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Blackie Bennett
Born:  January 1, 1927
Died:  May 5, 2005
WRVA Old Dominion Barn Dance
WSM Grand Ole Opry
WLEE Richmond, VA
WMBG Richmond, VA
WRVA Richmond, VA

About The Artist

Blackie Bennett got his music career started relatively late, just starting to play the guitar in 1945, but like many back then, had his career on pause while he served in his stint in the U.S. Army. After he left the service, he managed his dad's tourist camp site for a time, but during his free time, he played at the local dances. Soon, he began appearing on the local Richmond, Virginia radio stations - WRVA, WMBG and WLEE.

In 1952, he joined the WSM Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as a featured guitarist with the late Hank Williams' backup on the show. He was also picked to be a featured guitarist on the NBC Network shows - "Duke of Paducah" and "The Opry Gang". After a thirteen week stint, he joined the band of Martha Carson and was appearing on all of her radio shows and personal appearances, too.

Credits & Sources

  • Cowboy Songs No.32; March-April 1954, American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT.