Thanx Jeff !

http://jeffran.com/articles.php?content=time

http://jeffran.com/articles.php?content=buzz

http://jeffran.com/articles.php?content=tone

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=186630


I was reading a comment on another thread about the naming of levers for tablature. I was struck by the accuracy of b0b's comment about Jeff and the evolution of teaching steel through tablature.

I wonder how many forumites understand who developed this systematic approach to teaching the pedal steel guitar. Jeff introduced tablature to the steel world.......Jeff Newman along with his wife Fran Newman started their instruction business back in the 60's. They promoted the pedal steel globally, teaching multitudes using his easy to understand tablature. I would bet that Jeff taught more players to play this instrument than all of the rest of us combined. He founded a steel guitar college that lasted a decade, or so, until he decided to retire that concept for his one on one top gun approach....He took his classroom method all over the world. His decisive approach has proven itself over decades by helping many amateurs become professionals......

I personally was honored when he asked me to go on the road and teach some advanced classes with him. I jumped at the opportunity to hang with him. It was a great learning experience...I witnessed firsthand his charismatic approach....He had a way of making everyone believe they could do the impossible. His teaching was exact and precise. Most importantly he found ways to eliminate confusion from the students mind. If you knew Jeff, you know he loved to share his knowledge and was completely committed to the promotion of playing pedal steel..He was always looking for a way to make it fresh and enticing. It was a high point in my career sharing that year with my two dear friends, Fran and Jeff.

I was just talking with Fran and she said she is moving back to Tennessee. Needless to say, we are glad to have her back in Tennessee.

Paul Franklin


Sept 1971 :