Vern Williams

More information at Freight and Salvage's page about the Memorial Concert


The Sets

Vern Williams Memorial Show, Freight & Salvage Coffee House, 1111 Addison Street, Berkeley, California, 24 September 2006

 

Celebrating the influence of the West’s most authentic singer of the high, lonesome sound on northern California bluegrass musicians.  Vern based his singing and repertoire on those of Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass, but evolved his own distinct style and sound.  He was the personal conduit of the mother lode of bluegrass music to Northern California bluegrass emulators and fans alike.  Vern died June 6th this year, but his spirit lives on, embodied in the performances of the musicians who graciously consented to present this show.

 

The bedrock concept of this show is for a band to play songs they are comfortable with.  Ideal criteria also include:  The band performs (1) a song that Vern used to sing, (2) a song styled after Vern’s voice, (3) a song sung in the spirit of Vern Williams, and/or even (4) dedicated to Vern’s memory and lasting contributions.  In some cases, I expect a few songs to be selected because of what the singer directly learned from Vern; the performer’s personal relationship is thereby highlighted.  I think everyone attending will enjoy the musicians and learning their associations with Vern.

 

 

FIRST SET:

 

1.         Reunion of the REDWOOD CANYON RAMBLERS, the first bluegrass band in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, beginning in June 1959.  This band recreated American folk songs in bluegrass style, and will perform songs such as “Jesse James,” “Prisoner's Song,” “House Carpenter,” “Little Sadie,” and “Bury Me Beneath the Willow.”

 

 

2.         Reunion of the PINE VALLEY BOYS, who followed the RCR and provided the stepping stone for Herb Pedersen and Butch Waller to begin their lifelong leadership roles in California bluegrass.  Marvel at Herb’s masterful tenor and high baritone parts.

 

 

3.         High Country, founded by Butch Waller in 1968, Butch and his band are enduring promoters of Bill Monroe’s traditional bluegrass.  Tonight the members of this band will sing some of their standards.

 

 

SECOND SET:

 

1.         KATHY KALLICK BAND

 

Formed in 1996, tonight Kathy powerfully performs songs that Vern used to sing and which they both have recorded.

 

“Who's Going down to Town”

“My Old Clinch Mountain Home”

“Montana Cowboy”

and “Close By.”

 

2.         ROSEBUD BLUE, a new band that features Vern Williams’ granddaughter, Jenny, carrying on a third generation of Vern’s music.  This will be a special treat to all Vern’s friends and followers.

 

“Thinking of Home”

“What Would You Give (in Exchange)?”

“My Old Kentucky Home”

and if need be, “Happy I'll Be.”

 

3.         Reunion of TRUE BLUE, led by Del Williams, Vern’s son, perpetuating the blistering singing traditions of Vern and Ray and the Vern Williams Band.

 

They plan to sing

 

“Down among the Budded Roses”

“Darlin' Nellie”

“Please Come Back, Little Pal”

and “Live and Let Live.”

 

 

This will be an exceptionally memorable event.  Everyone who enjoyed Vern Williams’ outstandingly dry, piercing, lead and tenor bluegrass singing will be gratified to know the extent to which he influenced the above musicians.  Long live Vern’s music!


Bluegrass music legend Delbert Lavern “Vern” Williams, Sr. died of respiratory failure in the early afternoon of Tuesday June 6, 2006 at Mark Twain St. Joseph’s hospital in Calaveras County, California, where he made his home for the last almost forty years. Born in Newton County, Arkansas in 1930, Vern began playing music with his family at an early age. He moved to California in 1952 with the Marine Corps and continued to play music, first with his younger brother John Jr., then in a much celebrated partnership with Ray Park beginning in 1959, and lastly in 1974 with his own “Vern Williams Band”, which group also backed up country-bluegrass legend Rose Maddox. Vern’s impact on bluegrass music, especially on the West Coast where he is widely considered idol-like bluegrass royalty, cannot be overstated. He made several seminal bluegrass recordings, was recognized by the State of California by official acknowledgement and tribute 1987 and by official commendation in 2001, received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Award of Merit, and was the first to be awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership in the California Bluegrass Association. His song arrangements continue to be covered by countless bluegrass artists. Vern is survived by his wife of 52 years Marge, five brothers and sisters, two daughters and a son, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He loved hunting, fishing and listening to Rush Limbaugh. His videography was produced in 2004 and can be viewed at the IBMA headquarters in Owensboro, Kentucky. His recordings are widely available.