Buddy Emmons, born Buddie Gene Emmons on January 27, 1937, was an American musician who profoundly influenced the world of steel guitar. Known for his innovative playing techniques and wide-ranging session work, Emmons carved out a remarkable career in the realms of country, jazz, and western swing. He started playing the steel guitar at the tender age of 11, and his talent quickly became evident. Throughout his illustrious career, Emmons played with an array of music greats, including Little Jimmy Dickens, Ernest Tubb, and Ray Price, contributing to the "Nashville sound" that transformed country music in the 1950s and 60s.

Regarded as the "world's foremost pedal steel guitarist," Emmons was a pioneer who helped design and refine the pedal steel guitar, expanding its musical applications and expressive capabilities. His versatility as a musician is showcased across various albums, including acclaimed works like "Steel Guitar Jazz," which brought the instrument to a jazz audience, and "Buddy Emmons Sings Bob Wills," paying homage to the "King of Western Swing." Emmons' influence extended beyond his solo projects, as he also co-founded the Sho-Bud Company, a manufacturer of pedal steel guitars. His legacy is not only captured in his recordings but also in the legions of steel guitarists he inspired. Buddy Emmons passed away on July 21, 2015, but his impact on music endures, immortalized in the innovative sounds he coaxed from his steels.

Genres

Steel Guitar

Latest Release

Swingin' From The 40s Thru The 80s (Original Step One Recordings)

Buddy Emmons

Album - 22 Tracks - Released October 13, 2022