Chuck Cunningham RIP (Germany, Sacramento CA)

[Cathy Cunningham]

My dad Chuck/Charlie Cunningham played pedal steel for many years 1960s through his death in 2006. He played with bands while he was in the Army in New Jersey (1968-72), Germany (Mainz & Frankfurt 72-77), and then retired in Stockton CA, Sacramento CA (78-??). We grew up listening to him playing/practicing every weekend. He was quite hard of hearing but was able to play the most beautiful music. He had a Sho-Bud and later a few different Emmons. The bands he played in that I can remember are Rhythm Mavericks (Germany) and Western Image (Germany). He also was good friends with Red Saxon, who also has sadly passed. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him.

[Dennis Detweiler]

I was stationed in West Berlin 1970-71 and played the 1970 German/American Volkfest. Country bands from all over Germany brought their bands and played the two-week event. He may have played it. However, I didn't get to hear every band on the schedule. All of the bands were excellent. Most were American service member, and a few were German Country bands. The venue was at the Red Dog Saloon.