Lair, John A.

Soldier.

John Lair was born in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, in 1894. He began radio work in 1930 at Chicago's WLS as producer, emcee, and music librarian. In the process he accumulated a large sheet music collection and gained a reputation as a folk music authority. In 1939, he opened a country music tourist complex at Renfro Valley in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, from which he broadcast the Renfro Valley Barn Dance, Renfro Valley Gatherin', and other radio programs. These programs were heard over stations WLW and WHAS and at times the CBS Radio Network. They were widely popular, especially during the 1940's and early 1950's. In his weekly newspaper, the Renfro Valley Bugle, Lair wrote extensively about Rockcastle County history. After his death in 1985, the Renfro Valley interests were sold and renamed the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.