For those of you that follow my YouTube and have attended the ISGC, Smoky Mountain Jamboree and other shows, then you recognize Leonard T (LT) Zinn.
Leonard left our world today at 96 years old. He was one of the happiest people I have ever known. Always had a hug for me and everyone else and sat on that stage for countless hours just being happy playing rhythm guitar.
I have know LT since I first joined the sound booth at the ISGC in 1981 and we have been close friends ever since.
We have shared many a stage together.
I talked to him just 3 weeks ago and he was busy shoveling snow off the sidewalk. The man just never quit, right up till the end.
RIP my friend. You will be missed.
Our last show together. 2014 ISGC. I did not have a spot on that show and LT said, come on up with me. He played only 2 songs and gave me the rest. Bless him
AUTHORIZED PEAVEY, George L's, Goodrich dealer. I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables and Peavey Nashville-Session 112 or 115.
such sad news to read. We got to know L.T. at the St. Louis shows. Always very friendly and had time to stop and visit. He will be sadly missed. Prayers for his family and friends. Rest in Peace L.T.
I'm sorry to hear this sad news about LT Zinn. He was an iconic steel guitar player and will be dearly missed. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends.
Last edited by Bob Watson on 3 Feb 2022 4:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Leonard T was a staple at the ISGC. He had more on stage time than off. Always smiling and friendly, playing a beautiful archtop guitar as supportive role or his beloved steel guitar in the Hawaiian room. What a wonderful human being and friend to everyone. I feel blessed to have known him and share his joy of life and music. My prayers to his family and friends.
Lost my good friend today. LT was one of the best in the business. Always there to help a new player or just sit and talk with old friends. You will be missed my friend, Love you and will miss you.
300 watt Tube Works Bass Head, Peavey Bass Amp,
Hand made George Washburn Spirit,
Fender Tele', Native American Flute, Rogue 6 string lap steel
Epiphone Les Paul, potato-bug mandolin
One of the nicest men I think I've ever met and such a joyful presence on any stage, whether playing steel or comping chords on his Guild hollow-body electric guitar in the rhythm section. He always had this huge grin on his face that brightened every room he walked into and just wouldn't quit. Really was The Energizer Bunny. Rest in peace my friend. I'm glad our paths did cross.
My deep condolences to Evelyn and all his family and friends.
One of the nicest men I think I've ever met and such a joyful presence on any stage, whether playing steel or comping chords on his Guild hollow-body electric guitar in the rhythm section. He always had this huge grin on his face that brightened every room he walked into and just wouldn't quit. Really was The Energizer Bunny. Rest in peace my friend. I'm glad our paths did cross.
This is devastating. So sorry to get these news. I'll second everything that has been said so far about the man. A true pioneer who dedicated his life to music and the steel guitar, but, most important, a true gentleman and one of the nicest and most humble people in the world. He is gone now but his memory will be with me forever. I still see him sitting on stage, smiling and playing along for countless hours. In addition, I still see him at Scotty's in the Hawaiian room (that was his baby!) smiling from ear to ear when the Hawaiian Show was on.
RIP, L.T. and Thanks for all you did.
My prayers and condolences go out to Evelyn and the family and Thanks for all you did for the man.
Sad. I remember listening to the 101 Ranch Boys on a York Pa radio station in the late 40's. I saw the 101 Ranch Boys at a local event in my home town (Mechanicsburg Pa) in early 50's.
Leonard had an active "retirement" playing all the steel shows.
Oh no. Leonard T. was an absolute favorite at the ISGC. His music and most of all his humor was eagerly anticipated by all. I remember when he would come to my parents house for what4ver reason and he was so naturally entertaining that we always had a good time when he was around. RIP Leonard.
One of the nicest people I've ever met, and a great musician. I loved his steel playing in the Hawaiian room and his rhythm guitar on the big stage. I listen to his 101 Ranch Boys recordings often. I'll be listening more today.
I never got to meet Leonard but I've enjoyed videos of his playing since joining the forum. For years he ran a music store in nearby Chambersburg, PA and a number of the older musicians I've met around here remember him fondly. RIP Mr. Zinn.
What a beautiful human. I feel so lucky to have been able to have met him - he was someone I always looked forward to seeing at the ISGCs.
My condolences to his friends here.
300 watt Tube Works Bass Head, Peavey Bass Amp,
Hand made George Washburn Spirit,
Fender Tele', Native American Flute, Rogue 6 string lap steel
Epiphone Les Paul, potato-bug mandolin
One of my most treasured guitars and memories is the Alkire Eharp that Leonard sold to me back in 2014.
It has his initials on the headstock and he shared that it's one of the guitars he used with the 101 Ranch Boys.
We drove to his home in Michigan and he and Evelyn could not have been more friendly and hospitable.
When we arrived they had a full hot meal ready for us and treated us like family.
I will never forget the couple hours after dinner that we spent in Leonard's basement.
He shared lots of photos of his musical career...the 101 Ranch Boys and his work in Hollywood.
Of course he played some Hawaiian tunes for us in that smooth tone that he had.
Like so many others we also looked forward to seeing him and saying hello in St Louis.
He will surely be missed by the whole steel guitar world.
I always found him a joy to be around with when he did several of the PSGA shows.
I remember him asking me to watch his Cd's next to the PSGA booth and when I went to move it he had his protection the in the bag. I said to myself that's the Eveready LT all right.
Rest in Peace my friend.
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Member: FSGC, PSGA, TSGA
Co-founder: Florida Steel Guitar Club
"Steel guitar is like playing chess in the dark with three players". Jeff Newman quote from 1997 seminar
