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The story of Buddy Charleton

iHonkyTonk

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Elmer Lee "Buddy" Charleton (March 6, 1938 – January 25, 2011), was an American Pedal Steel guitarist and Music teacher. Known primarily for his work with Leon Rhodes and Steve Chapman in Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours band, Charleton played on numerous songs such as Waltz across Texas and instrumentals Cool it, Honey Fingers, Almost to Tulsa and Rhodes-Bud Boogie. When Buddy's touring career came to a close, he became involved with Billy Cooper's Music in Orange, VA working as a pedal steel instructor for many years. Buddy's teaching work greatly influenced the next generation of pedal steel guitarists.

Links: Ernest Tubb TV Show Playlist (1965-1968) Playlist

CHAPTERS:
00:00- Video-Sample
00:46- Intro
03:37- Life Biography
06:53- Trademark Style & Sound
10:20- Discography
14:31- Video Sample
15:17- Closing Thoughts
16:18- Outro

Sources:
Wikipedia
Washington Post
NPR
Steel Guitar Forum www.steelguitarforum.com
Discogs https://www.discogs.com/artist/258709...
YouTube Channel @2packs4sure @2packs4sure
JimLoessberg.com

#pedalsteelguitar
#steelguitar
#vinylcommunity
#honkytonk

I do not take any ownership of music displayed in this video. Ownership belongs to the respected owner(s). Used under fair use policy. Unless I am performing my own music which is copywritten and registered with SOCAN/BMI in which case I do claim full owenership. Other Music used here is for entertainment purposes only.

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non- profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNER(S)

20 Comments

@slicksnewonenow 1 year ago (edited) Pinned

Back in the mid 2000s, I had a friend who played lead guitar in my band, who took guitar lessons about every four months from Leon in Nashville.

He'd drive down from Indiana and stay the weekend at Leon's house.

One time I was invited to go along... I was of course excited to be able to meet Leon.

As it turned out, that weekend there was a Troubadours show at one of the clubs on the outskirts of Nashville... I think it might have been an Eagles Lodge or something like that.

Leon invited us to go along and see the show... There, he introduced us to Buddy!

Leon asked me if I knew any of the old Ernest Tubb tunes and I emphatically said YES! (E.T. has been a real hero of mine forever)....

I was blessed that evening with the distinct HONOR of performing on stage with BOTH Leon AND Buddy... Something I'll never forget!

They let me do six or eight of E.T.'s hits... And when we got to "Thanks A Lot", I swear it sounded exactly like the record... One of my personal favorites of all time.

Buddy passed away not too long after that, but I'm thankful for having the opportunity for being able to consider Buddy my buddy for that short amount of time.

Of course Leon left us not too long later.

Both of those fellas were great people... And I'm lucky to have known them.

And by the way... Nobody, but NOBODY, could wear a hat like Mr. Charleton could wear a hat! 🤠

@ablacksuit 2 months ago

I write screenplays and listen to music during breaks in the process to help create the world. I came across Ernest Tubb and his band while writing a screenplay set in 1959 and fell in love with their sound. I was never big on country music until I discovered their music and Buddy was the stand-out player for me.. what a talent.

@robertshuler7228 1 year ago

The reason I have a steel guitar today is because I worked at WSM in the early 70s. Because I was the newest and youngest one on the staff, they "let" me work Ernest Tubbs Midnight Jamboree, as the sound man, after the Opry. For about four years I sat six feet from Buddy and Steve every Saturday night they were there. The music filled my heart and my ears. It's still there and sometimes when I listen to things like this video, it takes me back to hot summer nights with 300 people crowding the into the record shop, inching closer to the stage. Me, I was content sitting there taking in every note. Thanks for the memories, again

@darrellfxdwg 1 year ago

I got to play with Buddy once when he retired and moved to Virginia. I was a raw beginning musician and to say the least I was awestruck. His touch was incredible.

@bradleyhigman6110 9 months ago

One of my favorites, Buddy didn't get enough credit for his accomplishments, his style was unmatched, a very talented treasure

@martinday282 11 months ago

I took a few lessons from Buddy in the years before he passed. I am not a great player, but it was one of the most memorable times of my life to sit with my guitar right up against his and have him help me, and tell me stories about his career and all the other great players he knew.

@REKlaus 1 year ago (edited)

I lived across the street form Buddy Charleton when I was in Nashville (mid 1970's.) When they where in town, Ernest's bus would be parked at Buddy's house. I ran out of gas in my driveway one time and was going to walk about 3 miles to a gas station, Buddy was mowing his lawn, saw me with a gas can and brought over a 5 gallon can of gas and wouldn't except a dime for it. One of the best neighbors I've had.
Don't know why Buddy left E.T. but 2 other friends of mine ended up working with E.T., Lynn Owsley and Johnny Cox.

@michaelsawyer6887 1 year ago

He was one of my favorites,always felt like he didnt get enough credit for the player he was...thank you for this

@hadara69 1 year ago

Lifelong Metalhead here. But I will always LOVE this amazing music! 🤘✌️

@LasseLloyd 1 year ago

Thanks, Buddy Charleton, in deed a great steel-player. I have never met, or talked to him, but seen him several times playing with Ernest Tubb. And what a great band, with Leon Rhodes, and later on Steve Chapman.

@Sparks53 1 year ago

Buddy Charleton was certainly one of the very greatest steel guitarists of all time. I am proud to
say that I took a number of lessons from him in the mid seventies. I'd ride out from Fairfax, Virginia
to Oxon Hill, Maryland to a music store, out of which he gave lessons. He was patient and kind.

@redriveral2764 8 months ago

Buddy is my all-time favorite. I was 14 in 1968, my dad and I went to see ET at Lil Abner's in Detroit. Well, they wouldn't let me in, dang it. I never saw Buddy live, but his music more than made up for it.

@peterhansen5685 1 year ago

A truly very gifted player and one that deserves more recognition.😊.

@Majorwrecks 1 year ago

Ive always been a huge fan of Buddy Charleton.

@keithcaudill4111 1 year ago

Thank you I know now why my daddy loved them so much

@verycrankyperson 1 year ago

Yes, underrated is right!

@SheddsSpot 1 year ago

Buddy played on several songs across Bill Kirchen’s first two solo albums, Tombstone Every Mile and Have Love, Will Travel. Love Buddy’s solo on “Who’s That Who” from Have Love….

@scowell 6 months ago

His Panhandle Rag is my favorite version.... just amazing... you can hear ET laughing at the end, it's insane, look for it. From the show, or a live album, it's just the audio, no video.

@ganttmann 1 year ago

I got to play with Buddy every weekend for a few years at Hunter's Lodge in Fairfax, Virginia, then for many years at the annual Steelin' For Hearts show. He was one of the greats! I learned a lot working with him.