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BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC ALLIANCE UNVEILS NEW EXHIBIT TO HONOR BLUEGRASS PIONEERS THE SAUCEMAN BR |
| Name: |
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Jim Myrick |
| Date Posted: |
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Oct 11, 04 - 11:48 AM |
| Email: |
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myrick52@hotmail.com |
| web site |
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http://www.tisba.net |
| web site |
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http://www.wmox.net |
| Message: |
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BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC ALLIANCE UNVEILS NEW EXHIBIT TO HONOR BLUEGRASS PIONEERS THE SAUCEMAN BROTHERS
On April 24, 2003, officials from the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) unveiled a new exhibit about Bluegrass Pioneers the Sauceman Brothers.
David Winship, museum curator, commented that “The Sauceman Brothers, Carl and J.P. (John Paul), were one of the early pioneers of country music who shaped the brother duo sound that became bluegrass music.” He added that at the opening of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Museum, they were honored in 2002 as "First Generation Bluegrass Pioneers." He noted that this exhibit will enable to BCMA to add another chapter to the story of this region’s musical heritage.
Among those on hand for the unveiling of the exhibit include members of the Sauceman family, including the Sauceman’s brother, Jim Sauceman, and sister, Imogene Day, and Curly Seckler, who played mandolin with the Sauceman brothers and later with Flatt and Scruggs. “On behalf of the Sauceman family and Carl and J.P.,” Jim Sauceman stated, “we wish to thank the BCMA for bestowing this honor and we appreciate the efforts of the BCMA in putting Bristol back on the map in country and bluegrass music.” Jim and Imogene added that although Carl, who know resides in Gonzales, Louisiana, couldn’t be in attendance, he sent his wishes to the BCMA and has fond memories of playing in Bristol.
Born in the Greene County, Tennessee community of Bright Hope in the 1920s, the Sauceman Brothers grew up in a musical household where they learned music from their parents, their father was a gospel singer, and from a cousin's hand-crank phonograph. The Sauceman Brothers played the early country radio shows in the 1940s, including stations in Knoxville and Greeneville, Tennessee and Hickory and Asheville, North Carolina.
In 1946, they organized their first band, "The Hillbilly Ramblers," to perform on WGRV in Greeneville. At this time, they signed their first recording contract with Rich-R-Tone Records and had their first studio sessions at WOPI in Bristol in 1947. Subsequent record contracts occurred with Mercury, Republic, and Capitol Records, along with their band "The Green Valley Boys."
The Sauceman Brothers settled in Carrollton, Alabama in the 1950s to perform regularly on WRAG. As the live country radio shows gave way to live country television shows, the Sauceman Brothers were sometimes performing on two radio shows a day and three television shows a week. The Sauceman Brothers retired from performing in 1963.
Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the BCMA, stated that, “Following our museum renovation last fall, we are now able add additional exhibits to our museum.” He noted that during 2002 over 17,000 people representing 27 foreign countries and 46 states visited the BCMA museum. “To keep those visitors coming and encourage repeat visitation, we need to continually update our exhibits.” He added that over the next few months other exhibits would be unveiled, including a new exhibit in mid-May on Country star Mel Street.
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum is located in the lower level of the Bristol Mall, Exit 1 Interstate 81. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM and from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Sunday. Admission to the museum is free. |
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