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Maple City Four WLS National Barn Dance

About the Group About The Group Back in 1933 they noted that Al Rice commented that the Maple City Four had been on WLS for so long, that when the station first opened, they were there on the doorstep waiting to walk in. From what we can tell, they started on WLS around 1927 or so. The Maple City Four took their name from their home town of LaPorte, Indiana, which is called the Maple City. Long a favorite act at WLS, once noted they 'sing and play the sweet potato and musical bottles.' Now that's something you don't hear every day. Around 1943, Al Rice had to join Uncle Sam. Pete Taflinger took his place at that time. Timeline and Trivia Notes Group Members included: Al Rice Art Janes Pat Petterson Fritz Meissner Charles Kerner, tenor, joined the group around 1940/41 to replace Art Janes who had to retire for health reasons Sound Sample—(YouTube Video Format) The Green Grass Grew All Around

Recordings (78rpm/45rpm)   Conqueror Rec. No. Side Song Title   8165 A Tell My Mother I'm In Heaven   8165 B Rockin' Alone In An Old Rockin' Chair   8166 A Two Little Pretty Birds   8166 B Will The Angels Play Their Harps For Me   8167 A Tiger Rag   8167 B Oh Mo-nah   8301 A Beatiful Isle Of Somewhere   8301 A The Old Wooden Rocker   8301 B Beautiful Isle Of Somewhere   8301 B The Old Wooden Rocker   Mercury Rec. No. Side Song Title   6084 A Heart Of My Heart   6084 B I'd Love To Live In Loveland   Romeo Rec. No. Side Song Title   5232 A Tiger Rag   5232 B Oh Monah!   5236 A Tell My Mother I'm In Heaven   5236 B Will The Angels Play Their Harps For Me