Preview
Creation Date
1994
Description
Cassette tape Jim Bowles, Railroad Through the Rocky Mountains recorded at Marimac Studios in Crown Point, Indiana 1994.
Born in 1903, Rockbridge, Monroe County native Jim Bowles started playing fiddle at age ten. His uncle Wash Carter taught him technique and songs. Growing up near the Carver family, Jim learned from watching and listening to them as well.
In 1937 Bowles accompanied brothers Finley "Red" and Levy Belcher to Tuscola, Illinois to appear on WDZ radio under the name Kentucky Coon Skinners. Homesick, Jim returned to Kentucky after about a month to farm, play fiddle and occasionally make whiskey. Red Belcher went on to front several bands and play at various radio stations in the south.
Keywords
Western Kentucky University, Playing Our Song, Bluegrass, Fiddle