"PAPPY" NEAL McCORMICK

A native of Wing, Al., Neal McCormick was an early pioneer of country music, innovator in the development of the steel guitar, and leader of the band which was to be the training ground for a young singer known as Hank Williams. The first musician to play an electrified instrument on WSM radio, McCormick blew the station off the air with the volume he was able to generate with his amplified instrument. The innovative McCormick developed a revolving steel guitar which featured four necks which would be tuned to different keys. This enable him to handle the demands of network radio programs. A Creek Indian, McCormick early band was called the Hawaiian Troubadours, not only because of his steel guitar stylings, but also because some Southern states had laws preventing Indians from working. It was while performing in Penasacola, Fl., that Hank Williams ask to join the band. He worked with McCormick for a few years, but remained friends for the rest of his life, turning to "Pappy" numerous times with his troubles. McCormick later moved to Nashville where he own several recording studios and played recording session with many of the early greats of country music.

 

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