Lester, Henry 1980, 1984

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Fiddler and band leader Henry Lester discusses West Texas music and musicians. He then plays fiddle tunes and discusses their origins.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Henry Lester

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: May 1980, May 16, 1984

Location: Idalou, Texas

Interviewer: Elizabeth Shrank, Kris Fredriksson and Susan Miller

Length: 1 hour, 50 minutes


Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Fiddling contests, Texas Fiddlers Association, Ricky Bowen, Fancy fiddling champion, Straley Allsup, Swing music, Travelling band, Instruments, Salary, Dances, Band competition, Bob Wills, Musicians, Alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous, Breakdowns, Hospital anecdote, Western swing music, Origin, Rodeos, Travel, Advertising.

Tape 1, Side 2: Horn pipes, Origin, Dances, Irish jigs, Reels, Hoe-downs, Clogging, Medicine shows, Fiddling contests, Prizes, Judges, Violins, "Shorty" Lester, brother.

Tape 2, Side 1: Tunes, "Anniversary Waltz", "Southern Belles of Tennessee", "Billy in the Low Ground", "Sally Johnson", "Lime Rock Breakdown", Violins, Value.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Henry Lester, Bands, Grandpap and His Country Store Boys (1931-32), KFYO Radio, Kelly Kids, Mark Halsey Drugstore, The Drugstore Cowboys, KFYO Radio, Musical education, Self-taught, Background, Music performed, Amarillo, Texas, KGRS Radio, The Amarillo Lite Boys, Dances (1920s-1930s), Ranch dances, Bob Wills, Memphis, Texas, Influence, The Light Crust Doughboys, Influence on current groups, Lester (again), Favorite musical style, Musical entertainment in Lubbock, Texas, Clubs, Cotton Club, Supper Club, Hayloft Club, Lester’s band members, Current atmosphere.

Tape 3, Side 2: Lester’s band, Lynn Sanchez, vocals, Church music, Lester (again).

Range Dates: 1920s-1984

Bulk Dates: 1931-1940s


Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



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