WAVY Tidewater Jamboree
Back around 1956 or so, the folks in the Tidewater, Virginia
area had a good old fashioned hillbilly music show to look forward
to on Saturday nights - the Tidewater Jamboree.
The show was produced and emceed by "Lucky" Lon Backman and aired over radio
station WAVY that served the Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News area.
The show put the spotlight on the best country music talent in the Tidewater
area. And folks got "stomp-happy" each Saturday night when the shot it the air.
It had four bands providing the music and other talents the Tidewater Jamboree
meant a Saturday night of "fun and frolic" for the whole family.
Mr. Backman also originated the famous "Dixie Ranch" show on the NBC
affiliate.
Some of the artists on this show were:
- Lon Backman, emcee
- Chuck Bland and his Drifting Rangers
- Milton Riley, Johnny Williams and the Rhythm Riders
- Tommy Riddle and the Melody Rangers
- Jerry Evans and the Melody Mountaineers
- "Toby" Bill Gatins
- Mitchell Sisters (Nancy and Patsy)
Credits & Sources
- Country Song Roundup No. 44, June 1956, Published by Song and Picture Barn Dance Magazine, 35 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, Ed Deuss, Editor
