Biography

Country performer. Member of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance cast. Performs as part of the duo Country Rhoads with her daughter Debby (Born February 26, 1952).

Interview Summary

1986 July 15
(1 hour, 55 minutes)
Renfro Valley Barn Dance performers Marge and Debby Rhoads, better known as Country Rhoads, talk about their start as a mother-daughter duo. Discussion includes their family background and early musical influences; Marge’s early career and her decision to pursue music; Debby’s childhood and early interest in music; the influence of singing schools; the story behind the formation of Country Rhoads; the start of their professional career; their singing style and yodeling; their first recording sessions; their relationship to and memories of Merle Travis; memories of meeting John Lair; the start of their work at Renfro Valley and memories of their first appearance on the Renfro Valley Barn Dance; and their experiences as Barn Dance performers.