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  • Oral History

Bashful Brother Oswald

February 28, 1975 OH84 54 min.
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Biography


Country performer and comedian. Born December 26, 1911. Died October 17, 2002. Real name Beecher Ray Kirby. AKA “Pete.” Dobro, banjo, and guitar player. Member of Roy Acuff’s Smoky Mountain Boys, late 1930s-1992. Known for his distinctive dobro style that can be heard on 1940s recordings such as “The Wreck on the Highway,” and “The Precious Jewel.”

Interview Summary

1975 February 28
(54 minutes)
Country performer Beecher Ray “Pete” Kirby, better known as Bashful Brother Oswald, talks about his career as an entertainer. Discussion includes his experiences working for Roy Acuff; memories of co-performer Rachel Veach; his movie career; his recording career; changes at the Grand Ole Opry; and his experiences as a performer.