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Author
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Topic: Jimmie Crawford Passes
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Joe MC
unregistered
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posted 02 February 2005 02:20 PM
Scotty Henderson just told me about Jimmie over the MSN chat. We are deeply saddened by the loss another great icon of the steel guitar community. In 1968 at the ole Hermatige hotel we got to see Jimmy, Julian and Curly all three jamming together.. I was a young pup..barely dry behind the ears.. I just stood there in the back of the crowded room with my mouth open. We had never heard such music. Our thoughs and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. He will missed by so many.. We will be adding Jimmy to www.in-loving-memories.com. We welcome any memories that you would like to submit. Please send them to my email address.. steelman77054@yahoo.com Joe McHam www.joemcham.com www.in-loving-memories.com |
Reggie Duncan
Member From: Mississippi
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posted 02 February 2005 02:36 PM
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My condolences to the Jimmie Crawford family. I will cherish the late night phone conversations we had discussing the then new "JCH" guitar. |
Fish
Member From:
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posted 02 February 2005 02:50 PM
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I'm in shock. I loved Jimmie as a musician and as a friend.
Although he was a legend in my eyes, he was always fun and down-to-earth towards me. Jimmie was a true gentleman and titan of our instrument. I sure will miss him. My heart goes out to Elsie and the Crawford family.Steve Fishell |
Samuel E. White
Member From: Greeneville TN.
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posted 02 February 2005 02:56 PM
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I did not know Jimmy but was told a lot about the great playing he did.Now he and Jeff will be playing together in heaven.God bless Jimmy, Jeff and Jimmy's family. Anna and my Prayers are with you.
Sam White |
Winnie Winston
Member From: Tawa, Wellington, NZ
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posted 02 February 2005 03:09 PM
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I am saddened to hear of Jimmie's passing, and I am thankful that I was able to spend time with him and work with him. His behavior toward others should set an example to us all of how we should all be. I never heard him say a nasty thing about anyone-- even in jest.
He was also, scrupulously honest in his dealings with others.
I don't think he had a bad "bone " in him.
He was an amazing perfectionist which kept him, generally, out of the studio where time is of the essence and the phrase, "Could I try that again? I think I can do it better" is not really welcomed.
He was a brilliant "theoretician." He would sit for hours letting his mind flow into the steel and out would come amazing stuff. His home was a gathering place for many other steel players who would always be curious as to what he was working on. Often, after a visit to Jimmie, the very lick he had developed would appear on an album or on the Opry. Jimmie was never put out that others used his ideas. "There are many more where those came from," he told me.
His development of the "Crawford cluster" changed the way many people thought about steel tunings.
His ability to install 10 and 10 on an Emmons guitar was legendary.
He was a gentleman among gentlemen, and the world is a poorer place for his passing.Winnie |
ROB PARKER
Member From: Paducah,Kentucky,USA
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posted 02 February 2005 03:19 PM
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My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Elsie, and Jimmie's family..May HE hold them in his merciful goodness .and ease their hearts in this time of sadness..
Peace and love to each of you... R.P. |
Wayne Baker
Member From: Vacaville California
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posted 02 February 2005 04:15 PM
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We only get to live once on this earth. I know Mr. Crawford was someone everyone looked up too. My prayers and condolences to his family.v/r
Wayne Baker |
Jody Sanders
Member From: Magnolia,Texas
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posted 02 February 2005 04:30 PM
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Rest in peace, my friend. may GOD bless and keep your family always. These occassions always remind me that all the "foundation players" that brought the steel guitar from its infantcy to where it is today are the older generation now. May GOD let us keep them an enjoy them as long as possible. Jody. |
Archie Nicol
Member From: Ayrshire, Scotland
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posted 02 February 2005 04:34 PM
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Your legacy will live on in future generations of steel players. I never new you, but like all of us here, we'll never forget what you gave us.
Thank You. Arch. |
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
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posted 02 February 2005 04:57 PM
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Another great PSG icon gone.Our prayers go out to Jimmy's family. Bill Ford |
Nick Reed
Member From: Springfield, TN
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posted 02 February 2005 05:02 PM
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Jimmie was a very dear friend to me and I'll always cherish the times we talked on the phone and visited at his home in Hendersonville. A real pioneer in the Steel Guitar industry. Our deepest sympathys to Elsie and the Family. Rest in peace dear friend.
 Nick & Linda Reed [This message was edited by Nick Reed on 02 February 2005 at 05:20 PM.] |
Bill cole
Member From: Cheektowaga, New York, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 05:38 PM
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A sad day for all. I had the honor of working with Jimmy on two steel shows where he taught me how to do Banjo rolls and play rocky top like it was on fire. I will never forget him and never could thank him enough |
Al Marcus
Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA
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posted 02 February 2005 05:48 PM
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I am shocked. The last time I heard, Jimmy was getting out of the hospital. Then Bobbe told me he died the next morning in an Email. This is a great loss to the steel guitar community. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family.....al------------------
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/ |
Roger Edgington
Member From: San Antonio, Texas USA
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posted 02 February 2005 06:09 PM
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I'm truly sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. Bob,
To add a little to your post, My dad played steel for Gene and Garland in Columbus area in the mid 40's. I never got to know Jimmy until he returned to Ohio in the 60's and got to play bass with him some at Smith's dance garden and Frontier Ranch. Jimmy was very special and a big influence on me switching to pedal steel. I was quite a few years younger so he was a real hero to me.
There will be a big empty space in the steel guitar world with him gone. |
Robby Springfield
Member From: Viola, AR, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 06:13 PM
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May God bless you and comfort you in this time.Robby Springfield and Family |
Wiz Feinberg
Moderator From: Flint, Michigan, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 06:25 PM
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I met Jimmie Crawford a few times back in the late 1970's and early 1980's, at conventions and at his shop, and was blown away by his friendliness and extraordinary abilities on the steel guitar. Jimmie introduced the Crawford Cluster to me around 1979, and I use a version of it to this day.They don't make men like him anymore. He will be sorely missed by all of us in the Steel Guitar community and the extended Country Music Family at large.
My sympathies to his family and all of his close friends here.
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Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
1983 Rosewood Emmons D10 Push-Pull, with 8 pedals and 9 knee levers (Crawford Cluster), Lawrence LXR-16 pickups and aluminum necks. Nashville 400 amp with Peavey Mod. Emmons pedalbar mounted, and Goodrich LDR floor volume pedals.
I use and endorse Jagwire Strings and accessories.
Keep Steelin' but don't get caught!
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Tiny Olson
Member From: Tribes Hill, NY, USA along the Erie Canal in the beautiful Mohawk River Valley
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posted 02 February 2005 06:46 PM
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This is depressing. Jimmie was such a wonderful person and his passing is such a loss.Rest in peace now Jimmie and go onward with The Lord in heaven. My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Elsie and the family. Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" Olson |
Mike Sigler
Member From: Ohio
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posted 02 February 2005 07:51 PM
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i am so sorry to hear this news, As i wipe a tear from my eyes, i am listening to Jimmy playing fireball mail on an old tape...
I is with out a doubt the reason i learned to play.... My prayers go to his family.
MS  |
Glenn Porter
Member From: Lubbock, Texas
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posted 02 February 2005 07:53 PM
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Our prayers are with Jimmie's Family
May God be with him.Glenn Porter |
steve takacs
Member From: beijing, china
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posted 02 February 2005 08:13 PM
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I only met Jimmy once, at a 3 day seminar he & Scotty gave in Norway in the mid-1980s. I remember him being a gentle soul, funny guy, and a heck of a player and teacher. I felt lucky to have met him. steve |
Roger Rettig
Member From: NAPLES, FL
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posted 02 February 2005 08:26 PM
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What a shock I had when my wife called me tonight to tell me the news - I'm away on tour, and she'd told me just two days ago that he was in hospital (thanks to Bobbe's e-mail), and I called his home, expecting to reach Elsie so I could send him my best wishes.Jimmie himself answered the 'phone - he'd just returned from the hospital a moment earlier, and sounded in good spirits - we chatted briefly and said our goodbyes... Now he's gone, and it's hard to believe we'll never hear his wonderful playing again.... He was endlessly encouraging to me when I toured with him years ago in Slim Whitman's band, helping me with my steel-playing with that unique approach that he had. I lost count of the times he had us all in stitches of laughter on the bus or in the band-room. He'll be missed by so many of us; my sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to Elsie and his whole family. Rest in peace, Jimmie - we love you. Roger Rettig |
Chris Bauer
Member From: Nashville, TN USA
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posted 02 February 2005 08:34 PM
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Jimmie & Elsie were supportive of me in more ways than I can describe - and certainly in more ways than I ever deserved. I've kicked myself repeatedly over the last few years for not staying in closer touch with them and now he's gone.He was a true original as a player and as a person as well as being someone who could make you smile no matter what was going on with you. Rest in peace, Jimmie. You'll be missed. |
Bryan Adams
Member From: Mountain City, Tennessee, USA
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posted 02 February 2005 08:41 PM
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i'm really saddened to hear about jimmy's passing, just talked to him last week, this was quite a shock...our prayers go out to elsia and the family...jimmy will surely be miss by all who knew him.....BA |
Smiley Roberts
Member From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075
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posted 03 February 2005 01:35 AM
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My friendship with Jimmie began approx. 50 yrs. ago,when he was playing for Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper,in Wheeling,W.V. They played a show date in my home town,(Springfield,Ma.),& I was a Country deejay on a local radio station. I attended the show,& after the show,I invited them over my parent's house for dinner. They welcomed a "home-cooked" meal &,while everybody else was upstairs "socializing",Jimmie & I were down in the basement,listening to Hank Thompson records,w/ Curly Chalker on steel.Jumping ahead a few years,...after I moved to Nashville in the late 60's,Jimmie & I rekindled our friendship. For a period of time,Jimmie & I played "twin steels" with Tommy Overstreet,in the mid 70's. I certainly learned a lot more from Jimmie than he did from me,& I let him know that,more than once. I was,further,honored when he called me & asked me to "shoot" a pic of him for the cover of his,I believe,1st album cover,"A Ton Of Steel". It was also the 1st album cover that ever I "shot". Jimmie was one funny,& talented individual,& I always enjoyed going over to his house & chatting w/ him. He will be sorely missed,not only by me,but the ENTIRE steel guitar community,for all that he has given to us. God speed you on your journey Jimmie. ------------------
~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com |
John Heinrich
Member From: Ashland City, TN, USA
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posted 03 February 2005 08:34 AM
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Another tremor is felt in the steel guitar world with the passing Jimmy Crawford. We are as steel players one when we say that a great, talented and good person is no longer here with us. We will remember you..........
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John
www.johnheinrich.com
10 2001 Excel,
Double 10 1974 MSA
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pdl20
Member From: Benton, Ar . USA,
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posted 03 February 2005 10:34 AM
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Such a loss.we all will miss him,he was such a great musician and friend to many.God Bless him and his family in this time of sorrow. |
KENNY KRUPNICK
Member From: Grove City,Ohio
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posted 03 February 2005 11:00 AM
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This is shocking news. Our prayers go out to the Crawford Family. |
Darvin Willhoite
Member From: Leander, Tx. USA
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posted 03 February 2005 11:30 AM
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One of the first steel records I got was "Ton Of Steel" and man I was hooked. I transferred this to CD a couple of years ago and still listen to it a lot. I never saw Jimmy do a show that I didn't enjoy, and I've seen a bunch of them. Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.------------------
Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording
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Ad Kersten
Member From: Beek en Donk, The Netherlands
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posted 03 February 2005 11:46 AM
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I am very sorry to hear this bad news. I met Jimmy once, many years ago, when he was over in The Netherlands to do a workshop with us. Showing us 3-on-top-7-on-the-bottom stuff. Bought a copy of the Manual of Style then (still practicing.....).
Indeed a great loss for the steel guitar community.
My condoleances go out to his family and friends.------------------
Zumsteel S12U
Yo, Man! homepage
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Henning Kock
Member From: Odder, DK-8300, Denmark, Europe
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posted 03 February 2005 12:01 PM
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I read the sad news.
I took lessons from Jimmie in Sweden in 1980, and in his basement in Hendersonville one afternoon in 1982 and one afternoon in 1992. What a talent playing steel guitars and building them. And such a kind and helpful person.
My condolences to Elsie and family.
Henning Kock, Denmark
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b0b
Sysop From: Cloverdale, California, USA
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posted 03 February 2005 07:56 PM
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Received from Jim Dallas (Drummer) quote:
A Few Words About My FriendA number of years ago while walking into a local Nashville nightclub with Buck Owens bass player, Doyle Holly, we ran into a guy named Jimmie Crawford who was about to leave. Being a relatively new drummer to Nashville at the time, and not knowing too many of the guys, I asked Doyle who Jimmie was, and what instrument he played.Well, Doyle looked at me with that "are you kidding" look, and went on to tell me about Jimmie, and ending by saying that he was not only one of the greatest Steel Guitar players that had ever lived, but more importantly, one of the classiest gentlemen that's ever lived as well. Well, the years went by and in the early 1990's I was asked to play in a band in another local Nashville "hotspot." After arriving and getting my drums all set up, the Steel Guitarist of the group walked up and introduced himself. It was Jimmie Lee Crawford. That started a Friday and Saturday night gig that was to last for a number of years, towards the end of the 1990's. The Guitarist on that gig was another incredible Musician, Dan Drilling. Now, I'm 51, almost 52 years old, and like most of my contemporaries, I've been in a number of bands throughout 30 years of playing, but none of them brought me more joy, laughter, fun, and now, tears, than working with those two. I could tell you some of the funniest stories all night long and for days about working with those two, but I'll save those for another time, but believe me, I was blessed to be associated with Jimmie and Dan. Before working with Jimmie, I guess could tell a decent Steel Guitarist from a not so decent one, though that was about it. But after working with Jimmie Crawford awhile, he was able to open my eyes to so many things that not only made me a better Musician, but I'd like to think a better person as well. I will be forever grateful to Jimmie that he extended his hand downward to this mediocre drummer, and allowed me to play on the very same stage with him, and for quite a few years at that. I was so far out of that man's league, but that was Jimmie, often hearing him say "Just jump in and hang on ya ol scutter"! In a business where egos abound (and you all KNOW who you are), I never witnessed it with Jimmie. Though he was a member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, I honestly don't believe he ever truly knew just how good he was. He was always like the average everyday guy next door. I guess one only needs to look at his devotion to his family and his lovely wife of many years, Elsie, to know what Jimmie Crawford was all about. I'll forever see that "Hand in the cookie jar" smile of his too. I'm trying very hard not to cry over his loss, but to smile and be grateful for his being and all that he has meant to me, and so many others. If there's a God in Heaven, and there is, he's embracing Jimmie Lee Crawford tonight, for his trip is over. May God always bless Jimmie's wife, Elsie, his children, and the entire Crawford family. A saying that's always meant a lot to me, "This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. It is, instead, the end of the beginning" Jim Dallas
F.O.J. (Friend of Jimmie's)
ShoBizzzz@Aol.Com
Hendersonville, TN
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Cody Johnson
Member From: Athens, Tennessee, USA
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posted 03 February 2005 09:30 PM
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My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. |
Wayne Cox
Member From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA
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posted 03 February 2005 10:21 PM
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When I lived in Nashville, Jimmy crawford was a good friend and wonderful person to know. I really miss his sense of humor and upbeat personality. Another truly great musician has left us.
~~W.C.~~ |
Ernie Renn
Member From: Brainerd, Minnesota USA
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posted 03 February 2005 11:18 PM
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I'm at a loss for words. Condolences to Elsie and the family. We've lost one of the steel guitar greats. Godspeed JC!Ernie |
Smiley Roberts
Member From: Hendersonville,Tn. 37075
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posted 04 February 2005 02:28 AM
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From the "Tennessean" & Peter Cooper:
http://tennessean.com/obits/archives/05/01/65206207.shtml?Element_ID=65206207
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~ ~
©¿© It don't mean a thang,
mm if it ain't got that twang.
www.ntsga.com |
Ted Nesbitt
Member From: Northern Ireland
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posted 04 February 2005 02:40 AM
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This is indeed a sad day for the Steel Guitar community worldwide. A great player,a Master builder of instruments,and a wonderful person. He will be missed so much by so many. My thoughs and prayers are with the Crawford family.Ted Nesbitt
I.S.G.A. |
Tim Wallis
Member From: Warrensburg, Illinois
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posted 04 February 2005 09:58 AM
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I have a lot of good memories of Jimmy. One that stands out is, I remember talking to Jimmy a couple of years ago, right before he took to the stage at Scotty's and him telling me how nervous he was. I remember thinking how could a man of his talent and resume be nervous? Then it dawned on me, he's nervous because he still loves the instrument, people and music and that a real pro who loves what he's doing will always be nervous before going on stage because it's their true passion. Jimmy was a real pro. |
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