Bob Hempker with Loretta Lynn--Monster Player

Don Mogle · Post by **Don Mogle** » 30 Nov 2019 9:46 am

Hi Everyone,

This is a great video of Bob Hempker backing up Loretta Lynn in Wheeling, WV.

In my opinion, Bob is probably one of the best backup steel players I've ever heard. I love the way he rips off single note leads behind Loretta's vocal. And then there's the other tasteful fills too. Steel guitar was so much a part of Loretta's sound...Bob was a major part of that sound.

Bob, if you are out there, I'd like to hear your comments about this video. You are playing an Emmons for sure--guessing it might be a push pull. What else?

Thanks,

Don

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sFRRGA3zaw

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 30 Nov 2019 7:21 pm

Yes Sir, Bob is one of the best players in Nashville. Dave Thornhill on guitar also sounding great in this video. I think Loretta always had one of the best bands in the business.

RC

Ron Hogan · Post by **Ron Hogan** » 30 Nov 2019 7:25 pm

Bob is currently recuperating from a broken pelvis, getting physical therapy, on a walker.

Jerry Erickson · Post by **Jerry Erickson** » 17 Dec 2019 11:07 pm

Thanks for posting this, Don! Loretta is such a fine singer and writer, and her band is wonderful. Bob was nailing the Hal Rugg influence and putting his own stamp on it.

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 7 Jan 2020 1:52 pm

Wow, Bob was on the money. Hope is is recovering from that pelvis break. That's a serious injury.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 7 Jan 2020 2:28 pm

Of all of the Loretta Lynn albums/CD's out there does anyone know which live album(s) Bob played on? I always meant to get it and can't remember the title. What a great picker!

Kenneth Kotsay · Post by **Kenneth Kotsay** » 13 Jan 2020 11:43 am

Did Bob play in the movie, Nashville"?

Bob Watson · Post by **Bob Watson** » 13 Jan 2020 9:55 pm

Bob Hempker is a wonderful steel player on both necks and plays lots of different styles of music. I was sitting in on 6 string guitar at Gabes once years ago and Bob called the Herbie Hancock song Watermelon Man for a break tune. He played it on the C6 neck and tore it up. I sure hope he has a speedy recovery and will be playing again asap.

Don Mogle · Post by **Don Mogle** » 5 Jul 2021 2:34 pm

Anyone know how Bob is doing now after his surgery? It's been some time since the OP. I'm guessing he's doing well now...anybody?

Don

Tim Hurst · Post by **Tim Hurst** » 5 Jul 2021 5:29 pm

Isn't that Dave Thornhill with the Les Paul?

Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 5 Jul 2021 5:37 pm

That is indeed Dave.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 6 Jul 2021 6:33 am

Bob's playing here is stunning!

Wow! So clean and percussive.

David Mitchell · Post by **David Mitchell** » 7 Jul 2021 6:05 am

Good clean pickin'! Awesome player!

Susan Alcorn (deceased) · Post by **Susan Alcorn (deceased)** » 7 Jul 2021 7:18 am

That he is indeed - he's a great player.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Bob Hempker with Loretta Lynn--Monster Player

Bob Hempker with Loretta Lynn--Monster Player

Bh