RIP Speedy West

[Busgaljan]

Quote from an email from Barbara Martin Texas Western Swing assosiation to Herb Steiner regarding steel player Speedy West
(posted in the Steel Guitar forum)

I talked to Jerry Emery, pianoman, just hung up with him. Jerry was over there today, they are friends. In addition to all his physical ailments, Speedy has congestive heart failure, is in a coma, with hospice at home. He was just out of the hospital last time I talked to him, about a month ago, had fallen and broken ribs, also had suffered broken hand earlier. He's been in a lot of pain and really suffering. Bless his heart. Just as kind and generous as they come, a soft heart and so sweet. I am heart broken. A rare legend.

[Busgaljan]

A couple guys on the forum talked to the family and Speedy died this AM.
A true loss in Steel guitar history.

[tcb]

Sadly this is someone who really should have been recognized more -- the rockabilly hall of fame website has some great info on his career and musical contributions

[Busgaljan]

This topic is a reminder that before he recorded 16 Tons
and the best gospel albums of all time, Tennesse Ernie
Ford had some great boogies