Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum and Gift Shop Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

The museum and gift recently moved a new location in the lower level of the Bristol Mall, Exit 1, Interstate 81. “This move has given us much needed room to expand our gift shop, administrative offices, and museum displays,” commented Bill Hartley, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance. Hartley noted that it is an excellent time for the organization to move to a larger location. “We have a lot of items that we could not display before that the public will get to see now. Also, the increased national media attention and signage on the interstate have increased interest in the BCMA and attendance at the museum.” He added that the move has taken a considerable amount of time and energy and would not be possible without hard work, patience and assistance from our volunteers and the management of the Bristol Mall.

The Bailey Brothers, Charlie and Danny, were on hand to view the unveiling of a new exhibit about their career. Originally from Pressmen’s Home, TN, the Bailey brothers launched their career signing on local radio stations such as WOPI, WJHL, and WNOX in the 1930s and early 1940s. Tennessee Ernie Ford started his singing career as a member of their quartet in 1941. Following World War II, the Bailey brothers, along with their band the Happy Valley Boys, performed on WSM’s “Martha White Show” and “Grand Ole Opry.” In the mid-1940s, the performed on a variety of radio stations in Albany, GA, Wheeling, WV, Raleigh, NC, and Roanoke, VA. According to David Winship, curator of the BCMA museum, “the Bailey Brothers represent an important transition from the brother duets of the 1930s to the emergence of bluegrass in the 1940s.”

Patsy Stoneman Murphy, daughter of recording pioneer Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman, was on had to perform and witness the unveiling of a new exhibit about her family’s role in this region’s musical heritage. The exhibit includes a display of all the original recordings the Stoneman Family made as part of the Bristol Sessions. The Stoneman family was the group to record as part of Ralph Peer’s search for new talent in 1927, which led to the discovery of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. Stoneman also presented the BCMA museum with the 1967 CMA award for best vocal group, which belonged to her late brother Jimmy Stoneman. The 1967 CMA awards were the first ever held by the organization. Hartley noted that “forty years after the Stoneman Family recorded at the Bristol Sessions, they were still playing music and receiving recognition for that. That’s a true testament to both their influence and the staying power of this region’s musical traditions.”

The BCMA also recognized its supporters who helped make the move possible. James Bryant was given a framed commemorative print signed by all the artists who participated in this summer’s celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Bristol Sessions. Tim White, chairman of the 75th anniversary celebration stated that “this is just a small token of appreciation for all that James and Bryant Label does to support the BCMA – from sponsoring our events, including the 75th anniversary celebration, to helping keep the museum and gift shop open.” The BCMA also presented distinguished service awards to John Maeder and Ann Schultz, James and Catherine Ratliff, and Teddy and Phyllis Helton. Bill Hartley commented that without the efforts of volunteers such as these, the BCMA would not be able to carry out its mission. “These individuals volunteer their time, as a family, to help with the 75th anniversary celebration, museum renovations, and other events throughout the year.”

The BCMA also received the 2002 Award for Special Events from the Blue Ridge Travel Association (BRTA) for 75th Anniversary of the Birthplace of Country Music. Kitty Barker, executive director for the BRTA commented that this year the region celebrated many anniversaries, grand openings and dedications. “The most notable anniversary that was celebrated world - wide was the 75th Anniversary of the Bristol Session, sponsored by the Birthplace of Country Music. Our region is blessed with a strong heritage of music that is show cased at The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Museum.” She added that the events planned and implemented to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the First Bristol Sessions incorporated a 100-mile radius of Bristol and involved a combined effort of leadership in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina and the media coverage generated by the 75th Anniversary reached newspapers, magazines, television and radio around the world and continues to bring recognition to our region and its musical heritage.

Leton Harding, president of the BCMA, commented that special events such as the 75th anniversary of Bristol Sessions or upcoming 2003 Smithsonian Folklife Festival have helped bring increased attention and tourists to the region. He added that the expansion of the museum shows the level of interest both outside and within this region in the continual efforts to preserve our cultural heritage. “With the continued support of individuals, organizations, and business within our region, we can move together toward making Bristol and the surrounding region the ‘Williamsburg of Country Music.”’