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  • Oral History

Kenny Roberts

June 26, 1987 OHC241 120 min.
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Biography


Country performer. Born October 14, 1926. Career active from early 1940s-1990s. Remembered for his “Jumpin’ and Yodelin’.” Career start came as a member of the Down Homers. Later a solo performer and children’s program host. Recorded for several labels, including Coral, Dot, and Starday.

Interview Summary

1987 June 26
(2 hours)
Entertainer Kenny Roberts talks about his experiences as a country performer. Discussion includes a family history; his early musical interests; joining the Down Homers in the early 1940s; his performance style; his radio career; his work as an independent act; joining WLW in Cincinnati; the origin of his title “King of the Yodelers”; his move to children’s programming; signing with Paul Cohen and Decca Records; his recording career, including “I Never See Maggie Alone”; his career following his departure from WLW; his appearance on the Grand Ole Opry; a review of his career decisions; his career during the 1960s; comments on his yodeling talent; recording for Don Pierce and Starday Records; and memories from his long career.