My Friend Johnny Paycheck

[Sonny Curtis]

As most of you know, Johnny Paycheck passed away last week. His funeral was held yesterday (Tuesday Feb. 25). Johnny was a good friend of mine. I met Johnny when he was going by the name of Donnie Young. I found out just yesterday, that he went by that name because of one of his heros, Faron Young. He traveled some with Faron. I played for Johnny on several occasions. I have a reel to reel tape of Johnny singing (I am on the Steel). That tape became my audition take for George Jones.

When I went with George Jones, the first trip was to do the Jimmy Dean show in New York. Johnny was playing for George at the time. The Jones Boys and Johnny went to a studio and recorded several songs. We hired a local musician to do bass since in those days you couldn't play an instrument and sing at the same time, and Johnny was the bass player for George. One on the songs we recorded that day was "A-11" which became a big hit for Johnny. Yes, I am the steel player that was responsible for the steel licks.

We continued traveling with George for two or three years together. He was a great guy, and I will miss him. I have some pictures on my web site of Johnny with the Jones boys. Visit us at www.sonnycurtis.net

[jdog94]

very sad. sorry to hear this

[Penquin]

Sonny,

I also was saddened by the loss of Johnny. And can only imagine how you feel after working with him and being a friend of his for that length of time. Sorry to hear of the loss and my sympathy to you my friend.

I knew Johnny also from way back. Only being 43 now some wonder how the heck I know all the "older" great songs and artists. And especially being from Detroit.

I used to tag along with my cousin Buck Bland, who new everyone. Which was great. Sitting in "bars" when underage and listening to the great ones just talking or having a blast on flat tops togehter brings back so many memories.

I even met you once back stage at the Opry, when I had rode with George Riddle over there when he was playing with Del. I have lost touch with most since the death/murder of Buck, but the memories remain. Tell George, Craig said hi if you see him for me.

Again, sorry for the loss of your friend.

[Big Dawg]

Thanks to both of you for keeping his memory alive, and that of the music which he sang. It is nice hearing the storys from the both of you. Thanks...BD :dog:

[TC]

I know I'm jealous... sure would like to get backstage access to the Grand Ol' Opry. :p

Johnny PayCheck will definitely be missed by many, myself included. I've never had the pleasure of meeting him in person but did enjoy listening to his music.


TC

[Sonny Curtis]

Here is a picture of myself and Johnny.

[TC]

Found this article at CMT

Paycheck Honored by Country Stars, Hells Angels

At a packed funeral service dotted with country stars and members of the Hells Angels, country singer Johnny Paycheck was remembered as a man "who traveled a difficult road but became a changed man." In the service, held Tuesday (Feb. 25) at Nashville's Woodlawn Funeral Home, the Rev. Glenn Weekly said that "the country industry has suffered a great loss." Country artists who turned out to pay homage to the late Grand Ole Opry member included George Jones, Trace Adkins, Little Jimmy Dickens, John Conlee, Billy Walker, Jeannie Seely, Billy Ray Reynolds and guitar legend Harold Bradley. Several members of the Kentucky and North Carolina chapters of the Hells Angels also attended. The 64-year-old artist died Feb. 19 in Nashville after a long battle with emphysema and asthma. During the service, a recording of Paycheck's song "Old Violin" was played and the crowd responded, giving Paycheck his last standing ovation. After the service, Paycheck was buried -- with his signature black cowboy hat resting on his chest -- at Woodlawn in a plot donated by Jones, his longtime friend.

[jr ewing]

no lover of a true country song can fail to be touched by this thread

@sonny.....thanks for sharing your experience with johnny

@t/c.....thanks for the touching article.


@johnny paycheck...........thanks for the music

rest in peace

[michealt.]

here's to a great man :beer: we'll miss you johnny .
hello sonny, was that you playing the :steel:
anyway i am a fan and have been for along time.
mike.

[Sonny Curtis]

Sorry it took so long to answer. Yes, I did play on Paychecks album Heartbreak, TN. A-11 was one of Johnny's greatest hits and I was privileged to play on that. Thanks for the comments.

[Monty]

:rolleyes:

[AndrewK]

Originally posted by Monty
:rolleyes:

:confused: