The main goal of the Plectral Society and reason for its Charter established back in 1989 is to preserve our areas Oldtime Music.
Here you'll find field recordings, biographies, photos, interviews, and many wonderful stories of our areas Oldtime Musicians.
Field Recordings & Biographies
Joe Bone
I became aware of Old Time Music in about 1938 when my dad bought a Silvertone battery radio and I first heard the National Barn Dance and later the Grand Ole Opry. It took me a long time to get over wanting to play cornet in a Dixieland Jazz Band, but after I heard Flatt & Scruggs during my service in the U. S. Army in Germany, I began to listen to Bluegrass and go to some festivals. Finally, in 1982, I bought a dulcimer kit at Mtn. View, put it together and learned to play it, (the old time way, with a noter).
Folk music as played in the Ozarks had a special attraction for me. I like the sounds of acoustic instruments and the vocal harmonies that go with it. I also like the historical side of the old ballads and fiddle tunes. My Granddaddy Bone (who died before I was born) used to play fiddle for dances before he joined Mt. Olive church and laid his fiddle down. My older brother inherited that fiddle, but I managed to try to play it a few times. My mother and sister both played the piano and I can remember our family singing together at home as well as at church. Two of my sons have played drums and guitar in rock and blues bands,
With the following exceptions, I have been a listener, not a picker. During Christmas 1954, I was on a troop ship headed for Germany. I played cornet with a small combo for a Christmas dance for the dependents (families) on board.
Later on that spring I played with another group and we won a talent contest. (This got me on the "music detail" instead of K.P.) In recent years, I have played and sung at senior citizens clubs, churches, retirement homes, etc.
Since retirement from Kellwood Company in 1994, I have been manager of the Davy Crockett Cabin/Museum at Rutherford and have had oldtime music there as part of our annual Davy Crockett Days. I have helped to edit and write a couple of local history books. When we had the Dyer Music Lovers' Club, I was always asked to come up with an annual folk music program. This gave me the opportunity to get some friends to come in to pick and sing the oldtime tunes.
Back in the 1990's my wife and I would sometimes go to the Old Country Store on Thursday nights and listen to the oldtime music. It was not until Coley and Marilyn Graves came by the Cabin and invited us to come down and play with them that we started attending and soon joined the Club. Sue and I have made a lot of good friends who enjoy the music as much as we do and who share many of the same values that we hold. Old Time Music has created many friendships that would never existed without it.
https://www.facebook.com/dana.h.welch/videos/10207248030546611/?t=11
Ryan Beard
Once again you voted and another great choice. A very talented young oldtime banjo picker whom I've had the pleasure of picking a little bit with recently. He plays banjo in the oldtime style - my personal favorite - being an oldtime fiddler. I think it's wonderful that we have a growing group of young musicians coming on that will pick up and carry the torch on into the future. Ryan is certainly one of those rare oldtime enthusiasts that will carry on our legacy. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our Picker of the Month - Mr. Ryan Beard.
When did you first become interested in oldtime music? After "O Brother Where Art Thou" was released. The first time I became interested in the banjo especially was on a mission trip in Romania. An American missionary was playing his banjo at a free clinic in a village there. That was the first time I messed with a banjo.
How long have you been playing old time music: Since I was 14, so for 7 years.
What are your musical influences: Grandpa Jones, Uncle Dave Macon, Stringbean, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Don Reno and Red Smiley
Does anyone in your family play music: My brother mainly plays rock music, but we play old time almost every time we get together. He plays the guitar and the mandolin.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life: When I was 16, I started playing with the Turkey Creek Bluegrass band from Savannah, TN. I played with them for almost a year. We played in West TN and North MS the most. My favorite show was when we played at the Dixie in Huntington.
What else do you do besides play music: I visit with friends and piddle around the house and in the garden.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you: The variation of instruments and rhythm driven songs are more appealing than a guitar and drum based music. The focus on playing the instrument well instead of loud is good to me too.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music: Because it's fun, but it's also a music best enjoyed live and in the person.
YOUTUBE
Dennis Baumgarner
When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music?
In 1998 after having by pass surgery. I was setting around the house with nothing to do so I picked up my old J45 Gibson. I somehow learned of the picking at the OCS and the rest is history. The more I played the more I wanted to know.
How long have you been playing oldtime music?
Started in 1998. I had played with my dad as a small boy up until 11 or 12. Then started plating Beatle music until about 22 then quit completely until '98.
What are your musical influences?
Don't know if I had any. I liked Kenny Baker and David Killensworth. David was the one to inspire me to try to play the fiddle. I'll never forget his encouragement one night at the store. And I quote "if you really want to play that thing then go home and practice 5 hours a night for 5 yrs and you might make a fiddler".
Does anyone in your family play music?
There are musians on both sides of the family.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life?
Started following William Moore around to bluegrass festivals. I think the first group was the Blue Creek Ramblers. William was the bass player for that group and from him I have learned many valuable lessons about music as well many other topics.
What else do you do besides play music?
I have way to many hobbies:
I have been a photographer, raced boats, built airplanes (the ones you ride in), built dune buggies, built a hammer dulcimer, a lap dulcimer and Celtic harps. William has also taught me to repair fiddles.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you?
Easy to play. But mostly the folks you meet.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
I didn't it just happen to be there. It's the music of good common people and you just can't beat that.
YOUTUBE
Johnny Bickerstaff
Jesus Hold My Hand
Peck Boggs
Peck Boggs Venerated Bluegrass Vocalist & Guitarist Picture As read by Shawn Pitts, Arts in McNairy Founder June 9, 2017 By any standard, Peck Boggs belongs in the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame. His story, while it is uniquely his own, is emblematic of the larger, longer narrative of local music heritage that the Hall of Fame is meant to honor and preserve. His musical journey is rooted in family, it is steeped in local tradition, and it interconnects with the stories of so many other memorable musicians that Peck’s name has virtually become synonyms with quality bluegrass in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and North Alabama. Whatever is said, or done, here this evening will certainly not be adequate to express the breadth of his talent, the depth of his influence, or the heights of his generosity. But we will do the best we can to pay him the honor he is due. Herman Talmadge Boggs—Now you know why they call him Peck—was born in 1931 to a musical family in Hardin County Tennessee and grew up near Counce. Peck’s father was the song leader at Center Hill Baptist church, and also played a pretty mean fiddle. By the age of 10 Peck had picked up the guitar and was accompanying his brother, father, and others at brush arbor revival meetings, house parties—locally known as musicals—community dances, and about anywhere else they would let him pick a guitar. It also became evident, very early on, that Peck had a powerful singing voice and his vocal abilities were soon in demand as much, if not more, than his skills with flattop. At the ripe old age of 15, Peck joined his first band, the Tennessee Valley Boys, and began playing at dances and other events around Hardin and McNairy County. Soon thereafter he was recruited by his uncle Troy for another outfit which would give him his first taste of success as a regional entertainer. In the late 1940s Peck joined Troy, Deward Meeks, and Roy and Junior Williams, in a band called the Pickwick Fishermen. The Fishermen were almost immediately sought after in the area, anchoring a popular dance at Savannah, Tennessee for several years and appearing every Saturday morning on an old-time radio program on WCMA in Corinth, Mississippi. It was during this period that Peck began slipping off a little more regularly to McNairy County. He, uncle Troy, and the other members of the Fishermen became regulars at the Latta Motor Company jams here in Selmer and recorded several great tracks with Stanton Littlejohn at Eastview. Peck is, in fact, one of only two living members of that fraternity of 20th century musicians who played in this building during the heyday of the Latta jams, and made recordings at Eastsview, with Littlejohn. The other one, just happens to be Bo English who will join in the musical tribute for Peck in just a few minutes. Benny Coley, who is also still with us, appears in the 1949 photo at the Latta, but there are no known recordings of him from that period. In McNairy County, Peck crossed paths with an up and coming bandleader named Arnold English. Arnold fronted his own band known as the Dixie Hayriders who were already popular at area dances and were appearing regularly on radio program in Jackson, Tennessee. The Hayriders’ already strong lineup included Bo English on mandolin, Neil English on bass, Bernard Moore on guitar, Obie Vanderford on banjo and, of course, Arnold on fiddle. The addition of Peck’s guitar and vocals, made the Dixie Hayriders, arguably, the best bluegrass group McNairy County has ever produced. Maybe more importantly, when Peck joined the English brothers in the early 1950s he began a long running musical collaboration which spans more than six decades and has influenced countless young musicians. Tonight, Peck will become the fourth member of the Dixie Hayriders to be inducted into the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame, joining Arnold, Bo, and Neil English in that honor. In the late 1950s Peck would join, yet another member of the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame, Kay Bain, in a musical venture with her husband, entertainer and radio personality, Buddy Bain. Kay and Buddy had recently formed a country band known as Buddy Bain and the Buddies who appeared on their own regular radio and TV programs in North Mississippi while performing on various other radio shows and live performances across the mid-south. Through Peck’s association with the Bain’s he rubbed elbows with the likes of Johnny Cash, Sonny James, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Loretta Lynn, and Merle “Red” Taylor, among others. But the best story from that era, undoubtedly involves Peck’s beloved Martin D-28—an instrument he’s still proud of until this very day. Peck had put $25 down on that guitar at E.E. Forbes music store in Florence Alabama, and was paying it off at $11.71 a month when he joined the Buddy Bain and the Buddies—that’s right he still remembers what the monthly payment was to the penny. Just ask him, the payment was $11.71 a month, for a grand total $288—with the case included. Well, Buddy Bain was so impressed with that guitar that he had to have one just like it. So, what did Buddy do but go right out and get him one. I would be willing to bet he never appreciated that guitar as much as he might have, had he paid $11.71 a month for it. But as luck would have it, it wouldn’t matter for long. One night after a show, Buddy got so busy talking to fans while the band was loading up their gear, he forgot to put the guitar in the trunk. He only remembered where he left it when he backed over it and heard the sickening crunch. Peck would never say this, but Buddy’s admiration for that D-28 had more to do with Peck’s picking than with the instrument itself. But still… In 1985 Peck was reunited with English brothers when he joined Bo and Neil in the Hatchie Bottom Boys. As with most bands, the personnel of the group has changed some over the years, but I don’t think anyone would argue that these three men have been the core members and heart of the Hatchie Bottom Boys since they were reunited more than 30 years ago. Along with the many accomplished band members who have played with the Hatchie Bottom Boys, Peck has remained a solid and influential voice in bluegrass music deep into his 80s. The Hatchie Bottom boys are widely regarded as one of the best bluegrass acts in the tristate area performing and headlining at innumerable music festivals from Middle and West Tennessee to North Central Mississippi and North Central Alabama and beyond. They have shared the stage with bluegrass legends such as Ricky Scaggs and Jim and Jesse McReynolds. They have cut their own record in Nashville which enjoyed a measure of success with its European release and distribution. But here at home, the Hatchie Bottom Boys are unquestionably among the most beloved and revered bands of the late twentieth and early twenty first century. A whole generation of young pickers views them as the model for what a bluegrass band should be—and who could argue. Stan Perkins makes no secret that Peck and the Hatchie Bottom Boys are his favorite bluegrass band and he has been heard to say, on more than one occasion, that he regards them among the best, most authentic West Tennessee music acts, of any genre, working today. He is particularly fond of Peck’s soaring vocals. Might the Hatchie Bottom Boys, or Buddy Bain and the Buddies, or the Dixie Hayriders, or the Pickwick Fishermen have succeeded without Peck Boggs? Maybe. But I suspect that in each instance, the popularity of these bands can be traced, in large measure, to Peck’s deft hand with a guitar, the easy way he banters with an audience between tunes, and draws them into the music, and, of course, those golden pipes. As they say, lightening doesn't strike in the same place twice, let alone three or four times. So no, it’s not a coincidence that Peck has remained at the forefront of the regional music scene for an incredible 70 years. He has played and sang his way through three distinct eras of American music and his continued relevance is clearly a byproduct of his formidable gifts as a musician, vocalist, and entertainer. And at 86 years old, he can still make that D-28 ring, he can still belt it out with the best of them, and he can still hold an audience in the palm of his hand. And are we ever grateful for all of those talents coming together in one man. I am deeply honored to induct Mr. Peck Boggs into the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame in the class of 2017
Peck Boggs
Benny Coley
Benny's been around the Plectral Society since the onset. He's been pickin' mandolin and singin' those old Louvin Brother tunes for years. I thought it would be interesting to hear his story on oldtime music, so here it is - Mr. Benny Coley - P'Picker of the Month:
When and how did you first become interested in Oldtime Music? Someone in the family acquired an old guitar. I played approximately a year-and-a-half. I heard The Louvin Brothers and got very interested in the mandolin. Bought my first one from a man's attic and gave $2.50 for it.
How long have you been playing Oldtime Music? I started around 1946. Their was very little music, books, etc. available to me at that time. I've been playing now 62 years.
What were your musical influences? I like Country, Gospel, etc. - the Louvin Brothers more than any of the others.
Does anyone in your family play music? My mother played the piano.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? Early on, we played school houses, some radio. Later, moving to Madison County - we played the old Hayloft Frolic, Farm and Home Hour. We played as the "Pierce Family" - Country Gospel from 1972 - 1983.
What else do you do besides play music? I like fishing, sports, baseball, and softball.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you? The real reason for my music - I love harmony, and that seems to fit the mandolin I love so much.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music? I think the acoustic music brings out all the qualities in most any instrument. Some of the greatest pickers are in this type music.
I'll Be All Smiles
I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Truman Dishman
When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music? I recall at about age 5or6 my dad his brother and uncle mac playing music. Dad played claw hammer banjo and picked guitar
his brother played guitar and uncle mac fiddle. I remember Dad picking wildwood flower in a C chord I didnt know that then.
2. How long have you been playing oldtime music?
About 40-42 years my wife Faye bought my first guitar ordered it from sears not long after we were married so I could learn to play when we would go visit her family on weekends. Her sisters husband had a guitar from sears and his sisters husband played mandlin also from sears and a cousin had a k bass. I was on my way learning 3 chords a short time later I bought a used mandlin and started learning 3 chords adding notes that was the sound i was looking for.
When we would take the kids camping & vacation Faye would say are you taking that ol mandlin again.Now she says dont forget the mandlin you might need it.
3. What are your musical influences? Listening to WSM grand ol opry saturday nights on a battry radio and a wire di pole antenna when i was small. I was raised in the cumberland mountains overton county livingston TN. About 110 miles NE of nashville.I was influenced by lots of people. to name a few Flatt & Scrugs 15 minute martha white on radio at 600 am and 30 minute TV show on channel 4 on saturday 600pm.
Around 1960or so I saw flatt & Scrugs, Bill Monroe on stage it cost 50 cents. Carter & ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Paul Williams playing mandlin Jimmy martin. Roy Accuf & smokey mtn boys, Merl Haggard, Carl Story, Last but least Doyl the man Lawson.
4. Does anyone in your family play music? Our oldest son Allen plays dobro. Our youngest son plays guitar and accomplished vocilist and song leader in his seinor year of high school he was # 11 in NW, TN. coral music competion.
5. What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? To name a few the the gibson masterpiece theatre opry mills in Donelson. TN. ozark folk lor society Mountain View, AR, Jimmy Driftwood theater Mountain View, AR. Mountain View gospel opry. 1984 or 85 the Dan Rudy benifit an arts and craft show first time on stage. Music valley bluegrass, fiddle banjo two guitars bass , mandlin and 4 vocals we played together about 6 years when we lived in Hermitage,TN. Moved to Dyersburg . Played with cane ridge for about 5 years, possom river 10 years, West TN bluegrass gospel 8 years and shade tree pickers about 3 years.
6. What else do you do besides play music?
Amature radio operator have a general class licens. I have talked to stations around the world also made voice contact with space shuttle. and also sending and receiving code on a streight telegraph code key and a inverted V, copper wire di pole for a antenna . Like to work in the yard.
7. What makes this kind of music "good" to you? Being able to share it with others and pass it on . The interesting thing about this music to some it talks about life from beginning to end and beond.
8. Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
I think this kind of music just grows on you.
Thanks Jeff . Hope this will do i"m not the best at E mail.
Takes A Worried Man
Truman Dishman
Click on the links below to hear Ms. Jo's beautiful voice
Jo Dykes
John Few
With this month’s issue, we bring back our Picker of the Month article. I’m trying to revive this particular section after a long quietus. It’s a good way to get to know our fellow members, along with being a good way of keeping up with our historical archives. In looking back through my files, I somehow noticed I omitted one very familiar member who’s been an integral part of the Plectral Society for quite some time. Upon the departure of many of the original founders, he stepped into the leadership role to revive the Plectral Society to it’s present state. Under his leadership we owe many of the priviledges we have today as a Plectral Society member. This month we pay tribute to Mr. John Few - our Picker of the Month:
When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music? I became interested in this music in my pre-teen years when musicians would gather at my grand-parents home when they were having fish fries, bar-b-ques and other cook outs.
How long have you been playing oldtime music? 15 years. My wife Patsy gave me an acoustic guitar for Christmas 1998.
What are your musical influences? I like most kinds of music as long as it has good lyrics and relates to the triumphs and trials of life.
Does anyone in your family play music? I have several members of my family that play and sing mostly gospel music.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? Jr. High School band, High School band, Beatles era dance band performing at venues in Memphis, Bluegrass / Bluegrass Gospel bands in the West TN area, church gospel music group.
What else do you do besides play music? Manage a Bluegrass music show in Jackson, Provide sound re-inforcement at music festivals and shows, fishing, spending time with my wife and family.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you? This form of music identifies with my heritage.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music? Most of the people that play this music are good genuine down to earth people.
Doyle Freeman
Our latest and best photos
I became interested in Country, Bluegrass and Gospel music at a very young age at home, school and church growing up in rural West Tennessee We listen to the Grand Ole Opry every Sat night on the radio, loved it I really liked the sound of the guitar and banjo We had an old piano in the living room at our home in Crockett County, Tn and I was always trying to play it and do a little singing My older brother had a Sears Roebuck Guitar and I was always trying to play it when he wasn’t around (Neither the piano or the guitar was ever in tune) My Mom and Dad both loved to sing (At home and in church) My Dad sang bass in a quartet at church (Cairo Baptist church) My Dad was a big influence on me in music and life in general I sang at church and in a quartet at school (Hamlett-Robertson- Crockett-Mills ,Tn) I play mostly Guitar, but also like Banjo and Mandolin The first guitar I owned was a very cheap Sears Silvertone Don’t remember the first tune I played, probably an old gospel song No formal lessons, just all by ear and song books I have played or attempted to play the guitar and Banjo off and on since I was 10 to 15 years old My brothers ,Harold and Larry, and I formed a Band (The Freeman Family Band) and performed at church’s,Jams , Nursing Homes, special events in the Jackson and west Tennessee area and really enjoyed it. Great musician memories and spending time with the family Our friends, Fill and Nancy Johnson joined us many times on stage and Old Country Store Jams Always enjoyed the Jams at the Old Country Store with John and Patsy Few and All the folks there Enjoyed the group at Frog Jump Opry (Thanks to Doug and Juanita Elmore for setting it up) Nice Folks Doris and I have traveled all over the USA in our RV and always found folks to play our kind of music (Jams and Music events) We found that folks are playing bluegrass ,gospel and Old time music in every part of the USA Liked all the old time music performers Grandpa Jones, Roy Acuff, Stringbean, ect Always liked 4 part harmonies Beginners just keep working on it, It is a lifetime hobby and will give much pleasure. You can’t play music and be sad , it makes you happy MUSIC IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL.
Freeman Family Band
Doyle & Family
Doyle Freeman
Mr. Charlie Forsythe
Pauline Forsythe
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/jackson-tn/pauline-forsythe-8204624
OBITUARY Pauline M Forsythe MAY 12, 1929 – MARCH 13, 2019 Obituary of Pauline M Forsythe IN THE CARE OF George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home Pauline M Forsythe, age 89, of Jackson, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday March 13, 2019, at North Brook Healthcare. Pauline was born May 12, 1929, in Gibson County Tennessee. She was the Daughter to Albert and Ellie Mathis. Mrs. Pauline was employed in the Health care field. She later was a "Gray Lady" at Jackson Madison County General Hospital as a volunteer. She is survived by Daughter Paulette Piercy (Nelson) of Jackson and Son Charles Forsythe (Kay) of Jackson. She also survived by 5 Grandchildren and Numerous Great Grand Children. She was involved and a longtime member of Poplar Corner Church. Mrs. Pauline was preceded in death by her Parents Albert and Ellis Mathis and Husband Charles Robert Forsythe. Her service was conducted at the North Chapel of George A Smith and Sons Funeral Home. Her Visitation was be Held at he North Chapel of George A Smith and Sons from 9-10 am on Saturday the 16 of March 2019. With a private burial service was held on Saturday March 16 at Highland Memorial Gardens. Her Grandchildren and Great Grand Children served as Pall Bearers. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Forsythe family.
Marilyn Graves
Your choice for Picker of the Month - a true southern lady, one of the most congenial, kind-hearted, delightful members of the Plectral Society, and a repository of oldtime music. Ms. Marilyn Graves:
When and how did you first become interested in music? I really don’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in music. We always had a piano at home, and every time our extended family would visit, we would gather around the piano and sing the old time gospels and hymns. In my family, taking piano lessons was just something taken for granted that all the kids did when they started school. I still have the piano that has been in our family for over 100 years.
How long have you been playing music? I started playing piano in second grade, but it was not until Coley and I married that I got involved with other instruments. His family always had music in their home, but they had guitars, fiddles, and mandolins. There was always a crowd at their home on Saturday nights, playing the old time music. It was at one of these jams that Coley found out that one of the pickers had an accordion for sale. He went that night and bought the accordion for me. I can’t tell you how I learned to play the accordion, it just seemed to come natural.
What are your musical influences?
For many years we had a gospel band, playing primarily at churches, and then a country band, which played for line dances at community centers. In our gospel group we had a guitar, mandolin, bass, fiddle, and accordion. Like the hammered dulcimer I play now, it was unusual back then to have an accordion in a group. In the country band we had a keyboard (which I played), bass, fiddle, electric guitar, and drums. The person who influenced me most was Coley’s uncle, Tim Walsh. He was one of the best old time fiddlers in the mid-south area, and he played with us for many years until his death in 1995. I learned to play a lot of the old time fiddle hoedowns from him. He played by ear, and had learned these tunes from his mother’s family. In the early 1990’s, we had a monthly Friday and Saturday night show in Mt. View, AR. Being in Mt. View often gave us the opportunity to attend shows at the Ozark Folk Center. On one such occasion, I heard Grandpa Jones’ daughter, Alicia, play the hammered dulcimer. I was intrigued by the sound , and told Coley I had to get one. The rest is history, and I was playing on stage within three weeks after getting the hammered dulcimer. Here again, I can’t tell you how I learned to play this instrument. I play strictly by ear, and have never been to a workshop.
Does anyone in your family play music? My mother played piano, and my dad ‘led the singing at church’. An aunt was a music major in college and taught music in the school systems in Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee for many years. Our son plays drums, our daughter and granddaughters sing, and have been featured with us many times in the past.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? For the more than 50 years that Coley and I have been playing together, it would be hard to remember all the times and places we have played. Some of the most enjoyable places would be the show we had in Mt. View, AR, conventions at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, our association with the Jackson Area Plectral Society, the many times we have played at the Old Country Store, and all our travels throughout Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee,
which we continue to do. These travels include playing for churches, schools, civic organizations, festivals, wedding receptions/rehearsals, funerals, TV appearances, and ‘just jamming’, with our band "Wildwood Express". What else do you do besides play music? We enjoy camping in our RV (but music is usually involved in our camping)! We are active in our church, and enjoy spending time with our family and friends.
What makes this kind of music “good” to you? It is the music passed along by our forefathers, with a simple beat.
Why do you choose to play this kind of music? We have played different styles of music through the years, but the old time music has won us over. It is good to play music you like without all the amplification. Russell Cook, who owns the company that made my hammered dulcimer, once told me to play music “as you hear and feel it – not like how someone says you should play”. The old time music is easy to play that way. I like the hammered dulcimer because we never play a show that someone doesn’t ask – “What is that instrument called?” This has given me a chance to meet and talk with the people from all walks of life and from all around the world.
Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Reelfoot
Coley Graves
When did you first become interested in oldtime music? When I first became interested in music back home in Medina in the 40's and 50's, the only thing you had to do on Saturday nights was to provide your own entertainment. So my family always had several musicians who came to our house every weekend to play with my brother and uncle. They both played the oldtime gospel, country, and oldtime fiddle tunes.
How long have you been playing the oldtime music? I started playing guitar when I was 12 or 13 years old, and when Marilyn and I married, and although we both worked fulltime, we continued to make time on weekends to jam and get together with friends who had the same interest in music as we did.
What are your musical influences? My influences were being around several family members who all played the oldtime music. The music was handed down from generation to generation without anything written down - we all played by ear and how we heard and felt the beat.
Does anyone in your family play music? My brother, Skip Graves; my uncle, Tim Walsh; my aunt, Louise Knolton; and other great uncles were all excellent oldtime musicians. All of them could play various instruments, including guitar, fiddle, and banjo.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? It would be impossible for me to list all the times and places we have played, so I will just hit some of the high spots. Marilyn and I have had two different gospel groups, where we played for churches, schools, and many private events. We also had a country band and we played for line dances in community centers across three states. At one time we had a band with a comedian, and played for conventions at the Peabody Hotel and Cook Convention Center in Memphis, as well as company-wide picnics. During the 1980's and 1990's, we had a monthly show in Mountain View, AR. This was a lot of fun as we would invite the entertainers who performed at the Ozark Folk Center to join us as guests when they finished their set at the Center. We have made some lifetime friends from this experience. For the past several years, we have enjoyed being a part of the Jackson Area Plectral Society, and continue to play and sing throughout West TN, north MS, and eastern AR with our Wildwood Express Band. This band has played for churches, schools, civic organizations, festivals, wedding receptions, 50th wedding anniversaries, funerals, and whatever.
What else do you do besides play music?
We are active in our church, enjoy camping with our children and grandchildren, and I like to shop in different malls. (Marilyn usually finds a bench or rocking chair and waits until I get tired). We enjoy eating out with friends at different types of restaurants, and I enjoy 'piddling' with the computer.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you? This music was passed along by our forefathers, and it has a simple beat that I like. (3 chord stuff!!)
Why did you choose to play this kind of music? I have tried it all, and I like the acoustic sound because as I get older I'm not able to drag around all the amplifiers!!! It's easy to play and usually has a good rhythm. We have really enjoyed our years of playing with the hammered dulcimer in our band, and even though some people may think it is a strange instrument to have in a band, it has worked well for us.
Lila Hall
Lila Mae Hall Lila Mae Hall, a beloved member of the Jackson, TN community, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Bells Nursing Home and Rehabilitation. She was surrounded by the love of her family, with her granddaughter by her side. Lila was born on Thursday, November 3, 1932, in Uptonville, TN, the daughter of the late William Luther and Mossie Bell Robinson. Lila's life journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to her career in healthcare. She dedicated five decades of her life to serving others as a Medical Technologist and Lab Supervisor at the Jackson Clinic. Lila's exceptional skills and dedication were recognized throughout her long tenure, making her an invaluable asset. Salutatorian of J.B. Young High School's Class of 1950, Lila embodied academic excellence from an early age. Her thirst for knowledge and pursuit of excellence were evident in both her personal and professional pursuits. Lila's educational accomplishments set the foundation for her successful career. In addition to her outstanding professional achievements, Lila will be remembered for her caring nature and deep love for her family. With compassion as one of her defining qualities, she touched the lives of countless patients throughout her career. Lila's warmth and kindness extended beyond the workplace to include everyone she encountered in life. When not immersed in her work or spending time with loved ones, Lila found solace and joy in two passions: playing Bluegrass music and showing horses. As an musician, she shared her talent with others through live performances that brought happiness to many. Her love for horses took her on exhilarating adventures as she showcased their beauty in various competitions. She was a member of Englewood Baptist Church. Lila's memory will forever be cherished by those who survive her. Other than her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband Albert N. Hall Jr. and her brother Ray Taylor. Lila's legacy lives on through her children, Russell Hall (Cindy) of Bemis, TN and Connie Perkins (Stan) of Jackson, TN, who will forever hold her close in their hearts. Her granddaughters, Lesleigh Woodward, Britni Hall, and Haley Hall, were a source of immense pride and joy for Lila. She treasured the precious moments she spent with them. Lila's great-grandchildren, Aniston Cahill and Chesni Hall, brought an added spark of happiness to her life. SERVICES: Graveside services will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 2:00PM at Ridgecrest Cemetery with Garry Miller officiating. Lila Mae Hall leaves behind a trail of beautiful memories that will be treasured by all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication to medicine, compassionate nature, and deep love for family. Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
Robert Holland
My favorite song Robert does . . . "Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goalpost of Life."
Bio:
Don Horne
When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music? In 1995 I visited the Old Country Store & heard them playing the old time & blue grass music.
How long have you been playing oldtime music? About 17 years
What are your musical influences? Grand Old Opry & listening to the Plectral members play.
Does anyone in your family play music? My mother played the piano.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? Bluegrass Festivals, Nursing & Retirement Homes, churches, colleges, television programs, Conventions etc.
What else do you do besides play music? Fish, hunt, play golf, travel
What makes this kind of music "good" to you? It is good therapy, it is uplifting, makes you feel good.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music? I like acoustical music.
Lonesome Road Blues
Highway 54
Fiddlin' Bill Irvine
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Bill Irvine Obituary:
William (Bill) E. Irvine was born in Fredericksburg, VA on August 14, 1936 and passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Greenville, SC on May 26, 2022 after a lengthy battle with end-stage renal disease. Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Ann (King) Irvine, and his children, David (Amy) Irvine, Melissa (Thom) Roach, and Jennifer (Wayne) Moore. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Carl Irvine, and his three siblings. Bill’s family moved to Knoxville, TN in 1941. He attended Fulton High School where he played football and baseball and completed drafting classes. He graduated in 1956 and began a career as a draftsman. He worked in the space industry in Huntsville, AL and Cape Canaveral, FL for eight years then moved to Jackson, TN in 1969 to work for Consolidated Aluminum for ten years and then Diversified Technology until retiring in 1999. Bill was an avid golfer, fisherman, and hunter, and he was a member of First Baptist Church, Woodland Hills Country Club, The Civitans, and Quail Unlimited. A memorial service for Bill will be held at First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. The family requests that those who wish to make a donation in memory of Bill consider donating to First Baptist Church, Jackson, TN or The Kidney Foundation. Posted online on July 28, 2022 Published in The Jackson Sun
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Paul Jackson
When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music? In the late 90s I owned a video production studio and was contracted by the State of Tennessee Tourism folks to video a concert of Yank Rachell playing blues mandolin . I was intrigued by the mandolin. My friend, Jimmy Tankersley, told me about the plectral society and how a mandolin was an element of that type music. It wasn't blues but I was immediately hooked. My first meeting was with Jeff, Sarge and an oriental guy who could play the fire out of a fiddle.
How long have you been playing oldtime music? Bought my first mandolin in 2000 and started picking. What are your musical influences? Church music which led to gospel music were my initial influences in performance music.
Does anyone in your family play music My dad whistled all the time and that is the extent of family musical influence. :)
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life? In the early fifties, in Memphis, I sang in a group called "Teenagers for Christ".....name drop.... Elvis was a member of the group. :) In the 60s traveled with a gospel group from Charleston, SC....The Oakland Quartet. We won a national contest in Bryson City, NC which got us a spot on The Mull singing convention show (WWL clear channel 870 , New Orleans) That sold quite a few albums. We had a 30 minute weekly TV show in Charleston for a number of years. We once opened for the Oak Ridge Boys at the Ryman. The marque read "The Oak Ridge Boys and others". That got a few laughs. 70-72 learned to play bass while in the Air Force in Southeast Asia and played a bit of country in the clubs on base. I played bass and sang with The Layman Quartet from Brownsville a number of years (late 70s and 80s) and played bass for the Jones Family for a short stent. What else do you do besides play music? I still work at my profession/hobby.....photography.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you? I call it "real" music as opposed to "artificial" music. There is a place for both but to be able to get some friends and sit under a shade tree and play and sing raw music is a joy and it's real.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music It's an anytime, anyplace music.
Mildred Kee
MIldred's life was one out of the ordinary. She survived three husbands, Glen Pugh, A.T. Surratt and Virgil Kee. One still living C. J. Wildee. She had two sons, Mike Pugh, of Enville TN, and Reginald Pugh of Granite Falls NC. Their wives Judy Pugh, and Wendy Pugh. She had four grandchildren, Samuel Pugh, Joseph Pugh, Maegan Fanberg and Ashley Pugh. She had seven great grandchildren, William, Emily, Autumn, Sawyer and Ruby Pugh, Noah and Leah Fanberg. Mildred was born September 29th, 1934 to Highly and Flossie Wade, she had one brother Athel Wade. Mildred was the first female in the state of TN, to have a Building Contractors License. She was in Realestate for fifty plus years in Memphis TN, and was a member of the million dollar club. She built and sold many homes in and around the Memphis area. Mildred was known for making the deal happen. She thoroughly enjoyed her very busy and full life as a professed Christian, a Gospel and Bluegrass singer. Her favorite color was purple, her favorite drink was Coke and her favorite desert was Ice cream, or the one she was eating at the moment. Her happiest days was when she was traveling with family or friends going from Church to Church singing and spreading the good news to those who were in need. Mildred was loved by all and never knew a stranger. She will be forever missed by her sons, her family and her friends. Mildred Marie Kee, you will always be remembered and always will be loved. Until we meet again, Rest in Peace.
David Killingsworth
Picker of the Month Mr. David Killingsworth Fiddler Extraordinaire I wanted to rekindle a column that Marilyn started and hopefully try to continue this each month. I really like the concept of highlighting one of our Plectral Pickers, hearing their stories, their background in oldtime music. We have a lot of very talented oldtime musicians within the Plectral Society with some very interesting stories to tell, and the one I'd like to start with is mine and everybody's favorite fiddler - Mr. David Killingsworth. David's been fiddlin' for a long, long time. He's one of the most sought after fiddlers in our area, but did you ever wonder how does someone get that good? Well, here's David's story - one I know you will enjoy: My early musical influences were my mother, Louise Killingsworth, and my aunt, Shelby Jean Fisher, who played gospel and old-time music on the piano. I also had a great-uncle, Miley Higgins, who played the fiddle at our annual family Christmas gatherings when I was a small child. I only heard him at Christmas because he lived so far away, in Fayetteville, Tennessee. One of my great grandfathers, Calvin Higgins, was a fiddle player as well but I have no memory of hearing him play. Each Saturday night I would listen to the Grand Ole Opry on WSM until falling asleep. I can remember hearing Flatt and Scruggs, the Louvin Brothers, The Crook Brothers, and the Fruit Jar Drinkers. After we got a television, I got to see what Flatt and Scruggs really looked like! I also loved the Lawrence Welk Show, which came on Channel 7 each Saturday night. I was fascinated by the accordion and horn playing, especially. At that time, I made no differentiation between types of music. If music was tasteful and well played, then it was all just good music, as far as I was concerned. In 1965, I decided I wanted to get my own instrument, so I told my parents I wanted......a bugle. This met with a less-than-enthusiastic reception, so I said "OK, I'd like a set of bagpipes instead." (I loved the sounds of the bagpipes and drums on the old Shirley Temple and Laurel and Hardy movies.) Mama said, "First, I am going to order you a guitar, and you can see how you do with that, Then, we will see about the bagpipes or something else." So my first musical instrument was a $24.95 guitar. A man named Ocie Humphrey lived near us. He had been the champion fiddle player in my area in the 1920s and 30s, and I figured he could show me how to tune the guitar. So I took it to him and he sat in his wheelchair and tuned it for me. I noticed this little guitar-looking thing sitting on the bed, with a round, yellow-and- brown striped back on it. He said, "That's my mandolin," and he picked it up and started strumming it, and that was the most beautiful musical sound I had ever heard. I can still remember the rippling, chiming tone and how it stirred me, to this day. I took the guitar back home and started practicing it, but I was ruined. The mandolin was in my head and heart, and I got myself one as soon as I could. I went frequently to Mr. Humphrey's home to pick with him and began learning the old tunes. He usually played the fiddle and I would accompany him on the mandolin or guitar. He was in failing health and passed away in 1967, and I acquired his fiddle soon afterward and started playing it. I still have it. My mother and aunt started playing the mandolin and guitar at this time, so we had our own little family string band. I usually played fiddle by this time. Other musicians I played with as I progressed were Con Crotts (Father of Mississippi TV personality Kay Bain,) Dixie Donnell from Shiloh Park, and George E. Knight, a fiddler and also one of the first 3-finger banjo players in out area. George E. gave banjo lessons to Tom Murray, who gave banjo lessons to Billy Joe Autry, who gave banjo lessons to Kurt Stephenson. I learned many old tumes from these men, some of which dated back to the Civil War and before. Wayne Jerrolds also became a musical and personal friend at this time. Most of my "pocket" money in my teenage years was made from playing at square dances with Earnest Whitten. My Dad drove me to my first square dance in 1967, and neither of us really knew what to expect. Dances of any kind conjured up evil images in the minds of most of the churchgoing Christian womenfolk in my area, but my mother was willing to look the other way while I gave it a try. I remember Daddy saying, "Now son, tonight you're going to see what the other side of life looks like." Then when we got there, all we found were people of all ages, from babies to old folks, just listening to the music, visiting, dancing and having a good time. (Not even a faint odor of brimstone.) At the square dances, I usually played either guitar or banjo, while Earnest played the fiddle. As the money came in, I started buying records and became familiar with the music of Bill Monroe, who started having an influence on my mandolin playing. I never tried or wanted to play professionally, but did play banjo one time on the WSM Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree in 1973, and have played mandolin a couple of times at the Station Inn in Nashville with the Wayne Lewis band. I have also played fiddle in a few shows with Ramona Jones, and bass fiddle with Kenny Baker and Josh Graves. I did play on the same stage with Bill Monroe one time, in 1990 in Savannah, Tennessee. I had played fiddle with another band that night and, as was Monroe's custom, he had all the musicians to appear together on stage with him to play the final "number," as he called it. We played the "Soldier's Joy" and after the show was over, he walked up and stuck his hand out without saying a word, and I shook it. Of course, that was a memorable moment. So, old-time music has been a part of my life almost from the beginning. It was actually something I grew up with, rather than something I made a conscious choice to get into. I never wanted to get really serious with it, but it has been a rewarding pastime. Life is not easy for anyone, especially in these times, but if my music has made the load seem a little lighter and the way seem a little better for someone, then it has all been worthwhile.
Stanton Littlejohn
Stanton Littlejohn Musician, Music Preservationist & Amateur Sound Engineer As read by Shawn Pitts, Arts in McNairy Founder June 8, 2013 Born and raised in Eastview Tennessee, Stanton Littlejohn probably didn’t show much early promise as a music industry professional or future Hall of Famer. It is true that he came from a musical family. Sister Eunice Littlejohn-Smith was a talented pianist and accordion player. Cousin Arlis Littlejohn was known as one of the area’s best banjo players in the claw-hammer style. Uncle Lee Littlejohn—actually another cousin—was born before the civil war and preserved in his memory a few antebellum fiddle tunes which certainly would have influenced the young Stanton’s musical tastes. When it came to the fiddle, Stanton was no slouch, himself. He mastered the instrument early and a family group, the Littlejohn String Band, was known to play a few events around south McNairy County in the 1930s and 40s—Stanton’s young bride, Minnie Bell, throwing in on the mandolin. The truth is, Mr. Littlejohn could play just about anything with a string on it and his door was always open to likeminded individuals. Making music with others was both pastime and passion for the Littlejohn family. Their home was the site of countless musical jams and informal picking sessions over the years. The musical gene was fortunately passed along to Stanton and Minnie Bell Littlejohn’s only daughter, Marjorie, who is herself a talented multi-instrumentalist and a lover of traditional music styles.
This abiding interest and lifelong involvement in local music might be enough to honor Stanton Littlejohn with this induction but it is only the foundation for Littlejohn’s most significant contribution to McNairy County’s musical heritage. Sometime around 1947, Littlejohn acquired a device which allowed him to make single source recordings from his Eastview home. Always something of a technophile and tinkerer by nature, the acetate disc recorder piqued his interest on two levels. First, it was a new gadget which appealed to his sense of curiosity and gave him something to play with, as boys will do. Second, and more importantly, it allowed him to record the music he so loved. And record it he did.
He certainly had a rich resource from which to draw. Beginning with the family and close friends from the area, Littlejohn recorded everything from vocal performances, to instrumentalists, to neighborhood kids doing recitations and telling what they wanted for Christmas. Word soon got out and the floodgates opened. The recording technology he provided was uncommon in rural communities, and certainly new to this area. It didn’t take long for strings bands, gospel groups, individual musicians and vocalists to find their way to Stanton Littlejohn’s door. In fact, they virtually beat a path to Eastview Tennessee for many years just to see what they sounded like on a real record.
Always a gracious host, Mrs. Minne Bell would have something cold to drink and perhaps a few sweets for the artists while Stanton made sure everyone was comfortable and ready to play. Some of the recording sessions were intentional and sometimes he just flipped the microphone on when a good jam was already underway. There are even a few interviews conducted by Littlejohn with the recordings artists which are a dream come true for those of us who have worked on documenting these recordings. His engineering skills also improved the more he fiddled with the recorder, and it is a testament to his ear and his ingenuity that he got such a decent sound out of such crude recording technology. He didn’t have much to work with, but boy did he make the most of it.
Littlejohn reportedly charged nothing for his services but he had one rule: you had to make at least two recordings. The artists were free to keep the recording of their choice but Mr. Littlejohn kept the second disc for his own archive. We are exceedingly fortunate that the bulk of that collection remained in the capable hands, first of Minnie Bell Littlejohn and after her passing, Marjorie and Don Rayburn Richard, who have preserved them to the best of their abilities. Similarly, several of the artists and their families held on to their Littlejohn recordings over the years providing yet another resource for recovering this material. We are truly indebted to men like David Killingsworth and Billy Wagoner who were among the first, outside of the Littlejohn-Richard family, to recognize the significance of Stanton Littlejohn’s work. Their passion for the preservation of local music is infections and, apparently, I did not receive the appropriate vaccinations to prevent catching a pretty bad case of it myself. That said, it has been the privilege of a lifetime to have the opportunity to work on the preservation of this incredible material.
Littlejohn continued recording on the acetate discs through the mid to late 1950s until magnetic tape became more convenient and affordable. He made reel to reel and later cassette recordings for many more years but it is the older acetates that provide a snap shot of a unique moment in time when music of the postwar era, was beginning to experience the effects of a seismic cultural shift. Consider this: The terms Bluegrass and Rockabilly didn’t exist when Stanton Littlejohn first started recording. Country was still called Hillbilly Music by most people and nobody had yet heard of Rock and Roll. Yet the roots of all these later forms of music are clearly in evidence on the recordings Littlejohn made. I suspect if you had asked him, “Stanton, what kind of music are you recording down there at Eastview?” his reply might have been something like, “Well…good music mostly.”
And it was good—very good. Some of the area’s finest musicians and vocalists are captured on the Littlejohn sessions. Influential fiddlers such as Waldo Davis, Elvis Black, Ernest Whitten, Con Crotts, Arnold English and many others are all there. Other names familiar to local music enthusiasts are instantly recognizable: George E. Knight, Rob Richard, Tom McCormick, Paul Taylor, Charlie Cox, Peck and Troy Boggs, Virgil Murray and the boys, Milton Banks, Ray Presley, Everett Walker, Clyde Sargent and Ocie Humphries, among others. Gospel groups like, The Doc Whittaker Quarter, The Hometown Quartet, The Harmony Four and The Eastview Quartet are also represented. Of course, Stanton, Minnie Bell, Marjorie, Eunice, Arlis and Uncle Lee Littlejohn also make frequent appearances.
A couple of particularly poignant tracks from 1948 involve Uncle Lee Littlejohn. On the one he discusses his fiddle playing and laments how it has declined from neglect and lack of use over the years. On the other, he plays a rousing version of “Wolves a Howlin.” You can clearly hear him stomping out the rhythm with his right foot as if he can just see the dancers in his minds eye. He is 88 years old at the time of the recording. Maybe he was right in saying that his musical skills had declined with age, but you can’t prove it by that track. It makes you wonder how good he really was in his prime.
It was long rumored that even the legendary Carl Perkins recorded with Mr. Littlejohn. I can confirm for you that the first group of recordings we were able to transfer to digital media contain three tracks dating back as early as 1951 which have been authenticated as the young Carl Perkins. A fourth song—an instrumental—very likely has Perkins sitting in on guitar. He would have been just 19 years old at the time. Let me remind you that this would have been three full years before he recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis. Almost certainly, Stanton Littlejohn was the first to capture the future King of Rockabilly on record just as he was finding his own authentic musical voice. Indeed, two of Littlejohn tracks could easily be mistaken for something Perkins recorded at the height of his musical powers. They lend indisputable credibility to Perkins claim that his sound was developed on the music circuit of southwest Tennessee long before he ever went to Sun Records in search of a contract
From the standpoint of documenting local culture these recordings are precious beyond description. The presence of an international figure such as Carl Perkins lends them yet another dimension of cultural significance. They are a gift to our generation, given to us by Stanton Littlejohn, his family, and the talented men and women participating in those impromptu recording sessions. To date almost two hundred tracks of music have been recovered with more on the way—a gift that keeps on giving. Contained herein are the voices and songs of a bygone but—thanks to Littlejohn—not forgotten, era. This little archive has become the envy of other communities who value their local culture. Many of them would give anything to have such a rare opportunity to preserve their musical heritage. We can only humbly say thank you to Mr. Littlejohn.
Just how important are these recordings? They are important enough that the Arts in McNairy has spent almost four years compiling, preserving and researching the remaining materials. They are important enough to have attracted the attention of the Tennessee Arts Commission who was willing to invest heavily in their preservation. They are important enough that an overworked and backlogged, Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University was willing to lend technical assistance just be involved in the project. They are important enough that the Library of Congress jumped on the opportunity to add the entire archive to their collection on the strength of just a few samples.
And so, I am proud to report that later this year copies of the entire Stanton Littlejohn collection will become part of the Folklife Collection at the Library of Congress where they will be preserved in perpetuity for future generations of Americans to study and enjoy. They are just that important.
Earlier I speculated what Mr. Littlejohn might say if you asked him what kind of music he was recording. In fact, we know what he thought about a few of the tracks because he sometimes made editorial notes on the labels. Usually they had the simple notation, “good” or “no good” as the case might be. He had a great ear and I suspect he knew he was engaged in something important but I also believe he was too humble to ever dream just how important his work really was. I often wonder what he would think if he knew we were here tonight still talking about something he started in 1947 and preparing to place it all in the Library of Congress. I like to think he would be thrilled, proud, maybe a little anxious or even a bit shocked. One thing I know for sure, we owe Stanton Littlejohn a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.
It is with grateful acknowledgment of that debt that I induct Stanton Littlejohn, in the inaugural class of 2013, to the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame.
Sounds of The Music Highway
August 3, 2021
Marjorie Littlejohn Richard, Stan Perkins, Don Richard, Shawn Pitts
Marjorie, Stan, & Don
Sounds of the Music Highway Presenters
Founding Father
Sarge McCann
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Ken McDaniel
Mr. Kenneth "Ken" McDaniel, age 96 of Paris, formerly of Jackson passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Eiffel Gardens Assisted Living in Paris. His funeral service will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at McEvoy Funeral Home with longtime friend, Fate Britt and Masonic Chaplain, Eddie Martin conducting. Burial will follow the service in Poplar Grove Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Visitation is scheduled on Tuesday, after 11:00 A.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M. Kenneth McDaniel was born July 30, 1926, in the Old 23rd District of Benton County, Tennessee to the late David Arthur McDaniel and the late Makie Eva Christopher McDaniel. He married Carolyn Ann Hill McDaniel on September 5, 1953, and she preceded him in death on November 23, 2010. Ken is survived by his grandson, Chris S. Walker of Humboldt, Tennessee; great-grandsons, Grayson S. Walker and Tanner L. Walker, both of Humboldt; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. Besides his parents and wife, Ken is also preceded in death by his daughter, Sheryl Ann McDaniel; sister, Madonna Atchison; and brother, W.C. McDaniel. Mr. McDaniel was a longtime member of Northside United Methodist Church in Jackson and was the owner and president of Ken McDaniel Construction Company also of Jackson. He was a member of St. John Masonic Lodge in Jackson for many years and a U.S. Army Veteran during the Korean Wartime. Ken graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois with a degree in Horology (watchmaking). Music was Ken's true passion, he played the bass guitar and toured with Hank Williams, Sr., and also played with Ernest Tubbs. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Kenneth "Ken" McDaniel, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
Curtis McPeake
So sorry to hear of the passing of a dear old friend. So many wonderful musical moments with him. Such a gracious, kind, loving, warm and generous spiritual man I’ve ever known. Will always treasure the wonderful musical memories and the time I had the good fortune to spend with him. Prayers Wilma, Towanna, and all the family.
Curtis McPeake
Interview 2017
Curtis McPeake
Curtis "Headin' South"
Don Penix
Fiddle Luthier Wildersville, Tn. Don was the premier fiddle maker in West Tn. He made the best fiddles around and anyone who was any kind of fiddler knew Don Penix. Seen here L-R are Aubrey Taylor, Don Penix, and Sammy McCadams . . . The Master and his Apprentices . . . each holding two fiddles that Don made. Don charged $300 for each constructed fiddle. - photo by Ellis Truett
Melbon Plunk
Peach Pickin' Time in Georgia
Dennis Pollock
When & How did you get started in oldtime music?
All my life ever since I've heard the first Grand Ole Opry - I liked it. Anytime I heard about anyone playing music nearby, I wanted to be around it.
Ever since I can remember I've always wanted to be around the music. Our family would be in the field and someone would start a song and the rest of us would join in.
That sounds a lot like the old "field-holler" from back in the plantation days?
Yea, I thought of that when I was writing down some notes, and that was about like us. We would sing every day just like on the old plantations. Someone would start a song and depending on the mood some were in - some would join in and sing along - others might not. You know how kids are.
I remember way back a man by the name of Vestal. He was from the music-playing Vestal family. He had an old Gibson guitar. He would play with us part of the time and another family part of the time. He helped my Dad work in timber. Every night he would play that guitar. Picked with his thumb. We would all join in, and before I ever got a mandolin we all knew how to carry a tune.
Would you call his style of picking Bluegrass? Well he just played all the old tunes like "Rubber Dolly" and "Blue Moon Turns To Gold" - all those old tunes. Just all kinds of songs like that that I've already forgotten.
You mentioned he picked with his thumb - did he pick with his thumb and index finger? He would just use his thumb sort of like Lester Flatt did, but he didn't actually use a pick. His old hands were callaused and rough and he didn't really need a pick. He worked hard all his life. He could really play that guitar. He just drove me crazy wanting to play like that.
Do you remember how old you were at that time? Aw lord, from as way back as I can remember. I was probably around 8 years old then. I was 7 or 8 years old and he was playing and we were singing with him. He would come and see us real often. He was one of the Vestal pickin' bunch. You know that whole bunch could play.
One of the family actually came to IHOP one night. I can't recall his name, but he could still play - a little shaky with age, but could still play.
I guess what really set me on fire - we moved to the Lizard Lick area not far from where Mr. Ellis Truett lives. Boss Wadley (some of you may remember), his daddy owned some land in the Lizard Lick area. We were less than a 1/2 mile from where Ellis lives now. We lived over in an old L-shaped house - I won't never forget it - Daddy made the boards to cover it with. That was quite an art back then. Anyway that's how I got started - Boss had an old mandolin that Mr. Franke got for him from Sears and he'd learned to make some chords on it, and every time we'd go over there I'd grab it up and I'd pick on it and knock around on it. He finally showed me G,C, and D chords. Then he showed me kinda' how to pick out "Rubber Dolly". Anyway, that's how I started in with the mandolin. I like to wore it out playin' "Rubber Dolly"
Mr. Frank brought a couple loads of pine seedlings over there and put them back in the shed. One day he asked me, "would you like to have that mandolin of Boss's"? I said, "Yeahhhhhh"! He said, "if you'll set them pines out over there in the barn, I'll give you that mandolin." I said, "will you"? Not knowing back then - work didn't mean nothing - everybody worked. When I got done he told me their was 7500 of them. I know I set out pines for a year - as many as I could. It was something else - those gullies were full of pines, and their's still some of them standing. They cut them a few years back. I was told they sold $50,000 worth of pines. So I set out all those pines to get that old mandolin - course it was just as good to me as a Gibson back then.
You mentioned your family all sang - did anyone else in your family play a musical instrument? My oldest brother was in the army - after he came home from the World War II he bought me this Gibson mandolin that I have now. The one that I play now - he bought that for me in 1947. He played guitar, but he didn't play much. Me and Harold were the only ones that took it serious. Harold played guitar and I played a little rythum guitar and of course the mandolin. I've actually got a Martin guitar.
How old would you say that Gibson mandolin of yours is? Got it the first week of 1947. It was brand new then. I got it at Hardeman's in Jackson. Their was a big music store back then in Jackson - Hardeman Music. Towater was the man at the store and that was the only new mandolin they had at the store. He wrapped it and put it up in the back room. He said this will be right here when you come back. I sent him a letter and just as. He sent me a money order for $149.00. That was a lot of money back then. $149.00 was a lot of money, but that's what it cost.
Can you think of some of the different places that you played back then? After we got a little older - early teens - Daddy thought we were playing just for dances at homes, but we were playing all over the country and even in some honky-tonks where we shouldn't have been. I wasn't old enough - they shouldn't have even let me in there. We played and I hung onto that mandolin just like it was gold, which it was to me. We played places like the VFW I guess a year to two years and every Saturday night, and we played at schools. We traveled down 104 Hwy. back when it was just a gravel road. We later started playing on the Hayloft Frolic back during that time. I don't recall the year. We played from the time the Hayloft Frolic started until it ceased - just about every Saturday night.
That's something I've always found interesting the "Hayloft Frolic" - what was that like? Their were a lot of good musicians on that. They held it in the Armory Building. People would dance. A lot of different bands entered it. It was actually a contest. They'd eliminate a band about every week. I just liked to play - I never dreamed we would win it. Their would be a lot of us different groups that would compete for the honor of playing on the radio. They'd have a competition and then the winner got to play on the radio that night. That was a real big thing to get to play on the radio back then. I was the comedian in our bunch at that time. Who would've ever thought that somebody with red-clay mud on their shoes would ever win anything.
Who were some of the people you played with or competed with? I played in a few little contests against Curt McPeake - course not on the banjo. I played with R.T. Lunsford - that was the man that taught Curt how to play the banjo. Me and him use to double date - he was a lot older than me. He was a World War II Veteran. He'd bring his banjo and I'd bring my mandolin and we'd sing and pick for the girls, and finally after I married - I married his neice. When I married I quit playing that stuff and going to all those places, and me and my wifes brother started playing Churches. We had kind of a Louvin Brothers style. Later on my wife and I started singing in Church together, but we didn't travel like before. We have two boys and the oldest one plays piano and organ and he's a minister. The youngest boy was some kind of saxaphone player. He played some with the Happy Goodman's.
In closing what would you say drew you to this music ? It's just about the only kind of music I ever heard. I like a little bit of all of it, except Hard Rock. I don't care for that. I love all kinds of Gospel music. I guess what really drew me to the oldtime music was Snoops Vestal and Boss Wadley and that mandolin of his. I guess if it hadn't been for those two I would never have played. The thing I'm most proud of is that this music drew me to Church. That'salso where I met my wife, and we've been married now for 61 1/2 years.
I Know a Man That Can
Mr. Pollock
Jerry Preuett
Mr. Jerry Dale Preuett, 82, of Union City passed away 8:10 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2022, at his home. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Edmaiston-Mosley Funeral Home. Leonard York and Johnny Caudle will officiate. Burial will follow in Salem Cemetery near Union City. Visitation will be held at Edmaiston Mosley-Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday. Pallbearers will be Cory Thompson, Logan Preuett, Justin Preuett, Travis Preuett, Drew Crews and Zach Crews. Jerry was born August 30,1939, in Obion County, son of the late Leonard and Olivia (Clemmons) Preuett. He married Patsy Ann (Bryan) Preuett December 26, 1958. She survives. He retired from the former Goodyear and Tire Rubber Company after 30 years. He also worked for Preuett’s Painting and Decorating, American Metal and Graves Hardware as a lawn mower mechanic. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Jerry was in the United Rubber Workers Union, SOAR Goodyear Retirees, Woodland Mills Elementary PTA, serving as president, Jackson Area Plectral Society, Obion County School Board Member from 1974-1980 serving as chairman for 2 years, started and coached the first baseball and girl’s softball leagues at Woodland Mills Elementary in the mid 70's. He enjoyed working on lawn mowers in his retirement and playing Blue Grass music on his washtub. Jerry loved deer hunting, fishing and archery competition in his younger years. He is also survived by two daughters, Pam (John) McKinley of Trenton and Kim (Andy) Crews of Hornbeak; two sons, Steven (Sharon) Preuett of Union City and Stanley (Shannon) Preuett of Troy; 12 grandchildren, Aimee Cheatham, Cory Thompson, Mary Lawson, Logan Preuett, Christy Messick, Brandy Wade, Hope Preuett, Justin Preuett, Travis Preuett, Alyssa Robertson, Drew Crews and Zach Crews; 15 great grandchildren, Madikate Cheatham, Coleman Cheatham, Adley Thompson, Linley Thompson, John Tyler Richards, Stevie Grace, Avery Lawson, Tate Reed, Lizzy Preuett, Hazel Preuett, Lewis Preuett, Sam Preuett, Meredith Robertson, Luke Robertson and Nora Crews; two brothers, Freddie Preuett, Sr. of Union City and Tommy Preuett of Saint Petersburg, Florida; and his sister, June Wilson of South Fulton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Melanie Preuett; and two brothers, David Lynn Preuett and Larry Preuett, Sr. Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home (731) 885-1033
Don & Marji Richard
It gives me great pleasure to introduce our Picker of the Month - or I should say Pickers of the Month, for you can't mention one in the same breath without the other. I have had the good fortune of knowing and playing with this most gracious couple over the past 20-something years on many occasions. Whether it be in the Ozarks, on the porch of the Wildflower Inn, or at the Community Center at Gravel Hill, or the festival at Eastview (oh how I wish they would bring that back), in their gracious home, or simply the parking lot of the Old Country Store - you'll not find a more gracious and more enthusiastic couple of oldtime musicians. I've been playing with them so long they're just like family, and they are part of my musical family. Anyway, it is an honor and a priviledge for me to present our December Picker's of the Month - Mr. Don and Ms. Marjorie Richard. Congratulations Don & Marji'. You truly deserve it.
When and how did you first become interested in oldtime music?
(Marjorie) With just a few lapses now and then, this music has always been part of my life. My dad, mom, grandfather, and two of dad’s cousins had a string band in the mid-1930’s and played occasionally for local events. During my childhood Dad had a home recording machine that brought almost every old-time string band in the area to our living room. There was always music in our home. It’s a great legacy that my parents left me.
(Don) I started going to square dances at the Lion’s Club in Corinth, Ms. when I was about 14 and I’ve always loved the music. I would occasionally go to Marjorie’s house when they had musical groups there, (We lived about a mile apart.) I did not play an instrument at that time. I was on one of my Air Force assignments to Vietnam when I bought a banjo for $25 in the Philippine's, when I was about 28 years old. Just about drove Marjorie crazy trying to learn how to play the darn thing!
How long have you been playing oldtime music?
(Marjorie) As a little kid, while my hands were still too small for a guitar, Dad gave me a ukulele and taught me the chords in the keys of “C” and “G”, and I played along with the rest of them when I could.
(Don) When people ask me that question I usually say about 40 years. Sometimes their response is: “ You must be pretty good,” and my reply is “No, I just play badly with more confidence.”
What are your musical influences?
(Marjorie) Besides my dad, who played the fiddle and guitar, and my mom who played the mandolin, my greatest influence was Dad’s sister, my Aunt Eunice Smith, who played piano with area square dance bands. She could play the fiddle tunes note for note on the piano. She and I sang together a lot just for fun, and she taught me how to sing harmony.
(Don) Eunice Smith was playing the piano at all those square dances I went to in Corinth and also Bolivar, and certainly Marjorie’s folks were very encouraging. Her dad allowed me to “play” along when I couldn’t tell one chord from another. Certainly our association with the Jackson Area Plectral Society has been a major influence over the past twenty-plus years.
Does anyone in your family play music?
(Marjorie) No one still living except my cousin, James Smith, of Huntsville, Alabama. He plays autoharp and sings the old-time songs. Our daughter learned the flute, and sang alto in our church youth choir as a teenager, but doesn’t sing or play an instrument of any kind now.
(Don) I was one of ten children in my family and brother Steve is the only other member of my immediate family that plays an instrument. I had a great uncle, Rob Moore, that played the banjo in the early 1900s and I have his restored banjo.
What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life?
(Marjorie) As a teenager I occasionally sang on WCMA in Corinth, Mississippi on their live Saturday morning music programs, usually with Arnold English’s band. Don was career Air Force, and when we came home on leave we’d play with a group that gathered weekly at the store in Eastview. Don’s brother Steve was usually part of that group, and a young banjo player named David Killingsworth. (yes, “banjo”!)
Don was stationed at the Air Force Academy 1969-73, and a group of us got together at someone’s house about once a month. Quite a mixture—faculty, staff, cadets, playing everything from banjo to piano to trumpet—but we had fun with it. Mostly old-time and country.
(Don) I could not come up with a list! We often put our banjo and autoharp or dulcimer in the car when we travel, and we’ve played at an old country store in Floyd, Virginia, the porches and the barns in Cades Cove in the Smokies, on a hotel balcony overlooking a mountain stream in Gatlinburg, in an old log church at Shiloh, and many times in Mountain View, Arkansas. we are usually the last to leave the grounds at Athens State College every October and at numerous jam sessions at festivals all over the country. We enjoy playing with our brother Steve at family gatherings.
What else do you do besides play music?
(Marjorie) Our church is important to us. Don has taught a Sunday School class of adults for at least fifteen years. He’s also a trustee and I’ve been assigned to a committee position beginning in January. We’ve sung in the choir since joining First Baptist in 1984, and right now the Living Christmas Tree is our focus—16 songs to memorize! We follow the Union University basketball and golf teams, and Don’s the scorekeeper for home basketball games. We’re avid golfers (though we’re not very good), and we like to travel. We’ve put 26,000 miles on our minivan since April of this year.
What makes this kind of music "good" to you?
(Marjorie) Keeps me in touch with my roots, my heritage—it’s the kind of music my father and grandfather played, and it reminds me of family and my Tennessee home wherever I am, whenever I hear it. It’s easy to listen to.
(Don) Certainly the whole spectrum of people that just get together and have fun with this music is a great attraction to me. It draws people from all walks of life.
Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
(Both) It’s the kind of music we like best, and most of it is simple enough that it’s fairly easy to learn. Also, we like the kind of folks who play old-time music—just good, down-to-earth, friendly people who accept you and encourage you and help you learn.
Mr. Dudley Richard
Oldtime Buckdancing Champion
Steve Richard
Liberty Garden, Jackson Tn.
Dyke Simmons
Dyke Simmons December 30, 1948 - May 25, 2013 Share this obituary Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share in Email View/Sign Guestbook| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Services for Mr. Dyke Robert Simmons, age 64 of Humboldt, will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 1pm at Bodkin Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Locust Grove Cemetery near Bradford. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday evening from 5 - 8pm and on Wednesday from 11am - 1pm at the funeral home. Mr. Simmons was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Humboldt and a member of the Jackson Area Plectral Society in Jackson. Surviving Family: Wife - Carol Simmons Brothers - Raymond (Gena) Simmons and Welton Simmons Sister - Betty (Bubba) Colton Daughter-in-law - Lisa Browder Grand Daughter - Emily Browder (Trey) Casey
Dyke Simmons
Dyke Simmons December 30, 1948 - May 25, 2013 Share this obituary Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share in Email View/Sign Guestbook| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card Services for Mr. Dyke Robert Simmons, age 64 of Humboldt, will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 1pm at Bodkin Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Locust Grove Cemetery near Bradford. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday evening from 5 - 8pm and on Wednesday from 11am - 1pm at the funeral home. Mr. Simmons was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Humboldt and a member of the Jackson Area Plectral Society in Jackson. Surviving Family: Wife - Carol Simmons Brothers - Raymond (Gena) Simmons and Welton Simmons Sister - Betty (Bubba) Colton Daughter-in-law - Lisa Browder Grand Daughter - Emily Browder (Trey) Casey
Dyke Simmons
Christmas Time's a Comin'
Charmin' Charlie Sipes
Obituary for Charlie Sipes On Saturday, July 17, Charlie Sipes passed away peacefully at Sand Ridge, his home for 87 years and the place he called “The Garden Spot of the World.” Charlie had a wonderful life and enjoyed it tremendously. He was born in Juno, the youngest of three children. He attended Sand Ridge School and grew up surrounded by friends and family. His bachelor days ended when he met young Peggy Holt on the square in 1957. Married in 1961, they would have celebrated 60 happy years of marriage in October of this year. Charlie was a talented musician. At age 14, he heard a record of Tommy Jackson fiddling “Black Mountain Rag” at the Henderson County Fair, and his fiddling career began. Within three weeks, he taught himself to fiddle and was playing on the local radio station. Soon after that he won his first fiddler’s contest. Dubbed “Charmin’ Charlie” by his fans, he went on to become a champion fiddler who entertained at square dances and with country bands all over West Tennessee for over 60 years. He served as Grand Marshal of the Holladay Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree, and was honored by the Sardis Fiddler’s Contest for 40 consecutive years of participation. In addition to music, Charlie loved and could fix anything with wheels. As a kid, he had a bike that he painted a different color every week. In his early twenties, his beloved 1950 Oldsmobile had every accessory he could add to it. Tinkering with his own cars turned into a lifelong career. He started repairing cars in his father’s blacksmith shop, and opened Charlie Sipes Garage in 1955. He worked as a mechanic for more than half a century, gaining a reputation for integrity and skill. Even after he retired, he continued to tinker, restoring tractors and Studebakers in his shop at home. No one has ever loved the place where they lived more than Charlie. To him, there was no better place in the world than Sand Ridge. As a young talented baseball player, he was invited to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He declined (much to his father’s dismay), because it would have meant leaving Sand Ridge. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Cager and Minnie Sipes; his sister, Elvie Lee Melton, and his brother, Guy Henry Sipes. He leaves his wife, Peggy Holt Sipes, his daughter Charleyn Sipes Reviere (Rusty), and his grandsons Charles Connor Reviere and Grant Reviere, all of whom adored him. He leaves several nieces and nephews, including a special niece Patsy Melton, and many friends and fellow musicians with whom he played over the years. Charlie always loved animals, and was preceded by his beloved bird dog Bowser, a mutt named Smoochie, and a very talkative mynah bird, Toby. Visitation and funeral services will be at Reed’s Chapel in Lexington. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 21 at 11 am, with burial to follow at Sand Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday evening, July 20 from 6 pm to 9 pm and on Wednesday, July 21 from 9 am until service. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Charlie’s love of animals, the family asks for memorial donations to the Frances Hensley Animal Shelter.
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Charlie Sipes
Billy Smith
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Billy Smith
"Jewel Here on Earth"
Aubrey Taylor
Aubrey Taylor
At the IHOP
More Fiddlin' at IHOP
Aubrey Taylor
Aubrey Taylor Obituary Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dilday-Carter Funeral Home on Sep. 30, 2024. Mr. Aubrey Earl Taylor, 93, of Yuma passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 5th, at 1:00 pm at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home with burial following at Roans Creek Church of Christ Cemetery. Brother Wayne Pinckley, elder at Ashland City Church of Christ, will officiate the service. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 4th, at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and on Saturday, October 5th from 11 am until time of service. Mr. Taylor was born June 28, 1931, to the late Freamon and Norine Pinkley Taylor on the farm on which he lived his whole life. He attended Clarksburg School and graduated from Huntingdon High School in 1951. On April 10, 1952, he married Sylvia Felts. He was appointed Postmaster of the Yuma Post Office on April 17, 1959 and served until his retirement in 1998. Mr. Taylor began playing the fiddle as a teenager and enjoyed music all his life. He participated in several bands playing throughout the area. He was active with the Jackson Area Plectral Society for many years. He taught himself to read music and served as the song director at Roans Creek Church of Christ for many years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Sylvia Felts Taylor. He is survived by two daughters, Karen (Marty) Steele of Yuma and Laurinda (Jack) Ingram of Germantown; and three grandchildren, Amanda Steele, John Ingram, and William Ingram. He is also survived by his sister, Orvaline (Hilliard) Mann of Trezevant. Dilday-Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 731-986-8281. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aubrey Earl Taylor, please visit our floral store.
Robert Thearp
Obituary for Robert G. Thearp Robert G. Thearp, 77, of Bolivar, departed this life Saturday evening, December 26 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. The husband of Patricia Sue Young Thearp, who survives, he was retired from Harmon Automotive where he had worked for 35 years. He also was an entrepreneur and excellent cabinet maker, owning his own shop for years. He was born August 4, 1943 in Hardeman County, son of the late Floyd and Allie King Thearp, and was a life long resident of the county. He was an expert wood crafter, making instruments and pedal bicycles and was also known for his musical abilities, performing in one of the first local Hee Haw shows in Hardeman County. Mr. Thearp was a member of Shandy Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, whom he married on September 3, 1963, he is survived by three daughters, Robin Thomas of Bolivar, Amanda Kennedy (Cory) of Middleton and Gwen Faulk of Bolivar; three sisters, Geniel Ervin of Bolivar, Janette Willoughby of Toone and Bryndal Sipes of Jackson; 7 grandchildren, Robert Zacharey Doyle (Beth), Ethan Michael Faulk, Tempie Alyssa Patricia Burnette (Josh), Madalyn Maryally Carter (Evan), Kennon Glenn Kennedy, Gwyneth Ella Nicole Baker and Brylan Thearp Kennedy; 2 great grandchildren, Zacharey Kasyn Doyle and Rebekah Kynzlee Doyle; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Parthenia McKee; two brothers, Jimmy & Eugene Thearp; a grandson, Carson Kennedy; and his pet dog, "Tootsie". Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to Shandy Baptist Church. While visiting or attending services for Mr. Thearp, please consider the following guidelines: * Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person; * Refrain from hugs and handshakes; * When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth; * Wash your hands often; * Avoid touching your face; and * Minimize time spent in places where people gather.
Ellis playing The Wildwood Flower
Mr. Ellis Truett
I had been contemplating and mulling over and over in my mind - who in the world to highlight this month as our "Picker of the Month", and then it hit me. My goodness, why haven't I thought of this sooner? Who better deserves the honor more than a member who has for years promoted oldtime music in our area, organized a major festival for years, collected antiquities of oldtime music, designed and built countless dulcimers, and pickin' sticks, taught multitudes of novice musicians how to play the dulcimer and even a few how to build one, has been the subject of articles published in major publications like Southern Living, and even had videos produced and distributed by a major university, and to top it all off - he's celebrating his 90th birthday this month and still going strong. Yea, you know who I'm talking about - Mr. Ellis Truett, although he would be the first to tell you - "don't call me Mr., just call me Ellis." My dear old friend - we salute you and honor you as our most outstanding "Picker of the Month."
1. How did you first become interested in Oldtime Music?
I'm a most fortunate man. Both sides of my family were musicians. I had a great great grandfather who had a family string band in the Glendale Community before the Civil War. His two sons played button accordians and one of the girls played the fiddle and another of the girls played a Martin guitar - an old OO Martin Guitar. Allen Kincade Jones was his name. Part of his home is still standing down in the Glendale community. I've been through it several times. It's located in Chester County not very far from Henderson. My mother's family was named Benson and they were musicians also. Levin Benson Sr. was in the colony of Deleware before the Revolutionary War. His son, Levin Benson Jr. is buried down there near Reagan, and my grandaddy Benson could play anything - fiddle, anything. My mother picked the guitar and sang. You'd of forgotten Loretta Lynn if you'd heard my mother sing.
2. When did you first start playing?
I grew up listening to my Grandaddy Truett singing old songs like "Hawk Shot the Buzzard", etc. My daddy's mother's family had a man named Singin' Russell. I've got his old 1835 Army Songbook. He started the annual singing at Mt. Pleasant up around Sand Ridge. I grew up also listening to the Vestal Family. Tom Vestal had an old Gibson lute, and Robert Vestal, his brother played fiddle. Annie Vestal played a mandolin. I've been to a lot of Ice Cream Suppers and stuff like that when I was a small kid back in the 30's. Their's been string music in my family back way back before the Civil War. I got started playing horns. I played the trumpet - started when I was 12. When I was 14 I was playing first chair trumpet in 3 bands - The 4-H Club Band, The Union University Band, and The American Legion Band.
3. When did you first start playing a string instrument?
Well, I've got small hands and I couldn't chord a guitar, but I saw one time in the paper, back in the 1970's where in Mt. View Ar. they were gonna' have a Dulcimer Festival, and I went over there, carried my first wife (she died in 1984), and I met Jean Simmons, and a bunch of other oldtime musicians over there.
4. I know you and Marion played a lot of places together. She was a very special lady. Where were some of the places that you played music?
Unfortunately, Marion and I were only married about 3 1/2 years before she died. We played at Reelfoot Lake at the Festival there. Played with Wendell Cruz and Lucille Parker and Boss Wadley, Marion and myself, but mostly just local places. We played at the Carnigie in Jackson, and played at the Folk Center at Mt. View. Marion and Boss and I couldn't go to all the places we were invited. We played a lot of church groups - played a lot of old songs like Ragtime Annie and stuff like that.
5. We've talked about playing music, but I know besides playing the music, you also built a lot of instruments. How did you get started in that?
Well, I went over to Mt. View, AR, and I went to a workshop - the first one they ever had over there and got started building the dulcimer from there.
6. Do you have any hobbies outside of music?
Well, I like to build things. I can build anything out of wood from a dulcimer to a house. One of my biggest disappointments - I had a lot and all the materials and all over in Mt. View AR. and was gonna' construct a building, and suddenly I got too old to try to do it. I've still got 17 stacks of old lumber there at my house, and already made arrangements to carry it over there.
7. You built an old replica one-room schoolhouse down there behind your home. Tell us how that came about?
Well, in 1892 my granddaddy James Macintosh Truett was gonna be elected squire. He said, "I want you to know I ain't a runnin'". They elected him anyway, and they re-elected him 4 years later, and he wouldn't take it after that, but they built a one-room school on his property - called it The Truett School. The first building later burned. One year they didn't have enough students to have school, and 8 men and 4 women lived in it for that year. I built a replica of it - started in 1991.
8. A lot of your materials for the replica came from the old school didn't it?
Yea, a good bit of the weatherboard, and some of the wood I put on the walls. The slate/blackboard in there came from the old Tiptonville High School when they tore that down. I've got a lot of old furniture in there. I've got an old organ in there. I can't find anybody to play it.
9. Why would you say you chose to play this kind of music?
Well, it's what I grew up with. I tried to play a guitar, but my fingers were to small to chord it. My Daddy bought a fiddle out of a pawn shop in Jackson for $10 one time and nobody ever showed me a thing in the world about it. Only thing I ever learned to do was make it go like a fire engine, and he took it back and they gave him $8 for it back, That was my first experience with a string instrument. I later played one string melodies on tenor guitar, tenor banjo, and mandolin, played harmonicas and dulcimers, played Tennessee Music Boxes. Did you know those had their origin right here in our area. The area around Wayne, Lewis, and Lawrence County was where they originated - changed the whole history of the dulcimer. I have 5 old ones myself, and I've made 4 or 5.
10. I want to wrap it up here and I have one more question - what do you like best about this kind of music - our oldtime music?
Well, to me it's the only kind of music. This stuff we got now - most all this stuff is just noise, but most all those old songs had a moral to them. It was about something that questioned morality. It had a theme. Most of this stuff now is just racket - gonna' produce an awful lot of deaf old people.
I truly appreciate Mr. Ellis, not only for his wonderful story, but his steadfast devotion to the preservation of our oldtime music, and more importantly the friendship we've had over the years - I truly hold dear. He has been my musical father for almost 30 years and I will always treasure that.
Interview with Ellis
at the Old Country Store
In Loving Memory of
Ellis Truett
Kevin Wright
1. When and how did you first become interested in Oldtime Music?
We had an old Fender Flat Top Guitar laying around the house, that I used to play with as a small child. It stirred up my curiousity, but I couldn’t play it. My first recollection of oldtime music was my step grandfather, Oscar Stewart, had some Flatt & Scruggs Albums that I heard. We’d always watch Hee Haw on television at home, since it came on one of the channels we picked up with our antenna. I had a friend who went to church with me from Trenton, TN and he played banjo, but was killed in a auto accident while in college. After hearing him, I wanted to learn the banjo. I really got interested, however, in my first year at Tennessee Tech, I believe it was about 1984 and the guy who lived across the hall in my dormitory played a banjo. His name is Jeff Cales. Jeff had an old guitar and taught me the 3 chords to back up Foggy Mountain Breakdown, Mother Maybelle Carter style, with a thumb pick and strumming with the back of the fingernails. They had music jams at a music store in Cookeville and that’s where it all came together. It was kind of like the Plectral Society, but not formally organized. Jeff Cales also showed me some 3 finger banjo stuff while at Tech.
2. How long have you been playing Oldtime Music?
I guess it is almost 27 years now since I started in 1984.. I worked with Betsy Autry at Tharp Brothers’ Grocery Store in Humboldt, and she invited me to come to her father-in-law’s house and pick with her banjo pickin’ husband, Billy Joe Autry. His father, Mr. Lewis Autry, would have supper and pickin’s on Sunday nights. Billy Joe or Carlton Harrison invited me in 1987 to the beginnings of what is now the Jackson Area Plectral Society. The club wasn’t even incorporated at that time. I remember we played at Medon Community Center, Upstairs in Darol Aylor’s business in Casey Jones Village, Highland Park School, and Arlington Street back then and you used to get everyone to perform on a microphone on Saturday nights occasionally. You were always good at including everyone Jeff and that really meant a lot to everyone back then. My how time flies when you are having fun.
3. What were your musical influences?
I’d have to say Accapella Church singing while attending church with my grandparents was the biggest thing. We’d always sing 4 part harmony at my grandparents Church of Christ congregation. Also I remember my grandfather Barrett, who was from Pinetop in Hardeman Co., TN, singing standards such as “Shanty in old Shanty Town”, he had Bing Crosby records also and my grandmother Barrett, who came from the Pickett County, TN hills, singing ”Froggy Went a Courtin”, “It’s A Long Way To Tipparary” and other folk songs. I remember watching the Lawrence Welk show at my grandparents and I still love to watch the reruns. My grandmother Wright, being Baptist, loved Southern Gospel music, and we’d listen to those Southern Gospel Quartets on some television show on Sunday Mornings before church, when I spent the night at her house. As a child I listened to my mother’s lp’s which included Peter, Paul & Mary, The Kingston Trio, and we had lots of country 8 tracks (if you remember them). My mother would also sing to me and play her piano. I would try to sing with her and sit on her piano bench. As far as when I started playing guitar, I loved Tony Rice from the minute I first heard him. My 2nd roommate at Tennessee Tech was a guy named Tim Eldridge. Tim was introduced to me by my grandmother’s first cousin, and boy could he flat pick a guitar. He and I would jam in our dorm rooms when we should have been studying. He really gave me an introduction to bluegrass and we’d go to Nashville on the weekends and visit the Station Inn and Ernest Tubb Record Shop. I also listened to Flatt & Scruggs, The Seldom Scene, The Country Gentlemen, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Newgrass Revival and The Bluegrass Album Band, back then. Much later on, did I learn to appreciate the music of Bill Monroe, Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley and the Louvin Brothers. I got a cheap banjo and tried to learn how to play banjo. A good banjo picker from
Cookeville named Mike Garrison showed me some stuff on the banjo also. I learned a bunch of fiddle tunes while playing back up for a legendary Old-Time Fiddle player named Frazier Moss,
from the Cookeville, TN area. Also, I learned so much from my dear friend, Ben Stockard, who is now deceased, and was a former President of the Plectral Society. Ben could play so fast, it was unbelievable and he kept learning stuff until the day he died. I couldn’t even keep up some of the time. He and Aubrey Taylor and I must have played a thousand tunes a million times over the years. I’ll have to say that Brad and Brandon Apple have had such a profound influence on my music that I just can’t put it into words. They are both incredible musicians and are inspirational. Curtis Mann has influenced me on my timing more than anyone. Kurt Stevenson, James Kee and David Killingsworth have all influenced me musically as well.
4. Does anyone in your family play music?
My mother was a voice major at Indiana University, but later became a school teacher and principal. She played piano and a folk style of guitar. She could sing the highest soprano notes until she got a respiratory infection, which lowered her entire range. Oddly, enough she didn’t show me anything on the guitar that I can remember, but she did help me understand some elementary music theory early on. My sister and I took piano lessons for a little while, but neither of us wanted to practice. That was the beauty of oldtime music, I could learn it by ear, when I wanted to, and practice whenever I wanted to.
5. What kinds of times and places have you played music in your life?
While at Tennessee Tech, we used to play every Saturday night in Pickett County at an old school building at the Independence Community. That is where I first met a very young Jamie Dailey (of Dailey & Vincent) and Sierra Hull. It is a hotbed of music. I was in a country/rockabilly band for about a year or so nearly 20 years ago and we’d play for some dances in Crockett County. Also for 10-15 years I’ve traveled to several of the local fiddle contest festivals, jamming till the wee hours. We’d jam sometimes with guys who are pros now, such as Cody Kilby and Josh Williams. I’ve had the privilege of playing for ballets, symphonies, contests, square dances, benefits, weddings, auctions, cake walks and traveled to several places with our bluegrass band, Stone County Connection. It’s always special to play on the stage of The Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, AR. Stone County Connection opened so many opportunities for me musically, playing festivals in Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee of course. The musicians that have played with me in this group, are some of the best anywhere. I’m fortunate to have gotten to play guitar with these guys.
6. What else do you do besides play music?
Well I have to work for a living still. I’m a commercial lending officer for BancorpSouth. I’ve been in banking going on 26 years now and I really do have banker’s hours. I like to cook and watch my kids play sports. I like to do things with my girlfriend and she’s so supportive of my music. I like to travel and fish. I love good movies. Listening to music is just as fun for me as playing and often times is more fun.
7. What makes this kind of music "good" to you?
Instrumentally, good timing makes me feel good. What I mean by this, if everyone is playing on the beat or off beat (whichever the case may be), hitting a bad note is still ok. It’s not the end of the world to hit a bad note, as long as it’s in time. Getting out of time, is not so ok, because it effects the whole group. Bad notes only effect you, bad timing effects everyone. Also, simplicity makes music good also. Just play what you should and don’t try to overdo it. Being courteous of others with your volume, fills, etc., especially over the vocals, this really can make the music good. What makes this music good vocally?, I’d have to say singing 3 or 4 part harmony on pitch, makes me feel good also. This acoustic oldtime music can be so beautiful if we let it be. It calms my nerves if the music is good, and is a good medicine (as David Killingsworth once put it).
8. Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
I think this music chose me instead of me choosing it. Seriously, I don’t always want to play, but when I do, I have to feel it. If you don’t have anything to feel, it is so hard to play the music. I think I do play because it allows me to express emotions that couldn’t be expressed any other way. I mean, sometimes it makes you happy, sometimes sad and you just want to cry or something. This music stirs the emotions. Music is an outlet. I know that sounds weird, but that’s what it does for me.
Dr. Joe Tucker
Obituary for Dr. Joe Tucker
Dr. Joe Tucker, 88, died Thursday afternoon, July 4, 2019 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born in Uniontown, AL on December 13, 1930 the son of the late Joe Tucker and Claudia Ethridge Tucker. He served in the National Guard during the Korean War and later retired from the guard after serving 43 years. He influenced many students while a math Professor at Union University for twenty-two years, many saying he was the reason they graduated from Union. He was a longtime Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, current member at West Jackson Baptist Church, member of Jackson Roadrunners, Co-Founder of the Andrew Marathon, which is the oldest marathon in Tennessee, 2003 Distinguished Service Award winner from The Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame, and member of the Jackson Plectral Society.
He is survived by his three sons, Claude Tucker (Denise), Tommy Tucker (Nancy), and Phillip Tucker; one sister, Velma Jackson (Glen); seven grandchildren, Jeremy Tucker, Rebecca Tucker, Emily Stubblefield (Justin), Zachary Tucker, Joseph Tucker, Matthew Tucker, Anna Tucker, and one great- grandchild, Josie Stubblefield.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ira Belle Tucker; four brothers, Rogers Tucker, Lester Tucker, Lawrence Tucker, Wilber Tucker; one sister, Justine Davis, and great-grandchild Aubrey Jo Tucker.
SERVICES: Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 4:00PM in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Rev. Ricky Clark officiating. Burial will be Monday, July 8, 2019 at 10:30AM at Ridgecrest Cemetery.
The Weems Family
Oldtime Stringband from Perry County
Weems Family Stringband
Weems Family
Greenback Dollar
Davy Davy
Weems Family
Home Recordings of Weems Family 1950's
Recorded in Parsons, Tn