Jim "Big Murph" Murphy passed away at 9:30 this morning in Dallas, Texas. Murph was undoubtedly one of the all-time great steel players. When asked about his work with Asleep at the Wheel, Johnny Paycheck, Razzy Bailey, Ray Price, Earl Scruggs, Hank Williams III, Carl Smith, and a list of legends too long to list, Murph would laugh and say, "I just can't hold down a job."

I first met Murph while I was working in Razzy Bailey's band. Razzy said he was looking for a steel player who could play something else, like saxophone. I called my friend, pianist Bob Hoban. Bob recommended Murph. Bob had played with him in Vassar Clements' band and raved about his playing. Murphy played with us for over over two years, and I was again honored to work with him for two more years at the Saturday Night Long Hollow Jamboree.

When Murph played country swing on the steel, it was like listening to the Count Basie Orchestra. Then, he'd pick up the saxophone and honk it like a rockin' goose.

Jim's sense of humor was legendary. He had the easiest heartiest laugh I've ever heard. When introduced he'd cross his eyes and blow out his cheeks. One night playing at the Long Hollow Jamboree, Murph showed me a can of "Fart Spray" that he'd gotten somewhere. Our drummer, Jann Jones (a fine Texas swing drummer) was a great friend of Jim's and they would joke with each other. That night Jim would make a farting noise and then spray a little bit of the spray. Jann, who is blind, would sniff around and make a face. Soon the whole club, except Jann, was in on the joke. After a few times, Jim made an awful noise and let loose with a large amount of spray. Soon the phony fart smell filled the dancehall. Jann started cussing about Murph's eating habits and all of the dancers were laughing so hard they were crying.

Murph, you were one of a kind. I'll bet right now God is saying, "Murph, play 'Mama's Eyes' for Me."

See You Later,
Mike

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Mike Dunbar Music

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music