Pedal Steel Guitar Artist Tommy Roots

By David J. Stewart

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       I had the privilege of meeting Tommy Roots at the St. Louis Steel Guitar Convention (ISGC) in 1996. Tommy was a friendly and helpful guy, always willing to teach other steel enthusiasts like me. I miss Tommy. As a teacher, he taught public school down in Texas as a career, and playing pedal steel guitar was his passion.

Here is Tommy's great album, UPTOWN, DOWNTOWN. Below is the full album and all the backing tracks to play along with them. For a couple of the songs, Tommy actually explains how he played them on the C6th neck, which is invaluable information. Since Tommy played But first here is Tommy's steel guitar tuning copedent so you can see what he is doing. ...

And without further ado, here is UPTOWN, DOWNTOWN. The original backing tracks cassette didn't include Touch My Heart or Just A Closer Walk, likely to make room for the educational material, to the best of my recollection. It's been 27 years! Good night where did the time go? Enjoy! ...

ALBUM BACKING TRACKS
  1. What's The News
  2. Deep Water
  3. A Fool Such As I
  4. When You're Smiling
  5. You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry
  6. Stardust (my favorite)
  7. Lock, Stock & Teardrop
  8. Good Deal Lucille
  9. Touch My Heart
  10. Shadow Of Your Smile
  11. A Closer Walk With Thee
  1. What's The News
  2. Deep Water
  3. A Fool Such As I
  4. When You're Smiling
  5. You Don't Have To Be A Baby To Cry
  6. Stardust
  7. Lock, Stock & Teardrop
  8. Stardust (how to play it)
  9. The Shadow Of Your Smile (how to play it)
  10. Stardust (a nicer version)

Tommy Roots at the ISGC in 1996

This Is Such A Beautiful Performance By Tommy

Here's Some Of My Steel Guitar Recordings

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Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven!