Biographies of Jerry Byrd & Buddy Emmons
Jerry Byrd
“It Was a Trip, On Wings of Music”
Price: $30.00 – Domestic Shipping Included
Note: While reading this summary of Jerry’s book, listen to two of his recordings from his vast discography: “Steelin’ The Blues” and “Cold Cold Heart“.
“Steelin’ The Blues”
“Cold Cold Heart”
Jerry Byrd is steel’s most prolific artist, recording more instrumental albums than any other player, past or present. Most of those past major players credit Jerry with inspiring them. Fortunately and prior to his death in 2005 at age 85, Jerry took the time to write about his career. And his book is filled with his most important recollections of a musical life most musicians could only hope for. His humor permeates his writing, while revealing his family’s rejection of his desire to be a musician rather than adapting to the “middle America lifestyle” they advocated for him. His Hawaiian playing style impacted and seemed to usurp that which was deemed the “authentic” music-flavor of the islands. He achieved success, acclaim and happiness by just being himself and creating a playing style all his own.
In his book he covers the many groups he joined, his recording work with dozens of Country artists and his final pursuit of the music he grew up learning, Hawaiian. Along with his marvelous career, his style impacted Country music as significantly as did the pedal steel did from 1955 to the present.
Also included are the many accolades from friend and institutions, his Hall of Fame induction, and his massive discography. The book is a wonderful read as a fan of his and his incredible music. …Tom
“Buddy Emmons Steel Guitar Icon”
Price: $30.00 – Domestic Shipping Included
Note: While reading this summary of Buddy’s book, listen to his rendition of “Wichita Lineman”.
“Wichita Lineman”
This wonderful 250-page book by steel guitarist Steve Fishell provides fascinating details of Buddy’s 67-year pursuit of excellence as he developed his virtuosic technique while adding groundbreaking technical innovations to the pedal steel. Fishell’s merger of biography and memoir also includes some of Buddy’s own autobiographical writings. Fishell draws extensively from in-depth interviews with Buddy and the artists he accompanied. The book covers both the touring and the recording sides of Buddy’s career as the world’s “Foremost Steel Guitarist,” a title that remains as true today as ever, since scant few other players have ascended to Buddy’s level of talent.
Additionally, the book is filled with surprising details, hilarious stories—and at times heartbreaking anecdotes—about Buddy’s interactions with top artists, musicians, and fellow steelers. Fishell goes to great lengths to describe Buddy’s extraordinary efforts in and out of studio to add his singular musical touch to his many classic recordings and crowd-pleasing performances.
Country music historian Robert K. Oermann adds, “Fishell takes us on the road, into the studio, at jam sessions and even into practice sessions where Emmons turned off the lights to experience his instrument by touch. Along the way, witnesses testify to Emmons’ musical brilliance and stunning technical innovations. Fishell, a first-time author, is a first-rate documentarian.”
Want inspiration? You get it from this player, this book and this author, Steve Fishell. …Tom
