Phil Baugh

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Phil Baugh (1936-1990)

Phil Baugh (December 13, 1936 – November 9, 1990) was an American guitarist. He was known as one of the leading hot country guitarists whose "playing exuded joy and humor."^[1] He was active from the 1960s through the 1980s, performing as a highly sought-after session musician as well as a recording artist in his own right.

1 Biography
2 Guitars
3 Representative Albums
4 Awards
5 See Also
6 External Links
7 References

[edit] Biography

Phil Baugh was born in Olivehurst, California in 1936. Singer and songwriter Vern Stovall discovered him and helped him get a contract on Crest Records in 1962. With promotion from Longhorn Records in Dallas, Texas their song Country Guitar became a hit. He then recorded an album called Live Wire! as a follow up. However, it wasn't as successful. He continued to work in Southern California, including joining Ray Price's band in 1969. In 1975 he moved to Nashville where he become a popular session guitarist. In the 1980s he was part of a country/jazz band called The Superpickers. The lineup included steel guitarist Buddy Emmons, drummer Buddy Harmon, bassist Henry Stryzlecki, pianist Willie Rainsford and harmonica player Terry McMillian. He suffered a coronary in 1985 and died 5 years later at the age of 53.^[2]

[edit] Guitars

Phil Baugh was one of the great country Fender Telecaster players^[3] along with James Burton and Don Rich. The entire album "Live Wire!" was recorded with his signature heavily customized Telecaster. But he also had other guitars, including a custom made doubleneck guitar from Mosrite and a Chet Atkins model Gretsch that according to Vern Stovall, frustrated him so much he smashed it against a wall.