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Author
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Topic: Speedy West - Part Two
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Joey Ace
Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada
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posted 17 November 2003 08:09 AM
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Because the original Speedy West Thread has grown to three pages, I am closing it and starting this one. |
Joey Ace
Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada
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posted 17 November 2003 08:16 AM
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Scotty posted this story on the original thread :
quote:
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"Speedy West…Speedy first attended 0ur Convention even before we used the name “International Steel Guitar Convention”. His name appears on my souvenir program in 1975 held at the Stegton’s Restaurant in Charles, Missouri and the program cover say’s “Scotty’s Music Presents The 4th National Steel Guitar Convention.”. Speedy never missed a Convention for many years in a row. In fact, he may only have missed two Conventions since 1975 and that was because he had fallen and broken a hip bone. He became one of our Masters Of Ceremonies along with Stoney Stonecipher and myself and helped keep the audience entertained with his comedy antics. What a trill it was, not only for me, but for so many other Speedy’s fan that finally got to here him play in person.
I asked Speedy once how he was able to bounce the bar up the neck creating his signature sound. His reply was, “It is simple Scotty, you can learn it in a half of day. He told (and showed) me how to do it. “Have you ever gripped your fist so hard that you hand would shake? That is how you do it. Grip your bar and then move up the neck and with the hand shaking, it will create that effect”. That was before I had any idea of putting on steel guitar show. Oh yes, that was in the early 1960’s and I haven’t been able to do the bar effect yet!
One more story about Speedy. I used to have steel shows at the American Legion Hall about 2 blocks from Scotty’s Music and we brought Speedy in to play at one of them. Mary and I picked him up at the airport and everything went fine. BUT, when we took Speedy back to the airport he went wild! We were in the concourse waiting for his plane to arrive and he went into his drunk act. He mussed his air up, got on his knees in front of Mary, and proceeded to beg her not to leave him and the kids. “Don’t go away with man .. I love you and what will I do with the kids? He was really pouring it on and here I am sitting there and must have been playing the part of the scoundrel that was running away with his wife! When Speedy began to see that people sitting around us were really getting upset with me and giving me dirty looks, he got back on his feet, combed his hair and proceeded as if nothing had happened. Mary and I really got the full blunt of one of Speedy’s jokes. I have many, many such stories to tell about Speedy. You probably have many stories to tell about Speedy too.My final comment is: Speedy was a wonderful person, fun to be around, always had something nice to say about other musicians and never said anything bad about anyone, and a devoted husband. His playing has often been copied but never truly duplicated with his feeling for the steel guitar. He will be sadly missed by everyone. Mary and I will be attending his funeral in Bixby, OK Tuesday. A fitting tribute as we went to his bedside the day after he had his stroke in Tulsa so many years ago. Love you Speedy. Scotty
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I look forward to more stories about this great man. I'm sure he'd want to be remembered with a smile. What's the story about his HOF Award exploding? |
Roger Osbourn
Member From: Siloam Springs, Arkansas, USA
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posted 17 November 2003 08:58 AM
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I went to the OSGA convention four years ago.As I turned down the hall to the convention center,I saw a group of folks setting on the floor around a big chair.In the chair was Speedy West.They were listening intently to the stories he had to tell.I was aware of his reputation and since I had never had the pleasure of meeting him, I hung around close myself.A couple years ago in Tulsa,I had a delighful,"one on one" conversation with him.He autographed a picture for me and told me of his efforts to put pedals on his steel guitar as early as 1949.We will truly miss seeing him in Tulsa.His name will always be an Icon in the steel guitar world.------------------
Roger Osbourn (President NEOSGA)2003 MSA Millennium D10, (2) Peavey Nashville 1000s, Hilton pedal, Steelers Choice seat.
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bruce fischer
Member From: florissant, mo. usa
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posted 17 November 2003 09:49 AM
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our most sincere condolances to the West family, our prayers are with you at this trying time. speedy always had time to visit and answer your questions, he was always happy to see you. a true "gentleman".
you will be truely missed.
bruce & lynn |
Drew Howard
Member From: Mason, MI, U.S.A.
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posted 17 November 2003 10:26 AM
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Herb Remington just informed me that the great Speedy West pass away two days ago.
My condolences to the family.Drew Howard ------------------
www.newslinkassociates.com
www.drewhoward.com |
Roger Edgington
Member From: San Antonio, Texas USA
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posted 17 November 2003 10:55 AM
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Several years ago at the Dallas show I was walking alone while my husband was lost in some music room. I spotted Speedy and jumped at the chance to have my picture taken with him. His wife did the honors. I didn't tell Roger until the film was develop. What a surprise for him. He did get a picture of Speedy the next year when he had him autograph his little white steel. He was so happy he got the guitar signed by Speedy. Lots of his heroes are now gone.Judy |
Howard Kalish
Member From: Austin, Tx USA
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posted 17 November 2003 03:17 PM
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My condolences to the West family and all his friends and admirers. I first saw Speedy perform at the 1977 ISGC. What a showman. I remember that he wobbled out on stage acting like he was drunk with his hair all mussed. Then he stood behind the steel and weaved back and forth. He turned his back to the audience, pulled out a comb, smoothed down his hair, spun around and in one motion sat down at the steel and swooped into one of his trademark bar dropping glissandos. He put that guitar through it's paces and the crowd went wild. I can see and hear it all perfectly in my memory. I got to see him again last March at the Dallas Steel Convention. A very warm and charming man. I have a video that I got from Mike Ihde that has Speedy and Jimmy Bryant tearing it up on Tennessee Ernie's LA TV show. I'm going to watch that again tonight. |
Ronald Moore
Member From: Mindoro, Wisconsin, USA
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posted 17 November 2003 04:17 PM
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Here is but one of my fond memories of Speedy West: I was in the Millenium Hotel looking at the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame plaques on the wall along with a few other people when Speedy West came walking by. He looked at the plaques on the wall and took out a handkerchief and went up to HIS plaque and dusted it off, turned, and with a chuckle, he walked away. What a peach of a guy. He will be sadly missed! Ron Moore |
Al Brisco
Member From: Toronto, ON Canada
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posted 17 November 2003 07:22 PM
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A sad day indeed!I got to know Speedy while playing the ISGC & other steel events over the years. He always had kind words for me.
I especially remember playing Stoney's convention in Knoxville one year when Speedy walked on stage during my set & deliberately pulled the guitar cable out of the end of my steel in the middle of a solo!
I couldn't believe it...so just laughed. Later on, someone 'in the know' informed me that I had just been accepted into the steel guitar fraternity.
We'll miss you Speedy...& God Bless!
Al Brisco |
John Lacey
Member From: Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
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posted 18 November 2003 05:52 AM
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I played Scotty's convention in '83 and was nervously tuning in the tuneup room when suddenly Speedy appeared with 2 women and they all collapsed laughing on the couch there. It broke my nervousness. For a moment anyway. |
Allen
Member From: Littleton, CO USA
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posted 18 November 2003 10:31 AM
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Speedy was my inspiration to learn the steel guitar. I first met him in the early '50s when I was a 14 year old hanging out at the TV studios. My dad was a sponsor and announcer.
Although I loved the steel guitar, I did not start to learn it until I retired in 1960.
I had the wonderful opportunity to once again meet Speedy at the Dallas convention, and reminisce about those old day's. Also got to have a few great pictures taken with him.
He will be missed by many, but no one will miss him more than me.
God bless you Speedy------------------
Allen Harry
Zum SD10
Nashville 1000 |
Steve Stallings
Member From: Bremond, Tx, pop 876, Home of the fighting Bremond Tigers
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posted 18 November 2003 11:00 AM
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Probably about six years ago, I was standing next to the mixing board at the TSGA convention. Speedy walked up to me, shook my hand, asked if I was enjoying myself, and just talked with me for a few minutes. I'll never forget it. Thank you Speedy... and God Bless You. |
Mark Tomeo
Member From: Danville, PA USA
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posted 19 November 2003 06:33 AM
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Billy Easton
Member From: Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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posted 19 November 2003 08:40 AM
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I arrived home late last night from Tulsa. It was a sad occasion, but the love and friendship was so apparant. I spent quite a lot of time with Mary, Taunie, Opal, and the rest of the family. There was a live local western swing band that performed at the church, and at the end of the service, they played a CD of Speedy doing his signature song, "Speedin' West". Not a dry eye in the house. Also, his red BMI was set up in the church at the end of the casket. Thanks to Mike Oakley, Speedy's son in law, for bringing the guitar. The weather was a bit stormy, and the service at the cemetary following the funeral was cut a bit short due to the looming storm. I later heard that there was a thunderstorm and hail in parts of Tulsa. Speedy's goodbye. I rode to the cemetary with Louis Hallford who had driven up from Texas. We both were struck by the lack of steel players in attendance. Speedy was and always will be my hero. I am so privileged to have had Speedy write the liner notes for my CD (available here on the Forum). Please keep Mary, Opal, Taunie, Gary, and all the rest in your prayers. Thanks for your concern for a wonderful and loving family.------------------
Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association
[This message was edited by Billy Easton on 19 November 2003 at 08:56 AM.]
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Al Gershen
Member From: Grants Pass, OR, USA
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posted 19 November 2003 07:35 PM
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Hi SGF:I was driving home from work this evening while listening on our local country radio station, KRRM-FM, and at the beginning their regular Wednesday night, 6:00 pm one hour western swing show, the announcer said that he was going to feature some music from a "great steeler" during the second half of the show. At home I ate dinner quickly watching the evening network news but in the back of my mind, I was really curious who was this "great steeler." After dinner, I went to my computer room and turned on the radio to listen to the remaining part of the show and at once, I recognized the remarkable steel guitar playing of Speedy West. What I didn't know at that moment was that Speedy died this past Saturday, November 15, 2003. The HoustonChronicle.com report said it very well in just a few words: Wesley Webb "Speedy" West, whose innovative steel-guitar licks made him one of the best on the instrument, Nov. 15, of undisclosed cause, in Broken Arrow, Okla. He was 79. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2228103 There's also another fine article about Speedy in the Tennessean.com website at: http://tennessean.com/entertainment/news/archives/03/11/42656933.shtml To me, Speedy's playing was probably my earliest inducement to play country music on the steel guitar. I used to hear him live on Los Angeles television shows during the 1950 along with his pal, Jimmy Bryant. (I say this because the reason I took up the steel guitar was because of the Hawaiian music I heard Eddie Bush play with Harry Owens and his Royal Hawaiians, also on local television during the same time period.) I kick myself in the "ass" (ouch!) for never getting to hear Speedy and Jimmy play together in person during those years. (I was fortunate to meet Jimmy Bryant and I heard him play at many jam sessions I attended during those days.) I also bought many of their albums on Capitol Records and to this day, I still enjoy playing them. When Jimmy died quite a while back, the country music world lost half of a real outstanding playing duo....and now Speedy's gone! Again the country music world and now with the steel guitar community; together can sit back and reminisce about the music these two musicians created over the years. It sure is a sad day for me. One of my real heroes is gone and I have strong sympathy for his family. I hope in heaven that Speedy and Jimmy get to reunite in spirit and continue their duo.... It gives me something to look forward to. ------------------
Regards,
Al Gershen
Grants Pass, Oregon. USA
Fender 1000 (1956),
Fender PS 210 (1971) &
Gibson Electraharp EH-820 (1960)
Al's Photographs at http://www.alsphotographs.com [This message was edited by Al Gershen on 19 November 2003 at 07:43 PM.]
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Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 20 November 2003 03:54 PM
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I look forward to more stories about this great man. I'm sure he'd want to be remembered with a smile. Joe I have a story
do you wish me to tell it?? |
Joey Ace
Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada
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posted 20 November 2003 04:38 PM
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Absolutely!
Unabbridged! |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 20 November 2003 05:40 PM
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It may take a little of your time..are you certain??edited...for reasons of a personal nature I
would like to take a few days before posting
my little story of Speedy and myself. I will
post it in a day or two.
[This message was edited by Jody Carver on 20 November 2003 at 08:14 PM.]
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Shorty Coltey
Member From: Lake City, GA, USA
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posted 20 November 2003 09:43 PM
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I use to go to St. Louis every year and Speedy was one of the many that I had many a conversation with. He never run out of stories to tell. He was one of my inspirations and thanks to Stu he always played one of Speedy's songs for me which I really enjoyed. My condolences to the family as everyone has said: "Speedy will be missed by many of us.
Shorty
MSA D-10 SS
Nashville 400 & LTD 400------------------
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Mike Ihde
Member From: Boston, MA
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posted 20 November 2003 10:38 PM
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Here is a photo taken by Jim Nelligan at an ISGC. I'm not sure what year. I added a new background behind Speedy, placed that onto a nice background photo and then added the text from his HOF award.
Back in '97 I had an idea to produce a series of photos set up in a similar way showing all of the HOF members but the project never got off the ground.
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Jim Cohen
Member From: Philadelphia, PA
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posted 21 November 2003 04:51 AM
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I think they'd be great as plaques on a wooden base, that you could sell and donate x% of profits to the HOF! |
Billy Easton
Member From: Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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posted 21 November 2003 07:44 AM
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Mike...
That is great. IF you ever were to reproduce these for sale, count me in for 2. Thanks for remembering a special friend of mine.------------------
Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association
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Dave A. Burley
Member From: Franklin, In. USA
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posted 21 November 2003 12:48 PM
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In 1976 we produced the album, 'It's The First Time.'
Jimmy Bryant, who was the arranger on the recording, insisted that I invite Speedy West to be part of the program.
I was very familiar with Speedy's playing but considering having the likes of Buddy Emmons, Chalker, Jernigan and all the rest on the session, I wasn't sure if Speedy would fit in when the guys started jazzing it.
Well, I decided to use him because of his 'legend' and his steel playing.
I will never forget during the recording of one of the uptempo numbers that when it came to Speedy's turn, everyone in the control room, which was full, started cheering for Speedy.
It was a night that I will never forget and the two days that I had to spend with Speedy, having breakfast and dinner in the Hall Of Fame Motel, will be with me forever.
The day after the recording, Speedy convinced me that I should quit smoking. I took his advice that day and have not smoked cigarettes since.
What a wonderful man and musician that will be truly missed in our home.
Rest in peace, Speedy.
Dave A. Burley |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 21 November 2003 05:15 PM
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Dave are you reffering to the session that included Louie Bellson and twenty or so steel players? |
Craig A Davidson
Member From: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA
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posted 22 November 2003 06:48 AM
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When I first met Speedy he gave me some great advice. He said, " You have to have your own style. Learn others licks but have your own style. We already have a Jeff, Buddy, Hal, and so forth." Not an exact qoute but the message is here. I really thought he was something else. |
Dale Bessant
Member From: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
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posted 22 November 2003 04:59 PM
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I have been out on the road (trucking) only to return and hear this sad news... |
PAUL WARNIK
Member From: OAK LAWN,IL,USA
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posted 22 November 2003 07:24 PM
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A few years back at Scotty's convention while talking with Speedy about Paul Bigsby-Speedy took my hand and put it on his shoulder and said "Paul can you feel that right there?-Thats where I broke my shoulder racing motorcycles with Paul Bigsby and Merle Travis"-I can't think of a more fun way to fracture ones' bones  Perhaps the break contributed to his development of his "stiff arm crash bar technique"  |
Dave A. Burley
Member From: Franklin, In. USA
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posted 23 November 2003 10:49 AM
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posted 21 November 2003 05:15 PM profile edit
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Dave are you reffering to the session that included Louie Bellson and twenty or so steel players?Jody,
The session I am referring to is the session recorded at Harold Shedd's new studion in Nashville.......
13 musicians in all including Louis Bellson on the drums, Henry Strylecki on bass, Jimmy Bryant on guitar, Johnny Gore on sax, Lloyd,Doug,Julian, Jimmy D., Speedy, Buddy E., Hal, Maurice and Curly.
The other session was recorded live in Dallas which also featured several steel players along with several name jazz guitar players and with Louie Bellson, Slam Stewart and Johnny Gore.
Speedy and Jimmy did not play on that session.
Dave Burley |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 23 November 2003 04:06 PM
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Jody,
The session I am referring to is the session recorded at Harold Shedd's new studion in Nashville.......
13 musicians in all including Louis Bellson on the drums, Henry Strylecki on bass, Jimmy Bryant on guitar, Johnny Gore on sax, Lloyd,Doug,Julian, Jimmy D., Speedy, Buddy E., Hal, Maurice and Curly.Dave thats the one I have and IT's G R E A T. Thanks. |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 28 November 2005 07:08 PM
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Here are some stories told by Forum members of Speedy West. |
Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 28 November 2005 08:51 PM
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Jody-I would sure like to get a copy of that session.that must have been some jam. I always enjoyed seeing Speedy at Scotty's Conventions. I miss him yet. He was 3 years younger than me.....al ------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/
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Bobby Caldwell
Member From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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posted 30 November 2005 10:29 AM
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I had the pleasure on working with Speedy many times and it was always a great experience. He could keep crowd entertained
to fullest. Some great times I also remember were going to one our rooms at a show with some fellow musicians and we would all listen to stories about the good ole days. Speedy good keep us all on the edge of our chairs as he told those stoies. What fun. One sad note for me was Seedy and I were planing to do an album together but he had his sroke and we never got to do it. I miss Speedy as a player as a story teller and his humor. Most of all I miss my friend Wesley Web West known all over the world as "SPEEDY". [This message was edited by Bobby Caldwell on 30 November 2005 at 10:31 AM.] |
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