Not all that important but.... Porter Wagoner visited my home many times when I was a very little lad in the mid to late '60's. I never really knew why because my Dad died when I was young. But, I recently found out why he visited when my aunt relayed some stories (She's in her mid-eighties now). Evidently Porter asked my Dad on several occasions to be a guitar player with him when he was on the road. He would come by (one time with Jean Shepard) and Mom would fix a big spread and the grownups would talk for hours. Now for the "funny" part. I never saw a guitar in my father's hands! According to my Aunt, dad was concerned that he would be on the road so much that he not be around to raise me properly. So he never picked up a guitar again. What a sacrifice. I wonder what he would say to me today when I asked him to jam with me and my mando. I think he would be pleased.
As for the cross from Bluegrass to Country...I think you are right. Dad only allowed true old timey bluegrass in the house. He liked Duffy but did not like some of his experimentation. He liked the Dobro, but nothing electric or hawaiian. Only Reno, Smiley, Flatt, Scruggs, Ralph and Carter would do. That may be another reason he did not go with Porter.
Al Henderson
Jacksonville, FL
"Only two kinds of people never make mistakes: Dead people and people that do nothing!" [Al's Dad]
'81 Gibson F5L Fern, J Rowland
'07 Arches A Style #11, "Hoss"
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