Jerry Brightman - "Return Of The Buckaroo"
Jerry Brightman, born in Akron, Ohio in 1953 began playing steel guitar at the age of 6. From 1969-1972, he was a member of the Wheeling Jamboree staff band performing behind such artists as Dick Curless, Dave Dudley, Lynn Anderson, and Mary Lou Turner. In 1972, at the age of 18, Jerry moved to Bakersfield, CA and joined Buck Owens and The Buckaroo’s. He performed on 13 albums with Buck, along with Hee-Haw, The Buck Owens Ranch Shows, and personal appearances through 1975 with Buck as a member of the Buckaroos. During this time he also recorded with Tony Booth, Susan Raye, Mayf Nutter, Buddy Alan, David Frizell, Lawanda Lindsey, and Arlo Guthrie. He was signed as a Capital Records Artist.
In 1976, Jerry left playing in order to raise a family and enjoy home life. From 1977-1981, Jerry was the General Manger of Wheeling Jamboree, nominated for The Country Music Association board of Directors, and co-founded Jamboree in the Hills. He has won numerous awards for playing and producing throughout his career.
Jerry returned to playing in 2001, and along with performances at the major steel guitar shows, and concerts, also maintains a busy recording schedule. In 2004, he started the Performance Steel Guitar Company, in which he manufactures pedal steel guitars.
Jerry Brightman in St. Louis, 2002
Jerry Brightman in St. Louis, 2005, playing his own "Performance" Steel Guitar