Oral history interview with Jim Gaskin; 1985 December 5; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1985 Dec. 5.

ArchivalResource

Gaskin, Jim;. Oral history interview with Jim Gaskin; 1985 December 5; interview conducted by John W. Rumble.

Oral history interview with Jim Gaskin; 1985 December 5; interview conducted by John W. Rumble. 1985 Dec. 5.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58841219

Performer Jim Gaskin talks about his career, focusing on his association with the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and its creator, John Lair. Discussion includes his family musical history; early musical influences; comments on John Lair's broadcast style; his early interest in the fiddle; comments on early fiddlers, including J. E. Mainer and Gid Tanner; a description of the early Renfro Valley radio shows; his development as a fiddle player; his first performance on Renfro Valley; his career in music and broadcasting; his association with Renfro Valley during the 1950s and 1960s; working with Asa Martin; the influence of Doc Roberts; his songwriting; his association with children's theater; experiences on the folk music circuit during the 1960s; his growing association with Renfro Valley during the 1970s; Jim Gaskin's Country Music Round-up radio show; joining the Renfro Valley show in the 1980s; comments on Renfro Valley entertainment events; John Lair's goals for Renfro Valley, including Slim Miller and the role of comedy; comments on the Sunday Morning Gathering program; memories of early Renfro Valley performers, including Lily May Ledford and the Coon Creek Girls and Jerry Behrens; and comments on the strengths and weaknesses of Renfro Valley; and the history of John Lair.

4 sound cassettes (3 hours, 55 minutes)

Country Music Foundation, Library & Media Center