Vern Williams
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vern Williams (born Delbert Lavern Williams) (December 9, 1930 – June 6, 2006) was a singer and mandolin player who was instrumental in introducing bluegrass music to the West Coast of the United States.
Williams was born on December 9, 1930, in Newton County, Arkansas[1][2] (or Bullfrog Valley, Pope County, Arkansas[3]), as part of a musical family; family members (such as brothers Junior and Hairl Dean) played fiddle, guitar, and banjo. Williams started on guitar, then switched to mandolin at age 17.[2] In 1952, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps and moved to San Diego, California, for basic training. After serving at Twentynine Palms, California, he married Marjory Vogler and moved to Stockton, California.
Vern and Ray
In 1960, Williams formed a duo with fiddler Ray Park known as Vern and Ray. Vern and Ray became one of the most successful bluegrass bands in Northern California. According to DJ Tom Diamant, "Anybody who plays bluegrass in the Bay area and sings the tenor part has been influenced by Vern Williams. He was one of the greatest tenor singers in history"[3]
Vern and Ray recorded one studio album, Sounds From the Ozarks, on the Old Homestead label, which is now considered a collector's item.[1] The duo broke up in 1974.
Vern Williams Band
After the breakup of Vern and Ray, Williams formed the Vern Williams Band, which featured his son Delbert on guitar, fiddler Ed Neff and singer and banjoist Keith Little.[3] The band became known as a "powerhouse bluegrass outfit".[2] In 1980, they signed with Rounder Records and, shortly afterwards, recorded Bluegrass from the Gold Country which is now considered a bluegrass classic.[3] The Vern Williams Band also backed up country music legend Rose Maddox in her latter recordings. The band broke up in 1986.
