The Archives
A Conversation with Red Allen
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine June 1979, Volume 13, Number 12 Rared back in the black leather chair, smiling expansively under his framed Kentucky Colonel award, Red Allen is a generous host and an entertaining companion. Seemingly unchanged by the passage of time and the rigors of open-heart surgery, his grin is as infectious as…
Jeanette Williams—She’s Got Her Walkin’ Shoes On
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine September, 2004. Volume 39, Number 3 Since she burst into national prominence with her debut solo album on Doobie Shea Records, “Cherry Blossoms In The Springtime,” in 1999, Jeanette Williams has proven she has the stuff to persevere for the long haul as a bandleader and artist. Despite personnel changes,…
Herschel Sizemore—A Mandolin Hero Returns
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine August 1993, Volume 28, Number 2 After a 12-year absence from regular performing, mandolin hero Herschel Sizemore has returned to fulltime performing with the Bluegrass Cardinals. Sizemore, who had been active throughout the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s had taken a job with Purolator Courier and worked for them from 1974…
Lonesome River Band—It’s About Excitement!
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine February 1994, Volume 28, Number 8 A wealth of bluegrass history has been made in the counties along the central North Carolina/Virginia border. This area was a mainstay on the circuit for Reno & Smiley, Flatt & Scruggs, and other first generation bands. It became the home of promoter Carlton…
Butch Robins
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine May 1979, Volume 13, Number 11 In October of 1977, when Butch visited Los Angeles as a member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys, we first discussed the idea of the following article. During the winter months we corresponded and when I was offered a job on the road this…
The Dry Branch Fire Squad
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine January 1980, Volume 14, Number 7 What do you get when you cross a hillbilly, a fisherman in a cowboy hat, a mechanic, and a whittler, with satirical wit, meticulous musicianship, and a great respect for the heritage of bluegrass music? The Dry Branch Fire Squad, of course. And who…