Ronald “Slim” Wallace exhibit
- Ongoing: until Saturday, March 12, 2011
- Monday: 10:00am
- Tuesday: 10:00am
- Wednesday: 10:00am
- Thursday: 10:00am
- Friday: 10:00am
- Saturday: 10:00am
- Where: Rogers Historical Museum, Rogers
- Cost: Free
- Age limit: Not available
ROOTS OF ROCKABILLY: RONALD”SLIM” WALLACE EXHIBIT TO OPEN FEBRUARY 5
ROCKABILLY CONCERT TO CELEBRATE THE EXHIBIT OPENING
In the 1950s Memphis was rocking to a fresh new sound exemplified by artists such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Billy Lee Riley. Soon the early style of rock and roll known as “rockabilly” was sweeping the nation. In 1956 Arkansas native Ronald Wallace and fellow musician Jack Clement formed Fernwood Records, and over the years Fernwood would record dozens of rockabilly classics.
Now an exhibit the Rogers Historical Museum will explore the life and career of rockabilly pioneer Ronald “Slim” Wallace. Guest curated by grandson Mark Wallace, the exhibit will include photographs, documents, instruments, clothing, and records produced in the Fernwood studio. A video produced by Mark Wallace features performances and interviews relating to the musical legacy of Ronald Wallace and Fernwood Records. Roots of Rockabilly: Ronald “Slim” Wallace will open February 5 and remain on view through March 12.
A one-time-only concert by Ramon Maupin, the Sin City Scoundrels, Mark “Slim” Wallace and the Dixie Ramblers, and the Dusters will celebrate the exhibit opening. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, at the Rogers Little Theater. Tickets are available through the RLT box office in person, by phone, or online.
The Rogers Historical Museum is located at 322 South Second Street, at the corner of Second and Cherry in the Rogers Historic District. Hours are 10 to 5 Monday through Saturday and admission is free. For more information visit www.rogersarkansas.com/museum or call 479-621-1154.
MORE ON RONALD “SLIM” WALLACE AND FERNWOOD RECORDS:
Born February 28, 1922, in Paragould, Arkansas, Ronald Wallace grew up during the hard times of the Great Depression. Slim served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and the United States Navy. After the war he supported his family as a truck driver, but his love of music led him to open a night club in Paragould.
Slim’s Cotton Club drew talented musicians from across the Delta. Billy Lee Riley from Newport, Arkansas, and Jack Clement and Glenn Honeycutt from Mississippi played there, and all three joined Slim in forming a Western Swing band called the Dixie Ramblers.
Slim could see Memphis was going to become a music center, so in 1955 he moved his family to 152 Fernwood Drive and turned the garage behind the family home into a record studio. Among the records cut there were “Rock With Me Baby” by Billy Lee Riley and the million-selling hit “Tragedy” by Thomas Wayne.
Fernwood Records was dissolved during the aftermath of Slim’s daughter Sandra’s tragic death in 1976. Slim Wallace died in 2001 at the age of 79, but his musical legacy lives on. Over the years the rockabilly genre has enjoyed repeated revivals both in the U.S. and in Europe. Ronald Wallace also left a more personal legacy. His grandson Mark also is a musician who is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Fernwood and of his grandfather and the other musicians associated with that studio.
MORE ON THE FEBRUARY 5 CONCERT:
Tickets:
Floor seating - $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under
Balcony seating - $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under
The Rogers Little Theater is located at 116 South Second Street. To purchase tickets by phone or for information on box office hours call 631-8988. Tickets are available online at www.rogerslittletheater.org.
The performers:
Singer and songwriter Ramon Maupin was one of the early artists who recorded at Fernwood. Today he performs blues, gospel, and country numbers.
The Sin City Scoundrels from Memphis perform contemporary rockabilly. Robbie House, Jon Fayette, and Chris Hart are experienced musicians who can improvise anything from jazz and blues to funk and metal.
Ronald Wallace’s grandson Mark also performs as “Slim” Wallace, and his band, like his grandfather’s, is called the Dixie Ramblers. This band performs classics inspired by the artists who recorded at Fernwood.
The Dusters began performing their blues-inspired rock n’ roll in 1986. Over the years this Nashville-based group recorded four albums and toured extensively in the United States. But their greatest success came in Europe, where they played to sold-out crowds in France, Spain, Austria, Germany, Holland, and the UK.
This event was posted Jan. 3, 2011 and last updated Jan. 3, 2011
