Steve Pendleton -- Trombone -- The Shingle Shakers
Steve was a music lover early on. Today he likes to tell stories about his 78 rpm Gene Autry records (he was a big star then), his Loonie Tunes story albums, and watching Elvis' debut on Ed Sullivan. By the way, the three-speed record player was invented the same year he was born!!
The trombone "bug" bit Steve one afternoon in 1957 just after The Mickey Mouse Club TV show. Five guys dressed as firemen played tunes in a style he later learned was Dixieland Jazz. The group was known as "The Firehouse Five" (they actually were Disney cartoonists). He was absolutely captivated by the trombone and the sound it contributed to this stirring, happy genre of music.
He began trombone lessons in school at the age of eight. More than one great music teacher urged him to develop his skill. Steve met Mike Thaman in seventh grade. For the next six years they spent many great musical times together. They sang barbershop, played in their school's first marching band, attended music competitions and pulled together impromptu stage band rehearsals. At one point, Mike introduced Steve to Dan Kelley, his lifelong friend. Steve was not to enjoy Dan's company again until 1971, but the wait was well worth it.
Steve's trombone remained active in the St. Louis County Orchestra, in summer concerts and with the The Seven A. M. rock band between school sessions. He also enjoyed playing "older tunes" with his dad, a four-string banjoist, and his friends.
The trombone went in to storage upon his entering University of Missouri at Columbia, and did not return to service until Fall of 1971. Steve was working for the Mexico, Missouri newspaper after graduation from Journalism School (where Larry Garrett had been his classmate). Mike Thaman called Steve to ask if he would be interested in playing for The Shingle Shakers at the Village Inn in Columbia, Missouri, 30 miles away. Steve jumped at the chance, though he knew nothing about playing Dixieland Jazz. Larry Garrett, Chris Smith, Jeff England and Bill Dineen taught Steve the ropes, until finally he could hold his own (kind of). Soon after he joined the group, Dan Kelley left for National Guard service so Glenda Austin and Norah Hulse took over piano duties. Rich Howard, Jim McCormick, Larry Garrett and Ken Vale were playing four nights a week, while everyone else rotated in and out as they could.
The experience was terrific. Even more satisfying than the music was getting to know this great group of people. Steve shared his flying hobby with Ken Vale (he had a lot of military flying experience,) and Mark Hulse, a fellow plane owner, and actually took Jim, later to become Col. McCormick of the U. S. Air force, in his first flight in a small plane. The money earned at the Village Inn paid for Steve's flying lessons.
The good times came to an end the summer of 1972 when a new job moved him to Wichita. Not too long after, however, he returned to Missouri and was delighted to resume occasional gigs around St. Louis, with many of the original group.
Steve has utilized his Journalism degree in every job he has ever had, including: printing equipment sales; Hallmark Cards sales and product marketing manager; account executive and national account manager for a training/ publishing firm; and currently, SE regional sales manager in printing equipment tooling.
He has lived in the Atlanta area since 1985 with his wife, Cathy, whose passion is raising and showing championship Samoyed dogs. Many weekends one can find the crew traveling the Southeast in their "dog bus." Steve plays in his church's orchestra and rock ("praise") band. He feels lucky to have his dad, Rusty as an honorary member of the Shingle Shakers and his mom, Dot, as #1 groupie.