Biography

Country performer. Born February 11, 1923. Career most active late 1930s-1970s. Cast member of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Performed as a bass singer in quartets and as a solo act. During the early 1940s appeared as a regular performer on WNOX-Knoxville’s Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round.

Interview Summary

1985 December 4
(1 hour, 56 minutes)
Performer Glen Pennington recalls his experiences working for John Lair and the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. Discussion includes his start as a performer; pursuing a professional career as a bass singer and joining the Vaughn Five Quartet; memories from his work on the Mid-Day Merry-Go-Round at WNOX-Knoxville; experiences as a traveling performer during the early 1940s; joining the Renfro Valley cast as a member of the Singing Crusaders; comments on the popularity of Renfro Valley; memories of Renfro Valley performers, including A’nt Idy & Little Clifford, Shorty Hobbs & Eller Long, the Mountain Rangers, the Coon Creek Girls, and Homer & Jethro; his work on the Sunday Morning Gatherin’ program; memories of the 1939 White House performance by the Coon Creek Girls; and comments on John Lair’s management style.