Country Music Icon & Opry Star Dead At 88

Steel Guitar Forums

The man responsible for incredible hits and pioneering one of the most revolutionary changes to steel guitar has passed away at his home in Arizona.

Bud Isaacs began playing music professionally at just 16 years old and his instrument of choice was the steel guitar. But as time went on, Bud would move quickly from being solely a steel guitar player to becoming the man who revolutionized the instrument when he added foot and knee pedals to change pitch of singles strings.

An Indiana native, Bud headed to Nashville and began performing on the Grand Ole Opry with greats like Little Jimmy Dickens and Eddie Hall, becoming a regular on the hallowed stage for many, many years.

Bud has performed on a seemingly endless list of recordings which include hits like Webb Pierce’s “Slowly”, “The Waltz You Saved For Me”, and his signature tune, “Bud’s Bounce”. He was featured on all 11 top country hits of 1955 due to the incredible demand for his unmatched talent.

It is truly a sad day in country music to lose a man that had such a presence and influence on music. He will be truly missed.

Bud passed away on September 4th in Arizona. It has been reported that Bud will be cremated with a memorial service planned for a later time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.