Neil Livingston RIP

Duane Becker · Post by **Duane Becker** » 21 Jul 2020 9:17 am

Longtime Pacific Northwest steel guitar player Neil Livingston passed away in Spokane, Wa. July 4, 2020. He was one day short of 85 years old. Neil started playing steel in the early 1950s, and quickly became well known. Playing with his family band, "The String Dusters and in 1956 he then went on to play on the Louisiana Hayride. Neil was also the steel player on Charlie Ryan's original "Hot Rod Lincoln". He played throughout the 1970's until his eye sight became an issue. He eventually became blind, but still able to play well. Retired sometime in the 80's still playing some music including gospel stuff.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 21 Jul 2020 10:29 am

Sorry to hear this. I never met him, but I remember him from the Steel Guitarist magazine back in the 70s. He contributed to the humor section with some funny stories.

Condolences to the family and friends.

Mitch Drumm · Post by **Mitch Drumm** » 21 Jul 2020 11:38 am

Obit:

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/spoke ... =196514627

He did a dandy instrumental version of Saint Louis Blues in the 1950s. It was never commercially issued, but it's out there on the Internet.

Ron Hogan · Post by **Ron Hogan** » 21 Jul 2020 6:12 pm

I have an LP he did and thought he played fine.

Danny Sneed · Post by **Danny Sneed** » 23 Jul 2020 6:03 pm

Duane thank you for posting this on the Forum.
I met Neil when I was about 12 years old, been friends ever since. We talked on the phone quite frequently the last 30 years. Always had a story to tell me. I'm going to miss those.
Neil was a fine musician and will be missed.
Danny and Ruthie