Joe Westray 1940s-50s

[Doug Beaumier]

This interesting "Identify This Steeler" topic was posted by Chris Brooks in the Steel Players section. The player is Joe Westray, Pittsburgh, circa 1940s, 50s. His steel guitar appears to be an Epiphone console with a home made stand. The tuners on the guitar are Epiphone all the way. He also plays an E'ppy guitar and amp.

Historical pictures like this make me realize how many little-known or unknown steel guitarists played for years in local clubs around the country, around the world. I would've loved to hear these guys play.

[Matt Berg]

Great pix, only audio I could find on Joe Westray is playing organ!

[Matt Berg]

The Joe Westray Plaza may have been a former roller skating rink in the East Liberty neighborhood, and was popular with blacks in the 1940s and 1950s. Joe Westray, the owner, was a musician (according to the 1945 city directory) and an influential black businessman. The group consists of a drummer, two electric guitar players, a male singer and three female singers. They pose under a large sign reading NO LOAFING." Style of dress suggests a date of ca. 1955-1965."

https://historicpittsburgh.org/islandor ... 996.69.465

[Doug Beaumier]

Yes, that picture in the Plaza looks like it was taken several years after the pictures above. Mr. Westray was obviously a leader in the community. He was the president of an all black musician's union and he owned a business of some sort. In the pictures above he appears to be the center of attention and the best dressed man!
With the steel guitar right out front... where it belongs!

[Chris Brooks]

Doug said: I would've loved to hear these guys play.

So would I, Doug. They look like they're having a ball.

Epiphone console, OK. And yes, we need to find out more about these "forgotten" steelers.

Chris