The Steel Guitar Forum Store 

Post new topic Steel guitarist Robert D. Norred, played with Hank Williams
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  Steel guitarist Robert D. Norred, played with Hank Williams
Dave Mudgett


From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
Post  Posted 28 Oct 2009 4:51 pm    
Reply with quote

http://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem2.asp?xid=3398

Former Drifting Cowboys member dies
Monday, October 26, 2009 – Steel guitarist Robert D. Norred, one-time member of Hank Williams' backing band for a short period in the late 1940s, died Sunday, Oct. 25.

Norred was born Jan. 16, 1919 in Sylacauga, Ala. Norred was a band member of the Drifting Cowboys from late 1947 until early 1948, playing on Wiliams' radio show on WSFA in Montgomery, Ala. along with Joe Penny, Lum York, and Winston "Red" Todd.

Norred worked in the cotton mills of Talladega, Ala. For seven yearse [sic] and played music on the side. For 10 years, he played with Hal Howard and the Pearl River Boys. He later was as a member of Mac Sanders' Troubadores and was heard on WRBL Radio in Birmingham, Ala. Norred eventually opened his own TV sales and service business.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

ROBERT MYERS


From:
HEDGESVILLE, W.VA. USA
Post  Posted 29 Oct 2009 3:13 am    
Reply with quote

Dave I have a billing poster with Hank and Audrey along with Uncle Lum, Red Todd, Sonny Norred and Joe Pennington AKA Joe Penny. It was signed by Sonny and Joe back a few years ago when I done a couple shows with Joe and some recording.
Joe is in the rockabilly hall of fame and lives in Plant City, Fl.
May peace be with Sonny's family and my God take him in
_________________
Bob Myers Pedalmaster Classic 8 & 7 Profex2 Peavey M7000 Power Amp 2 15in speakers Nashville 400 Digitech RP 100 67 Fender Duo-sonic 69 Fender Mustang
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Billy Morgan

 

From:
Talladega, Alabama
Post  Posted 29 Oct 2009 6:51 am    
Reply with quote

Dave, Thank you for posting this information about Mr. Norred. I live in Talladega Alabama and was fortunate to have known him. He was known as R D Norred in this area. The first thing that comes to my mind about R D was his amusing stories about Hank and Mrs. Audrey and he had quite a few to tell. He was living in Sylacauga Alabama during the time he played with Hank. He also played for a short time with Tex Ritter, but that in itself is another amusing story. After he moved from Talladega I lost touch with him but I think he lived around Dadeville Alabama during the latter part of his life and they are probably some steel players in the Montgomery area that knew him well during this period of his life.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Dave Mudgett


From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
Post  Posted 29 Oct 2009 9:58 pm    
Reply with quote

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm very happy to hear from people who knew Robert, I never had the honor and pleasure. There must be some other folks out there that knew him, love to hear from you.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

Drew Howard


From:
48854
Post  Posted 30 Oct 2009 5:19 am    
Reply with quote

Amazing.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Mitch Drumm

 

From:
Frostbite Falls, hard by Veronica Lake
Post  Posted 30 Oct 2009 11:49 am    
Reply with quote

Joe Penny (Pennington) is immediately to Hank's left in this picture. He made a dandy rockabilly record called "Bip A Little, Bop A Lot".

I am guessing that is Robert on Joe's left. Thanks for posting this; I never would have known the steel player otherwise.

View user's profile Send private message

Dave Mudgett


From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
Post  Posted 30 Oct 2009 5:40 pm    
Reply with quote

Yup, that's apparently Robert - this other obit appears to have used a crop from that same picture:

http://themusicsover.wordpress.com/2009/10/25/robert-norred-hank-williams/
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail


All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  

Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction,
steel guitars & accessories

www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

Please review our Forum Rules and Policies

Steel Guitar Forum LLC
PO Box 237
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 USA


Click Here to Send a Donation

Email admin@steelguitarforum.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for
Band-in-a-Box

by Jim Baron
HTTP