Bill Anderson

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 29 Dec 2008 4:35 am

What is the name of the young man that has been playing steel for Bill Anderson? I used to know his name buy my old brain just can't seen to bring up that piece of knowledge.

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 29 Dec 2008 5:01 am

Dave that would be Eddie Lange.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 29 Dec 2008 5:28 am

You mean it isn't SONNY GARRISH ?? How long have I been asleep ??

Regards, Paul

Kevin Lange · Post by **Kevin Lange** » 29 Dec 2008 6:05 am

That would be Eddie Lange.(there is an "e" at the end of our name. Hello Craig). He is a great player, and not just because he's my oldest son. Eddie has been with Bill for almost 3 years, and really enjoys it.

Kevin

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 29 Dec 2008 6:40 am

Sorry Kevin and I knew that. I guess I should proofread more huh?

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 29 Dec 2008 11:34 am

OK Eddie is not the guy I am looking for. This kid was with Bill back in the TNN days and is on the Reuinon DVDs that RFDTV is promoting currently.

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 29 Dec 2008 12:09 pm

I believe you might be thinking of Mike Johnson. He stays busy playing sessions in Nashville these days.

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 29 Dec 2008 2:29 pm

Thanks, that is what was relayed to me but I did not think that was his name.

Bill Ford · Post by **Bill Ford** » 29 Dec 2008 2:42 pm

Hey Paul,
There have been several guys since Sonny, and one lovely, talented lady steeler, Donna Hammett.

BTW good to see you back posting, we missed you.

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 29 Dec 2008 4:05 pm

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 29 Dec 2008 4:30 pm

Is that Mike Johnson in the photo? Does anyone know how old Bill is ? Seems like he has been around forever. I had heard many good things about Mike's playing. But I'm sure this Lange Lad is mighty good, if he's working for Bill. And, naturally, Donna was a sweet-heart and has a bundle of talent..Bernie

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 29 Dec 2008 4:32 pm

Is that Mike Johnson in the photo? Does anyone know how old Bill is ? Seems like he has been around forever. I had heard many good things about Mike's playing. But I'm sure this Lange Lad is mighty good, if he's working for Bill. And, naturally, Donna was a sweet-heart and has a bundle of talent..Bernie

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 29 Dec 2008 4:32 pm

Is that Mike Johnson in the photo? Does anyone know how old Bill is ? Seems like he has been around forever. I had heard many good things about Mike's playing. But I'm sure this Lange Lad is mighty good, if he's working for Bill. And, naturally, Donna was a sweet-heart and has a bundle of talent..Bernie

Tommy Shown · Post by **Tommy Shown** » 29 Dec 2008 5:01 pm

Paul Graupp wrote:You mean it isn't SONNY GARRISH ?? How long have I been asleep ??

Regards, Paul

I thought it was Mike Johnson, because,i remember him playing for ol' Whisperin' Bill too. I've asked myself the same question.LOL

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 29 Dec 2008 6:45 pm

Bob Lucier also played for Bill Anderson.

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 29 Dec 2008 7:12 pm

But the First and Foremost of his steel driving men was Weldon Myrick !!

Regards, Paul

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 29 Dec 2008 8:55 pm

Bernie that is Eddie Lange with an "e" in the pic. Bill is 72 years old. The fellow Dave is talking about is Mike Johnson. Mike went to work with Bill after his old boss, Mel Street died.

Dave Harmonson · Post by **Dave Harmonson** » 30 Dec 2008 12:06 am

This is the Mike Johnson I was referring to.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_OrV54AaQM[/url]

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 30 Dec 2008 4:18 am

Dave that is the Mike Johnson we are both talking about. He came after Weldon and Sonny and before Donna Hammit and Eddie Lange. I think that was the order.

Bernie Gonyea · Post by **Bernie Gonyea** » 30 Dec 2008 2:51 pm

Hi Guys : I first of all want to apologize for my fast trigger finger on the above posts; Am pleased we got all of Bill's steel Players straightened out.
Bent: I wasn't aware that Bob Lucier had worked with Bill ; I remember him from The Tommy Hunter Show of several years ago. In my book is one of Canada's super steel players. Have any of you been watching Marty Stuart's new Show on Sat 's at 8 :00 P.M. on the RFD Channel? Our buddy, Weldon is working with them and great GAL Singer, Connie Smith. In fact it was Bill Anderson whom gave Connie her first big break into the music field. And another fact, Weldon is the player that backed Connie on her # one hit, " Once A Day " Bernie

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 30 Dec 2008 7:21 pm

Bernie, Yes, Bob played with Bill Anderson before he played on the Tommy Hunter show. Bob told me that when he latched on to the steel as a young man he sat and practiced hard for a year. Then, when the Bill Anderson Show came through Ontario, Bob applied and got the job.

I am aware of the Once A Day connection to Weldon...I think I did hear years ago what you said about Bill giving Connie her big break. If I am not totally wrong, I think that maybe Bill had Connie with him on a European tour, including Norway. This would have been in the 1967 to -70 era... Bill used to be very popular in Norway

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 30 Dec 2008 9:18 pm

Two other steel players worked with Bill in recent years before Eddie. Donna Hammitt Blanton had played for Bill for quite awhile, and after she left, a guy named Mike Toppins worked with him. I believe Mike is now playin' steel for Pam Tillis. Bill's had a few steel players in his career.

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