Porterfield, Nolan 2006-07-24
Porterfield discusses his early experiences with the Caprock Playboys and work with ad layouts with various publications. He also goes into depth about his college education to his doctorate, during which time he wrote ‘A Way of Knowing.’ Furthermore, Porterfield discusses the process of writing the biographies of Jimmie Rodgers and John Lomax. Finally, he ends with talking about his record collection and the creation of his radio show.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Nolan Porterfield
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: July 24, 2006
Location: Alvaton, Kentucky
Interviewer: Andy Wilkinson
Length: 03:45:51
Abstract
Musical background; Father’s family’s influence; Interest in records; Lack of interest in live performances; Radio listening & record playing; Caprock Playboys – FFA Boys; Played guitar; Radio work; Frock tail coat & appearance; Colorado City, Sweetwater, Staton, High Schools; Hillbilly music; Music sophistication; College at Texas Tech University; Father’s reluctance to teach Nolan guitar; High School band; Valedictorian & Dunlap scholarship; Working as doorman, assistant house manager; Denver City Press summer job; Work with Tom & Jean Wade; Denver City Press; Gallup, New Mexico; Daughter of Tom & Jean: Nora Wade; La Mesa Wade Printing; Ad manager, publisher; Return to Tech; Draft; Return to college; The Mailbox publication; Ad layouts; Dunlap business ad layouts; Army & return to Texas Tech University; Army publications for 5th army region; Chicago University; Choosing a major; Texas Tech University; Choosing a major – Business Administration; Grover and his musical interest; Communism on campus; Professor Allen Strauss; Doctorate program; Daughter entering college; G.I. Bill; Iowa writer’s workshop; Novel Writing; ‘A Way of Knowing’ writing the novel; Research for manuscript; ‘Home from the war’ – Elliot’s return from WWII; Hepatitis; Interest in History of Music; Jimmie Rodgers day in Meridian, Missouri 1953; Jim Evans radio show in Lubbock; Keeping a Rodgers scrapbook; Meeting Rodgers daughter; Mike Paris & Chris Comber manuscript on Rodgers; Development of Rodgers biography; Trip to Meridian; Genealogy of Rodgers maternal family; Interviewing Rodgers’ second cousin, Virginia Shine; Discovery of letters related to Rodgers; Verifying information; Mason membership & controversy; Difference between Rodgers & John Lomax biography writing; Process of discovery; Lomax’s interest in African-American culture; Teaching; John Lomax biography; Erika Brady’s interest in Lomax; Alan Lomax as John Lomax’s power of attorney; Difficulties faced; Researching; John Henry Faulk; Permission to write biography; Alan Lomax’s challenges; Quotes within the book; Grandchild John Lomax III giving permission; Scratchy Records; Tape recorder & equipment; Tape Respondents International; Exchanging tapes; Alan Burke, radio announcer; Financial struggles; Changes Burke brought about in Porterfield; Radio Show; Record collection used for show; Book tour interruption; Acquiring information, discography; ICMC involvement; Categorizing music; First & Second version of songs; Keeping in touch with listeners.
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript: No transcript available
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