| Jesse McReynolds to receive Uncle Dave Heritage Award |
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By: June 18, 2007 1:15 PM
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Jesse McReynolds
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Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds will received the coveted Heritage Award Saturday, July 14 at Uncle Dave Macon Days.
This is the 30th anniversary of one of a few old-time music competitions in the United States. Held annually at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, the festival was founded in 1977 by the late Jesse Messick.
Best known for his innovative mandolin playing, McReynolds was raised near Coeburn, Va. Where he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charlie McReynolds, who was one of the first musicians to record for Victor, later RCA, in Bristol, Va., in 1927.
McReynolds originated the complex "cross-picking" style of mandolin playing, which is now a much imitated bluegrass and flatpicking guitar staple. McReynolds said the picking style was inspired by the five-string banjo-playing of Hoke Jenkins,
Following World War II, McReynolds and his brother Jim formed one of the best-known bluegrass bands of all time, "Jim and Jesse and the Virginia Boys." When Jim died in 2002, Jesse continued to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and select music festivals. The year 2007 marks his 60th year as a performer.
UDMD's Heritage Award is a yearly honor presented to an individual dedicated to the preservation and advancement of old-time music and dance. In addition to performing at Uncle Dave Days, McReynolds will serve as the grand marshal of the Motorless Parade that travels down East Main Street in Murfreesboro on the morning of July 14.
Considered one of America's premier summer festivals, the family-oriented event annually gathers more than 45,000 people to Murfreesboro for a hearty helping of fun, southern style. It was selected by the Atlanta-based Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast. Additionally, the American Bus Association designated Uncle Dave Macon Days as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2005.
The festival was established to honor the memory of Uncle Dave Macon. Uncle Dave lived near Murfreesboro and is considered one of the first Grand Ole Opry superstars. A master banjo player and performer, he died in 1952, and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966.
Uncle Dave Macon Days is one of the very few old-time music competitions in the country. A purse of more than $8,800 is at stake during Friday and Saturday's highly charged music and dance competitions. In 1986 the United States House of Representatives proclaimed these competitions to be the National Championships in Old-Time Banjo, Old-Time Clogging and Old-Time Buckdancing.
"Uncle Dave Macon Days is a long-standing Murfreesboro tradition providing families with a fun, fulfilling musical experience. It mirrors First Tennessee's commitment to supporting music and arts throughout the state," said Charlie Myatt, First Tennessee's Rutherford County president. "We are proud to be presenting sponsor of this exceptional event."
The fun starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 14 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 15. There is no admission charge. Free and paid parking is available. For more information write: Post Office Box 5016, Murfreesboro, TN 37133-5016 or call: 1-800-716-7560. On the Web : www.uncledavemacondays.com
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