Miracles In Motion Inc

The Coal Miner's Jamboree is proud to announce that frequent Grand Ole Opry performer Mike Webb, will be performing Saturday evening, May 10, in a special Mother's Day Show at 7.00pm.  Mike plays Dobro, banjo and sings in the smooth style of many classic country music greats from Ray Price to Merle Haggard.

Opry and radio WSM-AM announcer Eddie Stubbs calls Mike Webb "a great disciple of Brother Oswald's special school of American music".  Mike learned to play the old time Claw Hammer banjo and mountain-style Dobro from long-time Roy Acuff band member Bashful Brother Oswald (whose real name was Pete Kirby).  Mike met Brother Oswald at the Opry back in 1989, but it wasn't until a couple years later, that Mike he got the fever to play Dobro.  He bought a dobro, carried it to the Opry to play for Oswald (Os), and a friendship began that lasted until Brother Oswald's death on October 17, 2002.

Despite the 60-year age difference between the two musicians, they had a great deal in common.  Os wanted someone to carry the Dobro torch he had lit way back in 1938, and Mike was willing.  Oswald also taught Mike some of the old school vaudeville comedy routines the Smokey Mountain Boys performed during their many travels with Roy acuff back in the 1930's and 40's.

It was at Bashful Brother Oswald's urging that Mike continue to keep the music going.  Mike began working with Acuff's long-time band member Charlie Collins in 1999.  Charlie and Oswald had worked together for thirty years as a duo, as well as working with Roy Acuff.  The music Mike explains is the same, simple traditional mountain music.  Mike has also been a member of Wilma Lee Cooper's Clinch Mountain Clan, as well as working with greats such as Lynn Anderson, Tanya Tucker, Buddy Jewell, and many others.  Mike does many Nashville recording sessions when not touring.

When Bashful Brother Oswald passed away, he left the historic and prized dobro that had been featured on "Wabash Cannonball", "Great Speckled Bird" and other Roy Acuff classic hits, and also left Mike his prized banjo.  Collectors for these instruments recently offered Mike many thousands of dollars.  The Dobro alone was valued at over $40,000.00 for its musical and historical significance.  The Country Music Hall of Fame has asked Mike to donate the instruments, but Mike is keeping his promise to Os, and coming to McCreary County to feature both of these wonderful stringed instruments.

Mike is also eager to share the history of Roy Acuff's music and folks are welcome to even hold the classic Dobro and have their photo made.  You will be glad you spent the Saturday evening with the talented Mike Webb in an early celebration Mother's Day!

Of course, the weekly "Coal Miner's Jamboree is always FREE for all, and is located in historic downtown Stearns, Kentucky.

© Written by Hugh Waddell May 2008