I just received word from Lonnie's brother, Glenn, that Lonnie passed away last night at 11:15PM in Jacksonville, FL.
Lonnie and his wife Johnnie were both in the hospital with Covid.
Lonnie was not only one the greatest supporters of steel guitar, he was a great player himself, but he would never let you know that.
Lonnie was always on guitar in the side rooms at the ISGC and other shows. And he even produced his own show in Jacksonville called the Jax Jam, for many years.
You will be missed by many my friend.
Please pray for Johnnie to get well soon.
AUTHORIZED PEAVEY, George L's, Goodrich dealer. I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables and Peavey Nashville-Session 112 or 115.
Aw; just breaks my Heart. and Bless your Heart Johnnie; please get well, I'm praying for you.
Lonnie; you were a memorable person and musician in so many ways; your Musical Spirit will continue through us ALL. Here's a whole show we did together that I still feel your inspiration inside me, every time I play. RIP Lonnie>
Lonnie plays the most tasteful solo I ever heard 0:50> https://youtu.be/w0PqbwYEoJ0
Ricky
AUTHORIZED PEAVEY, George L's, Goodrich dealer. I have 2 steels and several amps. My current rig of choice is 1993 Emmons LeGrande w/ 108 pups (Jack Strayhorn built for me), Goodrich OMNI Volume Pedal, George L's cables and Peavey Nashville-Session 112 or 115.
Linda and I are in shock today. Lonnie was such a dear friend. I was blessed to have known him. I played at quite a few of the shows in Jacksonville with him. Fixed many an amp fit my dear friend as well. Just one of the greats ones
Tragic news. First Chet Gibson and now Lonnie. Both were at Lonnie's recent birthday party.
Lonnie has been a friend for many years. Let me pick at one of the Fulawka jams at the ISGC. Was in the backup band the last time I picked at a Heywood Henson steel show in Winter Haven Florida.
Very sad news. Lonnie was very generous to me when I first arrived to the area. He was a fine musician and a real gentleman. Sympathies to the family and a speedy and complete recovery for Mrs. Portwood.
Location: Nederland, Texas.. On the Texas Gulf Coast
Postby Roy Rosetta »
Very sad news. Lonnie has been a friend for many years. Our sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace dear friend and go be with Our Precious Lord.
....Roy and Barbara
Very sad news and a bitter reminder of this lousy covid deadly disease. Lonnie was a fine musician and supporter of the steel guitar. This tragedy is taking our friends and family at an alarming pace. RIP Lonnie and my deepest sympathy for the family and friends. I pray for Johnnie to recover quickly.
Location: 1/2 & 1/2 Florida and Tenn, USA (old Missouri boy gone South)
Postby Stan Paxton »
What a jolt this is for me. Thanks for posting, Bill. I felt like I knew Lonnie, saw him a several Steel shows, mostly in Florida; altho I never was personally acquainted for him. Very sad, a solid part of the steel guitar community.
Mullen Lacquer SD 10, 3 & 5; Mullen Mica S 10 1/2 pad, 3 & 5; BJS Bars; LTD400, Nashville 112, DD-3, RV-3, Hilton VP . -- Gold Tone PBS sq neck; Wechter Scheerhorn sq neck. -- "Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone." -anon.-
This is a tough pill to swallow here! I just spoke with him in July about a steel and a Aria LP style guitar. Great guy and very knowledgeable of music.
