Interview with Tom Gray, May 5, 2005

Interview Summary

This interview with legendary bass player Tom Gray begins with a discussion about discovering Bluegrass music on the radio as a teenager. He then talks about what attracted him to the double bass. Gray discusses joining The Country Gentleman, and talks about several of its members. He also talks about the band's distinctive sound, which included both folk and rock songs. Next, Gray discusses several of his favorite memories from working with The Country Gentlemen and talks about the influence that the advent of rock and roll music had on country and Bluegrass music. Gray discusses leaving the Country Gentlemen for a job at National Geographic in order to pay the bills and his subsequent work with other bands. He also talks briefly about his family. Next, Gray discusses the enduring popularity of Bluegrass music in Japan and talks about John Duffey's management work for the Seldom Scene. Finally, Gray discusses his mentorship of Missy Raines and other double bass players.

Interview Keyword

Music--History and criticism. Bluegrass music. Bluegrass music--History and criticism. Bluegrass musicians Double bass Double bass players

Interview LC Subject

Music--History and criticism Bluegrass music Bluegrass music--History and criticism Bluegrass musicians Double bass Bluegrass music--1961-1970 Bluegrass music--1951-1960

Interview Rights

The Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History has been licensed by the International Bluegrass Music Museum as the exclusive archival repository for this collection. All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, belong to the International Bluegrass Music Museum.?Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky.