February 6, 2009

Legendary steel player Tom Brumley dies

Legendary pedal steel guitarist Tom Brumley, 73, who’s best known for his stellar musicianship as a member of the late Buck Owens’ band, has died of a heart attack in a San Antonio, Texas.

A member of Owens' hot-pickin’ Buckaroos band from 1963 to ’69, Brumley suffered a heart attack on Jan. 26 and was taken to Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, where he died Tuesday, according to his wife, Rolene Brumley. He was 73.

Born Nov. 12, 1935, as the third of six children, Brumley played steel guitar with Buck Owens and the Buckaroos from 1963 to 1969 and with Rick Nelson for a decade, including on the late singer’s crossover hit, “Garden Party.”

The son Albert E. Brumley, a legendary gospel songwriter who wrote "I'll Fly Away" and "Turn Your Radio On," a 14-year-old Brumley began his music career as a bassist in his brothers’ band. He went on to become a much-celebrated, award-winning steel guitarist and was inducted into both the Texas Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, which is part of the Texas Steel Guitar Association, and the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, among other honors. He also was awarded an Academy of Country Music honor for being the genre’s No. 1 steel player.

  • To read the full story and view music videos featuring Brumley performing with the Buckaroos, please click here.

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