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(Music: 1920's -
1960's)
Moran Lee "Dock"
Boggs was born near
Norton in Wise County, Virginia. He began playing banjo at the
age of twelve, about the time he started working in the coal
mines, only performing professionally on-and-off in the late
1920's and after he retired. Dock Boggs had a distinctive banjo
style and a raw, powerful singing voice. In 1927, Brunswick Records
of New York held local auditions of mountain musicians. Only
Dock Boggs and one other group impressed the talent scouts enough
to be invited to be recorded. Boggs recorded eight numbers including
blues and ballads. In 1929, he cut four songs for The Lonesome
Ace Record Company. He also offered an audition with RCA Victor,
but could not gather up the funds to make the trip to Louisville,
Kentucky. With the deepening depression and poor record distribution,
Boggs gave up music until after his retirement. Folk musician
Mike Seeger persuaded Dock to record again in 1963. He appeared
at Folk Festivals throughout the 60's and is credited with heavily
influencing the music of Bob Dylan. |