Don Helms was born on February 28, 1927, on a small farm in New Brockton, Alabama.  Donald Hugh Helms, at the age of 15, bought a Silvertone lapsteel and an amp, and proceeded to master the instrument.  By the age of 17, he went to work with a local radio personality by the name of Hank Williams.  They performed in schoolhouses and small bars until Don went into the service in 1945.  Don later joined Hank after the latter had moved to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.  It is my opinion that the unique steel guitar styling of Don Helms played a major role in the success of Hank Williams.

After Hank’s death in 1953, Don and the Drifting Cowboys kept the band together with recording sessions and show dates.  I used Don Helms and the Drifting Cowboys on my first Columbia Records in 1954.  In September 2002, we had a reunion in Nashville, and Don once again played for me on my CD, “Dusty Owens Sings Once More.”  Needless to say, I had a deep respect for the talent and creative ability of one of the best, Don Helms.

Don suffered a stroke in 2005 but recovered nicely. Recently, it became necessary for Don to have a triple by-pass from which he never completely recovered. He passed away this morning in Nashville. Please continue to remember Don’s wife of over 60 years, Hazel, in your prayers. We will truly miss this giant of a man, and legendary steel guitar man, Don Helms.

Dusty Owens
TCM Radio News