Who started or popularized the use of the steel guitar in country music? Early country songs contained no steel guitars but by 1950 the steel guitar had become a staple of country music.
There was the Dulcimer that was drowned out by the Accordeen. The Dobro was the natural evolution that led to the steel guitar or Slide Guitar as an electrical version to replace the American origin Dulcimer. An early player of the slid guitar was Ray Keefer who played at the Grand ol Opry and in the 40s before and after WWII.
The Lap steel guitar evolved from the Hawaiian guitar. Then came the console steel guitar with muliple necks to which were added pedals (by the Gibson Guitar Corporation), the instrument being named the Electraharp. An early player of this instrument was Alvino Rey. Pioneers of the Pedal Steel were Adolph Ricken backer, Paul Bigsby and Leo Fender. Paul Bigsby began making Pedal Steel Guitars in 1948, and Speedy West used the second of these to be built, and used extensively in his work with Jimmy Bryant. The likes of Shot Jackson, Buddy Emmons, Ralph Mooney, Zane Beck and Jimmy Day mechanically enhanced the steel guitar, and gave us the machines which are found today.
As I don't know for sure I have a couple of really good guesses. I would say either Jerry Byrd of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours or Don Helms of Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys. I can tell you for sure that Bud Isaacs was the first player to use a pedal steel guitar on a hit recording: Slowly by Webb Pierce in 1953.
You're an idiot. Only an ignorant fool would attempt to generalize an entire genre into one unappealing stereotype, rather than putting forth the effort to actually LISTEN to the music. 'Horrible Instrumentals?' Really? Some of the best guitar players on the planet are country singers (ever heard of Brad Paisley? Keith Urban? Chet ADKINS, for gods sake, who, in his prime, was one of the best guitarists on the planet?) 'Terrible Vocals'? You're joking, right? I know you're joking. You HAVE to be joking, considering the amount of 'talent' most popular pop artists at the moment have. Ever heard Katy Perry sing Live? Rihanna? Britney Spears? Miley Cyrus? Fergie? Selena Gomez? Ke$ha? And these are the most dominant pop singers in the world right now. And you think its your place to be criticizing country musician's vocals? Country music is KNOWN for having phenomenally talented singers, both in and out of the studio. (Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Rascall Flatts and many, many more) Mediocre Topics? Love, Heartbreak, Family, Patriotism, Sex (occasionally). The same general topics that EVERY genre explores. How would you like it if i said that all rappers sing about is f*cking b*tches and driving fancy cars? Yeah, I'm guessing you'd think that sounded pretty ignorant. Dull Lyrics? Country music is known for being the kind of music that tells a story throughout the song, not just repeating the same few catchy verses and a chorus like other genres. If you find that kind of story telling boring, then go listen to some Katy Perry. She sounds like she's more your style.
