Renowned pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn passed away on January 31, leaving a profound legacy in the music world. The High Zero Foundation announced her death, expressing gratitude for the music shared with her. Alcorn’s husband confirmed she died of natural causes at the age of 71.
Alcorn transformed the perception of the pedal steel guitar, elevating it beyond its conventional place in country music. With a virtuoso technique, she crafted a unique solo career that combined elements from free jazz, classical music, Indian ragas, bluegrass, and Indigenous traditions. This eclectic fusion resulted in a fluid sound that seamlessly blended intricate rhythmic and atonal structures.
Born in 1953, Alcorn grew up in a musically vibrant household; her mother was a pianist and singer with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, while her father entertained with performances of renowned vocalists. Her early musical influence came from icons like Igor Stravinsky and Duke Ellington, which later expanded into folk, blues, and psychedelic bands. Throughout high school, she balanced bluegrass and 20th-century classical music, both of which significantly shaped her musical trajectory.
After moving to central Florida, Alcorn’s appreciation for country blues and fretless instruments deepened, particularly after witnessing elder musicians play lap steel guitar. Her admiration grew while living in Chicago, where she was captivated by Muddy Waters’ performances and a country band featuring a pedal steel player. She described the instrument’s unique sound as a revelation, prompting her to purchase one and seek instruction.
By the age of 21, Alcorn had fully embraced the pedal steel guitar, performing in country and western swing bands in Houston. She learned that improvisation—especially for the pedal steel—was often subtle. Rather than be discouraged by the local music scene’s traditional expectations, she mastered the genre by studying legends like Buddy Emmons, Lloyd Green, and Bukka White, then ventured to challenge those conventions. Her pursuit of jazz improvisation under Dr. Conrad Johnson further expanded her approach to the guitar.
