Opry, What ever happened to Tommy What's his name?

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 7 Dec 2002 9:21 pm

I realize that the Opry is not the steel guitar showcase anymore but that empty chair behind that beautiful red MSA is a bit sad. Remember the good ole days of Music City Tonight? Prime Time Country moved Tommy farther back and now, it seems he is in the wings or backstage more and more. My dear friend Doyle Dykes spoke of spending quite a bit of time at the Opry with Tommy and is even promoting Tommy's new super CD on DoyleDykes.com. Somebody needs to create a new venue to showcase the likes of "Killer White" and other super pickers that can show command of the hardest instrument to master, such as these great artists. I know this has been hashed over many times but surely there is someone in the business with the clout to feature the hidden talent that we steelers are aware of so this generation can witness what it takes to make great music. Just needed to say it, thanks, Gary.

Leslie Ehrlich · Post by **Leslie Ehrlich** » 8 Dec 2002 12:15 am

I can catch the Opry only on TV. Over the past couple years or so I haven't heard much steel oriented country music on the show, and very little of Tommy White. Too bad. He's a great player.

I no longer rely on the Grand Ole Opry as a source of country steel playing, or country music period. On the other hand, the Opry is still more entertaining than watching CMT's Most Wanted Live.

Alvin Blaine · Post by **Alvin Blaine** » 8 Dec 2002 2:22 am

Someone just gave me the "Joe Nichols" CD called "Man With a Memory".
I was driving to town today listening to it when track 9 (You Can't Break The Fall) came on and I almost drove off the road when I heard the steel solo. I'm going down I-15 at 75MPH trying to find the CD cover on the floor board(with all the other "NCS" people give me) and read the liner notes. I finaly made out the name Tommy White-Steel guitar.Tommy's on a few songs and John Hughey plays on the ballads(track 6 & 8 is classic Hughey). I like this album, it has a Merle Hagard feel to it and steel or dobro on just about every cut.That Tommy White solo(and fills) on track 9 is worth the price of the CD.

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 8 Dec 2002 6:55 am

Tune in on the net or on the radio. Tommy was on last night with Vince. Played a great solo on When I Call Your Name.

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1985 Emmons push-pull, Session 500, Nashville400, 65 re-issue Fender Twin, Fender Tele

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 8 Dec 2002 7:35 am

Tommy played with Jack Greene last night. He had me bouncing off the walls with his command of that MSA! What a sound, player and guitar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al Marcus · Post by **Al Marcus** » 8 Dec 2002 9:45 am

I watch CMT's the grand old opry, most times I needn't bother, but I keep hoping to see Tommy White play that MSA sitting there. For several weeks I have not seen him on the TV portion, week after week. Most of the time there is no steel at all. I won't bother to watch it much anymore. But I may check in if there is the singer's that have Steel Guitar.....al

Butch Foster · Post by **Butch Foster** » 8 Dec 2002 1:04 pm

The tv segments often have little steel, but the regular segments often feature very good steel. Tommy did a super break and great backup throughout "Everything" 2 weeks ago-Jack mentioned Tommy-sure like that. Dave Robbins does a great job behind Jean's vocals-his playing really suits her vocal style-Johnny Cox, PeWee Rodgers, Steve Wilkerson all deliver first-rate steel licks.The radio shows present much more real country music, of course.