PAUL YANDELL PASSES ON AT 76
Country Music has lost another great musicians, Paul Yandell one of the greatest guitar players ever in our industry, passed away this morning November 21, 2011.
Please keep Paul’s wife Marie, his son Micah and daughter-in-law Sheri in your thoughts and prayers.
Details about arrangements will be posted when they are available.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN THE PEACEFUL ARMS OF HIS BLESSED SAVIOR.
Paul Yandell
1935 – 2011
1935 – 2011
Paul was an accomplished player by the time he left high school in Western Kentucky, arriving in Nashville in 1955. Little did he know he would end up playing for the most renowned guitar player in the world. Paul joined Chet Atkins in 1975 supporting Atkins in his career that lasted for 25 years.
Paul started his career with The Louvin Brothers, which lasted until 1959, with Paul playing on many of their greatest hits. After serving in the army, Paul joined the Kitty Wells show where he stayed from 1961-1970. Paul joined Jerry Reed in 1970 and as Paul says he “went to college” learning from Jerry Reed. Paul stayed with Jerry through 1975.
Making his place in Nashville’s musical community as a session player, Paul played on many hit records with artists such as Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Steve Wariner, Hank Thompson, Perry Como, Roger Whitaker, Kitty Wells, The Louvin Bros, Les Paul, Woody Herman, The Everly Bros. and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Paul appeared on TV shows such as The Dinah Shore Show, The Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Pat Sajak Show, The Merv Griffin Show and Nashville Now.
After Chet Atkins died in 2001, Paul released a solo CD entitled “Forever Chet” featuring many songs performed by Chet Atkins throughout his career.
Paul’s CD “Dream Train” was released May of 2004 and features many original tunes written by Paul and performed on the New Gretsch “Nashville Classic” that was co-designed by Paul. The artwork for the cover of Dream Train was drawn by Steve Wariner, who is also featured on lap steel on one of the tunes.
In 2005, Paul released another CD, entitled “In the Groove”. His latest CD, “Drive On” is expected to be released in July 2006.
All I ever wanted to do when I was a kid was to come to Nashville and play at the Grand Ole’ Opry, that was my dream night and day. The dream eventually came true. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunities to play with–all my heroes. What more could a guy want?
– Paul Yandell