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Buddy Emmons: Steel Guitar Icon
A No Depression Most Memorable Music Book of 2022
The acknowledged maestro of the pedal steel guitar, Buddy Emmons lent his unparalleled virtuosity to over five decades of hit recordings and set standards that remain the benchmark for musicians today.
Steve Fishell’s merger of biography and memoir draws extensively on in-depth interviews with Emmons and the artist's autobiographical writings. Emmons went from playing strip clubs to a Grand Ole Opry debut with Little Jimmy Dickens at age 18. His restless experimentation led to work with Ernest Tubb and Ray Price--and established him in a career that saw him play alongside a who’s who of American music. Fishell weaves in stories and anecdotes from Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Linda Ronstadt, Pat Martino, and many others to provide a fascinating musical and personal portrait of an innovator whose peerless playing and countless recordings recognized no boundaries.
A one-of-a-kind life story, Buddy Emmons expands our view of a groundbreaking artist and his impact on country music, jazz, and beyond.
The acknowledged maestro of the pedal steel guitar, Buddy Emmons lent his unparalleled virtuosity to over five decades of hit recordings and set standards that remain the benchmark for musicians today.
Steve Fishell’s merger of biography and memoir draws extensively on in-depth interviews with Emmons and the artist's autobiographical writings. Emmons went from playing strip clubs to a Grand Ole Opry debut with Little Jimmy Dickens at age 18. His restless experimentation led to work with Ernest Tubb and Ray Price--and established him in a career that saw him play alongside a who’s who of American music. Fishell weaves in stories and anecdotes from Willie Nelson, Brenda Lee, Linda Ronstadt, Pat Martino, and many others to provide a fascinating musical and personal portrait of an innovator whose peerless playing and countless recordings recognized no boundaries.
A one-of-a-kind life story, Buddy Emmons expands our view of a groundbreaking artist and his impact on country music, jazz, and beyond.
- GenresMusic
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 22, 2023
Though in some cases a bit dated, I definitely enjoyed this read.
I am not a steel guitarist, but I think the instrument in and of itself is really interesting and unique. It’s one that has traditionally been added in as auxiliary, but I think what this novel did for me was put the steel guitar front and center - enabling me to look at it as standalone, which the author mentions was a challenging perspective Buddy had to overcome when compared with pianos, guitars, etc.
I love the journey through time to help place the development of the steel guitar, starting with its origins in Hawaii and then spanning to how it evolved in time with Buddy to be much of a cornerstone instrument in country and eventually jazz.
Super interesting to learn about his evolution of design related to the steel guitar as well.
Makes me want to get one to play around with. :)
I am not a steel guitarist, but I think the instrument in and of itself is really interesting and unique. It’s one that has traditionally been added in as auxiliary, but I think what this novel did for me was put the steel guitar front and center - enabling me to look at it as standalone, which the author mentions was a challenging perspective Buddy had to overcome when compared with pianos, guitars, etc.
I love the journey through time to help place the development of the steel guitar, starting with its origins in Hawaii and then spanning to how it evolved in time with Buddy to be much of a cornerstone instrument in country and eventually jazz.
Super interesting to learn about his evolution of design related to the steel guitar as well.
Makes me want to get one to play around with. :)
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November 2, 2022Highly recommended
First of all Buddy Emmons is the most incredible and influential pedal steel guitar player of all time. But this book tells the back story and fills in the history. It's also a history of Nashville. Well written and a great read.
First of all Buddy Emmons is the most incredible and influential pedal steel guitar player of all time. But this book tells the back story and fills in the history. It's also a history of Nashville. Well written and a great read.
April 13, 2024
An excellent read, if you're a pedal steel guitar player. Emmons was legendary, and this book does a nice job of revealing how he approached music and how he became the undisputed master of the instrument. An enjoyable read.
July 9, 2023
Very well researched and written!
November 23, 2024
Buddy Emmons was the rarity of the 21st century both a master of and arguably inventor of one of the modern era's most complicated and simultaneously beautiful instruments the pedal steel guitar.
April 13, 2024
Essential Read
For any country music enthusiast, but particularly for musicians or anyone interested in music history, this is a beautifully written portrait of a country music pioneer. Highly recommended
For any country music enthusiast, but particularly for musicians or anyone interested in music history, this is a beautifully written portrait of a country music pioneer. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews