Ben Keith, Longtime Neil Young Sideman and Pedal Steel Guitarist, Dead at 73

I cannot even imagine what this talented Man's Friends are going through. Neil, Pegi, Rickthebassplayer Rosas, Crowford, spooner,and all the other wonderful talented Musician's that were Lucky enough to Have Him in their Lives. All my Love and Blessings go out to all of you!!
and Heidi I know that no Matter what People Say, that Terrible aching Pain in your Heart that Happens when we Loose our Daddy, will heal with Time. Never Completely but it will get easier every Year. Just Remember the Good Book reasures us that we will see them again.
I Do know that Grandpa (lol, for those who do not know why I referr to him as Grandpa, Ben Keith starred in Neil Young's Greendale Movie as Grandpa.)will be very missed . Ben Thank You for Making all of our lives so much better, just with your Talented Presence. I can only imagine how Lucky they are in Heaven to Gain another Chosen One.
Till we Meet again, My Friend,
Lechelle

My last e-mail contact with Ben was the night before the unexpected death. Ben said, he was excited about the surprise he had to offer. For 5 years we talked about having Neil Young play at the IP Theater located in Biloxi, Mississippi, my favorite venue to chill on the Gulf Coast. After the success of Jazz Fest. New Orleans, Louisiana, Ben knew everyone would enjoy this venue. Knowing many people worked together to share the tunes along the Gulf Coast, our Straw Boss, Ben Keith was one of the leaders. His Spirit will be remembered on stage for this upcoming event,Neil Young Solo, along with many more. My heart goes out to his daughter Heidi, Neil & Pegi Young, All Music Family Members. Missed by many, yet.. Pure Sounds will be passed to our future children, we are blessed,to be, part of his ride. Miss You My Friend..Cherie Ann Munster~~ Covington, Louisiana

Ben had just been in New Orleans working on producing Johnny J and the Hitmen's latest cd at Audiophile Studios in mid-April. Johnny J had spoken with him by telephone on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Neil Young's ranch concerning some changes Ben wanted to make on one of the tracks. Ben told Johnny J that he had recently fallen and had hurt some of his ribs and hurt his face and head but that he felt he would be ok and Johnny J said he sounded fine. Johnny J did say however that he had a funny feeling about the conversation, although he didn't know why.

It’s a terrible tragedy that Ben Keith has passed away. You can help remember him by contributing to his memorial website at http://benkeith.people2remember.com/