(via Another great one leaves us…. - Americana and roots music - No Depression)
“Show ‘em the left foot that made Merle Haggard a star, Moon. Show ‘em the one you used on Buck. Show ‘em the one ya used on Bonnie. The most imitated steel guitar player and the best one, by far…that’s the great Ralph Mooney everybody.”
When Waylon Jennings spoke those words in September 1974, Ralph Mooney was already a legend. He had already played in acclaimed Western swing bands and influenced the design of Fender’s pedal steels with his homemade setup. He had written “Crazy Arms,” a song that became a classic in two genres in the hands of Ray Price and Jerry Lee Lewis. He had helped develop the Bakersfield sound while backing up Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and the underrated Wynn Stewart.
…
Earlier this week, the country music world mourned the passing of the great Ferlin Husky and, unfortunately, tonight Ralph Mooney joined him. According to what I’m hearing he had been ill for about a year and passed away at his home this evening.
(via countryandwestern)
