 Willie Eason, born in 1921, is one of the most accomplished gospel steel
guitar musicians of our time. He incorporates his extraordinary ability
to play the steel guitar with soulful hymns. The steel guitar shares
ties with Country Western
and Hawaiian traditions--and the latter is where the instrument
originated.
Gospel steel guitar-playing typically takes place in the context of a
church service. Willie originally brought the steel guitar into churches
in the 1930s. It has displaced the organ in a number of Black Southern
churches. Willie's experience with the steel guitar began when his
brother brought one home one day and Willie discovered his talent for
playing by ear. Unable to read sheet music, he began to mimic the sounds
of the church choir. He then considered the possibility of making a
living by playing on street corners. Willie soon began playing on the
streets of Philidelphia. His music subsequently led him to Chicago,
Atlanta, and New York. He played in tent revivals along the East coast
and created several RPM records in the 1940s. Willie was frequently
tempted to make more popular music but refused when record producers
told him to drop the religious content. He believes that is what has
driven him to play for all these years.
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