Steel guitarist Don Helms performs and talks about his life and career as part of the Museum’s “Nashville Cats” series, which honors musicians who have made a distinguished impact on country music. Musician Bill Lloyd moderates this program, which was recorded on November 11, 2006.

A member of Hank Williams’s Drifting Cowboys and an early supporting musician for Ray Price, Helms achieved legendary status as one of the most important sidemen in country music history. The sound of his steel guitar on “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You)” further defined country music as it transitioned from hillbilly string bands to the honky-tonk sound. In addition to playing on Price’s early 1950s hits, Helms’s session credits include classic recordings such as Lefty Frizzell’s “Long Black Veil,” Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight,” and Stonewall Jackson’s “Waterloo.” Helms toured and recorded with country music legends including Johnny Cash, Ferlin Husky, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, and the Wilburn Brothers.

Helms closes out the interview by performing instrumental snippets of Williams’s hits “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love with You),” “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Mansion on the Hill,” and “Cold, Cold Heart,” accompanied by Dan Furmanik on guitar.

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