Published: September 06, 2008 10:54 pm      

70-year-old musician walks the line each day

Some people feel limited by age, afraid to take on new challenges or make changes in the autumn of their lives.

But for Al Teeter of Nanty Glo, age is just a state of mind, and he pays no mind to age or any other limitation, including the cerebral palsy with which he was born in 1938.

With limited use of his legs, Teeter overcomes daily challenges with a positive attitude.

Teeter’s sunny outlook radiates when the 70-year-old takes to the stage with his harmonica along-side fellow band members of Ole 97 – The Johnny Cash Tribute Band and Gospel Group.

“I have the worst type of cerebral palsy,” Teeter said. “But I don’t let it control me. God gave me the ability to play the harmonica, and that’s what I’m doing. I’ve been playing it for 60 years, ever since I was 10 years old. I’m self-taught.”

Randy Hunter of Windber, lead singer and rhythm guitar player for Ole 97, is a huge fan of the band’s senior member.

“He is an amazing man,” Hunter said. “He has such spirit. He is just happy to be alive. It is a blessing to be a part of his life.

“He is always worried about somebody else and never complains. His whole life has been a struggle. Nothing comes easy for him, but you wouldn’t know that. To see his crippled-up hands and see him up there playing, it’s just amazing.”

The two met a few years ago when Hunter and some friends were forming a gospel group.

Jim McKeel of Ebensburg, who plays flat top and acoustic guitar, is a friend of Hunter’s. The two have blended their musical talents for nearly six years.

Four years ago, McKeel introduced Hunter to his harmonica-playing cousin, Al Teeter. The trio hit it off and began playing gospel music locally as Joyful Noise.

As the trio traveled the church circuit, many people told Hunter he sounded like the late Johnny Cash.

The group began entertaining thoughts of a tribute band, and in January made it official. Ole 97– The Johnny Cash Tribute Band and Gospel Group began entertaining audiences as far away as New York.

“I’m the oldest in the band,” Teeter said, “not necessarily the wisest. I can’t wait until we get together each week. I have a lot of physical problems, but they don’t get me down. I take one day at a time.

“We are really doing well,” he added. “Randy can sing just like Johnny Cash. If you close your eyes and hear him, you’d think he was Johnny Cash, and our June Carter, Judy Nagy, sounds amazing.”

Other members of the band are Nagy’s husband, Doug, of Salix, lead guitar; Mark Sayne of Nanty Glo, drums; and Rick Zlater of Ebensburg, bass guitar.

Teeter’s motion may be somewhat limited, but he and his traveling band have been walking the line and doing fine.