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Local Area Musicians Honored
December 15, 2011
The recent awards show of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame featured recognitions of several local area musicians who were inducted into their “Hall of Honor” and, in one case, the “Hall of Fame.” The organization’s 30th Annual Awards show was held in Atlanta on Saturday Nov. 26, 2011.
The recent awards show of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame featured recognitions of several local area musicians who were inducted into their “Hall of Honor” and, in one case, the “Hall of Fame.” The organization’s 30th Annual Awards show was held in Atlanta on Saturday Nov. 26, 2011.
This year, Carroll county performers Jeff Barr, Jane Baxter and Barry Waldrep were inducted into the “Hall of Honor” along with the Bullsboro Bluegrass Band, celebrating its 40th year since being founded by Donnie Lee in 1971. Lee, a Bremen resident, was singled out for the highest honor by being inducted into the “Hall of Fame”.
Jeff Barr of Carrollton has been in the traditional and bluegrass music scene for most of his life. As a teenager, he would spend his summers in Maggie Valley basically apprenticing himself to world famous banjo virtuoso, Raymond Fairchild. Barr acquired outstanding skills on banjo and guitar and, with Todd Freeman, stared the band, Four Winds West. Prior to that, both Freeman and Barr spent several years playing with Bullsboro.
Jane Baxter is the musical heir to the legacy of her parents, J.N. & Onie Baxter. She is very accomplished on guitar, mandolin and her specialty, bass. She brought her singing talent to a long list of groups with whom she has performed. Jane worked with national touring acts including the Gary Waldrep Band, ACM award winners Joey & Rory and several other groups. She currently performs with Barry Waldrep and the Steed Brothers among others.
Super picker Barry Waldrep is well known locally and nationally. He is highly regarded as a studio musician displaying command of any instrument with strings. He has toured nationally with Zac Brown Band, Joey & Rory, and has performed many times on the Grand Ole Opry. He has recorded with more than fifty artists including Randy Travis, Scott Vestal, Kid Rock, Kurt Thomas, Sara Peacock and a band he founded and worked with for many years, Rolling In The Hay. He regularly performs with Bullsboro and others.
Bullsboro was honored with inductions into the “Hall of Honor” as a band. The band includes Donnie Lee, Mike Steed, Zach Steed, David Steed and Barry Waldrep. Their long history includes performances throughout the Southeast in venues ranging from Atlanta Stadium, the Carter Presidential Library, numerous television and radio shows and, for thirty-seven years, Powers Crossroads Festival.
Bullsboro has recorded two albums and for ten years promoted a bluegrass festival. All members of the band are members of the ACM HOF “Hall of Honor” individually except David Steed who is too young to be considered.
Bullsboro founder Donnie Lee was upgraded to the “Hall of Fame” in recognition of his 40 years of commitment to performing, promoting, supporting and mentoring the musicians who have come through his band over the years. He was cited for initiating with former Governor George Busbee the designation of May as “Bluegrass Music Month” in Georgia, a tradition that continues every year.
Haralson Gateway-Beacon
Haralson Gateway-Beacon
