Joe Maphis, Fiddlin Kate, & Merle Travis play fiddle on Town Hall Party (1954)

Kate Warren, Joe Maphis and Merle Travis on Town Hall Party, Nov. 1954. These were all regular performers on this show, including Johnny Bond, who introduces them. Info on Kate Warren’s early life seems to be nonexistent, but she began a serious career in music after graduating from college in the early 1940s. Merle Travis and Joe Maphis are known primarily as guitarists, but Maphis was a multi-instrumentalist, hence his nickname “King of the Strings.” Travis was also a multi-instrumentalist; he actually took a notable interest in the banjo before the guitar. He played mandolin as well. For more mid-20th century country music info follow my instagram: @countryclippings