By Christian Scalise

“Steel Guitar HOF Coverage 2009”

The 38th annual International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame convention and awards ceremony took place once again at the beautiful Millennium Hotel in St. Louis, MO on Saturday September 5th, 2009. The highlight of the weeklong convention outside of the many hours of steel playing and solid country music is its Steel Guitar Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony which is held on Saturday afternoon.

Each year the names of the recipients are not revealed until convention founder Scotty himself hits the stage to kick off the ceremony. After attendees were treated to sensational instrumental performances of “Rose Garden,” “Happy Together,” and “I’ll Be There” by various steel players on the main ballroom stage, the awards ceremony began promptly at 2pm.

Some of the stars in attendance at the convention were singer/songwriter Leona Williams, music legend Barbara Mandrell and iconic steel player Don Warden. Mandrell and Warden made public appearances at the event as non-performers.   

The excitement and wonder grew as the grand momentum of the Hall of Fame announcement drew closer. Taking the stage, Scotty thanked everyone for coming out to the convention and for their many years of support and interest in the festivities.

The first player to be inducted into the HOF was Bud Carter. Bud showed great humility and appreciation towards the great honor. Followed by Bud’s induction Scotty intrigued the audience by reading the next inductee’s impressive career achievements which prompted the audience to realize just who he was speaking of…Barbara Mandrell!

The audience rose to their feet at the sound of her introduction to the stage. Wearing an elegant black suit jacket with matching pants, Barbara graciously walked towards Scotty as she immediately embraced him with a heartfelt hug. Barbara thanked Scotty, his wife Mary and everyone involved with the event. She especially thanked her fans and friends for sticking with her through the years.

Barbara went on to tell the audience that this award meant even more to her because her late father, Irby Mandrell knew of this achievement shortly before he passed away to be with his heavenly father. There were many moments where Barbara’s eyes became filled with tears as she recalled her fondest memories from her storied career.

Barbara’s mentors Mike “Cookie Monster” Jones and Norman Hamlet joined her onstage to share in the joy of the special occasion. She thanked them for being so patient with her when she was learning to first play the steel guitar.

The last steel player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame was Ron Elliot. With a great sense of humor and much thanks for his award, Ron brought the audience to laughter as he accepted his plaque.

After the induction ceremony, Mike “Cookie Monster” Jones and Norman Hamlet treated the audience to a thirty minute performance on the steel. Barbara Mandrell sat on the side of the stage for the entire performance. During the performance, numerous fans approached Mandrell for pictures and autographs to which she graciously obliged. Always a true professional, Barbara Mandrell loves and appreciates her fans. The awards ceremony and steel guitar performance ended at 3:30pm.

Pictures from the event are featured below. Please DO NOT use without permission. (Photo credit Donna Stroup)