Category Archives: History

Music History-Kenny Baker

Description:Born 1926 – Died on this date, 2011. When Kenny Baker played the fiddle, the notes flowed out like honey pours from a jar — smooth, thick and wide, according to his friends. “All your great fiddle players in Nashville, when they heard Kenny, they knew there was a lot more to be had with a fiddle, a lot more to learn,” said Ronnie Eldridge, a close friend. “He was the best at hoedowns. Nobody could touch him on the waltz. He was a singer’s dream,” Eldridge said. Mr. Baker, 85, a Letcher County native who spent many years performing with legendary bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, penned 92 instrumentals and tutored many others in his “long bow” fiddling style, died Friday, just a few days after his last jam session. Mr. Baker, who lived near Gallatin, Tenn., died of complications from a stroke.

Kevin Hudgens – Born June 8, 1976 Died October 6, 2015


Kevin played for numerous bands throughout his career, including Bois d’arc Bottom Band. He got his first drum kit from the drummer at the Wylie Opry, one night after his dad played there. His first paying gig was with E.T. Switch at the age of 14. Other bands he played for over the years were Gary Porterfield Band, Karl Louis & Blues Drivers, 7 Summers Old, Post Oak Savannah, J.D. Moss & Ace Deuce, John Mark Spencer, Wade White. He last played at East Paris Baptist Church in the Praise Band, right beside his dad, Boyd Hudgens. That was the highlight of his career.