Remembering Mark Anthony Giejda, beloved husband, father, and brother (Dec. 17, 1959 – Sept. 27, 2018) passed away after a sudden onset and brief illness. Cindy was unable to attend the annual International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) World of Bluegrass convention when Mark was struck with the illness. Cindy is eager to credit Mark for
Remembering Larry McPeak, (July 13, 1947 – September 18, 2014) a bassist and tenor singer of THE MCPEAK BROTHERS from Wytheville, Virginia. The original band was formed in 1963, with Udell, Larry and Dewey McPeak. In 1974 they were discovered by country music star Mel Tillis, who arranged for them to record an album called
Remembering Larry McPeak (July 7, 1947 – September 18, 2014) was part of the historic trio of Wytheville, Virginia with his brothers Dewey and Mike. Their tight family harmony, and Larry’s clever songwriting, brought them popularity in the 1970s. He was a graduate of George Wythe High School and attended Wytheville Community College. He was
Remembering Charlie Monroe (July 4, 1903 – September 27, 1975) was an American country and bluegrass music guitarist. Monroe was born on his family’s farm in Rosine, Kentucky; he was the older brother of the mandolin player Bill Monroe. His sister Bertha also played guitar, and brother Birch, fiddle. Charlie, Birch, and Bill played together
Remembering Bill Price (May 8, 1934 – September 11, 2000) who used to daydream about playing in a really good bluegrass band and finally, he got a chance to play for hotshot bluegrass bandleader Jimmy Martin, who right away took an interest in the teen’s firm rhythmic guitar style and charismatic presence when delivering one
Remembering Wade Echard Mainer (April 21, 1907 – September 12, 2011), from near Weaverville, N.C. was an American country singer and banjoist, who as a boy picked up the banjos that performers would lay down during their breaks at dances and taught himself to play. With his band, the Sons of the Mountaineers, he is
Remembering Vernon Dalhart (April 6, 1883 – September 14, 1948), born Marion Try Slaughter, was a popular American singer and songwriter. He is a major influence in the field of country music. Vernon Dalhart came to country music from outside the tradition, becoming a national star in the years just before more indigenous kinds of
Remembering Steve Scruggs (February 8, 1958 – September 23, 1992) played guitar, keyboards and banjo was the youngest of Earl Scruggs’ three sons. With brothers Randy and Gary, he was a member of the Earl Scruggs Revue, which their fathers started after breaking up in 1969 with longtime partner, guitarist Lester Flatt. He later played
Remembering Joe Stuart (February 7, 1928 – September 13, 1997) who was the most versatile bluegrass musician ever. He worked as Bass Fiddler for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and their Foggy Mountain Boys. Along the way, he worked with about all the GOOD bands and finally landed a job with Bill Monroe as a
Remembering Wilma Lee Cooper (February 7, 1921 – September 13, 2011) called the “First Lady of Bluegrass” – WILMA LEE (AND STONEY) COOPER: Wilma Lee, her parents and two sisters had a gospel group in the 1930’s called the Leary Family. Dale T. “Stoney” Cooper was hired as the Leary family’s fiddle player. He married
