Article Author - Rusty Hoyle of Keep Traditional Country Alive
In Collaboration with John Carter from Honky Tonk Traditions.
Opening Photo Credit: Kat Hasty
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Welcome back to the KTCA Picker of the Month, folks! Last month, we launched this series by celebrating Kevin Skrla, "Kevin from Heaven," and the response was everything we hoped for and more. This monthly spotlight exists for one reason: to honor the unsung heroes keeping traditional country music's soul alive and kicking. We're committed to this mission until the honky-tonks close or the strings break, whichever comes first.
For our second installment, let's turn our attention to a pedal steel phenom whose haunting licks and infectious personality are making waves across the country scene.
Born Brady Henrie in Henderson, Nevada (class of 2010, putting him in his early 30s), and now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he's better known by a nickname that's as memorable as his playing: Muskrat Jones.
But before we dive into the steel talk, let's address the elephant in the room: where the hell did 'Muskrat' come from?
Clip of Muskrat picking some A-11.
The Legend Behind the Name: How "Muskrat" Became Steel Royalty
Every great picker needs a great nickname, and Brady's origin story is pure gold. In his own words:
"Man when I was in highschool I had the shittiest mustache ever (still do) and my good buddy started calling me 'skrat' it eventually became my steel name which I was NOT expecting hahahaha."
He loves it now, and honestly, it fits perfectly for someone as sly, adaptable, and quick-witted as he is.
Though Henderson, Nevada, is home, Brady's spent time chasing the music through Nashville and Austin before settling in Tulsa. It's a choice that JD McPherson, a fellow Tulsan, celebrates enthusiastically: "First of all, I love Muskrat because he chooses to live in Tulsa. He's tried a lot of different towns, but we're so happy he lives here, and knows what a gem this town is.
"What makes Tulsa special? McPherson nails it: "Whatever is happening in Tulsa is because it's fun and real and organic, and not because someone is chasing… whatever you chase in those industry towns." That grounded, no-BS energy is exactly what Brady brings to every stage he steps on.
David Miner shares a story that perfectly captures Brady's spontaneous magic: "I met Brady one night in Laramie, WY where he spontaneously sat in on one of my sets. As many are, I was immediately impressed with his playing. We shut down every bar in Laramie that night and have been buds ever since. Too many stupid stories to tell." Miner's conclusion? "Muskrat is a relentless student of his instrument and country music. Every time I see him play he gets better and I'm grateful every time I'm able to play with him because he makes the whole band better. Generational talent. Friend to all. Muskrat Jones."
Circa 2019 Muskrat Photo (From IG), then to 2025 to see the stud this cat turned into. (Video while performing with Summer Dean)
The Spark: From George Jones to Pedal Steel Obsession
Brady's journey to pedal steel royalty began with a television moment that changed everything. At 13 years old, he caught an episode of the Wilburn Brothers show featuring George Jones. The opening to "Grass Grows Over Me" featured Hal Rugg on steel, and Brady was mesmerized. He rewound that intro at least ten times, studying every note, every bend, every nuance. From there, he devoured steel guitar videos until he finally got his hands on his first instrument at 18.
That early obsession has propelled him into high-profile live work with Emily Nenni, Kelsey Waldon, and Summer Dean, plus his long-running role in Colter Wall's band. And here's some exciting news: this year marks Brady's first appearance on a Colter Wall studio record. The upcoming November release will feature his steel work, a milestone he's clearly pumped about. As he clarifies:
"Man, so I actually haven't been in a Colter record until this year! The new record coming out in November will be me playing steel on it. The steel you hear on the recordings of Colter is Pat Lyons, who is also a great player and friend! Also have been just on live bands for Emily and Summer. Not recordings yet haha. But each band has their own vibe to chase as a steel player and it's fun to go back and forth backing each unique artist!"
Brady's influences read like a steel guitar hall of fame, with Lloyd Green leading the pack in recent years. But he's quick to credit the full roster:
"As far as players go my biggest inspiration especially the last few years has been Lloyd Green. But there as so many to list. Dave Biller is a huge modern inspo as well. Billers tone and ideas are always so simple and so affective. Anytime I'm in a rut I watch or listen to him. Also Silas Hamilton is a buddy of mine and a a player I look up to. The guys is 22 and can play and sounds lien he's been playing for 50 years. Caleb Lindley, Kevin Skrla, Caleb Melo. I look up to all these cats and am lucky to call them pals."
Speaking of Caleb Melo, the brotherly bond between these two steel slingers runs deep: "Muskrat is not only one of the best steel guitarists I've heard, he's also one of my favorites. An absolute inspiration. I know he's influenced by all of the greats… Lloyd Green, Buddy Emmons, Hal Rugg, Dicky Overbey, etc…. I think he's an innovative player who's taking all of those great inspirations, mixing them up, and expanding upon them in his own unique fresh way."
The road stories? Priceless. Melo continues: "We have spent a lot of time on the road together and we have had nothing but great times. So many unforgettable moments & memories I always look back on! Whether it be gear talk, showing each other our current favorite steel songs, or just laughing, joking, and terrorizing our bandmates! Haha! He's a great friend, truly a brother, and an absolutely inspiring player."
The Video that started it all for Muskrat
Mastering the Craft: Technique, Challenges, and That Signature Twang
What sets Brady apart is that distinctive, haunting twang that weaves through songs like a ghost in a honky-tonk. But it didn't come easy. A pivotal moment came when he tackled Lloyd Green's "Lovin' Machine," a song that completely transformed his approach. At the time, he hadn't been pushing his speed or learning to play without relying heavily on knee levers. Mastering that tune opened up new possibilities, showing him the potential of the second string and the voicings already built into the instrument. It was a turning point that shifted his entire playing philosophy.
That growing confidence and technical mastery led to a milestone back in March of this year when Brady performed his first ever steel-fronted show, where the pedal steel took center stage as the lead instrument rather than its traditional supporting role. In an era where most steel players remain firmly in the sideman spot, stepping out front with the steel as the main attraction is a bold and increasingly rare move. It's a testament to both Brady's skill and his commitment to proving that this instrument deserves the spotlight.
Brady's approach to balancing tradition with innovation is thoughtful and earned:
"My opinion on honoring the tradition is keeping it traditional but original. Once you get to a place where you can improvise on the cuff and you know how you wanna sound, what you want your tone to sound like. You can begin to not think about your technique and just play what you feel. Once it becomes almost autopilot when you're playing then you can fully focus and ideas in your head rather than what your legs and hands are suppose to be doing haha. And with recording I think it's important to always serve the song and like Lloyd said Melody is always the way to go!"
Colter Wall, who's watched Brady's dedication up close, offers high praise: "Brady is one of the most studious musicians I've ever been around. He lives and breathes pedal steel guitar. I've never seen him when he wasn't learning some new lick or diving down some b-side honky tonk tune and playing along. The passion he has for that instrument is pretty inspiring."
Summer Dean captures both his talent and his personality: "Skrat has quickly become one of most popular steel players in the game today. He has a real effervescent personality that makes everyone want to hang out with him. (Though I'm sure it wears him out!) He's is a real asset to the genre because it's people like Muskrat that are making these sounds cool again. But he's not all showboat, he's got substance. His talent and knowledge of the instrument is expansive. You can hear his influences in his playing big time. One of my favorite things about playing on stage with Brady is how well he serves the song without compromising his own style. Some of my most magic moments on stage (and the road) have been when he was there. Muskrat is a pleasure to be around. He loves people, he loves country music, and he loves the steel guitar….and he makes everyone else around him feel the same."
Brennen Leigh highlights what makes him unique: "I could say the cliche thing and say Muskrat plays like an old man (a complement in steel world), and he does play with the vocabulary of someone beyond his years, but it's the energy and youthful spirit of his playing that sets him apart from other players. His playing is immediately identifiable…it's lively and strong and even humorous sometimes. He's one of the funniest people I know, which is a gift on van rides, and one of the most thoughtful."
Below is a clip from his Pedal Steel Fronted gig back in March (Top Clip) and another clip from his Instagram of his playing "Lovin' Machine" by the infamous Lloyd Green
The Rig: Vintage Soul, No-Frills Power
For the gear heads out there, Brady's setup is a love letter to vintage simplicity and tone. At the heart of his sound sits a mid-60s Sho-Bud fingertip, a beauty he's clearly proud of, and a '66 Emmons bolt-on. As he puts it bluntly:
"I also play a '66 Emmons bolt on but the Sho-Bud is the SHIT."
He runs straight into a Sho-Bud single-channel amp with just the essentials: a Hilton volume pedal and a Peterson tuner.
"As far as amps go I play a Sho-Bud single channel amp! Other than that I just play straight into my amp. With tuner that's about it. Hilton volume pedal and a Peterson tuner! And that's it haha."
No effects, no gimmicks, just pure, resonant steel tone.
Kevin Skrla, our inaugural picker and a fellow steel collector, credits Brady for enabling his own gear obsession: "I hold Muskrat partly accountable for my steel guitar hoarding." But it's more than just the gear, it's the approach. "It's always inspiring to hear Muskrat play. He's always learning new licks to throw into songs and mix things up. He likes to get obsessed with one player and cop their licks and lets that dictate how he approaches the songs. Always improving on his technique. I prefer playing steel, but I'll gladly play guitar alongside Muskrat any time. Muskrat is always good for cracking jokes to lighten the mood in the van. Very kind and considerate of everyone in the band."
JD McPherson underscores the curiosity that drives Brady's evolution: "What continues to impress me about him is his hunger for the knowledge of not only technique, but the history of his instrument. He's constantly listening and soaking in different players, and seeking out new ideas and sounds."
In order, Mid-60's Sho-Bud Fingertip, '66 Emmons Bolt On, and the Single Channel Sho-Bud Amp He runs everything through.
Why Muskrat Jones? The Heart Behind the Hardware
In an era when country music could easily drift into over-polished mediocrity, Brady Henrie, Muskrat Jones, stands as a beacon of authenticity and joy. His innovative approach honors the greats while pushing the tradition forward in fresh ways. His personality makes everyone around him better, happier, and more connected to the music's roots.
As Summer Dean puts it, he's making these sounds cool again, but with substance to back it up. Brennen Leigh celebrates his humor and thoughtfulness. Kevin Skrla highlights his kindness. David Miner calls him a friend to all. Caleb Melo considers him a brother. And Colter Wall recognizes the deep passion that drives everything Brady does.
When asked what song he'd use to introduce someone to country music in hopes of them yearning for more, Brady doesn't hesitate:
"Man it's also a George Jones song. The song would be 'She Once Lived Here.' In my mind it's the most well performed vocal country performance and there's no way you can't feel from that."
It's a perfect window into what drives him: raw emotion, impeccable performance, and the kind of feeling that can't be faked.
Catch Muskrat Jones on tour with Colter Wall as they hit 7 cities across 12 dates from December through January, including stops in Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Austin, Houston, and Fort Worth. Tickets are available at colterwall.com. Follow @muskrat_jones_ on Instagram for licks, laughs, road stories, and everything in between.
Whether you catch him live or just follow along online, one thing's for sure: Brady's not slowing down anytime soon. Brady, you're not just keeping the tradition alive. You're making it irresistible for a whole new generation. Keep that steel singing and that muskrat spirit strong.
2 comments
He is so fine. And very very talented!! Love him!!
Muskrat is a mighty fine steel player but even a better person. I’ve ran across him many times on the road and always enjoy his company. RE from KC currently based in St Lou