Author Archives: Bud Bennett

Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- In the Pines

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Bud Bennett

One of my favorite pseudo-bluegrass songs is “In the Pines”.  As is the case with many songs like this, it isn’t a bluegrass song at all though, it is one of those songs of “indeterminate origin”.  Over the years it … Continue reading →

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The True Story of Molly and Tenbrooks

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Bud Bennett

Bill Monroe had a big hit in 1949 with the song Molly and Tenbrooks.  It was the B side of a record he cut in 1947 (the A side was I’m Going Back to Old Kentucky) for Columbia Records.  The … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- The Bristol Sessions

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Bud Bennett

In 1927, Texas fiddlers Eck Robertson and Henry Gilliland recorded a record for the Victor Talking Machine Company.  This was the first “country” record made and it ended up being very important, only the company dubbed the genre “hillbilly” music. … Continue reading →

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Rest in Peace Pete Seeger

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Bud Bennett

While driving to work this morning I heard the news that Pete Seeger died yesterday at the ripe old age of 94.  Pete Seeger was called a lot of things in life – among them musician, author, peace advocate, teacher, … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Tony Rice

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Bud Bennett

Anybody who listens to acoustic music knows the name Tony Rice.  For many years Tony has been a guitar icon to players of all ages and musical styles.  He has also written and/or sang songs that are firmly entrenched in … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Carolina Chocolate Drops

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Bud Bennett

I just heard that Dena Epstein died last week (11/14/13) at the age of 96.  I am going to assume that her name was not necessarily recognizeable to most people but I am pretty sure that the fruits of her life’s … Continue reading →

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Bill Monroe

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Bud Bennett

September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996 My Last Days on Earth   (photo courtesy of Kim Johnson and used with permission)

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Roger Sprung is Here

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Bud Bennett

When I think back the many years to the time when I went to the Galax Fiddlers Convention for the first time, one memory stands out.  People were everywhere, walking, talking, playing music; venders were selling vintage instruments, food, t-shirts … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Adam Hurt

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Bud Bennett

I was sitting here minding my own business listening to some music.  A patron of mine walked into my office to take care of some library business and then stayed a while to chat.  I noticed her looking at my … Continue reading →

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Highlights of the McConnell Library Appalachian Music Collection- Steve Martin

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Bud Bennett

(Used with permission from Roger Gupta, photographer) “Do you love to…..get small?” Back in the late 70s when anyone said that, most people in the room would start laughing and usually start reciting the entire comedy album called…. well it … Continue reading →

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