Need a recording or tab of "Dragging the Steel"

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 21 Dec 2003 12:19 pm

I play every weekend at a local Opry and have had a long standing request to play an older tune: "Draggin the Steel". Who recorded it? Does someone have a tab of it? I will gladly pay for a tape copy of it.

Thanx,
Jim Bates
www.manvelopry.com

John Robel · Post by **John Robel** » 22 Dec 2003 7:33 pm

Is that boot heel drag maybe?

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 22 Dec 2003 7:54 pm

No, this is a different tune. Probably older than Boot Heel Drag which I play regularly.

Thanx,
Jim

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 22 Dec 2003 10:54 pm

Never heard a recording of this tune.However, my dad told me it's the steel guitar version of an old fiddle tune.(Dragging the Bow).Can't say for sure. Maybe it's good for a bump though........bb

Mark Switzer · Post by **Mark Switzer** » 24 Dec 2003 4:26 am

Jim: There`s a tab to this in one of Scotty`s big steel books published by Mel Bay. It might be under a slightly different title. The two CD`s of Speedy West on radio both contain this song (There`s Gonna Be a Party... on Jasmine Records and The Steel Guitar Transcriptions of Speedy West on Bronco Buster). It`s the same recording on both. He`s in the key of A on the E9th neck(I think).
I`ve wondered about the origins of this song myself. It does share the chord progression with Draggin` the Bow and some other fiddle tunes, mostly with "rag" in the title. The composer is listed as Tommy Sargent. Maybe someone can enlighten us. Hope this helps.
Mark

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 26 Dec 2003 5:57 pm

Many thanks for the replies and info. I will check out Scotty's book. Am also interested in getting Speedy's version he recorded. What is the source?

Thanx,
Jim

Mark Switzer · Post by **Mark Switzer** » 28 Dec 2003 12:42 am

Jim: My favorite source for "Roots" music (real country,blues,bluegrass,etc.) is Down Home Music Store in El Cerrito,Ca. (S.F. Bay Area). They currently list both Speedy CD`s on their site. You can send an Internet order or call them at (510)525-2129.
Mark