I really like him as well---I have since I first heard him in the 1970s. Especially Jailed and For You My Love.
Merritt Murphy is on steel on his earliest recordings up to about 1951.
He was using Gene Long on steel in 1956---I have an instrumental of Sweet Georgia Brown by the band, on which Mel introduces Gene. I don't think it has appeared on any CD.
Gene could be on the other mid 50s stuff, but I'm not sure.
Good band, mostly working on the East coast.
Songwriter Kent Westberry ("Love In The Hot Afternoon") told me that his wife was in the Santa Fe Rangers at one time, but I haven't located a pic of her with Mel as yet.
Here's a pic of Merritt. Gotta love those pants with the gambler's stripe.
