Fiddlin’ Joe Meadows and Sen. Robert Byrd

I consider myself to be just an ordinary soul. I never reached the national spotlight. But as I grow older, I often look back on the many aspects of my life and bluegrass music has been a major influence on how I lived and it has been a source for many accomplishments and treasures. A number of my friends have encouraged me to write about my experiences with the idea that it would make interesting reading for bluegrass fans and musicians—and maybe for just a few other folks as well. I was born in Washington DC in 1937. In the late 1940’s country music and bluegrass music were quite popular as a result of southerners and other rural populations moving to the area during World War II. I remember as a teenager listening to WCKY from Cincinnati ,OH on my portable radio.  I was huddled under my bed covers when I was supposed to be sleeping. WSM from Nashville, TN came in loud and clear and I listened to the Grand Ole Opry. I could also listen to the WWVA Jamboree from Wheeling,