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On October 23, 2013, the Modesto Area Music Association will honor the roots of Rock and Roll and
celebrate a living Modesto legend who along with his family, the Maddox Brothers and Rose,
changed music forever. The 14th Annual MAMA Awards will be honoring the legendary KC “Don
Juan” Maddox for his contributions to music history with a Lifetime MAMA Award. 90 year old
K.C. “Don Juan” Maddox is set to take his place in Rock and Roll, Country and Rockabilly music
history and Modesto, CA will take it’s proper place in evolution of Rock and Roll.
In 1937, the first early sounds of Rock and Roll were played over the Modesto airwaves of KTRB
840 AM Radio by the then “Alabama Outlaws”, starring Clay and Fred Maddox with 11 year old
Rose, who would later gain fame as the Maddox Brothers and Rose, “America’s most colorful
hillbilly band”. Fred Maddox, invented the “slapping bass” technique that would become the beat
of “hillbilly boogie” later named “Rockabilly” and then would become the beat of “rock and roll”.
Fred’s bass is now at the Experience Music Project as an important instrument in music history.
After World War II, the entire Maddox family changed music forever with their “hillbilly boogie”
music with the wisecracking Don Maddox leading the band, creating hits like Step it Up & Go and
George’s Playhouse Boogie. Their music and the “slappin’” bass style of Fred Maddox, inspired
the first generation of Rock and Roll, including Elvis Presley’s band the Blue Moon Boys in 1954
who recorded “That’s Alright Mama”.
At 90, Don Maddox is still touring and performing. He is a regular with Marty Stuart and
performs all over the USA and recently recognized at the Grand ole Opry. Documentary crews
are currently covering Don and his life story and his contribution to music.
“We are so excited to recognize someone that was actually there when the first notes of Rock
were played” explains Chris Murphy, co-founder of the MAMA Awards and publisher of
ModestoView Magazine. “This will truly be a special and legendary year and our local music
community is so very excited and proud to host the Don Maddox homecoming”.
Don will be performing with an amazing Modesto Rockabilly All-star band. There will be a special
award presentation from one of country music’s biggest stars. The event will be live broadcast on
ModestoView.com from the historic State Theatre. There will be awards presented in 19 different
categories and the show will feature 9 live performances and local music videos.
MAMA Winners are selected by online public voting, one vote per person, and are audited by a
local CPA for authenticity. Nominees were selected by local radio stations, music writers,
promoters, event and venue managers. Voting is at www.modestoareamusic.com
The MAMAs were created in 2000 by Chris Murphy and Chris Ricci, to celebrate the
accomplishments of the Modesto Area musicians, the best events and the recognition of the
leading arts and entertainment venues. Winners will be presented with a special laser cut
carhop, that celebrates the American Graffiti heritage of Modesto, CA.
For more information and media credentials for the MAMA Awards:
Chris Murphy
209-534-1704
chrism@modestoview.com
www.modestoareamusic.com
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