Session Players in Nashville

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 2 Jan 2003 11:14 am

Back in the early 1950's, there were some 16 session players (more or less) that were working very hard to keep up with industry demands. I understand the union would only allow new steelers in town, to work IF they had a job in a band.
Curious how many steel guitarists today, are competing in Nashville for studio work and who all might they be. Does the union still discourage incoming steel players from working, etc.?

Gregg Galbraith · Post by **Gregg Galbraith** » 2 Jan 2003 11:58 am

Ray,
It wasn't just steel players. As recently as 1964, when I transferred here from local#3 in Indianapolis,a player had to have a "sponsor" to become a member. That person had to vouch for the fact that the player was gainfully employed. I'll forever be indebted to Bill Carlisle for standing up for me, and for giving me my first Opry gig.
Today,I'm pretty sure all a player must do is show the ability to pay the Federation and Local initiation fee and one year's dues.[This message was edited by Gregg Galbraith on 02 January 2003 at 12:03 PM.]

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 2 Jan 2003 1:09 pm

After all, Gregg, Bill was known for his humor.

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HagFan

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 3 Jan 2003 1:45 pm

Old Bill knew a picker when he heard one. Seems like another picker from Indianapolis comes to mind that has and is making a successful career being listed on Album session credits.

Talk about keeping it in the family.

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CJC

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 3 Jan 2003 2:24 pm

One of you Gnashtown folks can probably add to the following list. Some of the master session and demo players might include: Emmons, Green, Franklin, Hughey, Rugg, Crawford, Hicks, Bouton, Garrish, Myrick, White, Grisham, Basore, Johnson, Seymour, Jernigan, Dugmore, Hinson, Fishell, Morse, Mohammed, Robbins, Sweeney, Currie, Danmyer, Murph, and a bunch of other road cats that do sessions when not out. Just a guess! DJ

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 3 Jan 2003 7:26 pm

But I'll bet Franklin + Bouton + Garrish will cover better than 90% of the master sessions . . .

And we wonder why all the records sound the same.

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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2000 Fessenden S-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro

Rich Paton · Post by **Rich Paton** » 8 Jan 2003 1:27 am

I apologize that I do't know Bill Carlisle from Adam, but I thank him too for helping Gregg "get in". BTW, Gregg, do you have any new Swing projects in the can? This is the dude you sent the "Blues For MTG" chart to (Thanks again).
To anyone who hasn't heard Gregg play primo Jazz & Swing guitar, you're missing out on some HOT stuff!

Tim Harr · Post by **Tim Harr** » 8 Jan 2003 7:08 pm

Jumpin Bill Carlisle a legend at WSM Grand Ol Opry..

Don't forget Robbie Turner and Johnny Cox on your list of working Nashville steel guys....how about that Donna Hammitt...she's a doll and a member of Bill Anderson's Po Folks Band....

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Tim Harr - Carter D-10 8 & 9 - Troy Cook & the Long Haul Band

[This message was edited by Tim Harr on 08 January 2003 at 07:10 PM.]

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 9 Jan 2003 9:43 am

I knew more names would pop up, like Terry Crisp, Tony Peoletta, Mike Cass, and more.