Slide

Some of the top steel, slide, dobro etc.

players in Country Music

Michel Rose

Tommy Grasso

Warren Neilsen - Photo Courtesy of Brian Robson

Mike Tyne

A Sad Day For Steel Guitar Fans - Vale John Hughey - 2007

A Sad Day For Steel Guitar Fans
Steel guitar enthusiasts and western swing fans the world over are deeply saddened with news of the very sudden death of one of its best musicians.
John Hughey passed away at 6:30 pm, November 18, 2007.

Earlier this month, John received one of the highest honours in musicianship bestowed by his peers in recognition of a lengthy contribution to the country music world.
John played Steel Guitar on Jean Stafford’s award winning track Steelin’ the 2 Step and was a dear friend. Jean describes John as a wonderful caring human being and says in tribute ‘ Thank you John for the wonderful music and your support and friendship. Love and I will miss you always.’

His ROPE induction two weeks ago was a great source of pride for many of his friends in the recording world.

The US STEEL GUITAR HALL OF FAME PLAQUE reads:
DEWITT SCOTT-THE STEEL GUITAR HALL OF FAME, INC. ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

JOHN HUGHEY-A TOURING, RECORDING, AND PERFORMING ARTIST FOR OVER FOUR DECADES. HIS PURE SOUND STRENGTHENED THE SUCCESS OF RECORDINGS BY CONWAY TWITTY, VINCE GILL AND MANY OTHERS. THE UNDISPUTED MASTER OF BAR SHIVER AND PRECISE UPPER-REGISTRY INTONATION. HE CREATED MUSICAL EMOTION AND DREW ATTENTION TO THE INSTRUMENT THROUGH HIS FLAWLESS DELIVERY, FLAVORED WITH HAUNTING ELOQUENCE.
BORN: DECEMBER 27, 1933 DIED: NOVEMBER 18,2007 ELAINE, ARK INDUCTED: 1996
R.I.P. Dear Friend
http://www.johnhughey.com/bio.html
From Jean Stafford

Brisbane Steel Guitar Convention Turns 12 and Celebrates Hall of Fame

Kenny Kitching and George Xanthos two steel guitar legends were inducted into the inaugural Australian Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in Brisbane on June 23. The twelfth annual convention was held at the Kedron Wavell Services Club.

The award presented by Keith Symons was an extreme honour for Kenny Kitching – one of Australia’s most recognised steel players and session musicians. The plaques pays tribute to his contribution internationally and here in Australia.

Noel Anstead received the award on behalf of George Xanthos who sadly passed away only days later. George Xanthos is remembered for his early contribution to live radio shows and as a member of the Hawking Bros band.

More than 200 fans from Tasmania New South Wales Northern Territory Western Australia Queensland New Zealand and Thailand and many local based musicians attended the concert and the Hall of Fame award presentations sponsored by Brisbane Radio 98.9fm held during the two day event

Patrons were treated to a few surprises with visiting overseas players David & Carol Kirk from the UK, Paddy Long from New Zealand and a special appearance by Jean Stafford.

Jean entertained the audience with 3 songs from her latest CD including the US award winning song Steelin’ the 2 Step. In a surprise presentation Michel Rose handed her a plaque on behalf of Peermusic Sydney / Nashville recognising her success in America.
A generous lineup of supreme talent backed by a number of fine musicians featured Kenny Kitching, Michel Rose, Stuart French, Bob Alloway, Wayne Appleby, Warren Neilson, John Towner and Ian Kerr.

A fourth award FM Radio 101 ‘s Doug May Achievement Award went to Brisbane steeler Warren Neilsen.

www.brisstelguitar.com has an extensive photo gallery and more about the convention.
For more information: info@brissteelguitar.com

Steel Guitar Legend & Band Member Australia’s ‘Hawking Bros’ George Xanthos Leaves Many Memories George Xanthos has died in Melbourne after a long illness.
The funeral details are as follows

George who only last weekend was one of the first to be named in Australia’s Steel Guitar Hall of Fame passed away at 4.10am in hospital surrounded by his family - wife Lorna, and son and daughter Ricky and Kaylene.

His funeral is expected to be held on Monday in Melbourne. Final arrangements will be advised shortly.
Media release distributed on behalf of the Steel Guitar Fraternity of Australia.

Footnote:
George Xanthos also received one of country music’s highest honours when he amongst others Arthur Blanche Frank Ifield Bill & Ross Kettle Jimmy Little Geoff Mack Brian Young and Kevin King who in 1978 were inducted into the ACMF Hall of Fame in Tamworth.

A member of one of Australia’s leading country bands ‘The Hawking Bros’ and the more historic ‘The Trailblazers’ the national 3XY weekly Radio Show broadcast in both Australia and Nashville Tnn, George was an untiring supporter of steel guitar in Australia until his illness. He will be sadly missed by all.

The Trailblazers -Profile:

The Trailblazers, a group of artists and musicians with a strong country and western leaning, rehearsed for their weekly 3XY radio show at the Erskine Hall Carlton, and later at the Albion Hall Brunswick. Amongst the members of the Trailblazers were Alan Hawking, Jack Johnson, Tom Heaney, Stan Green, George Xanthos, Charlie Boland, Russell Hawking, George Mack, Elsie Darling and Jack Quinn. The Trailblazers performed over three hundred weekly radio shows for radio 3XY. These shows were broadcast throughout Australia and on WSM Nashville, USA. After the Trailblazers had recorded their weekly radio show it was common for a small group of them including Jack Johnson, Norma Johnson, Stan Green, the Hawking Brothers, Beverley Dick and Jack Quinn to adjourn to Nando's Spaghetti Bar, Carlton where they would entertain their friends and Nando's customers without accepting payment. However, they were provided free food and drinks.
Extract & Photo courtesy: Rockabilly Hall of Fame

98.9fm supports Brisbane’s Steel Guitar Convention.
‘This year’s event is expected to be something special’ organisers said.
‘With the support of Brisbane radio station 98.9fm the Steel Guitar Convention is likely to become an annual gathering of Australia’s and some of overseas finest steel players.’
Tiga Bales General Manager FM Radio Station 98.9 will present awards during the 2007 Convention at Kedron Wavell RSL in Brisbane next month. Two of Australia’s steel guitar legends will be the first to be inducted into the newly created Queensland Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.
Tipped to appear is this country’s own reigning US Western Swing Female Vocal of the Year Jean Stafford. The triple Golden Guitar artist is a dedicated fan insisting on pedal steel on all her albums. She says ‘If you don’t have a steel guitar then it ain’t country.’
‘What better place to for me to perform a tribute song about a steel guitar player in a western swing band.’ she added.
Inside goss says it’ll be a great day with a few surprises for country music fans. So don’t forget to tell your friends if you’ve marked your calendar and plan to attend regardless if you are interstate or live in the South East Queensland area.
This is a unique event for Australia. 24 June 2007 Kedron Wavell RSL Brisbane

2007 poster

Wayne Appleby

Kenny Kitching

Queensland Steel Guitar Convention Targeted for June
The Brisbane Steel Guitar Club has announced plans for the 2007 Brisbane Steel Guitar Convention / Music Festival.
A unique event on the music calendar for Southern Queensland and Australia showcasing the ‘cream’ of this country’s best and featuring a number of invited international players the convention is scheduled to be held at the Kedron Wavell Services Club Hamilton Road Chermside in Brisbane on 23 to 24 June.
‘Steelers’ can enjoy additional sessions and select workshops with a number of leading players. If you’re a steel guitar enthusiast YOU won’t want to miss this unique event ..WANT a few tips of your own … PUT your name on the list for workshop sessions OR contact event organisers. JUST want to enjoy the music then get along to Kedron Wavell Services Club at the end of June.
PROGRAMME:
Dave Kirk - Saturday 23 June $20.00 time to be advised: In the Community Room located downstairs.
Ken Simmons – Book directly on 07 3806 9538
Convention Timetable:
Saturday 23 June - Social Evening commences at 7.00pm
Entry is by the usual Gold Coin Admission – Community Room located downstairs Kedron Wavell Services Club. The player at the Saturday Evening Social who is chosen as the most Entertaining/best player will be rewarded with a spot on the Sunday's main Concert.
Sunday 24 June - Main Concert - 10.00am start - BLUE ROOM Kedron Wavell Services Club
Tickets on sale upstairs in the Blue Room throughout the day on Sunday - $20.00
If you love the sound of Steel Guitar - Country, Jazz, Hawaiian, Blue Grass then this is the standout 2007 Concert of the Year. Featuring a number of leading players and Australia’s best this event is not to be missed.
ARTISTS APPEARING
Dave and Carol Kirk England - Michel Rose: Sydney - Wayne Appleby Brisbane Bob Alloway - Brisbane Paddy Long - New Zealand Kenny Kitching: Gold Coast Ray Cullen - Brisbane Ian Kerr - Brisbane Mark Moulynox Sydney Tomi Graso -Sydney Warren Neilson – Brisbane
For more information:
Email: info@brissteelguitar.com
Be sure to log on and have a look at the Brisbane Steel Guitar Forum and the following links www.brissteelguitar.com
http://www.brissteelguitar.com/links.htm

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