Remembering Weldon Myrick: A Steel Guitar Legend's Musical Journey
On this day in 1938, Weldon Myrick, a renowned steel guitarist, was born. Myrick's musical journey began in the small town of Jayton, Texas, where he taught himself to play lap steel guitar at a young age. His talent caught the attention of local musicians, including Sonny Curtis, Buddy Holly, and Johnny Duncan.
By the time he graduated from high school in 1956, Myrick had already performed on stage in Nashville with Waylon Jennings. After a brief stint with the Big Spring Police Department, Myrick and his wife Kitty moved to Nashville in 1963. It was there that he met Bill Anderson, who invited him to join his Po' Folks band.
Myrick's career as a session musician took off when he played on Connie Smith's chart-topping hit "Once a Day" in 1964. This marked the beginning of his prolific career, during which he played with artists such as Loretta Lynn, Linda Ronstadt, and Jerry Jeff Walker. His unique steel guitar playing style earned him praise from fellow musicians like Eric Anderson, who described him as a musical genius.
Throughout his career, Myrick recorded with a wide range of artists, including Elvis Presley, Trisha Yearwood, and Willie Nelson. His contributions to the music industry were vast, and he reflected on his accomplishments in the liner notes of his Keepsake compilation. Sadly, Weldon Myrick passed away on June 2, 2014, at the age of 76.
Today, we remember Weldon Myrick on what would have been his 88th birthday. His legacy lives on through his timeless music and the impact he made on the country music scene.