This week we examine the career of bluegrass singer Curly Seckler, who turns 97 on Christmas Day 2016. A new biography is out by Penny Parsons, titled Foggy Mountain Troubadour: The Life And Music Of Curly Seckler. Raised on a North Carolina farm, Seckler started playing on local radio with his brothers in Salisbury, NC – and before long had joined Charlie Monroe's band. He eventually settled in with Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, where with his high yet silky tenor, he did as much to establish the tradition of bluegrass harmony singing as anyone. We hear some of Curly's reminiscences, comments from biographer Parsons, musical and historical context from host Paul Brown to stitch the story together, and lots of memorably great music. Also on this week's show: Eddie Bond and the New Ballard's Branch Bogtrotters; Alice Gerrard; Larry Stephenson; and Lightnin' Wells.
Episode 49 Playlist
- Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Earl Scruggs
Flatt & Scruggs 1947-59 Vol. 1
- Waves On The Ocean
New Ballard's Branch Bogtrotters
Bogtrotter Blues
- Sweet Sunny South
Larry Stephenson
Larry Stephenson Webco Classics Vol. 5
- Old Virginia Hills
Alice Gerrard
Calling Me Home
- Prodigal Son
Lightnin' Wells
Shake 'Em On Down
- Break 1 - Old Salty Dog Blues
Flatt & Scruggs
Flatt & Scruggs 1947-59 Vol. 1
- That Old Book Of Mine
Curly Seckler
Bluegrass, Don't You Know?
- No Letter In The Mail
Sauceman Brothers with Curly Seckler
The Sauceman Brothers on WCYB Bristol
- Interview with Curly Seckler
Penny Parsons field recording
- No Depression in Heaven
Charlie Monroe & The Kentucky Pardners
Single
- Interview with Penny Parsons
ATBR recording
- Why Don't You Tell Me So
Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys
Flatt & Scruggs 1947-59 Vol. 1
- Pike County Breakdown
Flatt & Scruggs & The Foggy Mountain Boys
Flatt & Scruggs 1947-59 Vol. 1
- Break 2 - We Can't Be Darlings Anymore
Curly Seckler
Bluegrass, Don't You Know?
- No Mother Or Dad
No Mother Or Dad
Flatt & Scruggs 1947-59 Vol. 1
- Interview with Curly Seckler
Penny Parsons field recording
- Why Did You Wander
Curly Seckler
Bluegrass, Don't You Know?
- Katy Hill
Curly Seckler & Tater Tate
Bluegrass, Don't You Know?
- Moonlight On My Cabin
Curly Seckler
That Old Book Of Mine
- I've Got A Home In The Beulah Land
Curly Seckler & Tommy Scott
radio transcription
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad