NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 20, 2024 – Author, musician and producer Steve Fishell recently participated in a book talk at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum exploring the life and career of famed pedal steel guitarist Buddy Emmons. Fishell discussed his 2022 book “Buddy Emmons: Steel Guitar Icon” (University of Illinois Press), which draws on in-depth interviews and autobiographical writings from Emmons.

Fishell was also recognized at the event for his charitable support of the museum. In 2013, he donated proceeds and future royalties from the album The Big E: Salute to Steel Guitarist Buddy Emmons to the museum in honor of Emmons’s late wife Peggy. Fishell organized and produced the tribute album, which is available on music streaming platforms. To date, the gift has netted nearly $100,000 in support of the nonprofit museum’s educational mission. Also during the program, Fishell presented the museum with a copy of Emmons’s memoirs, which were used in the writing of the book.

A pedal steel guitarist himself, Fishell has recorded and performed with Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris for 40 years and has also recorded with Eric Church and Country Music Hall of Fame members Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. Additionally, he has produced #1 singles for Radney Foster and Pam Tillis. Fishell’s book talk was moderated by the museum’s writer-editor Dave Paulson.

Emmons’s pedal steel technique set standards by which many steel players measure themselves today. His musicianship can be heard on recordings by Duane Eddy, John Hartford, Gram Parsons, Linda Ronstadt and Country Music Hall of Fame members Little Jimmy Dickens, Ray Charles, Vince Gill, Ray Price, George Strait, Ernest Tubb and Faron Young.