Banjo-playing comic Grandpa Jones was born this week in 1913 in Niagara, Kentucky.
Photo credit : country music hall of fame
His real name was Louis Marshall Jones. He was known for his infectious old-time music and banjo and guitar playing and even yodeling. Click below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkzdsQtnHqs
He got the name “Grandpa” from singer Bradley Kincaid, because he sounded old and grouchy on early morning radio shows. He created a persona around it and wore a fake moustache and became the character at age 22. He is known for classics like “T For Texas,” “Night Train To Memphis” and “Are You From Dixie“.
He enjoyed a successful career as a performer and singer and in 1969 joined the cast of Hee Haw.
Jones was also known for his verbal comedy in features like What’s For Supper and work with his close friend David “Stringbean” Akeman.
Jones was also a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years. I’ve got the classic Mountain Dew to mark his birthday after 9 on UNCLE ED’S COUNTRY DEN, brought to you by Fantasy Falls, the not-so general store in Kakabeka Falls.
