Biography

Country and bluegrass performer. Born September 19, 1915. Died April 7, 1989. Full name: Clyde Leonard Moody. Songwriter, performer, and recording artist. Worked with Wade Mainer’s Sons of the Mountaineers during the 1930s. Worked with Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys from 1940-1944, and then became a solo performer and Grand Ole Opry star. His hit recordings include “Shenandoah Waltz.” His songwriting credits include the bluegrass standard “Six White Horses.”

Interview Summary

1974 April 2
(2 hours, 37 minutes)
Performer Clyde Moody talks about his career. Discussion includes his childhood and the development of his interest in country music; the decision to pursue a music career; his Cherokee ancestry; his songwriting, including “Six White Horses”; his early musical influences; meeting Jimmie Rodgers; his guitar playing style; his early career; working with Bill Monroe; memories from appearing on the Grand Ole Opry; his decision to pursue a solo career; working with Wade Mainer; memories of country artists he toured with, including Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, and Paul Howard; working for Connie B. Gay and appearing on television in 1948; his recording career; and comments on changes in the music business.