|
 The Steel Guitar Forum
 Events and Announcements
 No More Steel on Roy Clark Show (Page 2)
|
| This topic is 3 pages long: 1 2 3 |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: No More Steel on Roy Clark Show |
|
Tay Joslin Member From: Memphis, Tennessee (formerly of Newbern, TN) |
posted 17 August 2004 06:50 PM
profile
For years I've been hearing people accuse Buck Owens of destroying the Country side of "Hee-Haw" for leaving Roy Clark to host the show himself. I never felt that way towards Buck, but when Roy Clark cannot keep a steel guitar on his stage, then he will soon start looking just as bad as Buck did when he quit "Hee-Haw". It makes a man wonder if Buck saw something dying and decided to get out before it got ugly. Comments anybody? Best of luck to you, Mr. Bob! Yours truly, |
|
Al Marcus Member From: Cedar Springs,MI USA |
posted 17 August 2004 07:49 PM
profile
I remember back in the 70's I went to Mr.Lucky's in Phoneix,AZ to see Ray Price. I expected to see Buddy Emmons.I paid at the door and listened for a couple of songs, He had his Fiddles, but NO Steel. Imagine that! I did not stay long and left. No steel , and I'm out of here........al  ------------------ [This message was edited by Al Marcus on 17 August 2004 at 07:58 PM.] |
|
John Bechtel Member From: Nashville, Tennessee,U.S.A. |
posted 17 August 2004 09:03 PM
profile
After being completely out of any paying-jobs for the past 4 to 5 yrs. it's gotten to the point where I even sold the best PSG that I've ever owned and decided to go back to the basics of non-pedal steel, because; with all the un-country that it is necessary to play nowadays I've completely lost any interest in playing publicly with any group. From now on, I play what I want to play and can the rest! All my 56-yrs. that I've been playing, I've always avoided going to hear any group that didn't carry a steel guitar. I'm sorry to hear of your misfortune, but; I also consider myself to be a realistic individual. Therefore, please just remember that although you hope for the best in the future, and you may deserve it; the best can illude you! I hope you find satisfaction in whatever you do! ------------------ |
|
Jerry Clardy Member From: El Paso, Texas, USA |
posted 17 August 2004 09:31 PM
profile
I see Roy's losing Jimmy Henley after 27 years, too. Jimmy was a child prodigy on the banjo. I wonder if the show's getting into financial straits? |
|
Chris Forbes Member From: Beltsville, MD, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 03:35 AM
profile
Can someone tell me why on earth anyone would need TWO keyboard players????? |
|
retcop88 unregistered |
posted 18 August 2004 03:54 AM
(why would anyone need two keyboard players?) There could be a bunch of reasons. #1, the bandleader is a keyboard player #2.One of the keyboard players is into steel licks)#3.When Roy hits the bad notes they are playing out of tune and it sounds like harmony.#4.Last time they played in Massachusetts the keyboard players got married and vowed to never be apart.#5.Roy decided he wanted more of the instrumentals on his own and would add a sting bender for malaguania.#6.The stages are getting smaller and it's harder to find enough elec outlets to plug into.#7. Did anyone ever check the prices of new hairpieces lately? Anyway Hair today gone tommorrow. ------------------ |
|
HowardR Member From: N.Y.C.,N.Y. |
posted 18 August 2004 04:12 AM
profile
quote: One goes to the bathroom a lot... |
|
Jim Cohen Member From: Philadelphia, PA |
posted 18 August 2004 04:51 AM
profile
quote:Oh, so you mean he's dumping both his steel player and his banjo player? Hmmm.... I wonder if there's a pattern there... How would Mr. Clark look wearing baggy pants and his ballcap on backwards?  |
|
Steve Allison Member From: Eatonton,Ga. U.S.A. |
posted 18 August 2004 05:19 AM
profile
Let's see if I've got this right; Roy is dumping a world class pedal steel player, AND a world class banjo player, and he has plenty of fame and fortune and apparently a big ego also, because it sounds to me like; |
|
Herb Steiner Member From: Cedar Valley, Travis County TX |
posted 18 August 2004 06:16 AM
profile
quote: One guy plays the piano parts, the other plays synthesized string/horn parts. It's done all the time. George Strait, who nobody disses here on the Forum, has Ron Huckaby playing piano and Jeff Sturm playing keyboard "strings." ------------------ |
|
Jim Cohen Member From: Philadelphia, PA |
posted 18 August 2004 06:26 AM
profile
quote:Ah, but the night is young...  |
|
Chris Forbes Member From: Beltsville, MD, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 07:10 AM
profile
It seems like overkill to me, unless you're Pink Floyd or The Band. [This message was edited by Chris Forbes on 18 August 2004 at 07:14 AM.] |
|
Bob Hempker Member From: Hollister, Mo. |
posted 18 August 2004 07:33 AM
profile
Let me clarify something.; Jimmy Henley has been gone for a year. He and his father were let go a year ago to the day I was given my notice. Also, George Strait may have 2 keyboards, but he also has steel guitar. Whoever said the bandleader is a keyboard player is correct. The synth player doubles on banjo. Get the picture. Again, I'm not asking for sympathy or anything of the like. I'm relieved it's soon gonna be over. I just hate to see another act dumping steel guitar. I have plenty of work to keep me going, so that is definately not the issue. Guys, we're at a crisis situation, because without steel guitar gigs, not only do they affect steel players, but it eliminates incentives for new younger players to take up the instrument. I don't want our beautiful instrument ending up like a zither or some other instrument you might see in a museum. I'm definately not saying that all of them do it, or anything like that. I have some dear friends who happen to be keyboard players. But, there are some, and let me emphasize my quantifier,SOME, that are deliberately going out of their way to stick it to steel players to create work for themselves. I'm sorry, but that's not the way I came up in the music bus. If my phone rings, and someone offers me a gig, fine. But I don't go out of my way to get another established musician already working in a group fired, so I can get their job. This appears, and I may be wrong, to be the case with keyboard players going after steel players' jobs. ------------------ |
|
Tony Prior Member From: Charlotte NC |
posted 18 August 2004 08:37 AM
profile
Maybe RC does not have fame and fortune..maybe he's still playin' cuz' he's got ta...maybe his bookings are not much better than some of ours...in same cases maybe not as good ! I saw him at the Opry a year or so back when we attended..he played Orange Blossom Special and smiled a lot...one song only... now I am trying to be gentle here out of respect.. I have always had high regard for Roy..but that night at the Opry LIVE..it was good that they "TOLD" the audience what song he was playing..I'll leave it at that.. Goodnight Ladies t |
|
Herb Steiner Member From: Cedar Valley, Travis County TX |
posted 18 August 2004 09:50 AM
profile
Bob, yes George Strait does still have a steel guitarist, the same one he's had for 30 years. George wears a white hat, IMHO. I was answering the question of why an artist would carry two keyboardists. I've been in your position before. You'll do fine, a great player such as yourself. ------------------ |
|
John Daugherty Member From: Rolla, Missouri, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 09:58 AM
profile
I sent a link to this thread to an old friend in Nashville who has been a performer/writer/producer for the past 30 years.(he shall remain nameless). You may be entertained by the following reply he sent to me. ******************************************** |
|
Paul King Member From: Gainesville, Texas, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 10:25 AM
profile
I have always wondered about some of the artists and their egos. I felt like Roy always thought he was a fantastic player. No dobut he is talented but personally I always felt his sound was very dry. He was a showman and played mostly fast songs to showcase his talent. However, I have never heard him play a steel nor have I heard him play the hard driving jazz chords. He plays a lot of scale licks which a lot of us do as well. He does have something that producers and record companies would push him but I have never figured out what it is. I do not want to accuse him of anything since I do not know who made the decision to no longer carry a steel player or why the decision was made. To carry 2 fiddles and 2 keyboards does not make sense to me but I guess they know something I do not. Nevertheless, I am highly disappointed in Roy Clark and would not go see him for sure now. It always bugged me to see him on Hee Haw playing that banjo knowing that in the background there was a fabulous banjo player in Bobby Thompson. I am certain this is a financial decision that they felt had to be made. |
|
Jerry Hayes Member From: Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 18 August 2004 10:59 AM
profile
I just tried to email him and it got returned also. The last time I saw RC on the Opry he was hopelessly out of tune and had a crappy tone to boot. I think his time in the limelight is coming to an end as he should be retiring soon as I hope. I used to be a big fan of his and I guess I still like his old records but I won't play them as much. Bob, your old drummer with Loretta (Lonnie Godfrey) is working for Cox Communications installing cable TV services and seems really happy just playing weekends. He's got a new young wife and a baby girl. Have a good 'un....JH ------------------ |
|
Wally Maples Member From: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 03:34 PM
profile
Bob I caught you in Laughlin in Feb? and I really enjoyed you, esp the number you were featured on. I won't see Roy again. Good luck. wally |
|
Neil Lang Member From: Albert Lea, Minnesota, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 04:25 PM
profile
Bob, I always felt that Roy did NOT give the Steel enough "Ride Time" in his shows! But I was still glad to see he had one!!! Maybe your next "Boss" will let you "GO" more!! I hope so! THE BEST OF LUCK TO YOU! "Just NO FEELING, when nobodys STEELING!" Neil |
|
Jim Hartley Member From: Little Mountain, South Carolina, USA |
posted 18 August 2004 05:26 PM
profile
Bob, Like everyone else, I'm very disappointed that RC won't be carrying a steel in his show. With your talent and great reputation, I'm not too concerned about your future. You'll have all the work you can handle. Out of respect, I think Roy should have spoken to you and given an explanation. But give him credit for one thing, he did give you some time(not that you will need it). In my days in Nashville, I saw more than one musician be let go with no notice at all. Just "take your stuff off the bus" Good luck with everything. By the way, I finally found the fiddle player I called you about a few months ago. Jim Hartley |
|
Jody Carver Member From: The Knight Of Fender Tweed~ Dodger Blue Forever |
posted 18 August 2004 09:22 PM
profile
Bob I am so sorry to hear this. I always had much respect and admiration for Roy and still do in spite of this unfortunate situation. I have known Roy since the early days and he was always a stand up kind of guy a sincere person. On the other hand I feel for you as well,in fact I feel for both of you. I still feel somehow this will be resolved to both yours and Roys satisfaction. We both know of Roys allegiance to his band members and perhaps he had no say in the matter.Sometimes things happen that we dont want to happen. Time will pass and all this may resolve itself. For both yourself and Roy I hope it does. Best to you Jody |
|
Terry Bethel Member From: Hollister,Mo 65672 USA |
posted 18 August 2004 10:14 PM
profile
Bobby, I was shocked by the news when you called me, but not surprised. Country music artists, and I use that term loosely, really do not respect a musician as a person. Most of them want a body to fill a slot on the stage. I know from first hand experience. The more slots they fill, it seems like their heads get emptier. In the first place they don't really know what a steel guitar is capable of doing. It really can do more than do-ey do-ey licks. On my last "STAR" job, I decided after 24 years that I didn't want to work the road anymore. I found a great sit down job in Branson with A true person and a great entertainer, his name is Paul Harris. I could go on and on about Paul, but that is not what this is about. When I turned in my notice to the star, he said I will miss you and I hate to see you leave, but I understand. I was going to work a three week notice so it wouldn't put him in a bind, and I recommended a friend Tim Sergent who did get the job. One day later as I was heading to Tennessee to see my kids and grandkids, the bandleader called and said,"Star said if you wanted to stay on you could, otherwise you are through tomorrow and he was cancelling my health insurance. Well, guess what? I haven't looked backward one day since that day. And yes he did cancel my insurance and didn't pay me any severence pay. Great business this music business. Oh; well, it's water under the bridge. Bobby ,at least you are getting a 4 month notice, and as great a player as you are, I know in my heart you will find a better job, and better people to be around. I know I did. I love you brother, and keep your head held high, cause you are one hell of a man. Terry Bethel [This message was edited by Terry Bethel on 28 August 2004 at 10:16 PM.] |
|
retcop88 unregistered |
posted 19 August 2004 04:52 AM
Terry,We all know who the usta be star is.His age has diminished his ability to draw the crowds to retain Star status other than living on past accomplishments. While Terry Bethels talents have now moved to the fore-front and many of us get to attend shows that feature your talents.Also age is no barrier for talent.Bob also will never have to worry about vocal chords or cheap hair pieces. ------------------ |
|
Jim Cohen Member From: Philadelphia, PA |
posted 19 August 2004 05:05 AM
profile
Ah yes, the music business, where each day is better than the next..." |
|
Myron Labelle unregistered |
posted 19 August 2004 09:12 AM
I can't wait for tommorrow it just gets better everyday.  ------------------ |
|
Tiny Olson Member From: Tribes Hill, NY, USA along the Erie Canal in the beautiful Mohawk River Valley |
posted 19 August 2004 09:54 AM
profile
Bob: Sorry to hear about the gig. But you've got the right attitude. You'll find work for sure, probably with someone you'll allow your great, playing talent be heard alot more too. Keep the faith Brother. Your friend, |
|
Whip Lashaway Member From: Sherwood, Ohio, USA |
posted 20 August 2004 03:25 PM
profile
Bob I just got back from a road trip and got the news. So sorry to hear it. You certainly were the focus of my attention when I've seen the show. I can't begin to tell you how much your friendship has meant to me. You're a class act and you'll stay busy I'm sure. I hope to see you again soon. There is a rumor that we may do a show in Branson. I'll keep you informed. Take care. Whip ------------------ |
|
Ray Uhl Member From: Riverside, Missouri, USA |
posted 22 August 2004 11:24 PM
profile
Bob, I too am sorry to hear of your situation. The country music we know hasn't died, it's been killed!! (Murder on Music Row). The business men of the music industry have "brainwashed" the younger generation by telling them who and want constitutes "Country Music". True country artists and writers have been replaced by people with music degrees and absolutely no emotional feeling for a true country song. As long as I have my soap box, has anyone given any thought to abandoning Nashville and establishing a new Country effort in Texas? From what I read on the forum, and what I observe, true country is still supported in Texas. Do correct me if I'm wrong, but why can't all the true country singers and musicians ban together, seek financial investors, and do this. I know there's enough of us out there, that support true country. We all need to brain storm and think of something. I live to play steel guitar and "true" Country music. Let's do something fast....at my age, I don't have forever. |
|
Joey Ace Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada |
posted 23 August 2004 04:59 AM
profile
Ray, That's an interesting thought, and I'd like to read a dicussion about it, especially from folks in both areas. I suggest you post a new thread over in the MUSIC section, with a title that describes your idea and see what happens. (your remarks won't be noticed as much here, and I don't want to move Bob's thread.) |
|
Bob Lawrence Member From: Lwr Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada |
posted 24 August 2004 05:40 AM
profile
Bob So sorry to hear about the changes to the show. You certainly were the star of the show (for us)when Bob McDonald and I visited a few months back. We truly enjoyed meeting you, the chance to hear your great!!! playing and appreciated! the time you spent with us. All the best in the future. Bob ------------------ |
|
Gene Jones Member From: Oklahoma City, OK USA |
posted 24 August 2004 06:46 AM
profile
quote_____________________________________ "He was a showman and played mostly fast songs to showcase his talent" __________________________________________ ......seems like I recently heard a similar comment by someone on another Forum thread about a steel-guitar player? Note: My comment above is factitious...I also emailed Roy about disappointment in his show no longer carrying a steel) [This message was edited by Gene Jones on 24 August 2004 at 06:54 AM.] |
|
Bob Farlow Member From: Marietta,GA, |
posted 24 August 2004 07:52 AM
profile
I think RC should be advised that if his decision is not soon reversed, if he later needs a steel player he will have a helluva time getting one. |
|
Myron Labelle unregistered |
posted 24 August 2004 08:17 AM
I guess it gets easier each day to get on the band wagon of how country music is being put to sleep. Artist like Roy Clark may shoot themselves in the foot by listening to others in the band . Most times it's because a particular musician does not blend with a steel or feels he has limited time playing and sharing. Or he feels that more salary can be in the offering with the elimination of one..However I see lots of looking behind by many on this forum and that hurts progress. One door closes another opens is they way to look at any career.Roy Clark may just be down sizing to fit his deminishing demand and as well as talent. (however two keyboards YUK)Speaking of disminishing talent,has anyone really listened to the words of the songs being written by the Nashville song factory? Yuk Yuk #2 ------------------ |
|
Mike Sweeney Member From: Nashville,TN,USA |
posted 24 August 2004 01:36 PM
profile
Don't worry Bob. You'll always land on your feet. Just think you might get to play more steel friendly music. Mike |
|
Nick Reed Member From: Springfield, TN |
posted 24 August 2004 07:26 PM
profile
Bob, I wouldn't sweat it to bad. It just hurts your feelings a little for now. Personally I've never considered ROY CLARK to be much of a drawing card in the entertainment biz. I couldn't ever see myself paying money to see one of his shows. I'd rather come hear you play Steel for a artist that can sing country music that sounds country. Nick |
|
BUDDY BARROWCLIFF Member From: Sayre,Pa |
posted 25 August 2004 10:47 AM
profile
Bob I am a nobody steel picker up here in the northeast and altho I have backed some of the pros in the years past. It seems the higher up the pecking order the artist might be at the time the less a sideman is valued. I don't know your status but feel if you were on the show in the first place your playing proweness ranks in the upper level as seems to be noted from posts of other name artists on here. I think Mr Roy is on the downside of his abilities now judging from some of his more recent performances I have seen. It seems like he needs more cover from his backup people to get thru even one piece be it vocal or instrumental with out revealing his mistakes. He is much slower and less acurite instrumentaly and off key more often than he would permit from any other performer in his group. Budd B |
|
Sidney Ralph Penton Member From: Moberly, Missouri, USA |
posted 25 August 2004 03:09 PM
profile
well this is sad that there will be one less steel out there on a big name like roy clark. i didn't read all of the replies before it got my dander up and i only been trying to play for 5 months now and it really pulled the wrong hair when i read this. i am going to try to find a web site for roy clark and tell him i refuse to listen to his music because of him dropping the steel and i will not go see any of his shows and if i hear a song of his on the radio i will turn it off! i suggest that everyone does the same. thanks sid ------------------ |
|
Bob Hempker Member From: Hollister, Mo. |
posted 27 August 2004 01:40 PM
profile
Hey, guys, I finally found a computer out here on the road. I took another gig with a beautiful human being named Randy Newman. He has a travelling version of the Ozark Jubilee. The money is comparable and the music is older traditional Country Music, like we all like to play. I start next weekend. Sunday is my last gig with Roy. We're in Wilmington DE. at the 3 Little Bakers thru this Sunday. Roy wanted me to stay until the end of the year, but I just couldn't without knowing what came after that. Besides, I think I would have taken this job anyway. I just wanted to share the news with you. I'm looking forward to putting this behind me, and starting a new job. Like the rest of you, it really kills me to see steel guitar being dropped from yet another show. Also, they are keeping everyone else, now. That means 2 fiddles, 2 keyboards, and no steel guitar. I'll be home Tues and update you all on this. ------------------ |
|
Joey Ace Sysop From: Southern Ontario, Canada |
posted 27 August 2004 02:57 PM
profile
Good for you Bob. (Bad for Roy) |
This topic is 3 pages long: 1 2 3 All times are Pacific (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
 |
|
Contact Us | The Pedal Steel Pages
Note: Messages not explicitly copyrighted are in the Public Domain.
Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46