Jeff Newman

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 20 Sep 2005 8:09 am

I went to the post office this morning and couldn't wait to tear in to the package from JEFFRAN MUSIC. Fran had told me that she wanted me to have something of Jeff's just to keep in my music room where Jeff and I had spent some great times together. I opened the package and found Jeff's personal picks that he used in the cabin on the hill. "TOP GUN CLASS" We also had some great times in that little cabin.

I'll quote what she wrote on the card to me that was in the box with the picks.

"THESE PICKS WERE IN THE CABIN WHERE JEFF LAST USED THEM. I THINK HE WOULD LIKE FOR ME TO LET YOU HAVE THEM. HE ALWAYS CONSIDERED YOU A FRIEND AND HE DID NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF A RELATIONSHIP WITH VERY MANY PEOPLE."

LOVE FRAN

Folk's I'm am fighting back the tears as I am sharing this with my steel guitar friends and family. I can't begin to express what these little picks mean to me.

A very special THANK YOU goes out to Fran and her consideration of mine and Jeff's friendship. She is, and always will be, very special to me. She was involved in every good time I had with Jeff.

Please folks, Let's never forget what Jeff & Fran have done for the steel guitar world. Let's continue to support Fran and JEFFRAN MUSIC.

Thank You

Jeff & Regina Coffell
&
THE PLUMB COUNTRY BAND

Richard Tipple · Post by **Richard Tipple** » 20 Sep 2005 8:36 am

Jeff
I share your grief my friend, I met Jeff & Fran many times over the years at various events Etc. Those were good times.
Its still hard to watch Jeffs videos knowing he is gone, he was my mentor.
There are still many times when I play steel either on stage or elsewhere, I can still hear that voice of his instructing the way.
So sad my old friend is gone.

Ron Sodos · Post by **Ron Sodos** » 20 Sep 2005 8:44 am

I have seen so many postings thanking Jeff and Fran for so much. I really haven't because i didn't want my thank you to get lost in the shuffle. I went to Jeff's school in 1978 and learned so much in that week that that I have Jeff Newman to thank for a 25+ year career in steel guitar. The really sad thing is that I never went to the steel guitar convention cause i was always playing gigs. 2 years ago my wife of 31 years died and the following year I was all set to go to the convention and thank Jeff in person. That was the first time in all those years that Jeff wasn't there. Well I talked with Fran and thanked her. Anyway there will never be another Jeff Newman and I hope to see him again someday in the hereafter and thank him in person.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 20 Sep 2005 8:59 am

Jeff, I know you'll treasure your precious momento always.
Spending a week with Jeff and Fran in class in Apr. of 1980 is one of the highlights of my life.

I believed in everything he tried to teach me and am still learning from him today.

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 20 Sep 2005 1:52 pm

Jeff, I can share in your joy. Last year at ISGC Fran brought me a package that contained the bar and picks that Jeff used when he played live. They were last used at NTSGA Super Jam just days before his death. I was very honored that Fran chose to give those to me. I have Jeff's bar and picks in a glass case along side Curl Chalker's, Hal Rugg's, Maurice Anderson's bar and a Jimmy Day thumb pick.

Johnny[This message was edited by Johnny Cox on 20 September 2005 at 02:53 PM.]

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 20 Sep 2005 4:50 pm

I spent a whole week with Jeff and Fran in 1977, and always will consider Jeff and Fran as my friends.....al

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My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus/

Bowie Martin · Post by **Bowie Martin** » 20 Sep 2005 5:12 pm

What a loss...to all of us...to the steel guitar world; and what a legacy he left behind. We have lost a lot of great steel players recently, Jeff being in that group for certain; and we have certainly lost the greatest steel player and teacher that the pedal steel guitar has ever seen, or will see for years to come. At my age, I will never get through all the tapes and courses he created. But what a treasure he was to me and many others. Outspoken? yes, but also right by far most of the time...Boy, do I miss the trips to the hill - four for certain, maybe five; the time flew by. I know many of you feel the same.

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 20 Sep 2005 6:54 pm

Thanks for all the replies and remarks guys.

Yes he meant so very much to so many people. He took me in his school when I was in and out of my wheelchair. He didn't have to take the time with someone in my condition but he did. He was very patient and in a way that only Jeff could do, he would and could just tell when I would get in so much pain that he would give me a break and we'd go out on the proch and just sit and talk,maybe have a cool one, have a smoke or whatever it took to get me relaxed enough to go back and play. I was a six string picker and front man for as long as I can remember. Jeff is the reason I play my steel guitar today and I always will play my steel. I can still hear him coaching me as I play and screw up today. I said he would give me a break when I needed it. He would also get on my ass when I needed it. He just knew in a way only he and God could, when to get after me and when to back off. I truly believe that he had a God given talent in teaching this instrument that we all Love.

Johnny I know you will cherish your gift from Fran and Jeff as I will. I'm gonna incase mine in glass and display them with pride in my music room.

I am a very fortunate man to have been able to call Jeff Newman & Fran my very close personal friends. I even had the pleasure of playing on stage with the man. He came to my home and went out and played with our little NOBODY band. We are not the super stars that he normally played with but you couldn't tell it. He fit right in and made all of us very comfortable. ONLY A TRUE PRO CAN DO THAT. We also have video of that night. That video tape is worth Millions to me and Skeeter Black.

It's so strang. The first time I met Jeff, I could not stand the man. I thought he was the most outrageous and outspoken person I had ever met. Well I was right. He was both of them. I just didn't read what was in his heart. THANK GOD I finally saw the true JEFF NEWMAN.

I only hope to be a fraction of the player he was. Maybe one day I will be a fraction of the MAN he was.

Thanks friends

Jeff Coffell[This message was edited by Jeff Coffell on 20 September 2005 at 07:54 PM.][This message was edited by Jeff Coffell on 20 September 2005 at 08:00 PM.]

Douglas Hudson · Post by **Douglas Hudson** » 21 Sep 2005 7:10 am

Words cannot express what Jeff gave to me a meer 5 years ago in Dallas when I first attended his seminar. This was the first time I met Fran and Jeff. I was just another student, in a class, that Jeff taught with as much passion as he played. His passion rang through and I, still study hard. What a gift he gave all of us!
Douglas Hudson

JAMES BANKS · Post by **JAMES BANKS** » 21 Sep 2005 10:37 am

Hey Ron, I spent 3 days with Jeff at the cabin in 2003. I learned so much it actually hurt. In the evenings, my wife and I went into town. My biggest regret is not asking Jeff and Fran to go with us. I thought after he put up with me all day long from 8 until 5, he would not care to spend a portion of the night with us. I had a chance to personally thank him for all he taught me in that 3 days. I saw him in Dallas and thoroughly expressed my feelings. He just smiled and said he hears the same things everyday. Jimmy Stewart and I were discussing yesterday how our shyness has deprived us of a lot of knowledge because we did not want to be abother to people like Jeff, Bobbye, Reece, Jr Knight, etc. In the past couple of years, I have learned for the most part. They all want to extend their knowledge to those who are light years behind them in ability.
James[This message was edited by JAMES BANKS on 21 September 2005 at 11:38 AM.]

Steve Raulston · Post by **Steve Raulston** » 21 Sep 2005 12:42 pm

Jeff and Fran have always been people who one
looks to as extended family. Since there is a sharing of great times, I will add just a bit. Back in 94 when my wife and I flew back (me attending Jeff's 8-9 hour lessons each day in the cabin) we were treated like kin. We ate dinner together most nights, shopped, joked, learned how to solve the great puzzles
he collects, borrowed the pickup for our outings and finally Jeff and Fran treated us to a night at the Opry back stage on Friday night. Met so many great folks that night. That was a surprise that I will never forget. Jeff introducing me to Weldon, Jernigan, Bill Monroe, Porter, Jimmy Dickens and the list goes on. He was respected beyond the steel guitar community as I saw everyone's eyes filled with genuine happiness to see Jeff that night. Yes, you are sorely missed.

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 21 Sep 2005 12:47 pm

I get a little misty when I hear Jeff do the count off's on my Just Jammin C/D.
JE:-)>

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 21 Sep 2005 4:55 pm

Good to hear all the stories. Keep them comming. Not a better subject on the forum to talk about.

Thanks

JC

James Stewart Jr · Post by **James Stewart Jr** » 21 Sep 2005 11:59 pm

Tonight -September 21st I went into my music room to try and find a certain CD.
As I was shuffling through my collection I stumbled across a CD that I had kind of forgotten about --- until this thread started.
I pulled out Jeff Newman's last CD "Once In A Lifetime" and played it.
I met Jeff at the 2003 SGC in St. Louis , I had bought some material from him and explained that I was just starting the steel guitar. That man pulled me aside and practically gave me lessons on the spot. We talked for several hours a couple of times when I passed his booth.
While listening to his CD ,If I tell you that my eyes were dry while listening --------then I am the worlds biggest liar.
I encourage everyone here to dig theirs out and remimice and salute Mr. Jeff Newman.
James Stewart,Jr.

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1975 Sho~Bud Pro III Custom (8-7)
1981 Peavey Session 500

[This message was edited by James Stewart Jr on 22 September 2005 at 01:01 AM.][This message was edited by James Stewart Jr on 22 September 2005 at 01:02 AM.]

Dave Grothusen · Post by **Dave Grothusen** » 22 Sep 2005 4:34 am

I guess it is time to share Jeff Newman memories. This is just to show how he was willing to share himself with us.
I live in the middle of no where western Kansas. You may remember that Jeff was born in Kansas. Arkansas City to be exact. Not that it has anything to do with this story. there is not much traffic on the dirt road that runs by my house. One summer day, I believe it was 1980, I looked up and saw a van with a trailer comming down the road. I thought to myself that someone must be lost. When the van pulled in my drive I saw the Tennnesse tag on the front an knew for sure this guy was lost. WRONG. It was Jeff and Fran and the rest of the family. They were on their way through western Kansas, coming from a seminar in Colorado. Jeff stopped to buy gas at a Standard staion and asked the owner if he knew me. It so happenedd that the owner and I played in a band together. He told Jeff how to get to my house and Jeff and the family took the time to go 20 miles(40 miles round trip) out of their way to come see me. That is a moment I will always cherish. Not like having picks or a bar but unique a presious to me none the less.
Best of luck to Fran.

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · Post by **Buck Grantham R.I.P.** » 22 Sep 2005 9:02 am

Jeff was a real friend and I will never forget him. He was honest with himself and everybody else and he always told it like it was,and I admired him very much.

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 22 Sep 2005 4:15 pm

Thanks guys gor all the stories.

I have another story. About two weeks before Jeff got killed, I had called him and asked for a CD on Together Again. I recieved the Tab and CD about 2-3 days before he died. I've had the pleasure of playing with Jeff many times. I swear this Together Again Cd takes the cake. I couldn't even listen to that CD for weeks maybe even months without tearing up.. I swear it almost has a ghostly sound about it. I have never in my life heard Jeff play with so much soul. I thought maybe it was just the timing and being the last contact I had with him or something of that sort. I've played it for near every friend that has walked through the door and they all agree.. Soul To The Bone. It's like Jeff & Jimmie Day rolled together.

You guys don't have that CD lesson, get it. It's worth the money just to hear him play that song. You just can't imagine. Oh, by the way, it is one heck of a lesson plan also. If you like that song, he plays it like Tom played it originally then plays his version of it. Get ready, it will knock your socks off.

Jeff[This message was edited by Jeff Coffell on 22 September 2005 at 05:18 PM.][This message was edited by Jeff Coffell on 22 September 2005 at 05:21 PM.]

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 22 Sep 2005 4:17 pm

OOPS. Sorry. The lesson is titled THE STUDY OF TOGETHER AGAIN.

JC

Richard Tipple · Post by **Richard Tipple** » 22 Sep 2005 7:04 pm

Jeff, If I remember right it was a the" WOODSHED WORKSHOP No.25"
I liked it when I purchased it years ago, & there was a real neat story Jeff added to the Tab about Tom B. & Buck Owens at the time the song came out years before

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 23 Sep 2005 10:32 am

Great topic Jeff!
If I could change one thing in my life it would be to have taken private lessons from Jeff. He had a very unique way of teaching, showing you WHY you did someting not just how. I also loved his attitude. I regret that I never met Jeff in person only on the phone, but he felt like an old friend.

Jeff C. I wish you continued success in your playing.

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Justin Griffith
D-10 Blanton 8X4, Gooodrich L-120, Matchbox, Small cab. Session 500, Evans FET 500LV And new Walker seat

[This message was edited by Justin Griffith on 23 September 2005 at 11:35 AM.]

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 23 Sep 2005 2:29 pm

Yes Richard, Jeff had a story for almost every lesson he put together. I don't remember the exact story but I think Buck fired Tom after the session or shortly after. He said he just didn't think he could handle it. What a laugh we have now when someone tells one of our modern day heroes that they just can't handle the pressure then go on to be the super player that Tom has become. I guess Tom is known the world over for his pickin, not just TOGETHER AGAIN AND BUCKAROO.

Thanks Justin for your comments and we all just need to keep on pickin and remember all who set us on our way to playing the steel guitar. Let's keep it alive.

Jeff

Ray Uhl · Post by **Ray Uhl** » 23 Sep 2005 6:43 pm

I remember the first seminar of Jeff's I attended in KC. Must have been late 70's early 80's. Scotty was there and they brought many steels. I remember watching Jeff play all the hot licks and fast picking. It was the first time I had really encountered watching a "pro" player. I still feel the goose bumps.

He had an exceptional teaching style and direct personality. He made learning so fun and easy. I still miss seeing Jeff at the steel shows and ISGC.

A word to the wise. I worked out of town for ten years and didn't play much. I looked forward to retiring and coming back to KC., play 6 nights a week, and attend Jeff's school. I waited too long. The jobs and Jeff are gone.

DO WHAT YOU WANT NOW!!! DON'T WAIT!!!!

Ernest Cawby · Post by **Ernest Cawby** » 24 Sep 2005 11:29 am

I just talked to fran on the phone she is leaving out tomorrow with the kids and will be open for business the latter part of next week nothing changes.
Jullie my sweetheart is staying in Lebanon,
I started this to say Jeff sent me a new steel bar in 1992 I play with it almost every day and I think of him. What a friend he was. |And a great teacher.

ernie

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 24 Sep 2005 1:24 pm

I've given some thought to why Jeff took me under his wing when I was in the old wheelchair.

Fran told me a while back that Jeff had injured his arm. I don't remember which one, left or right. I believe it was when he was in the armed service. She said the Dr's wanted to take his arm off. They told him that he would never have use of the arm again. Of course yo know the determination of JEFF NEWMAN he proved everyone wrong. OH DID HE EVER. Maybe he thought back to the days when he wondered if he would ever play steel again. Who really knows why. I'm just so glad that he did take me in.

Does anyone out there know the injury I am talking about? If you do, please add your comments.

Thanks

Jeff C[This message was edited by Jeff Coffell on 24 September 2005 at 02:24 PM.][This message was edited by Jeff Coffell on 24 September 2005 at 02:25 PM.]

Jeff Coffell · Post by **Jeff Coffell** » 27 Sep 2005 4:02 pm

Any more good stories or memories that anyone cares to share with us????

Jeff C