Udell McPeake passes

Tim White, host of the popular Song Of The Mountains show on television, informs us that Udell McPeak passed away yesterday morning after a long illness. He was born on June 12, 1935 and died on December 16, 2009.

He was an original member of The McPeak Brothers, which was carried on for many years by brothers Larry, Mike and Dewey. Udell had performed with the Lonesome Pine Fiddlers in the 1950s and also worked with the Shenandoah Cut Ups. The first edition of the McPeak Brothers featured Udell, Larry and Dewey in 1963, with Mike coming on to take Udell’s spot when he went to work with Red Smiley. The band’s succes on radio, television and recordings came after Udell left the group.

Tim asked that we request prayers for the whole McPeak family. Larry is in poor health as well, waiting for a kidney transplant.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m. – Here are the details on the Udell McPeak funeral arrangements. Visitation will be this Friday (12/18) at 6:00 p.m., with the funeral to follow at 7:00.

Barnett Funeral Home
325 Church Street
Wytheville VA 24382

Severe winter weather is expected in southwest Virginia this weekend, so be please be aware should be considering attending.

UPDATE12/18 – Owing to the winter storm warning, Udell McPeak’s funeral has been moved to Saturday (12/19).

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2004 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.