on 6-21-97 sent me a nice e-mail with his musings on Ralph Mooney:
Ralph Mooney, one of the true innovators of the steel guitar, was born in Duncan, Okla. He first became interested in the steel guitar after hearing Leon McAuliffe.
Ralph moved to California in the 40's as a teenager. His style was gradually developed playing with various bands and lots of recording work. For 10-12 years in the 50's and 60's he was more or less a staff musician for Capitol Records. His distinct style is evident on Buck Owen's earlier albums, Merle Haggard's first LP and Warren Smith's first Liberty LP. Although closely associated with Wynn Stewart, Ralph has done session work for over 70 artists (including Rose Maddox, Skeets McDonald, Bobby Austin, Bonnie Owens, Wanda Jackson, Donna Fargo, Jessi Colter, et al).
A classic example of Moon's earlier session work is Johnny and Jonie Mosby's "I'll Leave The Front Door Open" (1st version, not the Columbia one). The takeoff and turnaround is vintage Mooney.
Ralph is also noted as a songwriter. He wrote "Crazy Arms" that Ray Price made into a classic. He wrote the song after Mrs. "Moon" left him one time. They later got back together. He also wrote "Falling For You" which Wyn Stewart and Merle Haggard both recorded.
Ralph has said that Curly Chalker is his favorite steel player. He also admires Lloyd Green, Jimmy Day, Buddy Emmons and others.
Ralph has said that he has never favored instrumentals although he teamed up with James Burton (no slouch himself) to record an LP on Capitol "Corn Pickin' and Sclick Slidin'" (A collector's Item).
He joined up with Waylon Jennings in 1970 and stayed with him until a few years ago. He is rumored to be semi-retired in Texas.
A few notable recordings that he played on: Above and Beyond, Under Your Spell Again, High as the Mountains, Nobody's Fool But Your's (Buck Owens) Swinging Doors, The Bottle Let Me Down, (All My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers (Merle Haggard) Odds And Ends (Bits and Pieces) I Don't Believe I'll Fall in Love Today (Warren Smith) It's Such a Pretty World Today (Wynn Stewart) Storms Never Last, I'm Not Lisa (Jessi Colter) etc.
As you can see I think a lot of ole Ralph.
Ray in Baton Rouge."