Wilson Brinkley Columbus OH steel guitarist R. I. P.

[Craig Baker]

Received information that Wilson Brinkley of Columbus OH passed away at his home on Tuesday, Dec. 29th. He'd been a fan, enthusiast and player for many decades. In recent years he became very accomplished on a Sierra lap steel he purchased form Herby Wallace.

I met Wilson in St. Louis back in 1981 and quickly became friends. It was well known that if any vendor or performer had a new gadget or course, he would often purchase items whether he needed them of not, just to support the steel guitar family. He visited the ISGC nearly every year. At this time, I have no details regarding his service

Craig Baker

[Jeff Harbour]

This is very sad news. Wilson was attending the OSGA jams a few years back. He brought a Sierra non-pedal guitar and just played it absolutely beautifully, very Byrd-like. Us pedal players were always in awe while watching him.

I last talked to him in St. Louis in 2012. Program says he took the stage on Thursday that year, but I missed that day. He was doing very well then. I'm confident he had a very full life.

[Mike Wilson]

This is sad news. I loved listening to him play the lap steel. He could make the most accomplished pedal steel player want to rip the pedals off his steel. R.I.P my friend. You will be missed. Prayers to family and friends.

[Craig Baker]

A couple of years back, I worked a Patsy Cline play here with a local theater group. Who drives hundreds of miles and buys a ticket to the play but Wilson Brinkley! He brought that Sierra with him and we spent a day jamming in my home. As mentioned, he was exceptionally talented. His other interests included gardening, ham radio (K8VYQ) and his 1949 black & chrome Harley Davidson which he purchased new in his hometown of Clarksburg, WV. He always kept the Harley in good shape and rode it until just a few years ago.

Wilson is one who's smile will be missed.

Craig

[Walter Jones]

Here is a picture I took some time ago at one of the jam sessions that Gary Preston had. He did a great job on that Sierra, I am a ham but did no know he was also. Sure would like to see tht Harley he had. He and Marshall Looney always did a great set and could take you back to the way things were. That is not to say they could not hang with the pedal steel players as they surely could. May he R.I.P.

[Bob Cox]

So sorry to here this , wonderful person and had a wonderful talent on the lap steel. He will be missed. RIP my friend.