RIP Bill Keith

Glenn Suchan · Post by **Glenn Suchan** » 5 Nov 2015 11:53 am

Bill Keith (Pedal Steel Guitar) and Richard Greene (Violin) trading some psychedelic licks on the song, "Runways of the Moon" from the 1973 album, Muleskinner - A Potpourri of Bluegrass Jam

As many forumites probably know, the Muleskinner band included (beside Keith and Richard) Peter Rowan - vocals & guitar; Clarence White acoustic & electric guitars, vocals; David Grisman - mandolin & vocals; John Guerin - drums; John Kahn - bass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMI37H-KJbs

RIP - Mr. Keith

Keep on pickin'!
Glenn

Joe Buczek · Post by **Joe Buczek** » 25 Nov 2015 6:46 pm

Like many of you, I learned twice from Bill's books, first from the Earl Scruggs book, then from the Pedal Steel book. Bill was a musician's musician, a gentleman, and a scholar. Rest in Peace, Bill. We all loved you.

Martin Keith · Post by **Martin Keith** » 30 Dec 2015 5:20 pm

Hi folks,

Martin Keith here - I am fortunate enough to be Bill's youngest son. I'm also about 6 months into a wonderful new relationship playing pedal steel, after over 20 years as a working bass player.

First off, thank you to everyone here for your kind words - it means a lot to all of us to hear that Bill's music meant so much to so many. He was a very modest guy and never sought out too much attention, but I wish he could have read just some of the stories folks have put up.

Secondly, I thought some folks might enjoy this: it's a home recording of Bill just "thinking out loud" on the steel in the mid-'70s. If you listen through (it's long...about 45 minutes!) you can catch a Beatles tune and at least one by Duke Ellington. The recording was made by Hans Holzherr, a fine steel guitarist himself.

Here's the link, courtesy of Fred Robbins:
http://frobbi.org/audio/hans/bill_keith ... d-70s.mp3
Hope you enjoy it!

Best,
Martin Keith

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 30 Dec 2015 5:37 pm

I saw that you'd joined the forum Martin. Welcome. I believe that you are Bill's son? There's no mistaking the regard that many people have for him (here and in far wider circles). I hope that brings you some good feeling.

Martin Keith · Post by **Martin Keith** » 30 Dec 2015 6:37 pm

Hi Jon (and all),

Thanks - yes, indeed, I am Bill's youngest son.
I'm also about 6 very fun months into learning the pedal steel, after 20+ years as a bass player.

First off - thanks to all for the kind words and appreciation...it means a lot to me and our family to see how much so many folks have cared about Bill and his music. He was a very modest guy and never sought out attention, but I wish he could have read some of what people have posted since his passing. It's been very touching.

Secondly - I tried posting this earlier, but it doesn't seem to have worked (thus the blank post above). There is a page online that recently posted a long (45 mintues!) home recording of Bill "thinking out loud" on the pedal steel, running through everything from circle-of-fifths progressions to Beatles and Duke Ellington tunes. I tried to post the link - perhaps that's why the post didn't go through. (Perhaps a moderator could help with this one...?)
Anyway, it's a cool recording. It was recorded in Switzerland in the mid-'70s by Hans Holzherr, a very fine banjo and pedal steel player in his own right.

Best wishes to all, and I'm looking forward to being part of the forum. I've been in love with the sound of pedal steel as long as I can remember, and it has been tremendous fun finally starting to learn it.

Cheers,
Martin Keith

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 30 Dec 2015 6:46 pm

Here's the link. Every once in a while something mysterious happens that renders someone's post invisible. I haven't a clue.

I look forward to listening to this later when I get some time.

http://frobbi.org/audio/hans/bill_keith ... id-70s.mp3

Dan Robinson · Post by **Dan Robinson** » 31 Dec 2015 2:24 am

Hi Martin,

We are honored to have you here. Our appreciation for "that sound" runs deep. For those who get it, no explanation is needed. I hope you feel Dad's presence when you play.

Welcome to our obsession. "It's a nice little hobby."

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 27 Jan 2016 5:16 am

Welcome, Martin. Good to have another bass player here.

Steel families run deep here; I'm always amazed at the depth of history represented.
It's a great learning path for those of us who had no idea about all the people involved in steel guitar.
You Dad was clearly someone cherished by this community.

It's quite an accomplishment to achieve a blank post.
Many have tried....

Olaf van Roggen · Post by **Olaf van Roggen** » 9 Feb 2016 8:06 am

I loved Bill Keith pedal steel playing on the early Jonathan Edwards records, one of my favorite song still is " my home ain't in the hall of fame" and later i discoverd the Blue Velvet band's album and Muleskinner. His playing has been a great influence to me. May he rest in peace..

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 9 Feb 2016 8:37 am

Hi and Welcome, Martin, and best wishes on your journey with the steel guitar.

I bought a ShoBud Maverick, joined a band, and got Winnie and Bill's amazing book the same day in 1975 or so. Without both the band and the book I'm sure I would have never learned how to play steel. As complicated and odd as the pedal steel can be, their book had all the right elements for learning, setting up and maintaining the crazy thing from beginner to professional level. It's still just as relevant today, and that's an incredible accomplishment.

I'm so grateful for that book and Bill's many other accomplishments!