Nominate the Book for an Award!

The IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) will have their big awards show in Nashville during the week of October 2, 2008. If you have the time, please email nancyc@ibma.org to nominate "The WBT Briarhoppers-Eight Decades of a Bluegrass Band Made For Radio" for the Print Media Award. Yeah, IBMA will say you have to be a member, but if enough people email, maybe the book will get nominated! This is one small way to keep the Briarhopper name out there. Thanks

From Jim "Fiddlin' Scanc" Scancarelli's collection!

One of Charlotte's First Teen Idols

In 1936, an open audition at WBT yielded one of the first teen idols in the Metrolina area. Little Homer Drye became Homer A. Briarhopper on stage and was one of the most popular Briarhopper members ever. In 1940/1941, Homer left WBT to go to WPTF in Raleigh where he founded Homer A. Briarhoppers' Dixie Dudes. Homer remained in the Raleigh area and grew to be a famous entertainer in the Triad, befriending Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, among others. In 1954, Homer was named "Mr. Disc Jockey USA." He also opened several popular music clubs near Raleigh. Fiddlin' Dwight Moody worked with Homer many times on Homer's radio and TV shows. Homer refused three offers to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Homer died in 1983. Continuing the spirit, Homer's nephew, Larry Mangum, is a popular songwriter and musician based in the Jacksonville, FL, region. Homer's son, Tim, is retired from the Raleigh area police force.

Hello Henry!

The late Henry Boggan was not only a Hall of Fame broadcaster, but was a wild BHopper fan! In fact, one of his last radio shows on WBT featured the BHoppers. A story is told that at Charles Crutchfield's funeral, one of the BHopper wives came up to where Henry was sitting and asked him, "You know the Briarhoppers are performing today?" Being Henry, he responded, "Yes, I know, but I decided to come anyway!" This photo is from the University of North Carolina and may be his official photo for his induction into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Go to http://www.btmemories.com/ and you can hear the Hello Henry Show with the BHoppers. Enjoy!

Reflecting on Thorpe Westerfield

According to Billie Burton Daniel and Billy Ann Newman Carson, Thorpe was a brilliant musician and a really nice guy. A relative of actress Arlene Dahl, Thorpe was a consummate musician who could play almost any instrument. Carson said his guitar playing reminded her of famous jazz guitarist Django Rinehardt. Daniels remembered Thorpe playing his guitar or banjo along with his harmonica. According to Thorpe's daughter, Terry Marshall, Thorpe met his wife whilst performing at WBT as a member of the Briarhoppers. He was called to duty in WWII and eventually joined the military band, putting on musicals and other events for the troops. His return to Charlotte did not include re-joining WBT or the Briarhoppers; Thorpe started work with his family's building supply company in Charlotte. Thorpe remained a member of the Musician's Union, and played at holiday events. He remained at his family's building supply store until he died in 1972.

Who have been Briarhoppers?

Charles Crutchfield; Johnny McAllister; Bill Davis; Don White; Jane Bartlett; Thorpe Westerfield; Clarence Etters; Homer Drye; Billie Burton Daniel; Charlie and Roger Davis; Hank Warren; Gibb Young; Martin Schopp; Harry Blair; Jack Gillette; Cecil Campbell; Newell Hathcock; Fred Kirby; Claude Casey; The Oklahoma Sweethearts (Jean and Jane Leeper); Mildred and Floyd; Eleanor Bryan Fields; Dewey Price; Whitey and Hogan; Shannon Grayson; Homer Christopher; Nat Richardson; Sam Poplin; Doug Mayes; Jim Scancarelli; Homer Sherrill; David Moody; David Deese; Dwight Moody; Tom Warlick...so far!

If you have other information to share, please do!

"Don't touch that dial, 'Hit's Briarhopper Time!"

Thanks for coming to our site! The quote above comes from our great friend, Tom Hanchett of the Levine Museum of the New South.

If you want to see the legendary band in concert, complete with the radio advertisements for Peruna, Kolor-Bak, Zymole Trokeys, and Radio Girl Perfume, check this site for upcoming stage shows.