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Tennessee Valley Boys
WSM Grand Ole Opry

About the Group

About The Group

We have come across several groups that carry the name of the Tennessee Valley Boys. But this iteration appears to be one associated with the famed WSM Grand Ole Opry back in the late 1930s.

An old news letter from the Song Exchange News tells us who was in this group.

The leader was Herald Goodman, who it was said had been in the radio business since 1925, appearing on such network programs as "The National Farm and Home Hour". Herald was with the famed group, the Vagabonds at one time.

Another member of the group and only 19 years old at the time was Joe Forrester and appeared to be getting his first taste of the music business.

Joe's brother, Howard Forrester and only 16 years old and was just starting in the music business as well.

The fourth member of the troupe was Virgil Atkins, who was born in West Virginia.

The fifth member was William Byrd, only 18 years old, from Franklin, Tennessee. He had previous work at WSIX in Nashville.

Timeline & Trivia Notes

Group Members:

  • Herald Goodman
  • Joe Forrester
  • Howard Forrester
  • Virgil Atkins
  • William Byrd

Credits & Sources

  • Song Exchange News; Winter Edition; 1938-1939; Arlie Kinkade, Publisher & Editor; Graysville, Ohio