Final Notes
Every life has a story. Basil “Sonny” Burnette 1953-2013 Basil “Sonny” Burnette, a life member of the Nashville Musicians Association, died Feb. 12, 2013 at age 83 in Smithville, Tenn. Burnette, a steel guitar player, joined Local 257 in 1953. The Bristol native learned to play guitar as a child and began studying steel after hearing Jerry Byrd. He appeared on local radio, then moved to Knoxville where he played on “Tennessee Barn Dance.” His friend Roy “Junior” Huskey convinced Burnette to move to Nashville, where over the years he played with many artists, including Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Ferlin Husky, Don Gibson, Kitty Wells and Loretta Lynn. An innovator on his instrument, Burnette is credited with advancing the E9 pedal sound invented by Bud Isaacs. He learned to fly, and piloted Pierce’s small airplane, which allowed them to fly to appearances across the country. He also drove Pierce’s Cadillac to Nashville after it was customized in Arkansas. This vehicle is on permanent display in the Country Music Hall of Fame. After coming off the road in 1970, Burnette became a member of the Grand Ole Opry staff band — twice nominated for CMA Instrumental Group of the Year — and also was a member of the Ralph Emery Show band. He worked as a session player, and released an album himself along with Weldon Myrick and Hall Rugg in 1975 called Steel Guitars of the Grand Old Opry. In 1991 he retired and moved to Smithville, Tenn. Burnette is survived by loving family and friends, who will remember him for many things, including his well-known response at the end of conversations, “Is there anything I can do to help you?” Burnette was buried in Hendersonville Memory Gardens following a graveside service. The family requests that any donations be made to the Nashville Musicians Association Emergency Relief Fund. TNM
In Memoriam The officers, staff and members of Local 257 extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of our members who have recently passed away. You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
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Name
Born
Joined
Died
Life Member
Basil “Sonny” Burnette, Jr.
06/10/1929
10/06/1953
02/12/2013
Y
Will John Clements
03/12/1940
07/08/1992
01/29/2013
William Ovid Collins, Jr.
07/18/1918
11/16/1933
03/11/2013
Y
RobeRtson County
Henry F. Corwin
06/02/1939
03/28/1968
03/25/2013
Y
JoeLton HiLLs
Jack H. Greene
01/07/1930
07/31/1962
03/14/2013
Y
Memory Gardens
Harry B. Johnson
12/09/1923
07/07/1946
01/12/2013
Y
Memorial Gardens
Hugh Gordon Stoker
08/03/1924
11/17/1942
03/27/2013
Y
Funeral Home & Crematory
CRestvieW
Funeral Home, Memory Gardens & Cremation Memorial Gardens
sumneR
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