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Chet Atkins Mr. Guitar
Quick! Name two of Chet Atkins’ hit singles. OK, one? Because of his decades-long success producing hits for other acts and in so doing co-creating with Owen Bradley the fabled “Nashville Sound,” Chet Atkins’ contributions as an artist in his own right have been routinely overshadowed. Yet by the time he died in 2001 at…
Something To Be Said
The Gospel Plowboys are a bluegrass gospel group based in the Concord, North Carolina area. The band members are dedicated to spreading the good news of the Gospel, Jesus Christ, and His saving grace. The members are devout Christians and focus their music on this messaging. The band consists of Michael Jenkins (guitar), Kris Miller…
Hoke Jenkins—Pioneer Banjo Man
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine September 1985, Volume 20, Number 3 Some great names in bluegrass picked under an old oak tree in Harris, North Carolina many years ago. Oren Jenkins, who still lives in this rural community, remembers summer nights when he, his brother Hoke and his uncle Dewitt “Snuffy” Jenkins were joined there…
Kenny Baker & Josh Graves — The Best Years of Their Lives
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine January 1988, Volume 22, Number 7 You walk up to Kenny Baker at a bluegrass festival and introduce yourself and explain that you’d like to interview him for a possible feature in a music magazine. He listens quietly, but courteously, and replies, “Maybe later, I’m kind of busy now.” You…
Arvil Freeman—Portrait of an Independent Fiddler
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine June 1991, Volume 25, Number 12 Why would any fiddle player turn down offers from Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Grandpa Jones and Mac Wiseman? “I’m pretty much of an individualist,” says Arvil Freeman. “I’ve never been a person that’s wanted a lot of attention.” In fact, anyone wanting to hear…
Crown of Bright Glory—The Legendary Carter Stanley
Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine February 1996, Volume 30, Number 8 There are an extraordinary number of bluegrass and country music performers who achieved stardom by simply emulating Carter Stanley’s hauntingly emotional vocal style or by recording one of his many remarkable hit songs. The songs he wrote have been recorded and/or performed by nearly…