Cord Fitch Memorial Steel Guitar Show
April 24 & 25, 2026
Benton Civic Center 414 W. Hudelson St.
Benton, Illinois 62812
Visit us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/S.I.SteelGuitarShow/
Amber Digby – Traditional Country Vocalist
Amber Digby is one of the most respected voices in traditional country music today, known for her rich,
expressive vocals and unwavering dedication to the classic honky-tonk sound. With a style deeply
rooted in the golden era of country, she has built a loyal following among fans who appreciate
authentic, steel-driven country music.
Raised in a musical family, Amber was surrounded by classic country from an early age. Her mother,
Leslie Anne Sloan—known to many as Miss Leslie—is a well-known traditional country artist, and her
stepfather, Randy Lindley, is a respected musician as well. Growing up in this environment, Amber
developed a deep appreciation for the sounds of legends like Connie Smith, Ray Price, and Loretta Lynn, influences that can still be heard in her music today.
Amber’s career began to take shape in Texas dance halls and honky-tonks, where her powerful voice and traditional style quickly set her apart. She gained national attention with a string ofacclaimed albums,
including Pass Me By, Another Way to Live, and Hold Me. Her recordings are celebrated for their heartfelt
delivery, classic arrangements, and strong emphasis on steel guitar and fiddle.
A regular performer at major traditional country and steel guitar events, Amber has appeared at
showcases such as the Ameripolitan Music Awards and various steel guitar conventions across the
country. She fronts her band, Midnight Flyer, featuring some of the finest musicians in the genre,
including standout pedal steel players who help define her signature sound.
"I was at the Opry," Amber recalls, "just hanging out and watching backstage, and Vince Gill was there.
I went over and said, 'Hey, I'm Amber Digby, I just wanted to meet you.' And before I could finish,
he said, 'Oh my gosh, I love your stuff, I hear you all the time on satellite radio.' I couldn't believe it,
it was almost surreal. But he invited me to write with him, and I did—and he wound up recording
the song we wrote. And now he's singing a duet with me for my next album."
Whether performing on stage or recording in the studio, Amber Digby continues to honor the
legacy of classic country music while bringing it to new audiences. Her voice, steeped in tradition
and emotion, ensures that the timeless sound of honky-tonk remains as vibrant as ever.
Doug Jernigan
Doug Jernigan is widely regarded as one of the most technically accomplished and influential pedal steel
guitarists in country and gospel music. Born on November 3, 1948, in Pensacola, Florida. Jernigan showed an
early passion for music, initially learning the Hawaiian steel guitar as a child. His natural ability and dedication quickly set him apart, and by his teenage years he had already begun performing professionally.
Jernigan’s career took off in the late 1960s when he joined the band of country star Faron Young. As a
member of Young’s touring group, the Country Deputies, Jernigan gained national exposure and developed a reputation for his lightning-fast picking technique, smooth phrasing, and innovative improvisation. His playing blended traditional country sounds with elements of jazz, a fusion that would become one of his trademarks.
Throughout his career, Jernigan has performed with a wide range of artists, including Marty Robbins and
Ray Price, both of whom were known for their high musical standards. His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between honky-tonk, western swing, and gospel music.
Jernigan is also a respected educator. For decades, he has taught aspiring steel guitarists through workshops, instructional materials, and private lessons. His teaching has influenced generations of players, helping
to expand the technical possibilities of the instrument.
Jernigan has been inducted into the International Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions
to the development and popularity of the pedal steel guitar. He is frequently cited by fellow musicians
as one of the greatest players in the instrument’s history.
Known for his extraordinary speed, precision, and musicality, Doug Jernigan remains a towering figure
in the world of steel guitar. His legacy continues through his recordings, performances, and the
many musicians he has inspired.
Lynn Owsley – Steel Guitar Master
Lynn Owsley’s journey into music began at an early age, growing up in the dance halls of Alabama, Georgia,
and Florida. Playing hoedown fiddle tunes left-handed, he quickly developed a natural feel for music and performance. At just 14 years old, Lynn discovered the pedal steel guitar. Over the next six years, he
honed his skills and became remarkably proficient.
At age 20, a trip to Nashville to repair his Sho-Bud steel guitar would prove to be life-changing. While
at the shop, Lynn met legendary steel guitarist Shot Jackson, who invited him to attend the
Grand Ole Opry that very night. Standing backstage, meeting Roy Acuff, and hearing the rich,
unmistakable sound of steel guitar echo through the Ryman Auditorium left a lasting impression.
Within a week, Lynn landed a job on the road with Wanda Jackson. That opportunity opened doors
to an impressive run of performances with country music greats including Charlie Louvin,
Stonewall Jackson, Webb Pierce, Lefty Frizzell, Billy Walker, and Claude Gray.
Owsley is perhaps best known for his long-standing role as a member of Ernest Tubb and
The Texas Troubadours, a position he held for over a decade beginning in 1974. During that time,
he contributed to the legacy of one of country music’s most iconic bands, known for hits
like “Waltz Across Texas” and “Walkin’ the Floor Over You.”
Today, Lynn continues to perform regularly in Nashville at venues like Music City Bar, The Troubadour,
and Robert’s Western World, sharing his signature sound with audiences who appreciate both the
history and the heart of traditional country music.
Caleb Lindley – Pedal Steel Guitarist
Caleb Lindley is a young and dynamic pedal steel guitarist who is quickly making a name for himself
in the world of traditional country music. Known for his authentic honky-tonk sound and deep
respect for classic country roots, Caleb is widely recognized as one of the emerging players
“carrying on the tradition” of the pedal steel guitar.
Music runs deep in Caleb’s family. He is the grandson of legendary steel guitarist Dicky Overbey, and
the son of Randy Lindley and Leslie Anne Sloan (Miss Leslie), both respected figures in the country
music scene. Growing up surrounded by this rich musical heritage, Caleb developed a natural
connection to the steel guitar and the traditional sounds that define it.
A key member of Amber Digby & Midnight Flyer, Caleb has built a strong reputation as both a live
performer and recording artist. He has also performed with notable traditional country artists
such as Darrell McCall and Christopher Seymore.
Dedicated to preserving the true sound of the pedal steel, Caleb is an official Sho-Bud artist and is
especially known for his preference for Sho-Bud guitars, further tying his sound to the classic era
he represents so well.
With a style rooted in tradition and a future full of promise, Caleb Lindley continues to establish
himself as one of the leading young voices in pedal steel guitar today.
Meet our Stage Band Members
Guitar:
Joe Arview, Earl Erb, Everett Bug, Eugene Moles
Base Guitar:
Steve Ledford, Jerry Mayo, Polly Bug
Fiddle:
Dennis Stroughmatt, Melody Freeman
Drums:
Mark Fitch, Jeff Stoffel, Jason Zilm, Doug Rigsby
Piano / Keyboard:
Peggy Bode, James Jinkerson
Sound Engineers:
Everett Bug, Polly Bug




