RIP Hall of Fame Member Buddy Emmons

[Sandra Scott-Wall]

The International Steel Guitar Convention as well as the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, Inc. is very saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame Member Buddy Emmons. Buddy was the 9th person elected to the Hall of Fame in 1981. His innovative style of playing, his unique stage presence and sense of humor made him the most popular player ever to grace the stage of the ISGC and he dubbed the ISGC as the “Superbowl of Steel Guitar.” His influence on thousands of steel players around the world will never be duplicated and no doubt will continue for many years to come. Although he has been retired for many years his passing has sent shock waves around the world and has been felt deeply. Here in St. Louis we have reminisced how Buddy had entertained us both professionally and personally since the late 1960s. Several times a year he was in St. Louis either for a show or just to hang out. He showed many local steel players how he played certain songs then just relaxed and made everybody laugh with his sense of humor. His passing has left a hole in our hearts that will be hard to heal. Rest in peace, Mr. Buddy Emmons.