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WVOK Dixie Jamboree
In the Cowboy Songs issue of June 1955 we read that when
WVOK went on the air 'nearly eight years ago', the Dixie
Jamboree was born, which means around 1947. The show was an
hour and a half presentation at noon on Saturdays. Then it was
sequeled on Saturday nights when Dan Breann (producer / emcee)
presented another show at the Birmingham National Guard Armory.
After the Saturday night show, rounds of square dancing followed.
Othell Sullivan and his Radio Pals usually did the musical chores for
that portion. Other acts of the Jamboree also played Saturday night
gigs at National Guard Armory and Legion Halls throughout Northern
Alabama.
One of the unique aspects of the show was a "Talent Finding
Contest" conducted by Dan Brennan about
once a year. It was known to attract talent from around the state
and introduced the audiences to some great new artists.
The mainstay of the Dixie Jamboree was Othell Sullivan
and the Raido Pals. And wouldn't you know it, they were first
place winners in the 1951 "Talent Finding Contest."
Another popular act was that of the Brewster Brothers and steel
guitarist, Ray R. Myers. Mr. Myers had a unique way of playing the
instrument as he was born without arms. Fans flocked to see the group
and Ray play the guitar with his feet while accompanying the band. On
top of that, there was usually a big run for the exits after the show. Why?
They wanted to see Mr. Myers drive! Yes, he was the nation's only licensed
automobile driver at the time who was born without arms.
Some of the acts that were a part of the WVOK Dixie Jamboree
included:
- Othell Sullivan and his Radio Pals
- Red Bates and his Boys
- The Brewster Brothers and Ray Myers
- Satterfield's Southern Serenaders
- Harry Blevins and the Steel City Playboys
- Waldon Trio
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Othell Sullivan and his Radio Pals
Satterfield's Southern Serenaders
The Brewster Brothers Ray Myers
Red Bates and his Boys
Harry Blevins and the Steel City Playboys
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