Excerpt from:
Ray Price and his
Cherokee Cowboys
BACK TO "FUN STUFF" |
|
BUDDIE
GENE EMMONS - Stereo steel guitar - When you hear the words "steel
guitar" you automatically think of the next member of the Cherokees. Last but by no
means not least is the Nation's Number One Steel Player, Buddie Gene Emmons.
The only member of the band not born in Texas, the big
"E", as he is known by most everyone, was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, near South
Bend, on January 27, 1937. He has a younger sister, Peggy.
Buddie was 11 when he started playing the steel. July 4th,
1955 Buddie came to the Opry with Little Jimmy Dickens. Later he worked for Carl Smith and
Ernest Tubb. He has recorded with almost every name star in Nashville as well as a lot of
unknown artists. Buddie records for Mercury and has an album, released during last year's
Convention, titled "Steel Guitar Jazz," #20843, stereo #60843, a very fitting
title as "E" is a very ardent jazz fan.
Buddie has been with Ray since 1962 except for a few weeks this
year when he worked for George Jones.
Buddie's very attractive wife, "Gigi," was once
secretary to Col. Tom Parker. A roommate of Anita Carter (Carter Sisters), they met
backstage at the Opry and were married six months later. They have two children, Buddie
Gene and Tammi.
Buddie says his favorites are: Food - Mexican food Song -
"Over the Rainbow" Sport - boxing Female singer - Nancy Wilson Male - Frank
Sinatra.
The Big E is 6' tall, weighs 170 lbs., has brown curly
hair and hazel eyes. He tells us that his ambition is to have a successful business with
his new guitar. He has just recently built a new Stereo steel, The Emmons Stereo, and the
sound is out of this world.
|