at the members posting I look at Extended family with hope that those in need of prayer are healed. I pray that no one leaves us as Harry Hess and Bill Sharpe did.

I look for familiar names,and when I see nothing from them for a while,it concerns me as to their welfare,are they OK? are they staying off for some reason?.This has become
a hangout for me and many of you have become
my friends even though we have never met.

Sometimes I would like to ask bOb Lee to set
up an area where we could have a "roll call"
and each member can post his name and 10 4 and out I'm fine.But thats a bit crazy dont
you think? Like Gene Jones here..George Lake here..weird I know,but its how I think,because I am concerned.

I get to this box every a.m. to receive an e mail from Smiley that makes me smile,,John Phillips sends another to show me his grandchildren and how proud he is of them.

Bill Hamner sends me his daily stories which are always humorous and I appreciate Bill for taking the time to make me smile.

Smiley sends me his usual and they are a mans kind of thing XXX John Bechtel mails me his latest tuning idea's..all of these people
have a special place in my heart.Nick Allen
who e mails me every day with a weather forecast from France.

Are you Bored yet?? just a little while longer as my doctor tells me..It only hurts for a little while.

I met a steel player back in the 1970's while
at a PSGA seminar. He was a fine player with
a gift of knowledge about the entire scope of pedal steel guitars.

His knowledge was well above mine and his playing was far superior to my playing.

I listened as he performed his set at the PSGA show in Armonk New York. He is as meticulous as a player and as a human being.

He played wonderful,he played tasty and sweet and yet could tear it up when he needed
to. He is multi talented,,he takes a back seat to no one.His banjo playing is fine,his
steel playing is excellent and to add to that
mix,his personna is something to feel within
as I had the pleasure of speaking with him after the show.

He played "Steets Of Laredo" acapella..I listened as he rolled each note into another
to blend his easy going style. His choice of chords and shading was something I have never
heard before..not in my lifetime anyway.

I went up to him and told him how much I enjoyed his playing and how I had "hung it up
back in 1960,to which he replied..Why? I said
well working for Fender leaves me little time
to play anymore.

His comment was Jody,make the time,you are foolish to give up playing.

He asked me if he could call me and interveiw
me with questions regarding the Fender 1000 800 400 pedal steel guitars in general.

He explained he was writing a book on pedal guitars and the "why's and how to etc etc.
I explained that I was not a guru and only a
salesman,he smiled and said, I think you can handle it fine.

He called a few weeks later and I was nervous
as I was afraid I would give him infomation that would be of little or no use to him and I didnt want to embarass myself with something that would be put into print and that may cause him to be critisized because
of my lack of knowledge.

I did the best I could and he thanked me so much for my participating. I told him not to
be concerned if he decided to omit my comments from his upcoming book. I would undertand,he thanked me for being understanding and assured me if he had any doubt with my comments he would double back to me.

He without a doubt is a fine steel player,he built his own pedal guitar which he named it
simply.."The Steel". I got a charge out of that,thats the kind of character this man is
he has compassion,knowledge of the instrument
that I wished I had.

When his book was released,he mentioned my name as being one of the many people who contributed to his effort.

I had many musicians tell me..wow I saw you name in such and such's book,,you are famous.
I was not as well known for my playing ability as I was for my comments in his book
and that made me feel good.

Im 1995,he made his final appearance in Armonk NY.I was not there to say goodbye to this friend,he and his wife were re=locating to a far away land.

I was sorry I didnt get to say goodbye and to
hear him play for the last time.

Not long ago, I saw our own Jim Cohen posting
a nice photo of this fine human being,and I was happy to see both of them together smiling,I then tried to e mail him and I was able to reach him.

My e mail was as long as this thread..but he
responded to every word I wrote by "copy and paste" I quote said something..he would reply

I then found that the shadow that follows me
is also following him,,we have a lot in common,,with one exception, I talk more than he does His health issue is the same as I
have,he is, and has been undergoing treatment
and has advised me of what procedure I should
look into.

We have bonded together because of the things
we have in common and because of the respect
we have for one another.

His technical expertise of mechanical issues
are well know to those of us who are members
of Bob Maickels PSGA and his tips on push pull guitars and such has been very infomative to those who have had the good fortune of reading his idea's.

I didnt want to overlook this friend,I have made Tributes to many on this Forum and have
be critisized time and time again,so how can I say a little about someone I have so much respect and admiration for in just a few words..I'm sorry but I am unable to.

If I could I would write much more than you have read here,but time is valuable and I have said as much as I could about the character and talent of my friend.

My Sincere best wishes for a speedy and full
recovery to my friend.

Julian "Winnie" Winston. my best to his wife Gwinneth.
and thanks to Jim Cohen for the nice photo.
You two Pro's look good together.

Winnie,,my best to you always.

Fondest Best Wishes.

Your Friend and Fan

Jody..now that was worth it was it not?
I told you the Best Was Yet To Come

Tony Bennett sang it
Frances Albert Sinatra sang it.
and I wrote the words they sang as to how I feel about my friend Winnie. Best to you
my man. Get Well soon or I'll beat ya to it.
edited for adding a smile to Winnie

JC. is Finally Here and this JC is Finally gone but he plays better than I anyway...lemme hear that drum roll maestro.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 01 June 2003 at 07:11 PM.]

Make yourself at home...

I, for one, never tire of reading your posts and hope you will continue making them. There are all too few in this world today who express the love and compassion you do to their fellow men.

Thank you.

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Rebel™
ICQ 614585
http://users.interlinks.net/rebel/steel/steel.html

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Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12, SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60

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Steel what?

Jody allows no one to "hide their light under a basket"....(except his own)!

Someone once said to me,why are you paying tribute to people all the time?, and I replied
because I feel they deserve for others to hear what I have to say about them.

I look for no recognition,I try to make others aware of the people I admire When I'm
gone,at least I did my best for the best in
my book of memories. Winnie was one of those
memories I treasure.

Happy Birthday my friend,I do have you beat so far as age but that is the only thing I can brag about. I wish you the BEST that life has to offer on this special day. I know of no one I would have enjoyed doing this for than YOU.

Have a great day and I hope to see you once more to shake those talented hands of yours.

Your friend and fan. You are truly one of a kind.

Jody. edited to add...Have another 30 years and I'll do another tribute,by that time I'll be able to spell.. Happy Birthday Young Man.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 30 May 2003 at 08:00 PM.]

From one New Yawker to another, Happy Birthday and all the best Winnie Winston.

quote:

---

I'm reminded of an interview with Chalker....

---

From 1967, Volume 4 of Fender/Fretts: Pushin' Pedals/Curly Chalker:

quote:

---

I asked Curly who his favorite was and I got what others probably wanted to give for an answer but didn't rather than appear boastful. Curly is his own favorite steel man and if you will stop and ponder on that for a minute or two you will see the plain down to earth honesty of it. First to thine own self be true....

---

In another thread, someone was kind enough to quote something else I had written but forgotten. It was completely appropriate for the thread, and to me, so it caught me by surprise. However, this quote about Curly is so etched in my mind it may as well be on my tombstone because it will never fade away. Thank You Winnie for bringing it back to life and the best of everything for your Birthday !!

Paul,thank you as well, Winnie Winston has been sucsessfull in his writings of steel guitar related issues as you have as well.

I'm happy to see all of you re-united to acknowledge Winnie,he is long overdue for an
Honor,what I posted is only the tip of the Iceberg,many other stories and memories of Winnie's contributions are yet to be heard.

Lets hear some more, I know I for one would love to hear stories of Winnie,,now I have done my part,please help me and do your's.

Howard,I have a list of people whom I sent the art of Towel Waving,I have a backlogue of orders.

I have sent the technique of "The Towel" to
many on the Forum. I didnt hear back,so it
must have been successful.

For those of you who would like this unique
method, post your e address and I will send it to you no charge.

However there is a small charge for the Towel
Specify "wash cloth" or Large Towel when placing your order..... Howard is the Star
of the show in the featured Fw: THE TOWEL.

Keep those thoughts of Winnie coming in please. I appreciate those of you who have acknowledged this fine human being.

"The Knight Of Fender Tweed Has Spoken"

Now It's YOUR TURN.

I deserve a break today....McDonalds?
edited to order "Super Size" me..

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 31 May 2003 at 07:02 AM.]

A brief historical note, fwiw, I too started with Winnie's book and he was the very first guy I looked up when I first moved to Philly in 1984. I took a few lessons with him, but more importantly was the beginning of a long friendship. I fondly recall the time you set up your steel next to mine at the Mermaid Inn and sat in with Beats Walkin'. Also, I'm honored that you invited the band to play at your farewell party. We miss ya around here, but thanks for making some room for somebody else to get an occasional studio gig! LOL!

Did he show you the art of "waving the towel"? He does this for very close friends only.

Thats the key here.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 31 May 2003 at 09:50 AM.]

For an instrument so un-recognised, even in the country music world,
for the chalenges it presents it's players
and also because it is so little understood in the greater world,
it is important for people like Jody to give recognition where it is due.

Jody has lived with the steel longer than I have been around,
I can't help but be grateful for any tidbits he decides to share.
They are for me living history, the best kind.

Winnie, your book was the 1st thing I got when I got my PSG... BEFORE I got it actually.
It was presented to me as "The beginners bible for pedal steel players".
It may not be perfect, as time passes and things change,
but it has gotten countless new players up to speed. Myself included.

It is a fine book and fun too...
who can EVER forget THAT SUIT on page 16 ; how to get your steel out of the case...priceless.

30,00 copies may have been sold, but how many of those passed through other hands,
before returning home to the owner?
Loaned to students and friends repeatedly. I bet a lot of them

There are a few people who in this small steelers world have made a difference...
Winnie you are one of them. (Jody you too)

I wish you the best always and that you know your work has been apreciated by many...

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 31 May 2003 at 12:18 PM.]

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JUST 'CAUSE I STEEL, DON'T MAKE ME A THIEF

[This message was edited by John P.Phillips on 31 May 2003 at 02:41 PM.]

Please,do not take my remarks to Jody out of context.

I enjoy reading his tributes. I was trying to make light of the fact he writes so much in doing it. I look at using this forum as a way to "get and get out" without typing to much. I don't know how he does it.

I guess writing, speaking, and playing are all similiar....everyone has their own style and method.

Keep up the nice words Jody.....I would rather read "nice" things about someone than read "mean" things about someone.

Thanks for your understanding.

Many times,I'll try to edit or add something to a particular thread and my progress bar hangs up and I get a "page not available".

I have no ill feelings regarding your post and in fact I agree with you.

Friends? OK

Thank you David for your comment. I owe you an e mail,,do you have a few hours to spare?

Actually text takes very little space on a server. 1 small image is thousands of words long in comparison.
And sound files are reams of paper single spaced.

So worry not about being verbose... if you have something worth while to say.

[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 01 June 2003 at 01:50 PM.]

And thank you Jody for your tribute to Winnie Winston. If anyone deserves your tribute , it is him.

I met Winnie and Frenchy in 1977 at Scottys' convention. We had lunch together and talked shop. He is a very knowledgable person.

A lot of the newer players don't know this, but He contributed in depth technical articles on changers, guitars, etc. almost every month in the Pedal Steel Guitar Newsletter, Bob Maickel , Pres:.

He is a modest guy,but with much appreciation
to all of you for the nice things said about him. Those who know him best such as Bob Maickel can atttest to the fact that Winnie
is just a down to earth kind of guy, and since he is somewhat overwhelmed by the words
of praise for him,I will be his spokesman for now and say ,,Thanks to each and every one of you.

Those on staff at the PSGA, Bob Maickel, John
DeMaille, Jeff DiMaio, and all the others appreciate the kind and sincerity you have extended to Winnie Winston and I being the culprit that did this without his knowledge thank you very much as well. In the past few years I have a member of this Forum,I have made a number of Tributes to those who I felt deserved what I wrote. I know that this
was by far the most enjoyable to date,what I
posted as "The Best Is Yet To Come" was just an idea,but it turned out to be the Best for the Best, Julian "Winnie Winston"

To Winnie...You deserve the BEST that Life has to offer,you gave your best and I pray that what you gave all of us will come back to you two fold.

Bless you my friend and when your web site is up and running let all of us know.

Your Friend and Fan

Jody, and all of the PSGA friends and those who know and appreciate you.

Be Well,,we are all thinking of you.

edited for another smile for a fine human being.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 08 June 2003 at 06:36 AM.]

After looking at my profile and seeing how many posts I have submitted,I wanted to make this thread the best that I ever started.

Since I have posted so many times 3020,,since I first got started on this Forum, I have made many friends and a few that I "rubbed" the wrong way,and for that it was unintentional I can assure you.

My friend Andy Volk has teased me from time to time telling me that he keeps score on the amount of times I have mentioned leaving this Forum .

I remember a year or so ago, one Forum member posted that he was "outta here" and announced that he was quitting.

To which another Forum member posted a reply
telling the member who announced his leaving the Forum in these words,,,quote....

Dont tell us you're leaving ,,just leave.
I have yet to see this talented member who left ever to return.

There comes a time when the reality of being
addicted and consumed by something which has
interfered with a persons other interests makes one realize,its time to take yourself
out of the game.

That I'm sorry to say has happened to me. I like a ballplayer played as hard as I could these past few years,I threw the ball as fast as I could,I swung the bat as hard as I could,I tried to make you smile at my sometimes dopey stories, and I made myself proud by praising those on this Forum with my Tributes for which In have become famous for,but boring at times.

My satisfaction was derived by making those I paid my so called Tribute's to feel good.

Unlike the member who publicly said I quit,
I just want to put on record that like a ballplayer that knows when to bench himself
I too will bench myself and retire my membership on this Forum. It is not the result of a health issue as I am feeling fine and my wife is doing fine as well.
I have neglected my music and my pursuit of a CD reissue and my book which has been at a standstill because of my addiction to this Forum.

I will by no means accept any coaxing to change my direction,nor will I lurk to see what reaction this has stirred up. When I hit the "submit" button It will be the end of a great run on this Forum where I have made many friends and even to those who have taken issue with me,I understand that,its part of what a Forum is all about.

So as I stated when I started this thread about Winnie I made mention that it would be my last.I have always tried to keep my word and I will continue to do so for my self respect. I knew I had to make this decision
and it was a difficult one to make. When I started this thread it ran through my mind that this would be the last. It is nothing
personal I can assure you of that.

Thanks to all of you who helped make this,"The Best Is Yet To Come" just that,and it was.

There are many new rookies coming on to this playing field,so its time for this veteran to make way for some new blood and I'm certain whoever they may be will be a welcome addition to the future of this Forum.

My sincere thanks to all of you. And Andy,,,
You can stop counting now.

My Best to all of you.
edited to correct my comment that my posts to date were 3020,make that 3021 and that one for the road.

Thank You for everything.

[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 13 June 2003 at 09:03 PM.]

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Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12, SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60

It is taking time away from other projects that require his attention. Projects that we want too, such as his book and CD reissue.

He has to cut back his presence here to make time for these projects.

Of course he still has major family responsibilities that always came first.

He knows we all look forward to hearing from him again.

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-j0ey-
www.JoeyAce.com

[This message was edited by Joey Ace on 24 October 2003 at 02:21 PM.]

Get well my friend we all need you

This post is being posted as of Wednesday
March 30 2005..

God Be With You My Friend