Where Are You Now?

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 15 May 2002 2:49 pm

Late 1940's-early 1950's, "UTAH KID", was a skinny, lanky kid, Appeared to be a teenage picker, playing a new Gibson Console (dbl.neck)steel guitar in a band in Springfield, Oregon. ANYONE ever hear of him or perhaps know his whereabouts today?

Perry Hansen · Post by **Perry Hansen** » 16 May 2002 9:22 am

Ray. That discription almost fits Buddy Merrel(sp). I met him in Salt Lake in the early 50s. He was playing with his Dad. Les Merrel and the Rythm Aces. He would have been about 13 or 14 at the time.
Perry.

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 16 May 2002 9:41 am

Buddy Merrill worked in the Lawrence Welk band 1954-1974 and when I have watched the reruns, I've heard Mr. Welk say that Buddy was only 16 years old when he joined the Welk band. Pretty amazing, considering Mr. Welk only hired first rate musicians. Lawrence Welk may be considered "square" by some but the man had a fantastic ear for talent. I'm 24, and have enjoyed a lot of Welk music. Jason

Bob Blair · Post by **Bob Blair** » 16 May 2002 11:58 am

www.buddymerrill.com.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 16 May 2002 4:43 pm

It was pretty neat whenever Buddy played steel or pedal on the show! He is surprisingly adept at the Hawaiian "style", too. Even more surprising is the fact that Welk hired him...knowing that he couldn't read music! (He did tell him he'd have to learn, though!

)

Jimmie Misenheimer · Post by **Jimmie Misenheimer** » 16 May 2002 7:51 pm

You remember the clarinet "wizard", and "dixieland" great Pete Fountain? He couldn't sight-read either. I always heard that it was that fact that led to his leaving Welk... Jimmie

Gary Goodman · Post by **Gary Goodman** » 16 May 2002 8:13 pm

Hi all, I am a new Member. I heard recently
that Buddy Merril now lives In Lake Elsinor Ca.
I have some friends that Know Him Tho I have not met him.