Buddies of the Airlanes

About The Group One of the long time entertaining groups over WHBF and WHBF-FM out of Rock Island, Illinois was the Buddies of the Airlanes, who started with them on March 15, 1946 and were still there in mid-1952. Like many hillbilly entertainers back then, they started their day early getting up at 5:00am for their first program on the air - the "Mississippi Valley Jamboree" which was on at 6:15am. After a little rest, they were also on "Stump the Buddies" at 9:25am and again at 11:45am, Monday through Friday. They also had a television show on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm. The five member group (Verne Wilson appeared with the group only on their television show, however.) provided a variety of entertainment from their varied talents. Paul Maynard, the bachelor of the group back then, played the accordion, piano and even organ. Speed Foreman was another popular member of the group, played the Spanish guitar. On the bass fiddle, you'd find the talents of Curly Bray. Verne Wilson provided some 'hoe-down' fiddle when the group did their tv show. The Buddies of the Airlanes did a lot of good natured ad lib and spontaneous clowning on their programs and judging by the stay they enjoyed on WHBF, the listening audience enjoyed every minute. Timeline and Trivia Notes Group Members included: Pat Maynard, accordion, piano, organ Speed Foreman, Spanish guitar Curly Bray, bass fiddle Verne Wilson, fiddle (only on the TV shows) Credits & Sources Cowboy Songs No. 21; July 1952; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT Read More About The Group Printer Friendly Version