Rice, Harry S.

John Lair's radio programs were heavy on comedy, turn-of-the-century sentimental songs, old English ballads, and rural string band music. These programs originated from his country music tourist complex in Rockcastle County, Kentucky beginning in 1939. The two programs he is best known for are the Saturday night Renfro Valley Barn Dance and Sunday morning Renfro Valley Gatherin'. His performers were also in great demand for shows at schools, movie theaters, and county fairs. During much of the 1940s he kept a tent show on the road form May to October that ranged from northern Georgia to upper New York State and parts of New England.