Biography

Country performer. Full name: Patty Flye Peavey. Accordion player. Began career as longtime performer on the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in 1945. During the early 1950s appeared on the Ozark Jubilee.

Interview Summary

1986 June 27
(1 hour, 54 minutes)
Renfro Valley Barn Dance performer Patty Flye talks about her career. Discussion includes her family background and early musical influences; memories of her childhood performances as part of the Singing Flye Family; joining the Renfro Valley cast in 1945 and memories of the show during the late 1940s and early 1950s; song selection for the shows; memories of performers she worked with, including Speedy Clark (Old Joe Clark), the Holden Brothers, and Jerry Behrens; a description of a typical Renfro Valley show; her experiences traveling as part of the tent show circuit; a description of the different radio shows produced out of Renfro Valley, including a detailed description of the Sunday Morning Gatherin’ show; joining the Radio Rangers; the show’s audience; working with Johnny Carson during Carson’s early career; her move to Springfield, Missouri and radio and television work there, including work on the Ozark Jubilee; and her return to Renfro Valley.