In August of 2008, Don Helms died. As one of country music’s greatest pre-pedal steel guitar players, Helms is essential to ten of Hank Williams’ 11 No. 1 hits, as well as major hits by Lefty Frizzell ...
As the sound of country music has shifted, the emotive whir of its classic instrument has often been sidelined. The complicated antique has found new life in surprising forms. By Grayson Haver Currin ...
Early in Buddy Emmons: Steel Guitar Icon, Steve Fishell’s deft and lively biography, we meet the future legend as a skinny, high school-hating 14-year-old boy on his bike, hanging around outside a bar ...