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  • Oral History

Gordon Terry

January 17, 1975 OH183 172 min.
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Biography


Country musician. Born October 7, 1931. Died April 9, 2006. Fiddle player. Worked with Bill Monroe, Faron Young, and Johnny Cash during the 1950s-early 1960s. Recorded for Columbia, Cadence, and RCA record labels. Appeared in several films and the Sky King television series.

Interview Summary

1975 January 17
(2 hours, 52 minutes)
Fiddle player Gordon Terry recalls highlights from his career. Discussion includes memories of early Grand Ole Opry performers, including Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith; his first appearances on the Opry at age nine; his audition for Bill Monroe and experiences working for Monroe; his recording contract with Columbia; recording for Cadence; recording for RCA; recording for Liberty; working with conductor Felix Slatkin on the Hoedown album; his family background and early musical influences; recording an album with Bob Wills; experiences working as a club performer; working with Faron Young; his rockabilly career, including “Wild Honey”; working on the Grand Ole Opry; his experiences working as a sideman; his move to California and working on Country America and Town Hall Party; operating his theme park, Terry Town, during the mid-1960s; and his experiences touring as part of the Johnny Cash Show.