Russ, I love these little insights into such an important part of our American culture. I'm also glad that there are people like you around to tell these stories, and in so doing, to document at least a part of our cultural heritage. It's the collage of stories like the one above that paint the "big" picture. I think people like Winton Marsalis (and others who care about the detailed and intimate history of "the music") would love you. Sure wish that your knowledge of Kentuckys musical past could be more formally documented (hint, hint).

Good wishes,

chas

Hey, Chas...one interesting thing about Central Kentucky is that, prior to the factories re-locating to here (IBM, Square D and others) in the very early 60's, Lexington was a jazz mecca, with top jazz venues (Joyland Casino) and many small jazz clubs (The Top of the Stairs and others).

There was almost no country music. In fact, when I moved from here in 1962, we had only one small 1000 watt country station in a nearby town. That's because the economy was primarily horse farms, The University of Kentucky (faculty, staff), national distillers and several prestigious private education intstitutions (Transylvania, Center College, etc.).

When I got to Victorville, California, Apple Valley was full of country music venues and performers (Roy Rogers lived in Apple Valley).

My first job was at a club where country music was performed and the "Kentucky Boy" didn't know any of the music!

There is an old-time tenor player, Byron Romanowitz, here in Lexington, who recently wrote a definitive history of jazz in Lexington. It's in the form of a coffee table book, with photos of not only locals but many national acts like Kenton, Duke,Anita O'Day and, later, acts like Jimmy Smith, Ike Cole (Nat's brother-a fabulous B-3 player), and many others. Byron is a very successful retired architect and still one of the best jazz players in the area.

No country music in Lexington, Kentucky during the 30's through early 60's? That's really the way it was!


Russ




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 09-20-2007).]