| Author |
Topic: JIMMIE CRAWFORD
PASSES |
Mike Weirauch
Member
From: Harrisburg, Illinois**The Hub of the Universe
|
 posted 02
February 2005 04:51 AM profile send email edit
Forum members and friends, this morning at approximately 3:30AM
Nashville time, February 2, 2005, one of the worlds greatest steel
guitarists James Lee (Jimmie) Crawford passed away at Skyline
Medical Center in Nashville. His body has been taken to Forrest Lawn
Funeral Home where funeral arrangements will later be
announced.
Elsie Crawford, Jimmie's wife, called me today at
5:30AM with this sad news.
I know we all feel a tremendous loss
and void with the passing of Jimmie, who has been a major force of
innovation, change and musical genius for more than a half
century.
He will be missed, but not forgotten, and his music will
live on.
Mike Weirauch |
Perry Hansen
Member
From: Bismarck, N.D. |
posted 02
February 2005 04:59 AM profile send email edit
What a shock. Please pass my condolances to Mrs
Crawford. |
Bob Knight
Member
From: Bowling Green KY |
posted 02
February 2005 05:00 AM profile send email edit
Sad News, Jimmie is one of the all time greats.
Elsie,
You and the children are in our thoughts and prayers.
We Love You,
Bob and Sandi |
Larry King
Member
From: Watts, Oklahoma, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 05:01 AM profile send email edit
This is indeed very sad news.....my prayers and best wishes are
with the family. |
DeWitt Scott
Member
From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 05:40 AM profile send email edit
I got the same phone call. What a great loss to the steel guitar
world. A true friend and "A Prince Of A Guy". What a shock to us
all. Mary and I will be going to Nashville to pay tribute to his
wife Elsie and the family. Hopefully, at a later date, we all can
share some of experiences with Jimmy over the years.
Scotty |
Bob Knight
Member
From: Bowling Green KY |
posted 02
February 2005 05:42 AM profile send email edit
Here's a partial bio on Jimmie
One of country &
western music's greatest athletes of the pedal steel began his
training at only four years old, learning music at the feet of his
father Eugene Crawford and uncle Garland Crawford who performed as a
duet with a big following around Columbus. When the lad knew five or
six chords on the mandolin — and was still four years old, because
that took him much less than year — and could sing a good "Jesus
Loves Me," they would drag him out of bed to come sing on the duo's
5:30 a.m. radio broadcast. The first pedal steel playing that Jimmy
Crawford recalled hearing was that of Jerry Byrd, but that was
enough to make him want to dedicate his life to the instrument. He
spent years playing along with this artist's records. By ten years
he was working out harmony parts and "picking up every kind of
recording" he could get his hands on, according to his memoirs. The
first big-name country artist he backed up was the great Buck Owens,
not a bad start. One of Crawford's local brethren in the country
music scene was Johnny Paycheck, at that point still going under the
name Donny Lytle. The two men became members of George Jones' band
around the same time, creating a hard-edged rocking country sound
that at least honestly earned the nickname of "honky tonk" because
that was one place where one was bound to hear such music with a
crying pedal steel always figuring in prominently. Crawford's
listening interests led him to Western swing, and a fascination with
that music's twin pedal steel lineups continued to fuel this
player's interest in harmony. He began working with Bob Gallion,
Bill Tustin, and Woody Woodham at the Jamboree in Wheeling, WV,
where they made a contact with Western movie cowboy star and singer
Jimmy Wakely. The latter artist was thrilled with their band, hiring
them as his own to work under his MGM contract. Of interest to jazz
fans is the fact that one of the Walker band's little mascots was
Lenny Breau, who would grow up to be one of the most famous Canadian
jazz guitarists. Breau's parents also worked the Jamboree and they
would bring him along to the shows when he was only six. Some guitar
lessons ensued, young Breau perhaps seeming like an old-timer in
terms of students to Crawford, who after all had started out even
earlier. The combo became the staff band at WWVA, where they worked
with Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper. With the addition of banjoist John
Clark on banjo, the aggregation took on the new title of the Clinch
Mountain Clan, following Cooper and Edwards to the Grand Old Opry in
1957. The pedal steel man stayed in Nashville ever since, working
with, among many, Cowboy Copas, his old boss Jones, Hank Snow, and
in the Rainbow Ranch Boys with fiddler Buddy Spicher. Faron Young
was his boss for two years, the end of the job coinciding with a
down period in this artist's career. The flow of studio work was
beginning to dwindle, a sad factor of life in Nashville, where some
players are "in"...but only for awhile.
Crawford went back to work with Ferlin Husky after dropping out
of playing entirely for a spell. He then worked with Johnny Wright
and Kitty Wells for nearly seven years, an experience that put him
over the top in terms of the road life. He decided he'd had enough.
Crawford always preferred the studio anyway, where he left tracks
figuratively and literally with the genre's greatest artists. His
solos glow warmly on classic albums by Dolly Parton, Chet Atkins,
Ray Griff, and many others. He branched into bluegrass and the
acoustic Dobro for sessions with the innovative Osborne Brothers,
including an unforgettable version of the standard "Lost Highway."
He took on the difficult task of following up steel guitar genius
Hal Rugg for country goddess Loretta Lynn, and also performed with
Slim Whitman, Radney Foster, and other country artists produced by
fellow pedal steel player Pete Drake. Crawford likes to write
instrumentals and his tunes have been recorded by Lloyd Green, Doug
Jernigan, Chet Atkins, and others. Fans of the genre of gospel pedal
steel will also come across this artist, as he has released a series
of lavishly praised collections of this material. Like many of his
peers, he has been involved in pedal steel design and technical
innovations on the instrument.
[This message was edited by Bob Knight on 02
February 2005 at 05:47 AM.] |
John Macy
Member
From: Denver, CO USA |
posted 02
February 2005 05:54 AM profile send email edit
That is the saddest of news. Jimmie was the first true pro steel
player I ever met, and has been a dear friend since 1973. I am truly
at a loss for words. My best goes to Elsie and her family.
|
Drew Howard
Member
From: Mason, MI, U.S.A. |
posted 02
February 2005 06:22 AM profile send email edit
What a shock! This is awful. My condolences to is family.
Drew |
Jerry Brightman
Member
From: |
posted 02
February 2005 06:25 AM profile edit
These are the times when we want something to say, and can not find
the words to express our feelings. Our thoughts and prayers are with
the family at this time.
Jerry and Kathie Brightman
|
David Doggett
Member
From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 06:39 AM profile send email edit
Very sad news. He was one of the greats and a pioneer, in songs he
wrote, fast complex picking, sweet and slow with feeling, and in
pedal steel mechanical and tuning innovation with the "Crawford
cluster." As a beginner back in the '70s, I was privileged to spend
an amazing evening with him in his basement, mostly with my mouth
hanging open. He then gave me a copy of his "Ton of Steel" album. It
is a stunning album with amazing fast picking and gorgeous tunes he
wrote. I never tried to play a note of it - all way beyond me then
and now. It is still one of my all time favorite steel albums. Maybe
now I'll go and try to work out a little of Papaya in his memory.
"You never know what you've got, 'til it's gone." - Jonni
Mitchell |
JERRY THURMOND
Member
From: sullivan mo u.s.a. |
posted 02
February 2005 06:49 AM profile send email edit
We will always remember his playing, and his wit. Very sad
day |
Ronnie Miller
Member
From: Dallas Tx USA |
posted 02
February 2005 06:50 AM profile send email edit
This is a sad day. My thoughts and prayers with Elsie and family.
RIP Jimmie.. Ronnie
|
Ed Naylor
Member
From: portsmouth.ohio usa |
posted 02
February 2005 07:07 AM profile send email edit
This is really sad news. I talked to Jimmie last week just a day or
so before he went to the hospital.Most know he was from Greenfield,
Ohio ,Johnny Paycheck hometown. WE have lost another part of Steel
Guitar history. Ed Naylor Steel Guitar Works. |
Billy Easton
Member
From: Casa Grande, Arizona, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 07:08 AM profile send email edit
Sad news indeed. May God rest his soul and comfort his family and
many friends. He was a treasure for sure.
Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ |
Dyke Corson
Member
From: Urbana, IL USA |
posted 02
February 2005 07:13 AM profile send email edit
Very sad news indeed. He was a great guy and will be truly missed by
everyone. Our prayers and condolences go out to Jimmie's family.
|
David L. Donald
Member
From: Brignon, Gard, France |
posted 02
February 2005 07:14 AM profile send email edit
A very sad day. I was fortunate enough to meet and converse with
Jimmie at the last two ISGC.
And for that I am grateful.
My since condolences to his family, and also Russ and Laney who
were family for him too.
[This message was edited by David L. Donald on 02
February 2005 at 12:11 PM.] |
Danny Hullihen
Member
From: Harrison, Michigan |
posted 02
February 2005 07:26 AM profile send email edit
This is indeed very sad. I got a phone call here this morning from
Tommy about this, and this sad news hurts me deeply. I will be going
to Nashville to pay my respects to this very dear and long time
friend. My thoughts and prayers to Elsie and the
family. |
Mike Sweeney
Member
From: Nashville,TN,USA |
posted 02
February 2005 07:45 AM profile send email edit
This is a very sad day for all of us. But Jimmies' fight with bad
health is over. My life was made richer for having met Jimmie and
becoming one of his many, many friends.
When I first moved to
Nashville Jimmie was the FIRST guy to hire me to sub his club gig.
And I subbed that gig [Joey Wayne's] alot as he was doing road work
with Slim Whitman and Loretta Lynn. So, Jimmie kept me from starving
to death alot of weeks.
We'll always have his music to listen to.
But, I'm sure going to miss his sense of humor and his vast
knowledge of our beloved instrument.
Go in peace Jimmie. I know
you're in a better place.
Mike |
Neil Flanz
Member
From: Austin, Tx. |
posted 02
February 2005 08:40 AM profile send email edit
How sad! My condolences go out to Elsie and the Crawford
family.
[This message was edited by Neil Flanz on 02
February 2005 at 08:42 AM.] |
John McGann
Member
From: Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 09:07 AM profile send email edit
So sorry to hear this news. Jimmie was one of the greatest.
------------------
http://www.johnmcgann.com/
Info for musicians,
transcribers, technique tips and fun stuff. Joaquin Murphey
transcription book, Rhythm Tuneup DVD and more...
|
Lonnie Portwood
Member
From: Jacksonville, fl. USA |
posted 02
February 2005 09:19 AM profile send email edit
Jimmie came to Jacksonville in the mid eighties to visit family and
the word went out to the local pickers that we could jam with Him so
myself and several others went over and Jimmie played with us, put
up with our feeble efforts to keep up, and treated us like we were
"somebody". We did'nt quit til 4 AM the next morning. What a good
man! We'll miss you Jimmy. Lonnie |
Larry Hamilton
Member
From: Amarillo, Texas, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 09:34 AM profile send email edit
Another one of my heros gone to the great bandstnad in the sky. I am
so glad that I finally made it to St Louis this year and got to hear
him play and shake his hand
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs.
Crawford
------------------
Keep pickin', Larry |
Lyle Clary
Member
From: Decatur, Illinois, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 09:37 AM profile send email edit
Such a shock sbout Jimmy especially after just watching him this
week on a DVD with Hank Snow and the Rainbow Ranch Boys called Road
To Nashville. I am sorry I never got to meet him.
------------------
|
Jack Stoner
Sysop
From: Inverness, Fl |
posted 02
February 2005 09:41 AM profile send email edit
Sorry, and shocking to hear of Jimmie's passing. Trudy and I will
have him in our prayers. |
CrowBear Schmitt
Member
From: Ariege, PairO'Knees, France |
posted 02
February 2005 09:58 AM profile send email edit
Lord, what a shock
another great loss to the steel family
my
sincere condoleances to Jimmie's family
may God rest his
soul
|
DIETMAR WAECHTLER
Member
From: RAUNHEIM,GERMANY |
posted 02
February 2005 10:19 AM profile send email edit
Today I saw Bobby Seymours mail about Jimmie is in a hospital and
wrote Jimmie a short message.
His son wrote me back and told me,
Jimmie passed away in the morning Feb.2 about 3:30.
It's now 9 weeks ago, I was in Nashville to do some recordings
for my steel CD. My old JCH had a mechanik-problem after the flight
from germany to the states. So I visited Jimmie in his House. He was
very nice and friendly to me. He and his son they did a great job to
fix my steelguitar.
I had a good time and it was realy nice
talking with him.
I love his high quality instruments.
What he
did for the music-and steelguitar szene was and still is outstanding
and unique.
Didi Waechtler
Germany
JCH D10 http://hometown.aol.com/didisteel/myhomepage/tunes.html
------------------
|
Mike Richardson
Member
From: Rutledge, Georgia, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 10:27 AM profile send email edit
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Crawford at one of the NTSGA
jams.He was a wonderful player and a very nice and wonderful
person.I wish I had gotten to know him sooner.
My prayers go out
to the family.
Mike Richardson |
Peter Johannisse
Member
From: Spijkenisse, The Netherlands |
posted 02
February 2005 10:52 AM profile send email edit
My condolences go out to his nearest kin and friends.
He earned his place in Steel Guitar Heaven. |
Walter Stettner
Member
From: Vienna, Austria |
posted 02
February 2005 11:15 AM profile send email edit
I was really shocked to read these bad news. What a great loss for
the steel guitar world!
My sincere condolences to Ms. Elsie and the family - my thoughts
and prayers are with you.
Kind Regards, Walter
http://www.lloydgreentribute.com/
http://www.austriansteelguitar.at.tf/
------------------
|
George Keoki Lake
Member
From: Edmonton, AB., Canada |
posted 02
February 2005 11:28 AM profile edit
Bobby Seymour's e-mail was the first I had learned of Jimmie's
passing. A great steel player, without any doubt. Such a sad loss
for everyone.  |
Ron Elliott
Member
From: Madison, Tennessee, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 11:28 AM profile send email edit
Today our heads are bowed in sorrow, Our Prayers for Elsie and the
Family "Lord Bless Them All" Ron & Leslie |
DIETMAR WAECHTLER
Member
From: RAUNHEIM,GERMANY |
posted 02
February 2005 11:46 AM profile send email edit
This picture from the great Jimmie Crawford I like to share with
you. Dec.01.2004
http://hometown.aol.de/didisteel/homepage/musiker.html
------------------
[This message was edited by DIETMAR WAECHTLER on 02
February 2005 at 11:47 AM.]
[This message was edited by DIETMAR WAECHTLER on 02
February 2005 at 11:49 AM.] |
Hal Higgins
Member
From: Buras, LA USA |
posted 02
February 2005 12:28 PM profile send email edit
Such sad news to hear....Jimmie was an incredible steel guitarist
and a great human being. I and my wife, Debe, will have his loving
family in our thoughts and prayers. May Jimmie RIP in the arms of
the Almighty. HAL & Debe
------------------
Be Blessed........HAL
'85 Emmons
LeGrande D-10,(8 & 6) Hilton Vol. Pedal, BJS Birthstone bar,
Rack w/Evans Pre-amp, Lexicon MPX500; (2)1501-4 BW's in custom built
cabs by T.A. Gibson, & Sound Tech PL802 Digital Power Amp.
|
Mike Perlowin
Member
From: Los Angeles CA |
posted 02
February 2005 12:32 PM profile send email edit
This is really sad. First Jeff, now Jimmy.
This has not been a very good year for us. |
Don E. Curtis
Moderator
From: St Louis, Missouri, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 12:37 PM profile send email edit
I am deeply saddened by this news as Jimmy was a great friend and
Mentor. I'm lucky to have been able to spend some time with him. One
of my greatest things in life will always be the tremendous honor I
had drumming for Jimmy at the International Steel Guitar Convention
for the past decade. I will never forget Jimmy, he was much more
than just an outstanding Steel Guitarist!
Mournfully,
Don E.
Curtis
|
Sonny Priddy
Member
From: Elizabethtown, Kentucky, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 01:15 PM profile send email edit
Jimmie Was My Friend For Many Years This Has Broke My Heart.And I'm
Sad For Elsie Also. SONNY & MELVA.
------------------
|
Scott Henderson
Member
From: Eldon, Missouri, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 01:25 PM profile send email edit
My heart is so heavy upon hearing the news.
I didn't know him
that well but had spoke to him on several occasions. Jimmie was such
a loving person. I could see it in his face and in his playing. He
took care of my JCH needs and always treatd me like a friend. When I
called him the first time I expected to simply just place an order
with a secretary. Instead the phone call turned into a one hour talk
with Jimmie that I didn't want to end. He was so nice with questions
like "So tell me about yourself Babe!" and "How did you come to
start playing my guitar, Babe?" Then he told me about his new ax's
and Buck walked into the room. For the next few minutes I listened
over the phone to Buck playing the new JCH and Jimmie talking about
it like a proud Papa! "DOn't that sound smooth Babe?"(Good times!!!)
To Jimmie's famly I offer my wife and I's most sincere condolences.
To Mr C. I'll see ya in heaven's Band...Babe!
------------------
Steelin' away in the ozarks and life,
Scott
www.scottyhenderson.com
|
b0b
Sysop
From: Cloverdale, California, USA |
posted 02
February 2005 01:46 PM profile send email edit
I'm so sorry to hear this. My heartfelt condolences to his family
and friends. I only met Jimmie once, and briefly, but he struck me
as a very nice man. And of course, he was a world class steel player
and builder. It's so sad to lose such a great talent. |
Gerry Hogan
Member
From: Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom |
posted 02
February 2005 01:54 PM profile send email edit
Only yesterday, when I read on the Forum that Jimmie was in
hospital, I checked with Russ Hicks, and he told me that Jimmie had
indeed been in, but was now out of hospital and everything was O.K.
Today, I have been away from the house for the whole day and have
just returned to find a telephone message from Russ giving me the
sad news. I am so shocked and saddened, and I offer my, and
Barbara's, condolences to Elsie and the rest of his family.
I feel privileged to have known Jimmie and to be the proud
possessor of two beautiful JCH D10 steels - lovingly put together by
the master craftsman. I was lucky to have had Jimmie at two of my
Steel Guitar Festivals and to my house several times. I have been so
incredibly lucky to have witnessed his amazing steel playing at
close quarters.
Over and above his prowess on the steel guitar, I think he was an
extremely intelligent man, possibly a genius. His sense of humour
was just up my street and I loved him dearly and will miss
him. |
bruce fischer
Member
From: florissant, mo. usa |
posted 02
February 2005 02:17 PM profile send email edit
"a gentleman always", what more can you say. another hero gone. rest
in peace my friend. bruce & lynn
[This message was edited by bruce fischer on 02
February 2005 at 02:18
PM.] |
The
Steel Guitar Forum 
