Ben Keith and other unsung heroes

[Will C]

On the way in to work today, I heard Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" on the radio. I was struck by the spare, understated beauty of the steel part. Being a curious sort of chap, I wondered who it was. I thought it might have been Gordon Huntley - he was pretty "hot property" around then.

No, up popped the name of Ben Keith, who sadly died in 2010. His was a name I had never heard before and it got me wondering how many other very talented players are out there and aren't household names, even in our little community. Anyone else got any to add?

[Malcolm]

Will, Ben Kieth was pretty well known in the steel community, and if I remember rightly he was in Winnie Winston's "Bible, my old memory fails me but think he may also have done work with Fairport Convention, feel free to correct me if I am wrong Mr Byng if you are reading this.

[Ken Byng]

Well there were 2 Keiths - Bill & Ben. No not them !

Bill Keith was the one connected with the Winnie Winston book. 'Big' Ben Keith was a very good C6 player, and I have a lot of footage of Ben tearing it up with different country bands & singers. He was an awesome player, and a major player in Nashville in the 50's & 60's. Lots of clips of him on YT with Neil Young.

Seymour rated him extremely highly, and said that he was a real trailblazer.

[Malcolm]

Thanks Ken, I knew you would have info.

[SHAKEY]

Another unsung hero in my opinion is Norman Hamlet, the Hag's steelie for years.

[Donny Johnston]

MY HERO.