"Buddy Emmons Tribute" The Nightlife - from "Country's Family Reunion"

Just months before we lost the great Buddy Emmons (the creator of pedal steel guitar as we know it), and had just lost Ray Price, we were honored to be a part of a tribute Larry Black did on the Country's Family Reunion series of shows that Mike Johnson and most of the rest of this particular band have been a part of since the first series recorded at Sound Emporium in 1997. It's one of the few interviews that you'll find with Buddy talking about his great cut of THE NIGHTLIFE. (perhaps the ONLY one.) Mike Johnson pays tribute to his hero as do the rest of us while T Graham Brown proceeds to lay soul all over this great song. I feel sure that I speak for everyone involved with this show when I say "Thanks, Larry for letting us be a part of history that hopefully will far outlast us all. I couldn't be prouder to be a part of ANY television series." - Dirk Johnson

[@urgdaddy]

That interview is a treasure. Buddy Emmons.

[@coolaidman128]

Buddy Emmons will always be theeeeee greatest steel player. MAy you rest easy. Buddy Emmons.

[@markbuckles6609]

Buddy never got over his wife's death, but then who ever does. He missed her so much that he grieved himself to death. All you had to do was watch he and Peggy at the conventions to know how much he loved that girl. Greatest inovater and player the instrument has ever known. Miss you BIG E.

[@justinradinovic7388]

Hey Mark, that's so damn true I couldn't agree more brother..🤟 God bless Buddy an Peggy..👍

[@Jenda-ld8dj]

Yeah, it can change everything.

[@4beer5beer]

T Graham B. Sings like a real champion. This man in seriously "ON" What a treat to hear. Stellar band.

[@larrydockery2989]

Mike Johnson is one of the absolute best on the steel, bar none!!!! Great musician.

[@lewisbighuber7029]

Buddy added so much to the music world. Think of the great music we would have missed!

[@vmaxtur]

mike johnson is smooth as silk to be under that kind of personal pressure, he are my hero!

[@alanbailey9459]

mike will go down in country music history as one of the greats

[@gregnormal55.]

@@deanmary1969 Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@CARDINAL701]

I come back to this post over, and over again. It's just so damn good....When I was about 11 years old, my Dad brought me home an LP with a black cover, that just said 'Emmons Guitar Inc.' on the cover...showed a guy sitting at a pedal steel with his arms folded looking lost in thought. When I played that album, my entire world was forever transformed, and I literally wore the grooves off of it...all you heard when you put the needle down was white noise....so I had to buy another copy. Buddy's playing and Ray Price's singing changed my life and made it infinitely better....as they countless others, all over this world. R I P.

[@krautyvonlederhosen]

Hearing him relate a bit of the experience will always remain with me. Thank you Buddy for all you have done and continue to do as the music is played thru the ages.

[@sandburgmartin7947]

Agree, those words are etched in.

[@phataton7588]

T Graham Brown became an even better singer as he got older IMO

[@MSASteelerPSG]

Many others played it well, but Buddy was THEE greatest Pedal Steel guitarist. R.I.P. Mr. Emmons.

[@chrisembry4097]

MSASteeler Amen.

[@sandiesanchez3892]

This so nice to see great warm hearted people perform.

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@barbarakaminski1695]

Big E one of music's great stylist and talents. A lot of imitators. He took a back seat to no one.

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@1larbrobrown618]

One of the most epic segments Country Road TV ever had, bar none!

[@brumleyshow]

Wow, that was really great, Mike....And T Graham did a superb job too....Buddy and Ray have to be proud of that !!!!

[@keggers101]

I share my birthday with Buddy....that's where the similarities end,he plays steel..I make chips with it. Absolute legend

[@bamakeyman]

T Graham and Mike Johnson are covering Emmons and Price. You better bring it dudes, and they absolutely did! Bravo!

[@billytodd9929]

Totally awesome and Mike oh my my my what a great steal player Loved every second of it

[@armywife1641]

It doesn’t get and better than this, except maybe Buddy playing himself! Buddy was the absolute best! So much respect for his character, such a sweet soul!

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@georgebrown3279]

Who is the Guitarist in the blue shirt,, sitting next to Jimmy Capps on his Left. ?????

[@viejobar3636]

Life truly does seem to be lived backwards. We should start tired, with aches here and there, sometimes remembering while sometimes not, only to overcome such hardships over time and life experiences, reaching the end of our paths fully energized, plentiful in our faculties, and completely aware of our entire walk through this road on Earth.

[@mickkennedy1344]

4:31-- Buddy, longing for that distant shore --- gone home, RIP, Buddy.

[@jimw7ry]

Mike is one if the BEST! I really LOVE his style! Especially when he is playing with others! Not too much... Not too little.... RIP Buddy! I just LOVE your creation and perfection of such a great instrument! Rest assured Mr. Emmons, your creation is in the good hands of Mike Johnson! He does a wonderful job on the steel!

[@sandburgmartin7947]

You said all brother. We all loved Buddy. The mantle was given to Mike. Great music gets handed off.

[@bamakeyman]

I played a gig with Mike Johnson once. One of the highlights of my musical life. BTW, not much is said here about T. Graham Brown, but he kills it!

[@user-fb8yp5dz9z]

Agreed! He slayed it!

[@pedalman130]

Mike is a great great steel player, he has much of what Buddy had in truck loads, the most prominent of which is taste...... very tasteful playing.

[@jerryhutchinson1528]

Got to hear Buddy play @Steel Guitar Conv. St Louis quite a few times, ALWAYS sounded great,and was very humble. Mike is a GREAT PLAYER too !

[@sandburgmartin7947]

TGB's comment "from Mars" said so much. Listen to Big E's jazz riffs and improvisations for steel on other postings too.

[@UncleCaptainMidnight]

Wow. Speechless. RIP Buddy.

[@CARDINAL701]

" When they write the History Of The Steel Guitar, your picture should be on the cover...." I think that pretty much sums it up, friends. A truly anointed musician, the likes of which we will never see again in our lifetimes. The Big E. Buddy Emmons.

[@jerryhutchinson1528]

I think that should be"the Pedal Steel Guitar"

[@pedalman130]

We will never ever see the likes of Buddy Emmons ever again , not just in our lifetime, but never again .

[@jimm1028]

Buddy looks so sad at the beginning of this clip ,but it was nice to see him smile and laugh as they got rolling . Great job Mike and T Graham on Willie's great song.

[@Aux1Dub]

I noticed it looked like he didn’t feel good. When they asked him to stand up, it looked painful for him.

[@AdairTorres]

I would like to know who are the 17 people who did not like this video......How can someone not like to see Buddy Emmons...? Even though Buddy is sitting watching Mike Playing the Big E Arrangement

[@partslig123]

Great picking Mike Johnson.Best band on the planet.T owns this classic,my oh my..

[@littlejet11]

some beautiful steel work ... some fine vocals too

[@brendaorton1174]

One of the best versions of this songs I’ve heard!

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@patriciawickholm3617]

Brilliant..T. & the band!!!

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@cwalt571]

Hello all. How is all doing. Hope all is well. I LOVE this. T does great job not ever singing this great song and There is no other greater steel player then Mike Johnson at this time other then the great man they are honoring here. The rest of this band is great as well. It don't get no better then this folks. I watch this every day. Thank you so much for this great video.

[@armywife1641]

Chas Brent can’t agree more!

[@SuperSklarman]

This is what it's all about!

[@GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge]

Saw a video somewhere with Ray singing it, Willie and Buddy playing and Willie sang also, it was like listening to liquid gold pour over sterling silver...

[@andrewwood7193]

Simply fantastic

[@cwalt571]

I love this version of this great song. For a singer that never sang this song did an outstanding job. Mike Johnson is one of the great steel guitar players around today. Buddy was great but I feel that Mike took over where Buddy left off. I love the rest of this great band. I thank you so very much for posting this great video.

[@fungiformenow]

I did a tour once with T G Brown in the 70s. Great guy. It was him who turned me on to moleskin pants and I been wearin ‘em ever since. Thanks TG.

[@tommyborgstrom5580]

This is so great, a great tribute to a legend of a beautiful instrument ❤️🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@latokatn506]

The Touch of Steel Guitar He was the Father of it IMO Rip Buddy

[@barbaraleonhardt4231]

Well Done to all who partcipated

[@kennewman2166]

T Graham Brown , a superb singer of song..... lets Mike Johnson shine on this Emmons / Price collaboration written by willie nelson stay tuned, kennyxqed♫

[@SousChef77]

These days..."Dreamin' of what used to be is too true for us 50 and older. We did not, and had no intention to, leave life....life left us. However..We do know the best is yet to come, and no matter what happens, GOD HAS THIS....no matter what satan has planned for those on Earth. Is it easy, no, but nothing worth having is.

[@markcasey3991]

His T-ness - T Graham Brown sang his ******* off on that one. What a wonderful tribute to Buddy Emmons.

[@stevew270]

Teared me up!

[@gitfiddle1800]

So great, Buddy..- As usual.

[@dhix2388]

T Graham a treasure /what a voice.

[@steelguitar7]

Great Buddy Emmons

[@pedalsteelin7360]

I just can't stop listening to this... So reminds me of my dear departed father, he and I huge fans of Ray Price, Buddy Emmons... & MikeJ as well, beautiful take on that, Mike... I remember pulling the LP out of my dad's record case, placing the vinyl ever so carefully on the turntable inside the family Zenith console entertainment center, setting the needle down., listening to Ray talk, Buddy in the background, I'd get all set to play "my" intro on my pedal steel guitar (the card table) sitting on my pakseat (that same record cabinet), and I was Buddy Emmons for the rest of the Album! 24th Hour, Pride, etc... a couple years later my dad bought me my first "real" pedal steel guitar.

[@eddytaylor3697]

Mr. Emmons, the greatest steel player in the world.

[@sherylvaughn356]

He encouraged every musician, steel player or not from bass players, fiddler's, guitar players, to even drummers! He was the Master!!! Loved and missed!!

[@derekmoore6265]

Rudi Wairata was the best lapsteel guitarist ever

[@ericadoss2959]

Go Mike!

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@eugenebeasley1094]

Beautiful song, singing and playing.

[@bruceclay3207]

Absolutely perfect. Sends chills up my back.

[@vladasvecina8186]

BUDDY EMMONS MY BLOOD GROUP VERY GOOD SONG

[@douglaspo-ching3820]

What a great band,and great vocals 👏

[@cwalt571]

i love this video. love T. mike johnson is now the best steel player around. buddy was great. loved him as well. i so wish they would have talked to T for he did a great great job for never singing this song. all and all a great vid and that band the best in the business.

[@woxnerw]

Country Blues Can't Be Conquered.. There's NO Substitution.. There's a place for everyone on the Stage to come out Front to do what makes them an individual..

[@dhix2388]

T Graham a treasure.

[@marlenebadyka2280]

YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB!!! SOUNDS GOOD

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@GB1Productions]

Dirk, thank you so much for posting this. It’s a great tribute to Buddy’s genius, a wonderful tribute to Mike’s playing, and a classic example of the power of T Graham’s ability to sing it to life. I thank God this was recorded and I thank you for making sure we can see it.

[@josephmurray6593]

I bought an Emmons String Machine from EBay 25 years ago. Called the Emmons factory. Ron Lashley knew nothing about it. Gave me Buddy’s phone number. I called and spoke to him for a few minutes. He said he may have some parts in his garage and would send. I never heard anything else from him. But it was worth it all to get to talk to Buddy Emmons $

[@paulking3053]

I love to watch this video. Being a steel player, Mike does a fantastic job. He had to be nervous with Buddy Emmons sitting in the audience. Hearing Buddy Emmons tell those stories was great. It is nice to hear someone tell about their experiences on the road and studio. Mike said it best, Buddy Emmons is the greatest steel guitarist to ever walk this earth. Ray Price and Buddy Emmons together was magical.

[@ttexastilley]

Didn't know you played steel.😖

[@phataton7588]

One of the best live versions of any songs over ever heard honestly

[@merikaysingletary7066]

T great 👍😃

[@warrenburlingame7087]

T should record and release this song

[@seanriley1408]

Love Buddy and just bought one of his Steels signed by him but what’s crazy is my dad back in those days was a cop in Corpus Christi, TX and pulled over Ray’s bus and arrested him for drugs and confiscated his bus. Ray had to buy it back at auction! That’s where the saying in Nashville... I’m as nervous as Ray Price at a bus auction comes from! I as did my dad loved Ray Price and the great Buddy Emmons!

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@mwolfenbarger1]

Thank you for posting this. I'm a classically trained musician (depending on who you talk to), but I love this instrument and Buddy Emmons is the reason why. I miss him.

[@johnbisaac93]

absolutely fine!!!

[@78tag]

Thanks for posting this. It was good to see Buddy again and listen to "The Nightlife" done so well by T Brown/Mike Johnson with the Big E listening.

[@robertadupree7656]

That is your best one yet, T

[@brendaclark5108]

Go for it t g Brown.

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@jimbaumgardner2480]

And now we’ve lost Jimmy Capps as well, but this was about Ray and getting to hear The Big E talk about that chord progression in the break in Night Life. Kudos to Mike Johnson

[@AdKe1955]

That was really nice to watch and listen to. Our HERO. Thanks for posting Dirk! :)

[@WildPhotoShooter]

That was great to hear Buddy sharing those memories , and no one would disagree with Bill Anderson as to who should be on the cover of the book. So sad that he's gone but his exquisite playing will always be the benchmark and its all out there to listen to.

[@michaelmaples7109]

Mike is playing every Buddy Emmons lick he ever learned, just the way Buddy did, listening to his heroes. A fitting, very appropriately executed tribute. It had to be awkward for Buddy too. He doesn't seem to be comfortable with how influential others see him as.

[@ericadoss2959]

Buddy enchanted me! I was just in awe as as a child the first time i heard him and still in awe 43 years later!

[@mikesullivan542]

Great video! (Who is gonna fill ol' Bill's shoes? That my friends ain't gonna be easy!! )

[@ricknelsteel]

Well done Mike. What a privilege to play that in front of BE. By the way the intro is D6add9----F9---Bbmaj7----A7+5 or 1.6add9 to b3.9 to #5Maj7 to 5. 7#5 for anyone trying to work out the progression.

[@SharonMarieWhite]

Thanks. I was wondering what those chords were!!

[@gregnormal55.]

@@SharonMarieWhite Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@MikeTomillo]

@@SharonMarieWhite Hah!!! I am still wondering. I think I can Identify the F9 correcly...! 😁

[@christophermcnamara1833]

Very good music very good thanks for the music

[@jefferybernard4800]

Does everybody agree that Mike Johnson can replace Buddy emmons

[@userjones3399]

There is only one buddy Emmons. Short answer no

[@joluttringer4450]

Great ! Thanks for upload. JO

[@georgia48ify]

Mmmmmmm good sound

[@gregnormal55.]

Hello!!! How are you doing today! Please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you're a fan!.... Stay safe!!

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

I'm guessing Buddy got his start with ole ET. Great combination.

[@PDMan]

I think he actually started with Jimmy Dickens, but I could be wrong.

[@hanabangirawan3291]

country blues

[@emoryking5278]

Not long ago I heard someone say at A mid 90,s steel convention that 90% of the people that had play A role in the evolution of the steel guitar were still alive. Now just look, its not attrition , its A casualty rate. 5/4/16.

[@MrPatdeeee]

A true story and a comment about Buddy at the end of the story: Many years ago in England, a noted critic (Name escapes me at the moment) said, "Vladimir Horowitz was the greatest pianist, living or dead!" Whereupon an over zealous reporter took the critic to task as he asked, "Have you heard every pianist?" The critic paused for a moment and then responded, "Perhaps I was not at all inclusive enough when I gave my assessment of Mr Horowitz; because I failed to include those yet unborn!" Now my comments: IF per chance, Buddy Emmons "chosen" instrument had been the piano, THAT "critic" would have had to eat his words! Here is why: Buddy was NOT just a musician who played the steel guitar. NOT at ALL! He was a BORN "Musician" from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. He was equal or better than ANY great musician who EVER lived. And I add: Those YET unborn!

[@INDYOSKARS]

I heard that he also played the bass-guitar, that must´ve helped him a little.

[@MrPatdeeee]

@@INDYOSKARS Yes Buddy DID play a bass. That is the only other musical instrument he played as far as I know. And, buddy played his bass on the Roger Miller TV Show with Thumbs Carlisle. Roger did not use a steel guitar on that show. Damn him! For he caved in to those who hate the steel guitar, such as directors, producers countless guitarists; like Chet Atkins, and countless others that felt the steel guitar was "TOO hillbilly". This is why Chet, Boots Randolph and Floyd Cramer NEVER used a steel when they played. Sad indeed. Again "Damn them!"

[@INDYOSKARS]

@@MrPatdeeee I got a Floyd Cramer record it has Dobro on it in at least two songs if I remember correctly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZaxpp2vbZt2mJY Haven´t the foggiest idea where I heard that he played bass but thought it a little funny in the way that its on the other end of the scale that is steel is high and bass is low. "Lonely and blue". Mike Parks kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKW6cq2siM6VmNE has Emmons doing some nice Pedal Steel and Dobro, "Sally" is nice also.

[@MrPatdeeee]

@@INDYOSKARS Yes, Floyd did use the "Dobro" but even here a Dobro's sound is FAR different than how a regular steel guitar sounds. Thus, some singers and/or groups will use the Dobro, but they would NEVER use a regular steel guitar; UNLESS the steel player uses a device that changes the sound to a Dobro sound. It is very sad, that the steel guitar is one of THE world's most beautiful musical instruments ever; Yet MOST will NOT allow it to be used in their music. IE: Oak Ridge group Chet, Boots and Floyd group Big Band orchestras Classical orchestras Jazz groups, EXCEPT when BE played Popular music Cajun music Sonny James Leroy VanDyke Alabama group Vince Gil more and more now Eddy Arnold ditched it also, never went back Ray Price too, then went back to it Blue Grass except for Dobro Rock and Roll, except in RARE incidents Etc, etc and ECTERRRRA Note: Almost EVERY musical single or group uses a Bass, Guitar, piano, but they would NEVER use a steel Guitar. Breaks my heart. Oh well.

[@INDYOSKARS]

@@MrPatdeeee "Louisiana Moonlight" Jimmy C. Newman kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV7OlIinhLF0a8k Actually I see that as a positive, prevents it from being overused or overexposed. Jimmy Page used PSG on Led Zeppelin 1 and Alvino Rey played in Big Band orchestras.

[@jerrybrownell3633]

Ray Price may have had a big hit with it but the incomparable Willie Nelson wrote it.

[@haroldgribble9703]

We know Willie wrote it,but he can't sing it worth a flip.

[@MrPatdeeee]

So who cares;-? Buddy and Ray MADE it one of THE most awesome songs ever written. Oh indeed Yes. Note: I placed Buddy ahead of Ray because it was Buddy that was the "driving force" behind this unbelievable song. Ray would say AMEN! if he was still alive. GAR-OWN-TEED! Proof: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGK3emqsobSXnpY

[@swingrfd]

Behind Buddy to his left is is the performer who should have done this song "The Nightlife" for this video, a singer who Ray Price refused to be in the same room with, Curtis Potter.

[@woxnerw]

That's just about as "OFF Country" as you can make Country Music.. They show a Camera shot of Buddy Emmons in this Video.. It's probably the last Image of Buddy Emmons to be found.. Rest in Peace, Buddy..

[@Stonecoldcwbys]

DAMN!!!!!!

[@kennewman3716]

Back for another LISTEN, you do not HAVE to look.,,,,, but on the turn around mike does his thing and bud 'exhales' like he just gave birth, @ about 4:30 as McCall consoles buddy. ' T '. Honourable job kid . kenxqed♫

[@jpb1231000]

I thought T Graham was a N GA Boy!!! I thought he lived ~ 5 miles from Whispering Bill's Big City Lights of Commerce GA!!!

[@gbuffaloe1]

The Big E and Curly were the best!

[@jefferybernard4800]

I like p g Brown's version on nightlight better than I do how Ray Price did it

[@tomlehr861]

T puts the blues in it,if you a musician u know ,

[@georgebrown3279]

Who is the guitarist in the blue shirt, sitting on Jimmy Capps’ Left. ?????

[@07anglia]

Richie, I am not sure why you wanted to bring up how T.G Brown's way of holding a Mic? I have been to many of his shows and not once did I ever hear a feedback? TG learned from the best and he performs as good as anyone and Ray Price would have approved of his performance! If he wants to hold a MIC that way that is just his style and I sure wouldn't want to change that. He no doubt is a pro and these videos proves that! And as far as Mike Johnson, he learned from the best as we all wanted to play like Buddy, and I think he is in the top five players still alive. Just think how the steel would be today without Buddy's input teaching and showmanship....RIP BUD, We all miss you and thank you for what you have given us!.... Richie, when is the last time you were on the "Country Family Reunion Show?..............TG, Keep on singing and you hold that MIC anyway you feel fit, Thanks for all of your great music...........

[@ericadoss2959]

I actually watched J.D. summer hold his Mic like this! Always had a clear rich sound!!!!!

[@davidjqualls]

who was the co-host with Bill Anderson in this show?

[@Jay-ik1ge]

I think it’s Ray Price’s widow.

[@HerbWalker]

Heres Buddy's Intro with Ray: Night Life :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKPGY6eVnMiplbM