From October 1, 2010 through to the end of September 2011, we will, each day, celebrate the life of Bill Monroe by sharing information about him and those people who are associated with his life and music career. This information will include births and deaths; recording sessions; single, LP and CD release dates; and other interesting tidbits. Richard F. Thompson is responsible for the research and compilation of this information. We invite readers to share any tidbits, photos or memories you would like us to include.
- August 6, 1922 Manuel Dewey ‘Old Joe’ Clark Jr. [banjo] was born in Erwin, Tennessee. *
- August 6, 1930 Vernon McQueen was born. **
- August 6, 1949 When You Are Lonely (Columbia 20526) peaked at number 12 in the Billboard country singles music chart.
- August 6, 1950 Recording session – The Shenandoah Valley Trio – Joel Price [lead vocal], Jimmy Martin [guitar and baritone vocal] and Merle ‘Red’ Taylor [fiddle and tenor vocal] recorded four songs [in Nashville] for Columbia. ***
* ‘Old Joe’ Clark spent about a month in August 1951 working for Bill Monroe, playing banjo and providing comedy relief on tour dates.
He is better known for his association with the Renfro Valley Barn Dance.
** Vernon McQueen filled in as the guitar player in 1960.
McQueen was a member of one of the Brown County Jamboree house bands, the Stoney Lonesome Boys, with Roger Smith [fiddle], Osby Smith [mandolin], Neil Rosenberg [banjo] and Ann Rosenberg [bass].
*** The recordings of Let Me Rest (At the End of My Journey), Cabin Of Love, Little Sunshine Girl and While I’m Reading Your Letter were released on two Columbia singles.
Let Me Rest (At the End of My Journey) was included on the Rounder Records Various Artists LP Early Days of Bluegrass. Vol. 3, New Sounds Ramblin’ from Coast to Coast (Rounder 1015), released in 1983.
It is thought that Jimmie Selph (from Red Foley’s band) was augmenting the basic trio sound with some fine steel guitar playing.
