The Virginia Musical Museum in Williamsburg is set to induct bluegrass and traditional music artist Bill Jenkins into their Hall of Fame this year. A ceremony is scheduled for August 9 at the American Theatre in Hampton, VA. Bill will be recognized for this honor, followed by a concert by he and his Virginia Mountain Boys.
Born in Newport News, VA and raised in Hayes on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, Jenkins played and sang on Richmond’s storied Old Dominion Barn Dance as a younger man. He also worked with the Virginia Gentlemen and as a member of Red Allen & the Kentuckians.
Long noted for hewing to the old time traditions of early bluegrass, Bill is said to have committed more than 500 songs to memory. He will be accompanied at the induction concert by his singing partner Ken Worrell on second guitar, Clyde Bailey on banjo, Bill Collier on bass, Robert Cottingham on mandolin, and Joe Gilley on fiddle.
This honor is given to Bill Jenkins for 56 years of serving as an ambassador for Virginia’s musical traditions.
Other artists to share this distinction at the Virginia Musical Museum include Bruce Hornsby, Kate Smith, Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Ralph Stanley, Patsy Cline, the Statler Brothers, and The Carter family.
Congratulations!
