When I was a little girl singing at the Texas Steel Guitar Association Jamborees, Speedy West used to sit on the edge of the stage at my feet and watch me sing. Speedy was in his late seventies at the time and he had lost use of one of his hands due to a stroke which kept him from playing his beloved instrument. I was told that Speedy was a celebrity and of all the famous musicians he had played with over the course of his career. My father had an old album of Speedy's he played for me and I heard how great of an inspiration he was for many steel guitar musicians, but I never got to see him play. I am very grateful for youtube, otherwise I never would have seen Speedy doing what he did best. It overwhelms me now when I recall seeing him sitting there at the foot of the stage staring up at me with this absolute joy and appreciation in his eyes. He was a very kind man and a brilliant musician. I couldn't be more thankful to have known him, to have hugged him, to have received his praise and his support. Rest in peace dear friend.
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