JA-075D (ODUS MAGGARD - SOUTHERN MELODY CD)

Description: Odus Maggard was born January 31, 1915 in Viper, Kentucky. His father was a coal miner who moved the family to Wise County, VA. There Odus became acquainted with Moran "Dock" Boggs, a legendary banjo picker and singer from Norton, VA. Maggard developed his style concurrently with better known players like Earl Scruggs and Don Reno. In the 1930s he formed the Southern Melody Boys with Woodrow Roberts. In 1936-37 they recorded for RCA-Victor and Decca Records. Maggard settled in Kingsport, TN, where he was a banjo-picking barber until he retired in 1983. He also played guitar. Maggard has a June Appal recording, Southern Melody, and Down Among the Budding Roses on Cloudlands label.

Recordings for JA0075, Southern Melody, were made at the Maggard home direct to DAT stereo with no overdubs on July 13 and August 2, 1994. Recordings were recorded, mixed and edited by Douglas Dorschug. The release was produced by Tommy Ray Bledsoe. Musicians included Odus Maggard on banjo, guitar and vocals; Lois Fuller on guitar and vocals; Robert Carrier on bass; Jack Willis on fiddle; and Richard Hickman on fiddle.

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