Vern Williams (born Delbert Lavern Williams, December 9, 1930 – June 6, 2006) is generally accepted as the father of bluegrass music on the West Coast of the United States.
Williams’ performing career began in California in the late 1950s and continued regularly for almost 40 years, earning a reputation as a uniquely talented, raw and edgy “high lonesome” tenor singer and mandolin player who inspired countless top quality west coast musicians and beyond.
Born in Newton County, Arkansas in 1930, Williams 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 beginning in 1974 with his own “Vern Williams Band”. That group also backed up country-bluegrass legend Rose Maddox.
Vern’s impact on bluegrass music, especially in California, 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 numerous bluegrass artists.
A videography about Vern was produced in 2004 and can be viewed at the International Bluegrass Music Museum (IBMM) in Owensboro, Kentucky. His recordings are widely available. His last performance was as a guest on Open Road’s Lucky Drive, recorded in 2005.
Luke Lukas is back with an album full of that gleeful gloom that made us love him at first sight. His trustworthy 4-tracks and him go their separate ways so he's now presenting 12 perfectly arranged folk songs to us. Luke reveals himself as a kind soul, but like the western movies taught us, a dreadful killer always hides under every placid looking Texan.
"Leaving his strongly lo-fi sound that impressed us the first time, he treasures the recipe, packing in this new plain, delightful work a caring love for vocals, which are worthy of Neutral Milk hotel, with a touch of Chordettes feel."Daniele Dileo - Lab Magazine
Hey Vern! I know its been awhile, but I just had to stop by and send you a comment up there! I am always telling people about you, still playing your music week to week on my radio shows, and keeping your music alive when I am on stage singing and pickin'. You are the best and I cant wait to meet you over yonder one of these days and shake your hand instead of only talking to you on the phone! You are missed by so many people here on Earth. We love you Vern! Love and miss you, ALEX (a loyal Vern fan for life since 10, now 20!)
Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too! Ruby Jane
Hey up there, Vern!...Steve and the boys here. Just wanted to tell you that we're listening to you every day, so all those great numbers of yours are still echoing around this place. You're inspiration is keeping us trying to lay it down just right. Hey, say a big howdy to Sonny for us, man!
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Just had to stop by and let everybody know how much Vern meant to a ten year old (now 19.) I'll never forget the times me & Vern talked for hours on the phone and became closer and closer in his final years on Earth. Vern's music will never be beat, especially his tenor singing! Just wanted to stop by and tell everyone who one of the TRUE masters you should really appreciate is!
Hey, ya ole Arkie, we sure miss you! You really meant a lot to us, as a friend, jammer and bluegrass inspiration. Pick a few for us up there where I know you're hitting some high notes with Bill, Lester, Carter and all those pickers in the Great Angel Band.
Hey grandpa! Just thought I would drop in and say hi and tell you that we missed you a ton on Christmas Eve. I hope that you and Uncle Ron are keeping each other company, and we miss and love you both very much. I love you!
Hey grandpa! Been a while since I've been on here... but was thinking about you and wanted to stop by and tell you that I love you and miss you very much!
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