Eldon Shamblin

Eldon Shamblin (April 24, 1916 – August 5, 1998) was an American guitarist and arranger, particularly important to the development of Western swing music as one of the first electric guitarists in a popular dance band. He was a member of the Strangers during the 1970s and 1980s and was the last surviving member of Bob Wills' band the Texas Playboys.

Career In his teens, Shamblin learned about guitar by analyzing the techniques of Eddie Lang. He performed in clubs in Oklahoma City and on his radio show as singer and guitarist. As the band's arranger and its first electric guitarist, Shamblin moved it closer to jazz.

Later years In 1983 Shamblin left the Strangers because he was tired of the touring. He returned to Tulsa and joined a late version of the Texas Playboys in 1983 led by Leon McAuliffe, who led the Original Texas Playboys band which had been reassembled in 1971 for the first occasion of Bob Wills Days in Turkey, Texas. The Original Playboys recorded several albums for Delta Records, which re-released an album that had been recorded locally called Eldon Shamblin – Guitar Genius. Shamblin recorded 'S Wonderful: Four Giants of Swing by Joe Venuti with Jethro Burns and Curly Chalker.

Shamblin is noted for being one of the earliest adopters of the Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. A demonstration model painted gold and dated 6/4/54 was given to him by Leo Fender. Shamblin played the guitar with the Texas Playboys in what became the final Bob Wills recording session for MGM Records, later taking it on the road with Bob Wills on a month and half long tour of the great Northwest. Rock guitarist Eric Clapton called Shamblin at his home in Tulsa and offered him $10,000 for it in the early 1980s. Shamblin declined and sold the instrument to legendary Rock and Country Promoter Larry Shaeffer, a good friend of Eldon's and owner of Cain's Ballroom and Little Wing Productions. Shaeffer sold the guitar to well known Vintage Guitar Dealer Larry Briggs (also of Tulsa) years later, and Briggs then traded it to Dave Crocker of Missouri for his stake in the Vintage Guitar Show(s). It was purchased by Mr. Proler of Texas.

The Stratocaster was loaned to guitarist and collector Joe Bonamassa for a year. It is now back in Mr. Proler's collection.

By 1996 Shamblin was in ill health and retired from music except for rare appearances. He died in a nursing home in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, on August 5, 1998. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 with Bob Wills and a select group of Texas Playboys. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Discography As leader S'Wonderful: 4 Giants of Swing with Jethro Burns, Curly Chalker, Joe Venuti (Flying Fish, 1975) Guitar Genius (Delta, 1981)

As sideman With Asleep at the Wheel Wheelin' & Dealin' (Capitol, 1976) A Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys (Liberty, 1993)

With Merle Haggard A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World (or, My Salute to Bob Wills) (Capitol, 1970) 5:01 Blues (Epic, 1989)

With The Tractors Tractors (1994) Farmers in a Changing World (1998)

With Bob Wills For the Last Time (United Artists, 1974) The Tiffany Transcriptions (1982) Heaven, Hell, or Houston (1983) San Antonio Rose (2000)

With others Take It Away Leon, Leon McAuliffe (1974) The Mac Wiseman Story, Mac Wiseman (1976) Joe in Chicago, Joe Venuti (Flying Fish, 1979) Back to Back, Tiny Moore and Jethro Burns (1979) Heroes, Mark O'Connor (Warner Bros., 1993)

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