Don Curtis

Mike Cass · Post by **Mike Cass** » 1 Oct 2010 6:30 pm

What a shock!
so sad to hear this news. Don was a longtime friend and we spent many hours in person and over the phone discussing steel guitar. I'll never forget all the help he gave me with my first Excel purchase, even helping me to cart the gear to a little bar around the corner from Scottys store to give the guitar the road test.
That particular weekend I had the opprotunity to hear him live on a club gig in St Louis and thoroughly enjoyed his playing, no matter what type of music they threw at him. Wish I couldve seen him live with The Commander.
Don was always very helpful and knowledgeable, making sure to take care of business in a most professional manner. I admired him for that.
My prayers are for his family, many friends and co-workers. I'll miss you, old friend.
sincerely,

MC

Myrna Beasley · Post by **Myrna Beasley** » 1 Oct 2010 8:23 pm

Such a shock! Don gave my Excel steel a "thousand-mile checkup" last year, which included adjustments and putting on new strings. When I picked it up, he had me play it to make sure it was what I wanted; then he played it. Don took the time to answer questions about his arrangement of "Remington Ride" and gave my friends and me a hug. He was an amazing "steeler" and all-around musician down here, and I can imagine him jamming with those who have gone before. My prayers and sympathy are with his family and the Scotts.

Myrna Beasley

Dirk B · Post by **Dirk B** » 1 Oct 2010 8:24 pm

Just heard this sad news from a friend on Facebook. Not much I can add to what has already been said. Don was my teacher and a friend. Miss you bud.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 2 Oct 2010 12:44 am

What terrible news.

Words fail me.

Joe Clymer · Post by **Joe Clymer** » 2 Oct 2010 4:36 am

The first time I met Don (about'75)was at an outdoor jam and he was playing banjo. I was impressed! Then when I talked to him he said he was a drummer at a local club. Then I found out he too was taking an interest in pedal steel and as the years went by we'd see each other at clubs and and such. I always respected Don a lot because 1)he was a great player and loved the instrument, and 2)no matter how long it'd be before we'd see each other after he moved to St Louis, he always remembered me and seemed sincerely glad to see me. He will be missed.

Tamara James · Post by **Tamara James** » 2 Oct 2010 5:01 am

I am so shocked at this sad news that I am at a loss for words.

Deepest sympathy goes to the family and close friends. R.I.P Mr. C.

Bob Hempker · Post by **Bob Hempker** » 2 Oct 2010 6:10 am

What terrible news! Don was such a fine player, and a very fine person. My condolences to his family.

Tony Dingus · Post by **Tony Dingus** » 2 Oct 2010 6:52 am

So sad to hear this. I never met Don but, enjoyed his tab and articles in steel newsletters. My prayers go out to his wife and family.

Tony

Ron Funk · Post by **Ron Funk** » 2 Oct 2010 7:25 am

'just learned of this tragic news. Don was a good friend and great ambassador for the Steel Guitar.
Seemed like no matter what he had going on, Don always had time to help. And help he did.
My sincere sympathies to Don's immediate family, girlfriend Linda, and 'second-family' at Scotty's Music.

Tom Palmer · Post by **Tom Palmer** » 2 Oct 2010 9:09 am

I just heard this sad news and I am shocked. Don was a good customer and a great guy. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family. - Tom

Ricky Thibodeaux · Post by **Ricky Thibodeaux** » 2 Oct 2010 2:11 pm

http://www.scottysmusic.com/donbio2.htm

God Bless.....

Lefty Schrage · Post by **Lefty Schrage** » 2 Oct 2010 3:26 pm

It's really tough to learn that Don is no longer with us. I always admired his playing, his in depth understanding of music, and his willingness to help others. Our prayers and condolences go out to Don's wife and family.
...lefty & barb

Don Blood · Post by **Don Blood** » 2 Oct 2010 4:15 pm

Don was such a fantastic friendly person. I really enjoyed his shows.

Don Blood

Pat Carlson · Post by **Pat Carlson** » 2 Oct 2010 5:40 pm

What A terrible shock! I bought my first steel with Don E's advisement. Truly we have lost one of the steel worlds very best.Don was one of my mentors, and helped me to keep at it , with a lot of no nonsense help

A prayer has gone out for you Don E.
and family.

Tommy White · Post by **Tommy White** » 3 Oct 2010 6:40 am

I'm so sad to hear of Don's sudden passing. Don was sincerely one of the nicest guys and always ready to lend a hand with his talent. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Don and everyone who knew him.

David Alley · Post by **David Alley** » 3 Oct 2010 7:15 am

This was an awful up set to me because Don and I was close friends Don alway had time for everyone and in the year of 2ooo we did two steel show together He will be missed Rip in peace miss ya My prayer goes out to is family and son and daughter and sister

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 3 Oct 2010 8:00 am

My condolences go out to his family and friends.

Joe Alterio · Post by **Joe Alterio** » 3 Oct 2010 10:37 am

I was very shocked to see his picture in the obituary section of today's Indianapolis Star. Unbelievable...he was one of my favorite live players and I always made it a point to see him play when he was at a local show. My sincerest condolences go out out his family, especially my friend Don III and his wife and son....it's hard when a grandson loses his grandpa so young.

Doug Jones · Post by **Doug Jones** » 3 Oct 2010 12:19 pm

I grew up in St.Louis. I still go back now and then. When I do, I pop in to Scotty's and hang with whoever's there. I always had a great time with Don swappin' stories or a few licks now and then.

My condolences to his family and all the Scotts.

Dan Sliter · Post by **Dan Sliter** » 3 Oct 2010 12:56 pm

I am sad to here of this news.Don was a friend and brother of music.I always called him Mr Twister and he laughed everytime with that big smile of his. I will miss you Brother.

Stoney Stonecipher · Post by **Stoney Stonecipher** » 3 Oct 2010 3:43 pm

Such a shame!!! The World of Steel Guitar has taken another terrible,terrible hit..Don and I have been friends for so many years that I can't remember when we first met..But I know this ,that he was a great fiend and a very,very accomplised Steel Guitar player and very talented and gifted Drummer.
What else can one say except-----
REST IN PEACE FOREVER my friend.
Stoney Stoncipher

Russ Hicks · Post by **Russ Hicks** » 3 Oct 2010 5:55 pm

As was said before, words fail me.....Don always played drums on my set in St. Louis, all the way back to when Jimmy C. and I did them together....such a loss, as is Dino.....Laney was so very upset when she was told, maybe she'll feel like posting later...my condolences to Scotty, Michael, and all the guys he worked with and to his family.

David Easley · Post by **David Easley** » 3 Oct 2010 7:46 pm

Don was a genuine, straight forward and forward thinking guy. What a nice person! I always looked forward to seeing him each year. It's so hard on the family when a person goes without warning like that. I'm very sorry to hear about it.

Dave Easley

Bill Stroud · Post by **Bill Stroud** » 3 Oct 2010 8:02 pm

I just now found out about Don he was such a pleasent guy to talk with always had time to smile and help in any way he could. He will be missed.
RIP Don God Bless

Ray Uhl · Post by **Ray Uhl** » 3 Oct 2010 10:10 pm

Such a sad loss. I met Don at the ISGC and every year we would chat for a while. An excellent musician, but more importantly a truly great person. He always went out of his way to visit and say hello. I will miss his warm personality. My condolenses to his family. May God's comfort be with you.

The Steel Guitar Forum

Don Curtis

R.I.P. Don

Don Curtis

Sad News