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Author
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Topic: Jimmie Crawford Passes
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Mike Weirauch
Member From: Harrisburg, Illinois**The Hub of the Universe
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posted 02 February 2005 04:51 AM
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Forum members and friends, this morning at approximately 3:30AM Nashville time, February 2, 2005, one of the worlds greatest steel guitarists James Lee (Jimmie) Crawford passed away at Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. His body has been taken to Forrest Lawn Funeral Home where funeral arrangements will later be announced.
Elsie Crawford, Jimmie's wife, called me today at 5:30AM with this sad news.
I know we all feel a tremendous loss and void with the passing of Jimmie, who has been a major force of innovation, change and musical genius for more than a half century.
He will be missed, but not forgotten, and his music will live on.Mike Weirauch |
Perry Hansen
Member From: Bismarck, N.D.
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posted 02 February 2005 04:59 AM
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What a shock. Please pass my condolances to Mrs Crawford. |
Bob Knight
Member From: Bowling Green KY
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posted 02 February 2005 05:00 AM
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Sad News, Jimmie is one of the all time greats.Elsie,
You and the children are in our thoughts and prayers. We Love You,
Bob and Sandi |
Larry King
Member From: Watts, Oklahoma, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 05:01 AM
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This is indeed very sad news.....my prayers and best wishes are with the family. |
DeWitt Scott
Member From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 05:40 AM
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I got the same phone call. What a great loss to the steel guitar world. A true friend and "A Prince Of A Guy". What a shock to us all. Mary and I will be going to Nashville to pay tribute to his wife Elsie and the family. Hopefully, at a later date, we all can share some of experiences with Jimmy over the years. Scotty |
Bob Knight
Member From: Bowling Green KY
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posted 02 February 2005 05:42 AM
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Here's a partial bio on Jimmie
One of country & western music's greatest athletes of the pedal steel began his training at only four years old, learning music at the feet of his father Eugene Crawford and uncle Garland Crawford who performed as a duet with a big following around Columbus. When the lad knew five or six chords on the mandolin — and was still four years old, because that took him much less than year — and could sing a good "Jesus Loves Me," they would drag him out of bed to come sing on the duo's 5:30 a.m. radio broadcast. The first pedal steel playing that Jimmy Crawford recalled hearing was that of Jerry Byrd, but that was enough to make him want to dedicate his life to the instrument. He spent years playing along with this artist's records. By ten years he was working out harmony parts and "picking up every kind of recording" he could get his hands on, according to his memoirs. The first big-name country artist he backed up was the great Buck Owens, not a bad start. One of Crawford's local brethren in the country music scene was Johnny Paycheck, at that point still going under the name Donny Lytle. The two men became members of George Jones' band around the same time, creating a hard-edged rocking country sound that at least honestly earned the nickname of "honky tonk" because that was one place where one was bound to hear such music with a crying pedal steel always figuring in prominently. Crawford's listening interests led him to Western swing, and a fascination with that music's twin pedal steel lineups continued to fuel this player's interest in harmony. He began working with Bob Gallion, Bill Tustin, and Woody Woodham at the Jamboree in Wheeling, WV, where they made a contact with Western movie cowboy star and singer Jimmy Wakely. The latter artist was thrilled with their band, hiring them as his own to work under his MGM contract. Of interest to jazz fans is the fact that one of the Walker band's little mascots was Lenny Breau, who would grow up to be one of the most famous Canadian jazz guitarists. Breau's parents also worked the Jamboree and they would bring him along to the shows when he was only six. Some guitar lessons ensued, young Breau perhaps seeming like an old-timer in terms of students to Crawford, who after all had started out even earlier. The combo became the staff band at WWVA, where they worked with Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper. With the addition of banjoist John Clark on banjo, the aggregation took on the new title of the Clinch Mountain Clan, following Cooper and Edwards to the Grand Old Opry in 1957. The pedal steel man stayed in Nashville ever since, working with, among many, Cowboy Copas, his old boss Jones, Hank Snow, and in the Rainbow Ranch Boys with fiddler Buddy Spicher. Faron Young was his boss for two years, the end of the job coinciding with a down period in this artist's career. The flow of studio work was beginning to dwindle, a sad factor of life in Nashville, where some players are "in"...but only for awhile. Crawford went back to work with Ferlin Husky after dropping out of playing entirely for a spell. He then worked with Johnny Wright and Kitty Wells for nearly seven years, an experience that put him over the top in terms of the road life. He decided he'd had enough. Crawford always preferred the studio anyway, where he left tracks figuratively and literally with the genre's greatest artists. His solos glow warmly on classic albums by Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins, Ray Griff, and many others. He branched into bluegrass and the acoustic Dobro for sessions with the innovative Osborne Brothers, including an unforgettable version of the standard "Lost Highway." He took on the difficult task of following up steel guitar genius Hal Rugg for country goddess Loretta Lynn, and also performed with Slim Whitman, Radney Foster, and other country artists produced by fellow pedal steel player Pete Drake. Crawford likes to write instrumentals and his tunes have been recorded by Lloyd Green, Doug Jernigan, Chet Atkins, and others. Fans of the genre of gospel pedal steel will also come across this artist, as he has released a series of lavishly praised collections of this material. Like many of his peers, he has been involved in pedal steel design and technical innovations on the instrument.
[This message was edited by Bob Knight on 02 February 2005 at 05:47 AM.] |
John Macy
Member From: Denver, CO USA
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posted 02 February 2005 05:54 AM
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That is the saddest of news. Jimmie was the first true pro steel player I ever met, and has been a dear friend since 1973. I am truly at a loss for words. My best goes to Elsie and her family. |
Drew Howard
Member From: Mason, MI, U.S.A.
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posted 02 February 2005 06:22 AM
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What a shock! This is awful. My condolences to is family.Drew |
Jerry Brightman
Member From:
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posted 02 February 2005 06:25 AM
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These are the times when we want something to say, and can not find the words to express our feelings. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.Jerry and Kathie Brightman
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David Doggett
Member From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 06:39 AM
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Very sad news. He was one of the greats and a pioneer, in songs he wrote, fast complex picking, sweet and slow with feeling, and in pedal steel mechanical and tuning innovation with the "Crawford cluster." As a beginner back in the '70s, I was privileged to spend an amazing evening with him in his basement, mostly with my mouth hanging open. He then gave me a copy of his "Ton of Steel" album. It is a stunning album with amazing fast picking and gorgeous tunes he wrote. I never tried to play a note of it - all way beyond me then and now. It is still one of my all time favorite steel albums. Maybe now I'll go and try to work out a little of Papaya in his memory."You never know what you've got, 'til it's gone." - Jonni Mitchell |
JERRY THURMOND
Member From: sullivan mo u.s.a.
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posted 02 February 2005 06:49 AM
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We will always remember his playing, and his wit. Very sad day |
Ronnie Miller
Member From: Dallas Tx USA
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posted 02 February 2005 06:50 AM
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This is a sad day. My thoughts and prayers with Elsie and family. RIP Jimmie.. Ronnie
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Ed Naylor
Member From: portsmouth.ohio usa
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posted 02 February 2005 07:07 AM
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This is really sad news. I talked to Jimmie last week just a day or so before he went to the hospital.Most know he was from Greenfield, Ohio ,Johnny Paycheck hometown. WE have lost another part of Steel Guitar history. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works. |
Billy Easton
Member From: Casa Grande, Arizona, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 07:08 AM
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Sad news indeed. May God rest his soul and comfort his family and many friends. He was a treasure for sure.Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ |
Dyke Corson
Member From: Urbana, IL USA
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posted 02 February 2005 07:13 AM
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Very sad news indeed. He was a great guy and will be truly missed by everyone. Our prayers and condolences go out to Jimmie's family. |
David L. Donald
Member From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand
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posted 02 February 2005 07:14 AM
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A very sad day. I was fortunate enough to meet and converse with Jimmie at the last two ISGC.
And for that I am grateful.My since condolences to his family, and also Russ and Laney who were family for him too.[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 02 February 2005 at 12:11 PM.] |
Danny Hullihen
Member From: Harrison, Michigan
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posted 02 February 2005 07:26 AM
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This is indeed very sad. I got a phone call here this morning from Tommy about this, and this sad news hurts me deeply. I will be going to Nashville to pay my respects to this very dear and long time friend. My thoughts and prayers to Elsie and the family. |
Mike Sweeney
Member From: Nashville,TN,USA
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posted 02 February 2005 07:45 AM
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This is a very sad day for all of us. But Jimmies' fight with bad health is over. My life was made richer for having met Jimmie and becoming one of his many, many friends.
When I first moved to Nashville Jimmie was the FIRST guy to hire me to sub his club gig. And I subbed that gig [Joey Wayne's] alot as he was doing road work with Slim Whitman and Loretta Lynn. So, Jimmie kept me from starving to death alot of weeks.
We'll always have his music to listen to. But, I'm sure going to miss his sense of humor and his vast knowledge of our beloved instrument.
Go in peace Jimmie. I know you're in a better place.Mike |
Neil Flanz
Member From: Austin, Tx.
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posted 02 February 2005 08:40 AM
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How sad! My condolences go out to Elsie and the Crawford family.[This message was edited by Neil Flanz on 02 February 2005 at 08:42 AM.] |
John McGann
Member From: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 09:07 AM
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So sorry to hear this news. Jimmie was one of the greatest.------------------
http://www.johnmcgann.com
Info for musicians, transcribers, technique tips and fun stuff. Joaquin Murphey transcription book, Rhythm Tuneup DVD and more...
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Lonnie Portwood
Member From: Jacksonville, fl. USA
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posted 02 February 2005 09:19 AM
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Jimmie came to Jacksonville in the mid eighties to visit family and the word went out to the local pickers that we could jam with Him so myself and several others went over and Jimmie played with us, put up with our feeble efforts to keep up, and treated us like we were "somebody". We did'nt quit til 4 AM the next morning. What a good man! We'll miss you Jimmy. Lonnie |
Larry Hamilton
Member From: Amarillo, Texas, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 09:34 AM
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Another one of my heros gone to the great bandstnad in the sky. I am so glad that I finally made it to St Louis this year and got to hear him play and shake his hand
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Crawford------------------
Keep pickin', Larry |
Lyle Clary
Member From: Decatur, Illinois, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 09:37 AM
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Such a shock sbout Jimmy especially after just watching him this week on a DVD with Hank Snow and the Rainbow Ranch Boys called Road To Nashville. I am sorry I never got to meet him.------------------
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Jack Stoner
Sysop From: Inverness, Florida
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posted 02 February 2005 09:41 AM
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Sorry, and shocking to hear of Jimmie's passing. Trudy and I will have him in our prayers. |
CrowBear Schmitt
Member From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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posted 02 February 2005 09:58 AM
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Lord, what a shock
another great loss to the steel family
my sincere condoleances to Jimmie's family
may God rest his soul
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DIETMAR WAECHTLER
Member From: RAUNHEIM,GERMANY
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posted 02 February 2005 10:19 AM
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Today I saw Bobby Seymours mail about Jimmie is in a hospital and wrote Jimmie a short message.
His son wrote me back and told me, Jimmie passed away in the morning Feb.2 about 3:30.It's now 9 weeks ago, I was in Nashville to do some recordings for my steel CD. My old JCH had a mechanik-problem after the flight from germany to the states. So I visited Jimmie in his House. He was very nice and friendly to me. He and his son they did a great job to fix my steelguitar.
I had a good time and it was realy nice talking with him.
I love his high quality instruments.
What he did for the music-and steelguitar szene was and still is outstanding and unique.
Didi Waechtler
Germany
JCH D10 http://hometown.aol.com/didisteel/myhomepage/tunes.html ------------------
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Mike Richardson
Member From: Rutledge, Georgia, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 10:27 AM
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I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Crawford at one of the NTSGA jams.He was a wonderful player and a very nice and wonderful person.I wish I had gotten to know him sooner.
My prayers go out to the family.Mike Richardson |
Peter Johannisse
Member From: Spijkenisse, The Netherlands
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posted 02 February 2005 10:52 AM
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My condolences go out to his nearest kin and friends. He earned his place in Steel Guitar Heaven. |
Walter Stettner
Member From: Vienna, Austria
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posted 02 February 2005 11:15 AM
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I was really shocked to read these bad news. What a great loss for the steel guitar world!My sincere condolences to Ms. Elsie and the family - my thoughts and prayers are with you. Kind Regards, Walter www.lloydgreentribute.com
www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf ------------------
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George Keoki Lake
Member From: Edmonton, AB., Canada
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posted 02 February 2005 11:28 AM
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Bobby Seymour's e-mail was the first I had learned of Jimmie's passing. A great steel player, without any doubt. Such a sad loss for everyone.  |
Ron Elliott
Member From: Madison, Tennessee, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 11:28 AM
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Today our heads are bowed in sorrow, Our Prayers for Elsie and the Family "Lord Bless Them All" Ron & Leslie |
DIETMAR WAECHTLER
Member From: RAUNHEIM,GERMANY
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posted 02 February 2005 11:46 AM
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This picture from the great Jimmie Crawford I like to share with you. Dec.01.2004
http://hometown.aol.de/didisteel/homepage/musiker.html ------------------
[This message was edited by DIETMAR WAECHTLER on 02 February 2005 at 11:47 AM.] [This message was edited by DIETMAR WAECHTLER on 02 February 2005 at 11:49 AM.] |
Hal Higgins
Member From: Denham Springs, LA
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posted 02 February 2005 12:28 PM
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Such sad news to hear....Jimmie was an incredible steel guitarist and a great human being. I and my wife, Debe, will have his loving family in our thoughts and prayers. May Jimmie RIP in the arms of the Almighty. HAL & Debe------------------
Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons LeGrande D-10,(8 & 6) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar, Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.
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Mike Perlowin
Member From: Los Angeles CA
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posted 02 February 2005 12:32 PM
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This is really sad. First Jeff, now Jimmy. This has not been a very good year for us. |
Don E. Curtis
Moderator From: St Louis, Missouri, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 12:37 PM
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I am deeply saddened by this news as Jimmy was a great friend and Mentor. I'm lucky to have been able to spend some time with him. One of my greatest things in life will always be the tremendous honor I had drumming for Jimmy at the International Steel Guitar Convention for the past decade. I will never forget Jimmy, he was much more than just an outstanding Steel Guitarist!
Mournfully,
Don E. Curtis
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Sonny Priddy
Member From: Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 01:15 PM
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Jimmie Was My Friend For Many Years This Has Broke My Heart.And I'm Sad For Elsie Also. SONNY & MELVA.------------------
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Scott Henderson
Member From: Eldon, Missouri, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 01:25 PM
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My heart is so heavy upon hearing the news.
I didn't know him that well but had spoke to him on several occasions. Jimmie was such a loving person. I could see it in his face and in his playing. He took care of my JCH needs and always treatd me like a friend. When I called him the first time I expected to simply just place an order with a secretary. Instead the phone call turned into a one hour talk with Jimmie that I didn't want to end. He was so nice with questions like "So tell me about yourself Babe!" and "How did you come to start playing my guitar, Babe?" Then he told me about his new ax's and Buck walked into the room. For the next few minutes I listened over the phone to Buck playing the new JCH and Jimmie talking about it like a proud Papa! "DOn't that sound smooth Babe?"(Good times!!!) To Jimmie's famly I offer my wife and I's most sincere condolences. To Mr C. I'll see ya in heaven's Band...Babe!------------------
Steelin' away in the ozarks and life,
Scott
www.scottyhenderson.com |
b0b
Sysop From: Cloverdale, California, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 01:46 PM
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I'm so sorry to hear this. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I only met Jimmie once, and briefly, but he struck me as a very nice man. And of course, he was a world class steel player and builder. It's so sad to lose such a great talent. |
Gerry Hogan
Member From: Burghclere, Hampshire, England
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posted 02 February 2005 01:54 PM
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Only yesterday, when I read on the Forum that Jimmie was in hospital, I checked with Russ Hicks, and he told me that Jimmie had indeed been in, but was now out of hospital and everything was O.K. Today, I have been away from the house for the whole day and have just returned to find a telephone message from Russ giving me the sad news. I am so shocked and saddened, and I offer my, and Barbara's, condolences to Elsie and the rest of his family.I feel privileged to have known Jimmie and to be the proud possessor of two beautiful JCH D10 steels - lovingly put together by the master craftsman. I was lucky to have had Jimmie at two of my Steel Guitar Festivals and to my house several times. I have been so incredibly lucky to have witnessed his amazing steel playing at close quarters. Over and above his prowess on the steel guitar, I think he was an extremely intelligent man, possibly a genius. His sense of humour was just up my street and I loved him dearly and will miss him. |
bruce fischer
Member From: florissant, mo. usa
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posted 02 February 2005 02:17 PM
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"a gentleman always", what more can you say. another hero gone. rest in peace my friend. bruce & lynn[This message was edited by bruce fischer on 02 February 2005 at 02:18 PM.] |
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