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Bill Rogers
posted November 22, 2000
I've started several times to write my bluegrass story. There will
be some details that will probably be left out but maybe I can add
others later. I got my first fiddle in 1981 and had basically
no
knowledge on playing it. My wife's grandfather, Hugh Cole of
Carson,MS
helped me get started. He taught me tunes like Carroll County Blues
and
Jenny Lind Polka. Chubby Wise and Paul Warren were the fiddlers
we
discussed most often.
When I heard Paul Phillips of Seminary, MS play the fiddle I became
even more determined to attain his level of playing skill. I haven't
made
it yet but I'm working on it. Barry Collins of Collins, MS was an
early
friend of mine who plays fiddle and mandolin. He kept talking about
how
great a fiddler Kenny Baker was.
Over the years I have been able to play in several bands as a
fiddler or mandolinist and occasionally a guitarist. My brother Bruce
was
nearly always the banjo player. I should note here that some credit
has
to be given to John and Coleman Stuart for showing me how to add drive
to the music. Gathel Runnels told me not to play songs so fast that
I
couldn't get all the notes in. My grandparents recalled songs that
they
wanted me to play. These songs included Redwing and When You And I
Were
Young Maggie.
My other involvements with bluegrass include contests, MSBA Board
Of Directors, instrument workshops, churches, and hosting two
bluegrass
programs on radio. It has also been fun to take part in
many
festivals. Please note that we played The Covington County Jamboree
in
Collins, MS for six years.
My musical interests at this time are bluegrass, celtic, and
old-time fiddle tunes. I also enjoy traditional gospel music---like in
the Heavenly Highway hymn book.
My primary instruments are fiddle, mandolin, and guitar although I
sometimes dabble with others. I played a 5-string fiddle for a while
but
have gone back to the 4.
My stage instruments incude:
Martin D-35 Guitar (1992)
Ratliff R-5 Mandolin (1999)
Johann Georg Kessler Violin (1920?)
Dewey Alexander Violin (1994) This is a copy of a 1734 Joseph
Guanerius.
Ibanez F-5? Mandolin (1977?)
Dewey Alexander lives in Foxworth, Mississippi and is a noted
instrument maker in our area. He has been a wonderful friend to me
and
does the set-up on my fiddles. As I thank God for the gift of music
I
also praise Him for the good friends I have made through music.
My most recent band is called The Smiling Hill String Band. The
house that my wife, son , and I are moving to is in Collins, MS. Mabe
I can add
more later.
Bill Rogers
wcr@netdoor.com
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