Kip Lornell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- February 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199863112
- eISBN:
- 9780190933685
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199863112.003.0004
- Subject:
- Music, History, American
Both as a radio program on WAMU-FM and as a specialized magazine, Bluegrass Unlimited informed local fans about “their” music. The impact of the radio show was local, but the magazine soon garnered ...
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Both as a radio program on WAMU-FM and as a specialized magazine, Bluegrass Unlimited informed local fans about “their” music. The impact of the radio show was local, but the magazine soon garnered national attention. The Birchmere, which became the premier spot for bluegrass in the region, was founded by Gary Oelze who still operates this venue. By 1967 all three of these forces were underpinning the local bluegrass community. In the early 1970s the Seldom Scene formed out of the core of the original Country Gentlemen and soon became the most important bluegrass band in DC and, arguably, across the United States. During this period bluegrass became increasingly popular, a trend that only accelerated during the late 1970s and early 1980s.Less
Both as a radio program on WAMU-FM and as a specialized magazine, Bluegrass Unlimited informed local fans about “their” music. The impact of the radio show was local, but the magazine soon garnered national attention. The Birchmere, which became the premier spot for bluegrass in the region, was founded by Gary Oelze who still operates this venue. By 1967 all three of these forces were underpinning the local bluegrass community. In the early 1970s the Seldom Scene formed out of the core of the original Country Gentlemen and soon became the most important bluegrass band in DC and, arguably, across the United States. During this period bluegrass became increasingly popular, a trend that only accelerated during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Kip Lornell
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- February 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780199863112
- eISBN:
- 9780190933685
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199863112.003.0002
- Subject:
- Music, History, American
Bluegrass began to emerge as a subset of hillbilly music shortly after the close of World War II. However, both the terms “country” music and “bluegrass” were not commonly used until the late 1950s. ...
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Bluegrass began to emerge as a subset of hillbilly music shortly after the close of World War II. However, both the terms “country” music and “bluegrass” were not commonly used until the late 1950s. Throughout the 1950s WARL radio highlighted this music, mostly notably lead by DJ Don Owens. Mandolinist Buzz Busby was perhaps the most influential pioneering bluegrass music in the area and participated in the first local television show (1954) featuring this music. By the late 1940s DC Records became the first local label to record hillbilly music talent around Washington, DC, and the Happy Melody Boys were the first hillbilly/bluegrass band to appear on national television (1955). The chapter closes with the formation of the Country Gentlemen, arguably the most important local bluegrass band.Less
Bluegrass began to emerge as a subset of hillbilly music shortly after the close of World War II. However, both the terms “country” music and “bluegrass” were not commonly used until the late 1950s. Throughout the 1950s WARL radio highlighted this music, mostly notably lead by DJ Don Owens. Mandolinist Buzz Busby was perhaps the most influential pioneering bluegrass music in the area and participated in the first local television show (1954) featuring this music. By the late 1940s DC Records became the first local label to record hillbilly music talent around Washington, DC, and the Happy Melody Boys were the first hillbilly/bluegrass band to appear on national television (1955). The chapter closes with the formation of the Country Gentlemen, arguably the most important local bluegrass band.
Philip R. Ratcliffe
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781617030086
- eISBN:
- 9781617030093
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University Press of Mississippi
- DOI:
- 10.14325/mississippi/9781617030086.001.0001
- Subject:
- Music, History, American
When Mississippi John Hurt (1892–1966) was “rediscovered” by blues revivalists in 1963, his musicianship and recordings transformed popular notions of prewar country blues. At seventy-one he moved to ...
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When Mississippi John Hurt (1892–1966) was “rediscovered” by blues revivalists in 1963, his musicianship and recordings transformed popular notions of prewar country blues. At seventy-one he moved to Washington, D.C., from Avalon, Mississippi, and became a live-wire connection to a powerful, authentic past. Hurt's intricate and lively style made him the most sought-after musician among the many talents the revival brought to light. This book provides this legendary creator's life story. The author traces Hurt's roots to the moment his mother Mary Jane McCain and his father Isom Hurt were freed from slavery. Anecdotes from Hurt's childhood and teenage years include the destiny-making moment when his mother purchased his first guitar for $1.50, when he was only nine years old. Stories from his neighbors and friends, from both of his wives, and from his extended family round out the community picture of Avalon. U.S. census records, Hurt's first marriage record in 1916, images of his first autographed LP record, and excerpts from personal letters written in his own hand provide treasures for fans. The author details Hurt's musical influences, and the origins of his style and repertoire. He also relates numerous stories from the time of Hurt's success, drawing on published sources and many hours of interviews with people who knew Hurt well, including the late Jerry Ricks, Pat Sky, Stefan Grossman and Max Ochs, Dick Spottswood, and the late Mike Stewart. In addition, some of the last photographs taken of the legendary musician are featured.Less
When Mississippi John Hurt (1892–1966) was “rediscovered” by blues revivalists in 1963, his musicianship and recordings transformed popular notions of prewar country blues. At seventy-one he moved to Washington, D.C., from Avalon, Mississippi, and became a live-wire connection to a powerful, authentic past. Hurt's intricate and lively style made him the most sought-after musician among the many talents the revival brought to light. This book provides this legendary creator's life story. The author traces Hurt's roots to the moment his mother Mary Jane McCain and his father Isom Hurt were freed from slavery. Anecdotes from Hurt's childhood and teenage years include the destiny-making moment when his mother purchased his first guitar for $1.50, when he was only nine years old. Stories from his neighbors and friends, from both of his wives, and from his extended family round out the community picture of Avalon. U.S. census records, Hurt's first marriage record in 1916, images of his first autographed LP record, and excerpts from personal letters written in his own hand provide treasures for fans. The author details Hurt's musical influences, and the origins of his style and repertoire. He also relates numerous stories from the time of Hurt's success, drawing on published sources and many hours of interviews with people who knew Hurt well, including the late Jerry Ricks, Pat Sky, Stefan Grossman and Max Ochs, Dick Spottswood, and the late Mike Stewart. In addition, some of the last photographs taken of the legendary musician are featured.
