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Eddy Tice
Hayloft Frolic

About The Artist

Eddy Tice was a native of Olney, Indiana and became one of the masters of the old "dog house" bass fiddle. Several times, Uncle Bob Hardy tells us that in country music back then, the "beat" was the thing. Eddy was one of those who gave the Hayloft Frolic group its beat through the years.

He played the bass fiddle for many years, playing for singers throughout the Indiana and Illinois area.

Eddy was a bit of student of the bass and its beat. He went beyond the five string bass fiddle. During the course of his travels and personal appearances, he had seen many a musician use a different instrument to drive the rhythmic beats of their band and usually painted with loud colors as part of a comedy routine. That type of instrument consisted of a "washtub and pitcher pump handle".

Mr. Tice took a different approcah at one point. He often took part in many of the stage routines during the shows, but was not a comedian in that sense. But he did master his "Thimp Pump" as a serious musician might.

Around the time Uncle Bob and the Hayloft Frolic gang was prepariing to tour Japan and Korea to entertain the United Nations troups in 1957, the talents of Eddy Tice became a part of their group. His 'beat' toured the Far East and later in 1958, Germany when the group made another tour.

Uncle Bob notes that Eddy was "...a performing trouper...a serious musician...and a Bass Beat...Creator!"

Credits & Sources

  • Hillbilly-Music.com wishes to express its appreciation to Uncle Bob Hardy for providing his recollection of Eddy Tice's career.