The Prairie Ramblers

About

American traditional country band, originally from Kentucky. The band was founded as "The Kentucky Ramblers", making their first public appearance in 1932. The original line-up included Chick Hurt (mandola, tenor banjo), Jack Taylor(bass), Salty Holmes (harmonica), and Tex Atchison (fiddle).

The band's name was changed to "The Prairie Ramblers" when the band relocated to Chicago in 1933. They also recorded some risqué novelty songs under the pseudonym Sweet Violet Boys. The band has also recorded as Blue Ridge Ramblers. Patsy Montana also performed with the group.

Allan Crockett replaced Atchison in 1938; Rusty Gill replaced Holmes in 1942. Wade Ray joined the band ca. 1947 after Crockett died, and Ray was replaced by fiddler-guitarist Wally Moore in 1949. In 1956 Hurt and Taylor hired an accordionist, establishing Stan Wolowic And The Polka Chips (disbanded in 1960).

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