Denny Eddy & The Final Word
“If you don’t trust me I will leave, that’s my final word”
I knew for certain we were going to do a song from Denny Eddy on this record. He toured Canada as a good citizen and performer of country music and recorded for Westmount Records, who in 1975 would release his standout album ‘Just As I Am’ .
Something tells me Denny was originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario but he eventually made his way West landing in British Columbia to stay. He’s a member of the British Columbia Country Music Hall of Fame and is the kind of character that fits the profile of this record of mine to a tee.
It was during Grant’s first tour with me back in 2017 when we met Denny out in the Badlands in Wayne, Alberta at a festival called Waynestock. At first glance, I suspected Denny was less than excited about our set. At the very least, I could tell he was listening with a critical ear. But, it didn’t take long to see he was appreciating our efforts in the field of beautiful country music. Following our set, Denny approached the stage and proclaimed, “I’ve only ever heard three people sing The Carroll County Accident; Porter Wagoner, me, and now you.” Needless to say, we hit it off. I’m always excited to meet a veteran of the road and Denny became a friend and big supporter of ours. We exchanged CD’s and went on our way. We had another job that day to play in Edmonton and on the way up, we put in Denny’s album. ‘The Final Word’ and ‘Where You Going Mary?’ both immediately stood out. Not long after that I learned The Final Word. We introduced it in to my live shows but not before Denny and his wife made the drive to Nanaimo when our duo tour found its way to the island in April 2018. Stayed for the whole show, too didn’t they.
It became a dream of mine that Denny would one day hear us play his song. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. We’re confident he’d approve of our treatment of what might be his best known song and one he references prominently in his final letter written in the days before his passing. Damn shame we lost Denny Eddy. I knew it would have made him happy to know we were playing his music for our audience.
The Final Word; I love the way our version turned out and felt strongly about it as the opening cut on the album despite my initial intention of it being the closer. Mike Weber was instrumental in the presentation of my version of The Final Word from the pedal steel lick that intro’s the song (and album) to the accentuated tag in the style of a Texas dancehall band. It was all live off the floor business for us on this one. Mike Weber on the pedal steel, brother Paul Weber on the Fender bass with Sean O’Grady on the drums, Grant Siemens on electric guitar and myself on lead vocal and acoustic guitar. That was the core band for the whole album, us 5 guys in the room chopping down these tunes and workin’ em out. Invaluable experience among Mike, Sean and Paul. Years and years and years of 6-nights a week on stage in the taverns, bars and honky-tonks. So glad we got those men on this record and that we were able to bring this song of Denny’s to life.
He starred in the ‘B’ rooms when infrastructure for live country music was strong in Canada and in addition to his love and dedication to the life and genre, Denny had a passion for helping others. Along the way, he received a number of degrees from the University of British Columbia, from Law to Aboriginal Studies where he was given opportunity to work towards Reconciliation, supporting individuals in need with legal aid and conflict resolution.
He was a good man and remains an under-rated and obscure name in the game of Canadian Country music. Hopefully Lost Country can help shine a light on Denny Eddy’s contributions to Country music.
“Look in the mirror every morning and challenge the person you see to be better, do better and take pride in who you are.” - DENNY EDDY | January 28 1945 - July 18. 2021. |
Sean Burns -
Monday, November 6. 10:08 AM
Room 517 Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown
Columbus, Ohio, United States of America