John Gillis
This is the story of how I got hooked on pedal steel guitars and finding them new homes.
The first steel I ever purchased.
A 1966 Emmons GS-10 Serial #666. From a man named John Gillis. A veteran multi-instrumentalist from the Twin Cities. He purchased it from his steel instructor at the Steel Guitar Emporium.
I was working at a local music store and we hit it off. He’d come to hang out often and we would chat about all sorts of things.
He would mention now and again that he’s considering selling his steel but it had to be the right person. I’d mention that I’d be interested and the conversation would move on.
After some time we became friends and John decided I was fit to be the new owner. It took over a year of getting to know each other for him to feel like it was time.
Turned out he lived a good distance from the store. A couple hours drive every time back and forth to come see me.
When I got to his home it was like two old friends hanging out. He had lots of extras to go with it and gave this greenhorn a rundown of everything he could think of. He must’ve had me tear it down, put it away and set it back up a dozen times.
We talked and talked and talked and jammed a little together.
I went home as happy as I could be.
After that he kept coming to see me. He would bring me mixtapes of all his favorite steel songs and grab a violin or whatever instrument was nearby and play it for me. Passing knowledge and words of wisdom to me along the way.
One day he brought me one of my most cherished belongings.
An official Emmons steel guitar jacket.
Figured I ought to have it now with the Steel in my possession.
I was stunned.
He told me how he bought it from Buddy Emmons directly at a Steel convention.
As he walked past the Emmons booth he felt a hand tapping his shoulder.
Turned around and it was Buddy himself.
Buddy said…..
“Hey man you’d look good in one of my jackets”
So John asked “How much?"
Buddy said “20 bucks”
SOLD……
Sounds like the two of them got along pretty well at the booth for awhile afterwards
Every time I wear it I feel the presence of two amazing musicians.
As time went by John told me of his health.
It was declining due to a rare cancer.
He had been trying to find these things a new home
in case he didn’t make it this whole time.
His health noticeably declined but he was still in good spirits as the months went on. Sadly he passed away. But instilled upon me the importance of taking care of instruments.
He’s on my mind daily.
I wish I had more time with him. This Steel and Jacket will be with me until I find a new owner worthy towards the end of my run. Or be buried with me.
