Remembering Al Marcus

[Drew Howard]

I played up in Fremont, MI last night and driving north on US131 passed the exit to Cedar Springs, MI. Al Marcus lived there and a few years ago graciously allowed me to videotape him playing in his home. I knew Al but for a brief time but he was well-known in steel guitar circles for many years and still is. Al was always thinking about steel guitar and, with the advent of email, was writing about it too, corresponding with me and many other players. Through the miracle of Youtube, everyone can see and hear what a great player and person Al was. Al passed away in 2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk8x4NY24UE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpEPFE53mfs

[Russ Wever]

Drew,
Thanks for posting these videos.
I very much liked Al's personna
here on the forum and had wanted
to someday meet him.
~Russ

[Danny Bates]

What a wonderful tribute to a great human being. He is missed.

[George Keoki Lake]

AL MARCUS played the pedal steel guitar so smoothly, always selecting the correct chordal formation for each note. I loved his style, can never tire of it.

"Mr. Smoothy" (you know to whom I am referring, I'm sure),is another steel guitarist who treats the pedal steel guitar a with such tenderness and expression.

[Paul Graupp]

What I remember best aabout Al was that he remembered me from the Fender/Fretts days. And he never forgot to mention it when he wrote. He was a fine soul and brought out the best in the rest of us !!

Regards, Paul

[Willis Vanderberg]

Wow Drew:
I was surprised to see my picture with Al in the first utube.
I miss him. He was a great friend. I tried to stop every time I went down the Expressway.He was always so gracious and accomadating. He always had time to talk music and was still learning..

Old Bud