Speedy West - "Flamin' Guitar"
Wesley Webb "Speedy" West was born on January 25, 1924 in Springfield, Missouri. He moved to California in 1946 and started playing Steel Guitar fro Western Swing artists like Tex Williams and Hank Penny. His artistic mastery of the instrument soon made him the number one session player and studio musician on the West Coast, recording with famous vocalists like Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jean Shepard, Sheb Wooley and Cliffie Stone. His artistry and creativity also led to recording sessions with Jazz and Pop artists like Bing Crosby, the Andrew Sisters, Ella Mae Morse and even the weird Spike Jones. Together with his partner, Guitar Legend Jimmy Bryant, he was the first artists to sign a record contract as instrumentalist with Capitol Records, resulting in instrumentals that are still unequaled today.
Speedy's musical career ended in 1981 when he suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to play. Nevertheless he still appeared at Steel Guitar Shows around the country, impressing and entertaining audiences with his detailed knowledge about the history of the Steel Guitar and his fine sense of humor.
In the last months, Speedy's health was declining, and finally on November 15, 2003 he lost the battle and passed away. He will be sadly missed by the entire Steel Guitar World! Thanks for everything, Speedy!
Speedy West is a member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.