Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)

Subject: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 May 15 - 02:39 AM

Texas Playboy, Million Dollar Band member, and legendary country and Western Swing fiddle player Johnny Gimble has passed away. He died on Saturday morning, May 9th after dealing with complications from several strokes over the past few years, according to his daughter Cyndy. Known best as one of the primary fiddle players in Bob Wills' Western Swing band the Texas Playboys, Gimble spent his life charming audiences and being revered as one of the Godfathers of Texas fiddle music. "My hero passed away today. Godspeed Johnny Gimble. We love you," said current Western Swing fiddle maestro Jason Roberts upon hearing the news.

John Paul Gimble was born in Tyler, Texas on May 30th, 1926, and grew up in the nearby community of Bascom. Playing fiddle in bands since age 12, Gimble first appeared with his two brothers Bill and Jack in the Rose City Swingers before moving to Louisiana and playing fiddle for Jimmie Davis. Gimble eventually joined Bob Wills full time in the late 1940's after Wills discovered Johnny while he was playing in a band called the Rhythmaires. Johnny became a member of the most legendary lineup of the Texas Playboys. Gimble also fronted his own band from 1951 to 1953 that played as the house band at Bob Wills' "Ranch House" club in Dallas. Gimble also appeared on the Marty Robbins #1 hit, "I'll Go On Alone."

By the late 60's Gimble was a sought after session player, and played on Merle Haggard's Bob Wills tribute record, and recordings from Chet Atkins. Gimble also played mandolin in both live and studio sessions. He was also known for being one of the very few five-string fiddle players—adding an extra lower string to hit lower notes.

Johnny Gimble's most high-profile position may have been as a member of the Million Dollar Band—an All-Star group of session musicians that most notably appeared on the television variety show Hee-Haw. He also toured with Willie Nelson as his fiddle player from 1979 to 1981 after moving from Nashville back to Texas, and in 1983 assembled a Texas Swing group that featured Ray Price on vocals that had a hit with the song "One Fiddle, Two Fiddle" after the song was featured in the Clint Eastwood move Honkytonk Man.

Gimble was nominated for a Grammy for appearing on Mark O'Connor's Heroes album from 1993, and made numerous appearances on Austin City Limits in the 90's and 2000's. A good friend of Western Swing revivalist Ray Benson and his band Asleep at the Wheel, Johnny Gimble has appeared with the group many times. He also was awarded the Academy of Country Music's Fiddle Player of the Year awards nine times.

Johnny Gimble's granddaughter Emily Gimble is also a noted singer and keyboard player for Asleep at the Wheel.

Beloved as a fiddle virtuoso in Texas and beyond, Johnny Gimble will the deeply missed in the country music community.

He was 88 years old.

http://www.savingcountrymusic.com/legendary-texas-fiddle-player-johnny-gimble-has-passed-away

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: BanjoRay
Date: 11 May 15 - 06:36 AM

A fine, fine fiddle player.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: Wesley S
Date: 11 May 15 - 07:39 AM

A brilliant musician. I'm remembering driving around with my Grandfather Mahoney listening to the Merle Haggard's Bob Wills tribute record on 8 track. Great memories.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 11 May 15 - 06:11 PM

Fine fiddler indeed, and will be fondly remembered by all who had the opportunity to see him and hear him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: Janie
Date: 11 May 15 - 10:17 PM

What Arkie said. Rest in Peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 11 May 15 - 10:29 PM

Seemed like he always had a smile on his face.

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 May 15 - 10:36 PM

What they said. What a legend.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: GUEST,GEORGE CHAMBERS
Date: 12 May 15 - 06:16 PM

JOHNNY GIMBLE PLAYED ON ONE OF MY ALBUMS HE WAS A LEGEND

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 May 15 - 08:06 PM

Johnny Gimble was a frequent guest on the Prairie Home Companion radio show. I enjoyed their tribute to Johnny, broadcast Saturday May 9:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hddvvt2Iadw

The City of Waco (Texas) told Johnny Gimble's story on a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9lLjQCQcj0

Subject: RE: Obit: Johnny Gimble (1926-2015)
From: Janie
Date: 12 May 15 - 09:48 PM

Thanks for the links, Joe.