LONNIE GLOSSON

Harmonica legend, Lonnie Glosson, has been playing before audiences for 78 years. His radio performances began in 1924, when radio was in its infancy, and for a ten year period between 1947 and 1957 he teamed with Wayne Rainey of Concord, AR for one of the most popular shows in the history of radio. Glosson and Rainey were heard on a syndicated program broadcast to over 200 stations nightly. During that time, they were so busy with radio that they did not have time to do personal appearances. They were pioneers in marketing, selling harmonicas and harmonica courses through their radio broadcasts. Lonnie also performed on many of the popular radio barndance shows including the Grand Ole Opry, the National Barndance, the Prince Albert show with Red Foley, and was a Master of Ceremonies on the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in Kentucky. When performing at WLS, in Chicago, he toured with Gene Autry on occasion and was invited by Autry to go with him to California when an opportunity came to star in the movies. Lonnie preferred to keep his independence and stay with what he knew best.

Two of Lonnie's songs, "Matthew 24" and "Gospel Snakes" have become gospel classics and are still being performed and recorded. In 1950, he co-wrote and recorded the hit "Why Don't You Haul Off and Love Me" with his partner Wayne Raney. He is best known, however, for the novelty harmonica numbers which he popularized such as "I Want My Momma", "The Fox Chase", and the train imitations. He is known all over the world for his "talking" harmonica.

In later years, Lonnie worked on occasion with his brother, Buck, who was also a very capable harp player. Buck had fronted his own band and had also worked with Lonnie and a sister. When Buck died a few years back, Lonnie kept going. Now at 92, Lonnie still performs. He no longer plays the guitar on stage, but his singing voice is still strong, and his harmonica playing seems as good as ever. He lives in Searcy, Arkansas not many miles from his hometown of Judsonia. He has had some health problems of late and was recently hospitalized with heart failure.

Here's to a true country music pioneer and legend, Lonnie Glosson. You can visit Lonnie's website at http://www.lonnieglosson.com/lg.htm

Learn more about Lonnie and find tapes and videos at 1970 prices.

Elliott