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The Westport Kids

About the Group

About The Group

As one might expect, the Westport Kids were an act that took their name from where they lived, in Westport, Missouri and were made up of the various youngsters in the Ruf (pronounced "roof" per the article we saw in 1956) family. Their repertoire included western and popular numbers.

Part of the act was the members of Dave G. Ruf's family, Bobby, Davie and Christne who started performing in 1949. Then there was Nenry F. Ruf's daughter and son, Betty and Hank. And joinging them were Tom Ruf's daughter, Cathy. By 1956, their ages ranged from nine to 20.

The group later added a local talent for the fiddle in Marvin Brademeier.

The Westport Kids were said to be one of the youngest organized groups in the American Federation of Musicians union.

No specific programs or stations were mentioned, but the act is said to have appeared on many radio stations in the Kansas City area as well as on the new medium of the day back then, television. They also did appearances on all of the Saturday night barn dance type shows in the area.

Timeline & Trivia Notes

Group Members:

  • Bobby Ruf
  • Davie Ruf
  • Christine Ruf
  • Betty Ruf
  • Hank Ruf
  • Cathy Ruf
  • Marvin Brademeier

Credits and Sources

  • Cowboy Songs No. 45; March 1956; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT