It is with deep sadness that I belatedly learned of the recent passing of Pedal Steel Guitarist Tom Brumley.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-tom-brumley6-2009feb06,0,811842.story
Brumley joined Buck Owens in 1960 and immediately gained recognition throughout the steel guitar world for his originality on this complicated instrument. He is best known for his famous lick in the Buck Owens recording, “Together Again”.
For those who haven’t followed C/W music, think of Rick Nelson. Brumley worked for 10 years or so as a member of Nelson’s road band. Listen to “Garden Party” – that’s Brumley on the steel.
In tribute to Tom Brumley:
Steel Guitarist Prayer
Lord I pray, that I may never,
Forget to use the right knee lever,
And while I’m pressing pedal ‘B’
Guide my foot past ‘A’ and ‘C’.
Help me remember whatever the key,
Is it pedal up or down or with a knee,
And give me strength no matter how far,
To carry my steel back to the car.
And may I ask as my final plea,
That I don’t break string number three.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-tom-brumley6-2009feb06,0,811842.story
Brumley joined Buck Owens in 1960 and immediately gained recognition throughout the steel guitar world for his originality on this complicated instrument. He is best known for his famous lick in the Buck Owens recording, “Together Again”.
For those who haven’t followed C/W music, think of Rick Nelson. Brumley worked for 10 years or so as a member of Nelson’s road band. Listen to “Garden Party” – that’s Brumley on the steel.
In tribute to Tom Brumley:
Steel Guitarist Prayer
Lord I pray, that I may never,
Forget to use the right knee lever,
And while I’m pressing pedal ‘B’
Guide my foot past ‘A’ and ‘C’.
Help me remember whatever the key,
Is it pedal up or down or with a knee,
And give me strength no matter how far,
To carry my steel back to the car.
And may I ask as my final plea,
That I don’t break string number three.