Biography

Country performer. Born May 27, 1921. Died August 4, 2003. Singer, songwriter, and fiddle player. Full name: Henry Redd Stewart. Career most active late 1930s-1950s. Longtime member of Pee Wee King’s Golden West Cowboys. Successful songwriter, his credits include the classic “Tennessee Waltz,” co-written with Pee Wee King, and “Soldier’s Last Letter” (recorded by Ernest Tubb, 1944).

Interview Summary

1995 September 14
(30 minutes)
Country musician Redd Stewart discusses his career. Topics include his background; his first band, the Kentucky Wildcats; joining Pee Wee King in the late 1930’s; playing on the Grand Ole Opry before joining the army; writing “Soldier’s Last Letter”; touring with Pee Wee King; memories of Eddy Arnold; playing at army camps with the Camel Caravan; writing “Tennessee Waltz”; other songs he’s written including “Slow Poke,” “You Belong to Me,” and “Bonaparte’s Retreat”; recording with Pee Wee King; and his television work.