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  • Oral History

Lloyd Green

December 12, 1973 OH65 72 min.
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Biography


Steel guitarist. Born October 4, 1937. Full name: Lloyd Lamar Green. Recognized as a pioneer of pedal steel techniques, veteran of hundreds of Nashville recordings, 1950s-1990s. Member, Steel Guitar Hall of Fame.

Interview Summary

1973 December 12
(1 hour, 12 minutes)
Steel guitarist Lloyd Green describes his experiences as a Nashville session musician. Discussion includes how he first became interested in the steel guitar; his move to Nashville; the start of his professional career; the impact of the pedal steel; a description of his early steel guitars, including a triple-necked Bigsby and a Rickenbacker; his decision to quit traveling; the impact of Elvis and rock & roll on country music; the importance of Pete Drake in reviving the popularity of the steel guitar; changes in steel guitar playing; the story behind his return to music professionally; comments on his experiences working as a session musician; recording with different artists; a comparison between working in the studio and working before an audience; comments on his albums; and comments on the continued evolution of his playing style.