Awards, Accounts, Accolades, Etc.

[Bill Hankey]

Numerous awards are issued through a series of popular votes, includind prestigious accolades bestowed upon individuals who may or may not be in the hearts and minds of aficionados and aficionadas, truly ranked in a class of expert musicianship. That is to say, the steel guitarists have been slighted, accordingly by voters who apparently have been ill-advised by peers who delve into unrelated professions. Having the ability to relate to something so technical as performing on a pedal steel guitar is spread out so thinly among the voters, that it becomes a small wonder when votes are cast for an unlikely instrumentalist.

[Dickie Whitley]

So short version, PSG players are overlooked and under-appreciated. Yeah, I'll agree with you on that. Of course, when the camera person has no idea who to focus on when the PSG player takes the break, what else can you expect?

[Bill Hankey]

Dickie,

The indignation is out of proportion with lesser slightings, and has become effusive among musicians as a whole. One of the largest group of voters have continuously ignored the professionalism known to exist throughout the diligent steel guitar performances and recordings. The systematic blight is well recorded in accounts throughout the years.

[Dick Sexton]

Bill, I've watched a few of the older YT's of Swing or Big Bands with steel players... And noticed some were animated, fun and smiling a lot and cutting up. Not always as they were playing their musical parts, but in general. A far cry from the stone faced, near machine, deep in thought images of most we see today. Is it any wonder why a camera person who has probably never seen a steel guitar, would have no idea where to focus the camera when the steel guitar takes it's ride. IMO steel guitar players are boring, for the most part, when they are on stage. I can think of a couple of exceptions, RR and JW, and Milo. So... It doesn't have to be that way, do you think? What can be so wrong with entertaining the crowd, and not just the steel players in the audience. I love to watch and hear steel players that sing. Some are even pretty good.

[Bill Hankey]

Dick S.,

Yes, JOE WRIGHT is a fine example of exceptional talent, and his vocalization leaves very little to be desired. We could mention others who are gifted in the vocals department as well. It isn't unusual to discover backup singers who could easily excel some noted lead singers. The natural ability to entertain by possessing a special talent in stage presentation determines the popularity of the entertainer.

[Barry Blackwood]

Bill, I've watched a few of the older YT's of Swing or Big Bands with steel players... And noticed some were animated, fun and smiling a lot and cutting up. Not always as they were playing their musical parts, but in general. A far cry from the stone faced, near machine, deep in thought images of most we see today.

For the most part, they didn't have to contend with all the pedals and knee levers that have become a part of the modern steel players bag o' tricks, don't you think?
Also, the fifty bucks they were getting for the gig went a lot farther in those days than it does now.

[Bill Hankey]

Barry,

Human nature is as weird as the multiples of unexplained phenomenalisms. In many situations it has been observed that many things go unnoticed until we are directly affected personally by some action or incident that tugs at our purse strings. The outcries tend to commence at that point with regularity. The changes experienced in the lifestyles of working steel guitarists would undoubtedly benefit measurably by some additional recognition. Those past award shows haven't contributed to a process of helping to build by proliferation, an important supporting instrument in country music.

[Charles Davidson]

[Unexplained Phenomenacisms] Is that when someone plays [Who let the dogs out] on a 75 MSA S-10 Classic .Don't you think that would deserve an award,If so send it to me. Oh I'm sorry,you were talking about country music,But what kind ? Country and western,Hillbilly country,country pop,modern country,country rock,classic country,cosmo country,cajun country,west coast country,East coast Country,Midwest Country,Outlaw country,Appalachian country,Tex-Mex country,country rap,country soul,etc,You need to be more specific so there will be no misunderstanding and as you say the systematic blight will be recorded through the years,we don't want that to happen do we. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

[Bill Hankey]

Charlie,

Just fiddles, guitars, pedal steel guitars, bass guitars, etc. would be my cup of tea. You've heard the expression; "Stow It Mo"... Just plain and simple... like an impressionable country music program. Not to be jinxed by anything less.

[Charles Davidson]

Are you sure about [plain and simple] YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

[Alan Tanner]

Well...the country music award shows and the Hall of Fame staff their shows with well known rockers and give awards and accolades to all sorts of people who have nothing to do with country music. Since the steel guitar is universally recognized, when it is recognized at all, as a primary country music instrument, it stands to reason that it will be ignored also.

[Bill Hankey]

Charles,

Which direction do you suppose country music has been taking, while the manipulative supporting nonconformists abandon the fiddles and steel guitars in most recording sessions of late? The din has become overwhelming on radio broadcasts. It can be difficult to adjust to the times. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Barry Blackwood]

Well said, Alan. I agree.

[Bo Legg]

OK from now on instead of just sitting on my PSG seat looking like I'm constipated I'll start acting like a Concert Pianist and then at the end of each show I'll pick up the PSG slam it strings down on the floor.
Then the whole band can take turns kicking it to pieces.
Then I'll set fire to it and we'll do a tribal dance around it.
It will be expensive but if it gets me an award it'll be worth it "you think"?
I'm sure a lot of folks where I play would be more than happy to join in on that tribal dance.
The Band is being extra supportive in this. You'd almost think it was their idea.

[Jeff Garden]

Rhinestone suits, mink coats, heavy jewelry, a candelabra between the necks... "Legg-erace"... I like it Bo!

[Alan Tanner]

FINALLY...we're gettin' somewhere....steel guitars hacked into pieces and anything left sold for for scrap....there's a banjo joke in there somewhere.

[Bill Hankey]

Comments bordering on accuatory implications, although mild in nature, would be deemed justificatory, should concerned parties examine the magnitude of an extended period of ignoring the ultimate consummate geniuses of the pedal steel guitar. Who would buy into unfair practices? Who precisely, would be held accountable for those past obvious unfair determinations? No reasonable explanation has been offered, that I'm aware of. A concerted effort would hopefully rectify future practices of excluding the steel guitarists from accepting the benefit of rewards.

[Dick Sexton]

What?

[b0b]

Numerous awards are issued through a series of popular votes, includind prestigious accolades bestowed upon individuals who may or may not be in the hearts and minds of aficionados and aficionadas, truly ranked in a class of expert musicianship. That is to say, the steel guitarists have been slighted, accordingly by voters who apparently have been ill-advised by peers who delve into unrelated professions. Having the ability to relate to something so technical as performing on a pedal steel guitar is spread out so thinly among the voters, that it becomes a small wonder when votes are cast for an unlikely instrumentalist.

Billions of people receive no awards in their lifetime. Lack of appreciation is the norm for the majority of human beings. Awards are to to be treasured, surely, but the lack of them is no disgrace. Indeed, awards are sometimes a precursor to undesirable personality traits such as pride and vanity - traits which should be shunned by the superior man.

This is why I hold no opinion that an award is "long overdue". Appreciation should be granted from the heart, not solicited. A moment of appreciation can yield a moment of pride, but an award on the mantle can bring with it a pride that festers in one's soul. The prospect of succumbing to such intense vanity frightens me.

[Bill Hankey]

b0b,

Here-to-fore awards via the voting of the American public designating the artistic capabilities of our leading steel guitarists have been scantier that one might expect. My thoughts trace back to the famous heavyweight boxer, who used to his advantage, a maneuver called "Rope-A-Dope". The challenging agressive combatant would tire himself out trying to pummel the champ. With the jaw unprotected by a lowered guard the challenger was wide open for the K.O. For the sake of posterity delving into accurate accounts of former musical aficionados, historians could insure the longevity of the instrument that helped to popularize country music for at least 70 years.

[Dave Mudgett]

Amen, b0b.

IMHO - if you [following Johnny Carson, I feel the need to diagram and specify that I'm speaking in the "editorial you" sense] are a musician for the glory, awards, popularity, attractive members of the opposite sex, or whatever other reasons that have nothing to do with music, then I would argue that you are in the wrong biz. Music is its own reward, and is frequently the only one, sometimes even for very talented people.

Put another way - nobody's talent is 'owed' appreciation by anybody in particular. If that appreciation happens, it is strictly gravy. FWIW, I've seen that kind of gravy completely drown the meat and potatoes many times. To me, the best reward for a musician is to stay healthy and be able to play at a good level a long, long time.

[Elton Smith]

Funny thing for this thread to pop up.Im just now draggin my ass home from a battle of the band Budwieser did in Mineola Tx.We were the only country band there.Three of the judges were in their 20's.and nope we didn't win.We have three part harmoney singers steel guitar and fiddle.Two of the bands had one singer with harmony machines.The guy that did the sound was awful, and not one of the judges even knew that.No sour grapes tho.I got to meet alot of very nice people.The funniest thing that happened when we were leaving the cop doing secuity told us"i can't arrest em but yall just got robbed"But I will say this each man to his own poison.Elbo

[Bill Hankey]

Dave,

Yes, I know... b0b's display of incredible wit in regard to human nature is truly remarkable. It would be difficult to disprove his probings into the more sensitive issues concerning negative susceptibilities, by indulging into a dismantling of personal achievements through popular votes. For now, I'll maintain that everyone must realize some degree of satisfaction.. it's human nature to do so. Otherwise, it would be impossible to function, or become involved in any perspective activities. The outpourings of credits bestowed upon the same individuals, year after year, portrays negative connotations, I would assume. Perhaps the most reliable examination of the PRIDE issue, would be to imagine oneself as the last person on earth seated at the pedal steel guitar. Try to define the glory in that situation.

[Mike Perlowin RIP]

Guys, we're not entertainers, we're musicians, and WE'RE NOT SEXY. We don't dance, around on stage, many of us are older, and sometimes fatter. It's all about young hot bodies and sex appeal, and let's face it: most of us don't show a whole lot of it when we play.

[Barry Blackwood]

Perhaps the most reliable examination of the PRIDE issue, would be to imagine oneself as the last person on earth seated at the pedal steel guitar. Try to define the glory in that situation.

Same as any other night - nobody showed up.