Jerry West

[slimbo]

Received some bad news this morning, an icon of the steel guitar and someone I have known from the start 50 years ago Jerry West has passed away, condolences to his family.
Talked to him last year and he was still picking on a lap steel, for many years he was the steel man with Slim Whitman.

[Ken Byng]

That's very bad news Slim. When I first started playing pedals back in 1969, Jerry was already established on his Fender 400 guitar in the Tumbleweeds country band. I used to watch him in awe, and was always fascinated by his extravagant wrist action on his bar hand. He was very kind to me, and told me even then that it was his ambition to one day own a Sho~Bud D10 with 4 knee levers, as he loved Lloyd Green's tone. That dream did come true for him. I used to play at the Ponderosa in Boarhunt quite a bit, and sharing the night with Jerry was always a treat for me. As my own playing progressed, so Jerry's encouragement increased. He was always tickled when I showed him the latest Nashville chicken pickin' lick, and although he couldn't do it himself, he loved it. Not only a Lloyd fan, Jerry was also very much into Tom Brumley.

Jerry loved Hawaiian music too, and his harmonic glissandos were a perfect foil for Slim Whitman who used Jerry for all of his European dates. Jerry later teamed up with Wales' own Whitman, Terry Edwards, and they were a successful partnership for a number of years.

I'm not sure how old Jerry was, but I suspect he must have been in his 80's when he passed on. My deepest sympathies go to his family. RIP Jerry.

[Uncle Roy]

I am so sorry to hear this. As Ken states Jerry was such a nice guy. As well as I had known him I could not ever get an interview with him, he was just such a modest guy and always said you must be joking when there are all these great players in the UK.
He was a nice player and one hell of a gent and we will miss him.
Condolences to his family.
R.I.P Jerry

[Dave Nutt]

Another legend leaves us.
Godbless you Jerry.

[sheffield steel]

Amen to all the above.
Dale.

[Uncle Roy]

Here's a photograph of Jerry performing at the Newbury Festival 1984

[Shaun]

That round robin in Heaven must take ages now
R.I.P Jerry

[rhaskell]

Good bye old pal...

[Paul Hazell]

I had the privilege to attend Jerry's funeral - a beautiful occasion with great outpourings of love and emotion for this modest, funny and talented man - from family, friends, and fellow artistes .

I could not count myself as a close friend but knew Jerry for almost 50 years. I am aiming to include a tribute to him on my radio show this Sunday evening and have been collating examples of his playing.

Could anyone please confirm one thing for me? I have located a copy of the Decca LP "London Country" by The Tumbleweeds. I am aware that Jerry was a member of The Tumbleweeds for some years but the LP does not name personnel. Was Jerry the steelie on this album?

Thanks to all

Paul

[Ken Byng]

Paul
There have been many members of the 'Weeds, but around the period you refer to I can recall;

Drums - John Boniface
Bass - Dave Peacock (Chas & Dave)
Lead guitar & fiddle - Steve Simpson
Steel - Jerry West
Vocals - I can't recall the singer's name, but know that he has passed away now. (Some of the Essex or London boys on this forum might remember).

Passing members include lead guitarists Albert Lee and the late Roger Dean. Original vocalist was Johnny Regan from Ireland. Hope that helps.

Ken