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  • Oral History

Joe & Rose Lee Maphis

January 7, 1975 OH117 138 min.
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Biography


Country musician. Joe born May 12, 1921; died June 27, 1986. Rose Lee b. December 29, 1922. Joe was performer, songwriter, and session musician. A leading session guitarist in Hollywood, his musical proficiency earned him the title “King of the Strings.” With his wife he formed the successful recording and songwriting duo Joe & Rose Lee Maphis. Their credits include “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud Loud Music).”

Interview Summary

1975 January 7
(2 hours, 18 minutes)
Joe & Rose Lee Maphis recall their careers in country music. Discussion includes his childhood and early musical influences; his pursuit of a musical career; working as a radio performer, including work on the National Barn Dance; working as a performer in the military; meeting Rose Lee; a brief discussion of Rose Lee’s childhood and early musical influences; her early music career; examples of songs they performed in their early careers; his work as a Hollywood session musician; working on Town Hall Party; the decision to move to Nashville; the story behind his double-neck guitar; and comments on their career together.