Public Programs

Nashville Cats

Nashville Cats: Dan Dugmore

Saturday, March 9, 2024 | 2:30-4:00 PM | Ford Theater

Multi-instrumentalist Dan Dugmore has mastered several string instruments, but he is best known as one of the world’s premier pedal steel guitarists. A Southern California native, Dugmore credits Rusty Young’s pedal steel work on the Buffalo Springfield song “Kind Woman” for inspiring him to learn the instrument. He bought his first pedal steel from Sneaky Pete Kleinow of the Flying Burrito Brothers after the band played a gig at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood. Dugmore quickly established himself, becoming the go-to pedal steel player for Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor for more than a decade while working with everyone from Stevie Nicks to the Pointer Sisters to Warren Zevon.

Nashville Cats showcases stories and songs from musicians and session singers who have played important roles in country music history. Through in-depth, one-on-one interviews with the honorees, gain a better understanding of how musicians made careers for themselves by backing hit artists in the recording studio or on concert tours. Vintage recordings, photos, and film clips supplement the interviews, and in some cases, the honorees demonstrate their techniques and recreate their famous musical contributions.

Nashville Cats: David Hood

As bassist for the famous Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (“The Swampers”), David Hood has created an unforgettable body of recorded work during his sixty-year career. He lent his groove to the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There,” Etta James’s “Tell Mama,” and classic albums by Willie Nelson (Phases and Stages), Paul Simon (There Goes Rhymin’ Simon), and Traffic (Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory). His credits also include recordings by Solomon Burke, Clarence Carter, Glenn Frey, Levon Helm, John Hiatt, Delbert McClinton, Oak Ridge Boys, Boz Scaggs, Percy Sledge, Tony Joe White, and the Drive-By Truckers (fronted by Hood’s son, Patterson Hood). 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Past Nashville Cats Honorees Include:

  • Richie Albright (2019)
  • Eddie Bayers (2010)
  • Richard Bennett (2016)
  • Harold Bradley (2006)
  • David Briggs (2011)
  • James Burton (2011)
  • Jimmy Capps (2012)
  • Jerry Carrigan (2009)
  • Cindy Cashdollar (2022)
  • Stuart Duncan (2014)
  • Duane Eddy (2016)
  • Ray Edenton (2007)
  • DJ Fontana (2011)
  • Paul Franklin (2013)
  • Sonny Garrish (2018)
  • Mac Gayden (2013)
  • Steve Gibson (2014)
  • Lloyd Green (2006)
  • Don Helms (2006)
  • John Hobbs (2012)
  • David Hood (2023)
  • Jim Horn (2017)
  • Jerry Kennedy (2008)
  • Millie Kirkham (2012)
  • Kenny Lovelace (2022)
  • Brent Mason (2023)
  • Mac McAnally (2017)
  • Charlie McCoy (2006)
  • Joey Miskulin (2018)
  • Bob Moore (2007)
  • Wayne Moss (2009)
  • Weldon Myrick (2009)
  • Herb Pedersen (2023)
  • Norbert Putnam (2009)
  • Mickey Raphael (2018)
  • Leon Rhodes (2014)
  • Michael Rhodes (2015)
  • Hargus “Pig” Robbins (2007)
  • Billy Sanford (2012)
  • Buddy Spicher (2008)
  • Ray Stevens (2010)
  • Gordon Stoker and Ray Walker of the Jordanaires (2008)
  • Robby Turner (2019)
  • Pete Wade (2016)
  • Bill Walker (2015)
  • Bergen White (2013)
  • Chip Young (2010)
  • Reggie Young (2008)
  • Andrea Zonn (2017)

Watch Videos On-Demand

Hear stories and songs from musicians and session singers who have played important roles in country music history – all at your own speed.

Older man performs on stage with an electric guitar

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