Old Dominion Barn Dance

Old Dominion Barn Dance was an American country music radio show broadcast over WRVA-AM, Richmond, Virginia each Saturday night. Mary Workman, better known as "Sunshine Sue" was the host (1946–1957), followed by Carlton Haney (1957-?). After 1957, the show was called New Dominion Barn Dance.

The music and humor show was broadcast[1] live on radio in over 38 states and Canada. The original theater this popular Bluegrass/Country music show broadcast, was at the Lyric Theater (later renamed the WRVA Theater) on North 9th Street and East Broad Street. The theater was filled to capacity every Saturday night with lines that wrapped around the block. Two shows broadcast, one at 7:30pm and the other at 9:30pm nationwide and introduced America to Country Music. This show was attended by all ages and classes.

A big fan of the Old Dominion Barn Dance, Virginia Governor William "Bill" Munford Tuck (1946-1950) had a seat reserved just for him where he would frequently attend the show on Saturday nights.[2]

The Lyric Theater was built in 1913 and demolished in 1963.

Beginning in 2015, Donna Meade Dean (the widow of Jimmy Dean), will be resurrecting the Old Dominion Barn Dance. This will be held in the Henrico Theater in Highland Springs, VA. Marty Stuart will be headlining the first show on February 21, 2015.

Performers

  • Mel Hughes
  • Bernie Wright
  • John Eagles
  • Lefty Baker
  • Bing Colonori
  • Paul Craft
  • Charlie Pritchard
  • Bent Mountain Boys
  • Virginia Travelers
  • Rusty Adams
  • Barbara Allen
  • Suzi Arden
  • Bobby Atkins
  • Red Battle
  • Ray Berry
  • Brennen Twins
  • Ivan V Yonce Jr.
  • Slim Bryant
  • Carter Family (Mother Maybelle, Helen, Anita and June)
  • Mary Slaughter
  • Slim Idaho
  • Red Smiley
  • Quincy Snodgrass
  • Connie Stewart
  • Joe Stone
  • Toby Stroud
  • Sunshine Sue
  • Arnold Terry
  • Tuttle Sisters
  • Virginia Mountain Boys
  • Arlene Wilshire
  • Jim Wilson
  • Craig Wingfield
  • George Winn
  • Mac Wiseman
  • Jean Wright

References

  1. ↑ "This Day in Virginia History". Virginia Memory. 1954-01-29. Retrieved 2012-08-25.
  2. ↑ "Central Virginia Educational Telecommunications Corporation". Youtube.com. 2009-11-01. Retrieved 2012-08-25.