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Don Helms Obituary
Helms died Monday in Nashville at Skyline Medical Center, said Michael Thomas, a director at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
Helms, of New Brockton, Ala., was an original member of Williams' Drifting Cowboys and provided the signature steel guitar parts on tunes like "Cold, Cold Heart" and "Your Cheatin' Heart."
After Williams' death in 1953, Helms played on Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight," Frizzell's "Long Black Veil" and many other songs.
"The sound of Helms' precise yet bluesy steel guitar (on Williams' recordings) helped usher in a honky-tonk sound that would define country music for years to come," the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum said in announcing a program honoring Helms in 2006.
Helms had played with Williams in local Alabama venues in the early 1940s, the museum's profile said. His career was interrupted by Army service, and he eventually rejoined Williams' Drifting Cowboys in 1949, when Williams had become a star on the Grand Ole Opry.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
49 Entries
Tony Bishop
December 3, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Onsrud
January 16, 2021
Thank you for the joy, the delight, the adventure.
Faye Goree
August 12, 2020
You will be missed
Roddy Given Jr.
April 4, 2019
I was absolutely honored to Meet two of my heroes at the same time,, Don Helms and Jerry Rivers at the Gilmer County fairgrounds in West Virginia,, the were touring with Hanks daughter Jett,, What an incredible meeting for me,, Being the fan I am,, and have always been,, Hank Williams music wouldn't have been what it waswithout Don,, nor would Don have been without Hank,, I learned of his passing through Hank Jr's song The Last Drifting Cowboy,, The Steel Guitar could never sound the same without Don,, Just as Rock and Roll could never be the same without Elvis,,
How you can show support
Bart
October 24, 2018
I had always listened to the music of hank Williams being from Montgomery , al but didn't know about Don Helms now I do and I can't wait to meet him in heaven !!
April 2, 2018
I loved his steel guitar playing and discovered that he and my great grandfather James Oscar were cousins, both born in New Brockton, Alabama. Condolences and wish the family the best.
Greg Ryan
June 6, 2017
I never knew Don Helms but I learned that he was my cousin, much older than me. My mother was Irma Helms, from New Brockton, AL. It's quite something to learn your relative was a legend. God bless you, Don.
s Foster
March 15, 2017
His talent with a steel is like no other. You know who's playing without seeing him. God Bless him
Nadya Wall-Rossi
February 4, 2017
Thank you.
Myrt Dunbar
January 17, 2017
I still miss hearing from Don. I had visited with him about 6 months before his death. Hazel, I had planned to send him my book containing all of the newsletters and pictures I kept in a large portfolio,but never got around to sending them to him. It contained all the information I sent out to the Fan Club Members during the time that I was the President of the Hank William's Original Drifting Cowboys Band International Fan Club from 1979 to 1984. If you should happen to see this and would like to have it, let me know and I will send it to you. I also have numerous casett discs that I made during our visits with them when my husband J.C and I accompanied them on many concert trips around the country.It contained many many stories about the times they toured with Hank Sr. I am 88 years old and need to get this information to someone that enjoyed the Drifting Cowboys as much as we did. Your children or Jerry River's and Bob McNett's children (I have no idea how to contact any of them) may want them.I don't know any of the Fan Club Members personally or I would have also offered the information to them. You can contact me at Myrt Dunbar, 14218 FM 677 N, Saint Jo, Texas 76265 or call me at 940-995-7115 anytime. Myrt & JC Dunbar; We are also on FACEBOOK, but I am not too active on it. JC keeps up on the news there.
Nadya Wall-Rossi
December 2, 2016
He was the best of the best. God Rest his soul and thank you for the wonderful music.
Andy Alford
April 12, 2016
I miss talking to Don.He was a good friend.
July 9, 2015
I met Don Helms in 90's , still playing, for Jett Williams band, You could not meet a nicer person, autographed a hat I had bought at that concert. He could have said he was too busy,but no. Jett was married to Fletcher then. SEE you in Heaven Don
I did not know of his death til 2015, how sad
Robert Irwin
Gilford NH
concert was in MN
Dana Erlandson
March 29, 2015
I only met Don Helms once, at a Steel Guitar Convention in Wisconsin Rapids Wi. I only wanted to say that I never met a more gracious and open musician and was truly saddened to hear of his passing.
John Eichmann
September 17, 2014
Miss Hazel, I would just like to say that Don "Shag" Helms was one of the greatest steel guitar players of all time. Boots Harris, another Bama picker, who worked with Hank a long time ago, and I used to talk about the Good Ol' Days, when the great ones like Hank Williams could be identified by just listening to their bands play. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "Big" John Eichmann, the Hillbilly/Cowboy
Howard Lofton
September 8, 2012
Mrs Hazel ,
Having Mr. Don play on The Story of Hiram was very special for us . We have enjoyed being around this special man many times and we keep you in our minds and hearts
Howard Lofton Georgiana ,Alabama
October 28, 2010
What a wonderful thing, when you know your loved one is saved! I'm in a gospel group and have a gift CD to send you that the family would find interesting. Please get in touch with me. Love in Christ, Steve Wilson
Danny and Patricia Hammers
August 25, 2008
To my Dearest Hazel, family, and friends, Some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
"Well They say the angels in heaven play the harps.
But when I get there if I do.
I hope they play a steel guitar.
And with Brother Don there can you even imagine that sound."
ANN TILLER
August 21, 2008
MY HEART CRIES WITH YOU
AND FOR YOU.
DON WILL ALWAYS BE
REMEMBERED.
LOVE AND PRAYERS.
Jimmy Windham
August 21, 2008
Miss Hazel - Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Don. I heard Don play many times on my grandmother's front porch in New Brockton with his first electric guitar. I will always remember him as a good and kind man.
J. Mosier
August 20, 2008
Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You
larry sonka
August 16, 2008
truly a gifted person. rest in peace
John and Lynn Farrell
August 16, 2008
Don, Your music touched so many for such a long time. Thank you for the memories.
Debbie Johnley
August 16, 2008
Thank you for the unique melodies through your fingers to your steel guitar. Your friendly smile and giving heart. Most of all watching you love Miss Hazel...Will miss you Uncle Don!
Bobby and Linda Caldwell
August 16, 2008
Don, thanks for your talent, your humor, the memories and most of all,your friendship. Rest in peace dear friend. You will be in our thoughts always.
Dutch Alexander
August 15, 2008
Don, you have gone home to play in the big band in the sky with the beloved Hank Williams. Oh what a group of the best in country music. What a sight it must be. All of your friends lined up at the Pearly Gates to welcome you home. And I know that the first in line is Hank. Rest In Peace my friend. Play on forever. You are missed by all that knew you. Until we meet again my friend. God Bless.
Evg Tom Miley
August 15, 2008
Thanks, Be UnTo GOD, which gives us the Victory! Through His SON, JESUS CHRIST
http://www.starmission.us
Matt Keyes
August 14, 2008
I was glad I was able to speak with Don in the hospital and talk about meeting him 30 yrs. ago in N.J. He was such a gentleman. I have always loved the sound of Don Helms' steel guitar. He'll be greatly missed, as its the end of an era. My sympathy is with Hazel and the family.
Doug Bennett
August 14, 2008
Thanks for paving the way Don. Hearing you on Hank's records and watching you on the Wilburn Brothers TV show was a true treat. You were a master. God bless.
Joey Connolly
August 14, 2008
Don, I know you are at the helm of a heavenly ship playing some sweet music right now. Thank you for your artistry.
Patricia Fitzgerald
August 14, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Mike Smith
August 14, 2008
Don,
Thanks for all the wonderful memories through the years. You may be gone but you, along with Hank, will never be forgotten.
charles wininger
August 14, 2008
the bands are gathering in heaven i can almost hear the sound god be with the family during their hour of sadness
Jimmy T. Young
August 14, 2008
I guess we know who is playing steel guitar for Hank Williams in the "Great Beyond" now.
Jeff Glidden
August 14, 2008
Another legend gone...his music will live forever.
Thomas Widgeon
August 14, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!
SHEILA SMITH
August 14, 2008
Rest in Peace Don.
August 14, 2008
Such a gifted talented man who left his mark on Country Music. Rest in Peace
fredia pruitt
August 13, 2008
with love
John Pickar
August 13, 2008
Condolences to the entire Helms family and close friends. Don was a pioneer in the classic country sound. Good ole Hank would not have been such a success without Don and his talent right along side him. Now the angels have come a calling, and he plays sweet music with Our Lord the Savior.
Margaret Kuhn
August 13, 2008
May you find comfort in God during this time of your great loss.
Don Helms is one of the best musicians our world has ever had the privelige of hearing.
D. ZIMMERMAN
August 13, 2008
REST IN PEACE DON HELMS
Becky W estmoreland
August 13, 2008
It seems almost like Hank has died again..Don Helms and Hank Williams go hand-in-hand...My prayers are with Hazel.
Hankin' Buddie in NC
Becky westmoreland
BILL MOSLEY
August 13, 2008
DON WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST EVER. MORE THAN THAT,A REALLY
NICE MAN. HE WILL BE MISSED..
Harry Simpson
August 13, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
William Wightman
August 13, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
August 13, 2008
Mr. Helms's steel guitar sound was very precise, and recognizable. It set him apart from all other steel guitarists. His talent will be missed!
My sympathy to his loved ones.
A fan, Darla
Felton Floyd-Southern Drifters
August 13, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
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