Pedal steel guitarist & DJ Ray “Chubby” Howard passed away December 23 at age 95. He was a DJ in the late 1950’s on KFHA AM 1480 Lakewood WA & also briefly hosted a western music show on KTVW-TV Tacoma. Howard was also a regular on Channel 13’s Country Jubilee. (NWBroadcasters.com) Howard had radio programs on various Tacoma area radio stations, including KMO Tacoma and KAYE Puyallup.
Howard appeared on country music television programs throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, and made seven USO tours throughout Japan, Korea, Newfoundland, Greenland, and Alaska which included entertainment icons Roy Acuff and Bob Hope. Throughout the 1970s, he toured the nation with Steve Lake and The Swingmasters backing up illustrious artists such as Connie Smith, The Statler Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, Lorne Greene, and members of the Hee Haw cast and Lawrence Welk Show.
Real Roots Radio, WBZI (Xenia, Ohio) posted: The Real Roots Radio family has suffered an enormous loss. Chubby Howard passed away December 23, 2021, at age 95. Loved by thousands of listeners, Chubby was heard on our radio stations for nearly 25 years. His career in country music as a steel guitar player and radio and television personality was remarkable. Chubby was born on June 5, 1926, in Goose Rock, Kentucky. A hall of fame graduate of Franklin (Ohio) High School, a World War II veteran, member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, father of three sons, and true friend to thousands, his warmth and passion for sharing country music was unequaled.
I was 8 years old when Chubby had me sing and play on his show on Channel 13. It was a huge factor in forming my musical future. Thanks Chubby!