Lair, John A.

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Soldier.

From the description of Letters John A. Lair, 1864-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 71014838

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.

From the description of Papers, 1930-1984. (Berea College). WorldCat record id: 50134744

Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Henderson, Ann Lair; person
associatedWith Ledford, Lily May, 1917-1985. person
associatedWith National Barn Dance (Radio Program) corporateBody
associatedWith Powell, Reuben. person
associatedWith Powell, Reuben 1910-1982. person
associatedWith Renfro Valley Barn Dance (Radio program) corporateBody
associatedWith Renfro Valley Gatherin' (Radio Program) corporateBody
associatedWith Rhoads, Marge; person
associatedWith Rice, Harry S. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Kentucky--Renfro Valley
Rockcastle County (Ky.)
Subject
Country music
Occupation
Soldiers
Activity

Person

Active 1864

Active 1865

Information

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SNAC ID: 5410388