However when Charlie was rising to fame, his long time steel player was the late and great Gene O'Neal. I will share with you how it was that Gene went with Charlie.

Back in the early 60's Gene was playing with a Lake Taho, Reno, Vegas circuit singer by the name of Judy Lynn.

Other renowned members in that fabulous band were Joel Price (Littly Jimmy Dickens' early bass player), Tommy Hicks (Ricky Skaggs' fiddle player) and Tommy Williams (GOO star musician) and ISGC staff musican for many years before he was tragically and seriously injured.

Anyway, one night Elvis Presley's manager called Gene and asked him if he would like to go on the road with a new and upcoming country singer. As Gene said a quick yes (Judy was NOT the easiest singer to work for*), Tom Parker said, "Gene, do you KNOW who Charlie Pride is?"

Gene said, "No". So Tom told Gene that Charlie was a black country singer. He also told Gene that, the other steel players he had contacted, did not want to travel with him. Gene said, "I don't care if he is purple, I will play and travel with him."

A few hours later Charlie called Gene and made the formal proposal and told Gene he very much appreciated what he was doing. He also told him, "I am a semi-pro baseball player, and I do not want to devote all my time to music."

"But if you will be my steel player I will pay you even through those times when I am not performing music. The only thing I ask is that you drive the limo and if needs be, you meet me at airports when I need you to."

Well Gene stayed with Charlie for many years and can be heard on a number of Charlie's classics. Although sometimes Charlie (like other stars) would use others in the studio. A fact that used to hurt Gene like few can imagine. I used to sit and listen to him in despair over that.

But on the brighter side, Charlie lived up to his side of the bargain, and while many steel players were starvun, Gene was fishing. Or so I am told.

May Jesus rest Gene's soul and bless all of you always,

carl

Gene and I became very close friends and really enjoyed swappin' old road stories. One night right before he moved back to Nashville, Gene gave me an orange golf ball on stage. He and his family had been to Disney and he said he thought of me when he saw it. I dropped it in my stick bag and kind of forgot about it. We stayed in touch every few weeks until the end, and I still miss him terribly. That orange golf is still and will always be in my bag, as a reminder of a dear friend and his ever present humor. If you ever see a fat grey-headed drummer looking at a golf ball and smiling or maybe even laughing, you'll know it's me and you'll know why.

Jim

[This message was edited by Jim Hartley on 16 June 2004 at 02:32 PM.]

And you are soo correct. I can't believe I made that mistake. I knew Bobby and loved his musicianship. He was a heckuva singer also. He sang "500 miles" one night at a Judy Lynn show that brought the audience to a standing ovation. Incredible. Not so sure Judy was that pleased

Oh well, Thanks again for the correction,

RR

[This message was edited by Roger Rettig on 16 June 2004 at 06:04 PM.]

The great Ronnie Miller works with Charley now. Ronnie is a friend of mine. He is an awesome picker and a true gentleman. If you think you have Ronnie playing on a live CD, I darn sure want to find it!

[This message was edited by Terry Downs on 16 June 2004 at 09:38 PM.]

Your right, the late BIG JOE TALBOT did cut the tune "Gone On The Other Hand," with Charley. He also done some stuff with The Glaser Brothers and many other Nashville entertainers.

Gene O'Neal was a GREAT Steel PLayer! Lloyd Green done some of the most exquisite/beautiful steel work on Charley's recordings during the formative years.

If you ain't read Charley's Biography, ya'll need to do it! You'll appreciate a true County Music Legend's real story by himself, and the best part for usin's is he love's the steel guitar!

Woody
Mark 10:27

Allen

[This message was edited by Allen Peterson on 22 June 2004 at 02:23 PM.]