Historical Marker

Renfro Valley, Kentucky


From Renfro Valley in November of 1939 originated the first series of radio broadcasts aimed at preserving the customs, culture and music of pioneer America. The Renfro Valley Barn Dance and Sunday Morning Gatherin', carried by network radio, consisted of local people and unknowns who later became nationally prominent in country music.

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Renfro Valley, Kentucky - Among those who started their careers here are Red Foley, Homer and Jethro, Lily May and The Coon Creek Girls, Old Joe Clark, Merle Travis and numerous others. John Lair, producer of Renfro Valley broadcasts, took group representing American country music to a White House party Mrs. F. D. Roosevelt gave in honor of the King and Queen of England when they visited U.S.