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Author
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Topic: Arrangements for Jeff Newman
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Donald Jeunette
Member From: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 11:42 AM
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I knew Jeff Newman and I am so sad for the loss of one of the greatest persons I have ever met. About 5 years ago I spent 6 days in his semanar here in Phoenix. He was tireless, was willing to stay after class as long as someone stayed with him, 8,9,10,hours or longer he never seemed to get tired.
My heartfelt sympathy to Fran and family. May God be with you in this trying time. Jeff you will always be in my heart. Thank you for the jump start on learning to play the pedalsteel guitar. I hope that someday I will make you proud and I will always give you the credit. [This message was edited by Donald Jeunette on 09 April 2004 at 01:04 AM.] |
albert johnson
Member From: tallahassee,florida usa
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posted 08 April 2004 11:49 AM
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This is truly a sad time for me,I've known Jeff since the early 70's.he will be greatly missed by the steel guitar community and myself.
May God bless and comfort Fran and her family in this trying time.Our prayers go out to you and your family.We were greatly privileged to have known him.Albert and Jeanette Johnson |
GARYPHILLIPS
Member From: SOMERSET, OHIO ,PERRY
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posted 08 April 2004 12:01 PM
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Sorry to this about Jeff,any time you had a ? Jeff would take the time and talk to you ,My God Bless Jeff Family and Touch there HeartsGary Phillips |
Wayne Baker
Member From: Vacaville California
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posted 08 April 2004 12:22 PM
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On behalf of the Georgia Steel Guitar Association, It is with heavy heart that I offer condolences and prayers to the Newman family. Jeff Newman will always be a hero, mentor, and teacher. Mr. Newman, I've learned so much from you. Thank you for all the wonderful lessons. You will certainly be missed. Wayne Baker |
Auset Sarno
Member From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 01:23 PM
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Being new on the steel guitar path, I was blessed with the opportunity of attending Jeff's "supersong" course in St. Louis - that day changed everything for me musically and I continue to work through his teachings on a daily basis. I have also had the opportunity to hear some of the sweetest playing there is, especially when he pulled out his best Jimmy Day tunes. Thank you Jeff, for bringing endless beauty to the world and making it possible for others. |
Terry Wendt
Member From: Nashville, TN, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 02:18 PM
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 I am still in shock over this news, as I only found out earlier today. God Bless you Fran, Mitzi, Jeffrey, and all. Jeff was like a father to me early on in my life. I am saddened by the loss as I think of all the blessings he gave to me and countless others. Jeff will definitely live on in me, as I hold his teachings dear (not just steel guitar either), and draw from them in everyday life. There is one thing I know for sure, and would like to share about Jeff. Jeff lived life passionately! If he was doing it, he was enjoying it to the fullest! I am certain he lived his life right to the end with that same charm about it all. God Bless Very Sincerely,
Terry Wendt ------------------
PedalSteel.us Magazine TheEarlyDays.com and appearing regularly...aLotOfSpace.com
Jimmy Crawford/Russ Hicks... and Buddy Emmons on Bass! |
Ivan Posa
Member From: Hamilton, New Zealand
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posted 08 April 2004 02:55 PM
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My heartfelt condolences to the Newman family.I only spoke with him a few times by phone, and was planning to do his 1 on 1 "Hilltop" experience sometime next year. I would never have persevered with PSG without Jeff's teaching materials and his positive and encouraging attitude. Above all, he was a great communicator whose love of his work was apparent to all. RIP Jeff.------------------
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Henry Matthews
Member From: Texarkana, Texas, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 03:31 PM
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I'm shocked and deeply saddened by this awful tragedy. My heartfelt sympathy to Jeff's family. |
Bob Hoffnar
Member From: Brooklyn, NY
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posted 08 April 2004 03:40 PM
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This is so tragic and sad. Jeff will be a legend and his work will be felt forever.Bob |
jackie l harmon
Member From: sherman texas
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posted 08 April 2004 04:01 PM
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I have been going to Jeff Newman classes for years.I will miss him and his music.He was a first class person. |
Doug Childress
Member From: Orange, Texas
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posted 08 April 2004 04:02 PM
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I had the extreme pleasure of spending three days one on one with Jeff at his Top Gun School. He was a wonderful teacher and probably saved me ten years of hunting and pecking on the steel guitar. My wife and I will always cherish the time spent with He and Fran. May the Good Lord bless him and keep him in his care. May He give the family special blessings during this time of grief. |
Ron Sodos
Member From: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 04:07 PM
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I went to Jeff's weeklong school in 1979 after a 6 month gig in Alaska. To this day I I use what he taught me at every gig. He taught me how to use every gig as a rehearsel. The improvisational skills he gave me have guided me through a 25+ year career as a steel player. Jeff will probably be teaching Gabriel how to jam at the Pearly Gates.
Tucson Ron........... |
Kathleen Ledford
Member From: Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 04:08 PM
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Walt, My husband, just now called me saying he was reading the forum and people are posting that Jeff Newman was in a plane crash. I can not believe it. I thought he was talking about someone else not Jeff Newman. Not Jeff Newman! I met Jeff and Fran just this past year, Walt had talked to him before on the phone . I really like Fran, she and I talked for a long time at the Saluda show. It is just hard to believe. God bless you Fran and family. |
Joe MC
unregistered
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posted 08 April 2004 04:23 PM
Blaine Austin a friend of Jeff & Frans asked me to post this: Joe McHamJoe, would you post this for me on the steel guitar forum for me.
Thanks
Blaine
I don't think anyone knows just how many people Jeff touched in one form or the another. I know many of you probably don't even know that one of Jeff's other hobbies was flying Radio Control Airplanes. Every year Jeff and Fran hosted a Airshow on their property. He touched the RC Airplane industry just like he has the Steel guitar industry. I've know Jeff and Fran since 1994 and they have opened there home to me on many occasions. Jeff was one on the nicest and good hearted guys that I have ever met. Everything that Jeff did he did 100%. I know that I speak for everyone in the RC hobby when I say he will truly be missed. Jeff was always on smile patrol at his fly ins insuring that everyone was smiling and I know that will never change.
Blaine Austin
For pictures of Jeff and Fran's fly in you visit: http://www.blaineaustin.com/lebanon_2003.htm
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Tim McCutchen
Member From: Van Buren, AR, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 04:28 PM
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I went to Jeffran College back in 1979. I had a great week and was treated like a friend from the beginning. We went to Bradley's Barn recording studio and I still have my tape from that experience. Jeff really had a way of making you feel like you could do it if you worked hard enough. He made you want to be better. He was a great teacher. He could have taught any subject and been great at it. I'll always have fond memories of my time and visits with Jeff. I have a picture of Jeff and myself taken that week at Jeffran. It has been in my Pack a seat for over twenty years. I am indeed saddened by the tragic news and send Fran and family my condolences and prayers. Tim |
Bob Lawrence
Member From: Lwr Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada
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posted 08 April 2004 04:39 PM
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It is indeed a sad time for anyone that knew him. Not only was Jeff the teacher who's guidance I relied upon the most, he was one of my favorite Steel guitar players. He contributions to the steel guitar community were tremendous and has in one way or another touched us all. My condolences to his wife Fran, his friends and all family members.
------------------
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Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 08 April 2004 04:46 PM
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I can not add any words that have not already been said by so many friends of Jeff Newman.Clik On My Website, to see what I have said about Jeff Newman before this great tragedy.....A tragic loss to the world....al ------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/6.htm [This message was edited by Al Marcus on 10 April 2004 at 01:35 PM.] [This message was edited by Al Marcus on 10 April 2004 at 01:37 PM.] [This message was edited by Al Marcus on 10 April 2004 at 01:39 PM.]
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John Fabian
Member From: Mesquite, Texas USA
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posted 08 April 2004 05:18 PM
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I first met Jeff in Oklahoma City in 1973 at a weekend seminar. I had owned a steel for all of 3 weeks. He was the best communicator I've ever experienced. Jeff was able to explain how to play the steel guitar in a logical way that made it seem easy. He was an inspiration, mentor and friend to everyone who played or wanted to play steel guitar.Jeff (and Fran) provided invaluable encouragement and guidance for me in creating Carter Steel Guitars in the Spring of 1992 at a week long class in Modesto, CA. Jeff was also responsible for naming the Carter-Starter. I am stunned and saddened by the immeasurable loss of a man I considered my good friend, mentor, inspiration, and a huge part of my life. Ann, Bud, and I send our heartfelt condolences to Fran and all of Jeff's family; and would like to remind everyone that Jeff will continue to live through all of us as we recreate him and his teachings every time we sit down and play this instrument we love. John Fabian |
Bruce W Heffner
Member From: Hamburg, Pa.
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posted 08 April 2004 05:25 PM
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This is really a tough one. I first saw Jeff at one of the early Scotty's convetions when he was passing out those funny yellow things to put on your guitar neck. I realized this guy was on to something and I wanted to be a part of it. A few years late I attended class number 12, around 1977, when he had the group school for a week somewhere (my memory is failing me) near Nashville. Later in 94 and 95 I did the week long thing on the hill, where he really put it to me and changed my whole way of thinking steel and a lot of other topics. He helped to shape my charactor in a way that has helped me in my daily tasks. He also helped me start my little steel guitar shop and advised my to keep my day gig. I am really going to miss him and am glad I went to Texas a couple of weeks ago and chatted with him. Like a few others have said, he died doing something he really enjoyed. God bless you Jeff and we are all praying for Fran.Your pal, Bruce W ------------------ www.pedalsteel.net [This message was edited by Bruce W Heffner on 08 April 2004 at 05:29 PM.] [This message was edited by Bruce W Heffner on 08 April 2004 at 05:32 PM.] |
Randy Thiry
New Member From: Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 06:34 PM
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I, too, am deeply saddened by the tragic news of Jeff Newman's death. He was a master both at teaching and playing the pedal steel guitar. May God's love and peace comfort Jeff's wife and children at this time. Cordially, Randy Thiry |
Pete Burak
Member From: Portland, OR USA
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posted 08 April 2004 06:57 PM
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I'm just hearing this news and am shocked.
I'm so sorry to hear of this, and my heart goes out to Jeff's family.
My father and I visited with Jeff and Fran at every steel show we attended, and always loved being told by Jeff that we "needed to be in therapy!".
What a guy!
I had been a student of Jeff's since July '82, and he signed my steel with his engraving pen at the end of that weeks session.
"3625 Swing Street" was just one of many simple but infinatly usefull breakthroughs I learned from Jeff.
Also, starting my steel playing life on an S12U was because "Jeff said so".
I'll always think of him.
Pete Burak
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Mike D. Daily
Member From: Texas, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 07:05 PM
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I think everything that could be said about Jeff has been said, but I needed to get my thoughts in. My deepest sympathy to the family. There will never be another steel guitar teacher like Jeff. It will be so hard to never see again, what great creative teaching tools and inspiration he would come up with. His playing, there are no words to describe. Shocked and saddened hardley describes it. Goodbye Jeff. Thanks for everything you gave to us all.
Mike D. Daily |
Rick McDuffie
Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA
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posted 08 April 2004 08:21 PM
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I'm very sorry to hear this. May the Risen Christ be with Fran and Jeff's whole family during this tough time.Rick |
Bowie Martin
Member From: Wilson, NC USA 27896
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posted 08 April 2004 09:09 PM
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I was shocked, horrified, sickened, and saddened to learn of Jeff's death tonight. Jeff was a wonderful person, teacher, player, and character. He is probably up there reading all these comments on the forum, and I am sure he would have something to say that would bring us down to earth!! Just remember his talent, humor, and lets not forget wonderful Fran. Jeff did so much for me. I just can not believe that this has happened. The steel guitar world is leaps and bounds ahead of where it would have been without Jeff, and the loss is a great blow. It leaves a great void in the world for the steel guitar for now and years to come. We needed him.
George Jones said a mouthful - "who's going to fill his shoes." Lots of work, energy, planning, and talent would have to take place for anyone to even approach what Jeff has done. What a man he was...[This message was edited by Bowie Martin on 08 April 2004 at 09:11 PM.] |
Bob Hayes
Member From: Church Hill,Tenn,USA
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posted 08 April 2004 09:24 PM
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Many of us fledging PSG players have learned this complicated instrument by attending Jeffs' Jet\fferen College of PSG..or yaking Jeffs PSG Course with tab,instructions and Tapes. I was lucky enough ro attend his PSG Super Jam with almost non stop steel guitar by some of the Masters..and the antcs by Jeff and hus on and off lights..at the Lebenon,Tn Fairgrouds back in '96...(Or was it 95!) I was happy to assist Jeff set up the tables for breackfast on a chilly..dew laden sunday morning..while he gave me somepointers.
I last saw Jeff when he suprized us at the Brustol Jam last October. He played a little bass and said "hey" to most of us. In fact..I think he played bass during my set.
Keep on playing Jeff ....my mother..whom you have joined..loves steel guitar music..
Diane and I send our condolences to Jeff's Family....and Randy..I know that you were very close to jeff..so the condolences also go out to you, jeffs close friends..and all of his fans.
Grouchyvet |
Wally Moyers
Member From: Lubbock, Texas
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posted 09 April 2004 12:11 AM
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My son Jeremy called me yesterday to tell me the news about Jeff Newman. I only meet him once but he was very nice to me. I remember in the 1980s running down to the music store every month to buy the latest Guitar Player just so I could learn another lick he had come up with or maybe advice like laying back or being layed off or if you make a mistake wile playing, just smile and everyone will think you did it on purpose. I learned more about playing from his Steeling Feeling course in 1977 than anything since. He will be missed, but for many many years his influence will continue. As a fellow pilot I also understand his love of flying, at least he died pursuing his passions. We are praying for his family.
Wally Moyers
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Doug Earnest
Member From: Branson, MO USA
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posted 09 April 2004 05:27 AM
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I was driving to Illinois Wednesday morning and for some reason, got to thinking of Jeff, then on Thursday heard this horrible news when I stopped in St. Louis to visit with Scotty.
I doubt that I ever would have learned anything about playing steel had it not been for Jeff. He was always available to take a call when I was starting out, and went out of his way to be friendly and encouraging whenever we would meet at jam sessions, the convention, or classes. Jeff was certainly one of a kind and a fine teacher. Very few have done as much for as many people worldwide as this good man did. It's hard to impress me, but I was darn sure impressed by Jeff Newman. To me he was the definition of a class act. I'm not the kind to cry, but not ashamed to say that I am moved to tears by the passing of a person who I considered a friend, mentor, and even a role model. My heart goes out to his dear wife Fran (who is a class act herself)and the rest of the family.
Doug Earnest
Branson, MO |
Sherman Willden
Member From: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
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posted 09 April 2004 07:01 AM
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I have never met Jeff but, like everyone else here, have listened to his performances on tape and seen him on videos. My condolences. Sherman |
Glenn Porter
Member From: Lubbock, Texas
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posted 09 April 2004 08:15 AM
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I spoke with Jeff at the Dallas show.
What a loss.
God be with him.
GP |
Bob Maickel
Member From: Floral Park, NY
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posted 09 April 2004 10:07 AM
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On behalf of the Officers and members of the Pedal Steel Guitar Association Inc. I wish to offer our deepest sympathy to Fran Newman and the entire Newman family on Jeff's tragic passing.It is with great sadness that I write this note. Jeff was a dear friend and the foundation for modern steel guitar instruction. He was one of the very first professional steel players to become actively involved in the Pedal Steel Guitar Association (1974) while it was in its infancy. His contributions of material for our Pedal Steel Newsletter, are without equal. His annual seminars at our PSGA events over the years have increased the number of fine steel guitar players in the Northeast. There was only one Jeff Newman. We will always remember the great contribution he has made to the art of playing the instrument we love. May he rest in peace and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. |
John Rickard
Member From: Phoenix (It's A Dry Heave) AZ
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posted 09 April 2004 10:22 AM
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Very sad. You will be missed by all of us.
Rest easy Jeff.
JR |
Dave Seddon
Member From: Leicester, England.
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posted 09 April 2004 10:45 AM
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On behalf of the "British Steelies Society" we wish to convey our deepest sympathies to Fran and family for thier great loss.
There is nothing we can say that has not already been said by a host of steel players, amateur and proffesional who admired him. Jeff was stationed in the UK in the early 60's and played for "George Brown and the Alamabama Hayriders." He was due to play the British Steel Guitar festival in May, as he has on many occasions before, as well as his tutorial sessions which have always been a sellout.
He will be greatly missed by all his fans and admireres in the UK.
God Bless
Dave & BSS |
ray qualls
Member From: Baxter Springs, Kansas
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posted 09 April 2004 04:28 PM
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On behalf of the KSGA(Kansas Steel Guitar Association), we send our condolences to the family of Jeff Newman on their loss of their Husband, Father and Grandfather. We lost a friend and mentor and our sorrows are there with those closest to him. He was a born Jayhawker(Kansan), so He was something extra special to us. May God watch over him as he plays an instrument with 10 strings.
Ray & Elizabeth Qualls |
Jody Carver
Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever
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posted 09 April 2004 10:30 PM
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Faith is the antedote for such a horrific event that has interupted the life of Mrs.Newman and her family.May that faith give Fran Newman and her family the loving support during this time &
help them through the days and years ahead. God Rest Jeff Newmans soul and bless his family and offer them peace. |
Ken Latchum
Member From: Danville, Va. USA
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posted 10 April 2004 05:35 AM
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On behalf of the MASGA -(Mid Atlantic Steel Guitar Organization) I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to the family and Jeff's closest friends. Jeff was a dear friend to all of us that loved steelguitar. There was something that Jeff could teach us all regardless whether we were a beginner or an advanced player. Jeff always made his time and talents available to whome ever he could help. He will be missed by so many of us in the MASGA as many of us attended his week long school, (such as I) attended his great seminars, or bought his teaching materials. As most people have said already there is a void now and no one knows just yet just who will step up and fill it. I personally have many memories talking to Jeff as we had a lot in common. We both loved airplanes and with me being a airplane owner and pilot for 39 years we just sorta hit it off. I personally will miss Jeff very much, but his Legacy will live on and his teaching materials will probably be available through his company (Jeffran College). What a treasure to leave behind. He can still teach all of us while he is in Heaven playing for our Master!May God be with the Family in their time of sorrow! On Behalf of the MASGA
Ken Latchum
President of the MASGA |
Roger Osbourn
Member From: Siloam Springs, Arkansas, USA
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posted 10 April 2004 08:29 AM
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Sometimes we become so busy in our little world that we forget to enjoy life.That's why it's important to attend as many steel guitar conventions as you can.The Icons of this industry are leaving us everyday.There are many that I will never get the chance to meet now.I regret the Jeff is included among them.His educational input to the steel guitar world will endure for decades.His reputation spans this globe and he was truly admired by all that knew of him.------------------
Roger Osbourn (President NEOSGA)Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. |
Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 10 April 2004 08:49 AM
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As some have mentioned, Jeff was also a great character builder, in many ways. He had talents and was gifted in so many ways, rarely seen in one man. God gave him 62 years and he made the best of it and we are all a little better in many ways, because he passed through....al ------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/ |
b0b
Sysop From: Cloverdale, California, USA
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posted 10 April 2004 10:11 AM
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Received in email:
quote:
I can still hear Jeff playing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon." as we all sat behind those E9 guitars he rounded up for us. I think I was in the first class he put together in the 1970's. I was confused for a while by his footwork because he had his B pedal outside and cocked his foot in instead of out for the A pedal...Jeff gave us a long presentation on how to hold our right hand in order to facilitate blocking..."like you're holding a ping pong ball", he said. And when he brought out Doug Jernigan and Buddy Emmons to play for us that week, I was pleased to tell Doug, with his hand flat out instead of rounded, that Jeff said he wasn't holding his hand correctly.... got a good laugh out of Jeff who was standing right there after Doug ripped up Black Mountain Rag.. I still have those old yellow cheat sheets he gave us to put under the strings on an E9 guitar..they told where to go for the notes and
chords. He had a great sense of humor. After making sure we were all paying attention. He announced he was going to show us that most important trick a steelplayer could learn.. he built it up for 3 or 4 minutes and then put the steel down on the guitar and folded his hands in his lap...so much for pyrotechnics... As a taildragger pilot myself, Jeff and I had stories to swap. He was flying an old tail wheel Piper in those days and said he'd go out and land in farmers' fields and give them a ride. Sometimes Fran would go with him.He made a lot of friends doing that. He didn't think anything about getting in short and getting out okay.. he was good. I'm profoundly saddened by this untimely news... '(
I can hear my sainted, departed Mother say, "well, he'll be in heaven for Easter." Tom Foote
Olympia, WA
and another:
quote:
I HAD JUST FINISHED PACKING AND ABOUT TO LEAVE FOR THE BUS TO TENNESSEE (WATERTOWN} WHEN MY PHONE RINGS.''ELIZABETH'',THE VOICE ASKED. ''YES'', I REPLIED.''I'M JEFF'S NEIGHBOUR AND I'M SORRY TO INFORM THAT JEFF HAS JUST BEEN KILLED IN A PLANE CRASH.
I STOOD ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS,AS SHE WENT ON TO SAY.''HE DIED DOING WHAT HE LOVED AND THAT WAS FLYING HIS PLANE.HIS DEATH WAS INSTANTANEOUSLY AND HE DID NOT SUFFER..
FRAN SAID YOU WERE TO SPEND THE WEEK WITH JEFF IN CLASS AND SHE JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW''.
I NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET JEFF HOWEVER ,JEFF HAS BEEN MY MENTOR SENCE1980 WHEN HE WAS SENDING COURSES BY WAY OF MAIL.
I WOULD LIKE TO THINK FRAN IN HER TIME OF NEED FOR INFORMING ME.GOD BLESS YOU JEFF AND THE NEWMAN FAMILY
ELIZABETH WEST
SURREY B.C.
CANADA
[This message was edited by b0b on 10 April 2004 at 10:13 AM.] |
JAMES BANKS
Member From: Mineola,TX USA
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posted 10 April 2004 12:04 PM
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It is just after 2pm in Tennessee. For those on the Forum at this time. Just say a little prayer requesting strength for Fran, the family, the friends and fans who could be there. James |
Dale Bessant
Member From: Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
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posted 10 April 2004 03:42 PM
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Sad and tragic,just shows all of us how fragile and short life can be.....Although I never met the man or knew him He did an awful lot for the steel guitar community and will no doubt be missed....thoughts and prayers for all.......[This message was edited by Dale Bessant on 10 April 2004 at 03:51 PM.] |
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