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  • Oral History

Pee Wee King

November 1, 1984 OHC170 210 min.
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Biography


Country music performer, bandleader, and songwriter. Born February 18, 1914. Died March 7, 2000. Real name: Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski. Career active late 1930s-1960s. Bandleader of the Golden West Cowboys, a popular Grand Old Opry act during the late 1930s-1940s. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, from 1947 through retirement. His songwriting credits include “Tennessee Waltz,” and “Slow Poke.” Star of ABC Television’s Pee Wee King Show during the late 1950s. Member, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Member, Country Music Hall of Fame®.

Interview Summary

1984 November 1
(3 hours, 30 minutes)
Bandleader Pee Wee King talks about the early years of his career. Discussion includes early experiences playing in his father’s band; memories from his childhood; his early musical styles; his start in music; early experiences as a musician; the King’s Jesters; his move to western music in the 1930s; working with Gene Autry; memories of the Three Shiftless Skunks; working with promoter J. L. Frank; early entertainers he worked with; meeting his wife, Lydia and memories from her musical career; formation of the Golden West Cowboys; the career of J. L. Frank; and memories from his years as a musician.