Biography

Guitarist. Began work as a professional musician in 1941 at age thirteen. Member of Paul Howard’s band, the Arkansas Cotton Pickers. As a member of Howard’s band he was a regular Grand Ole Opry performer during the early 1940s.

Interview Summary

1986 August 15
(1 hour, 52 minutes)
Guitarist Jimmy Byrd talks about his career as a teenager working in country music during the 1940s. Discussion includes the start of his musical training; his move to Nashville; working for Paul Howard; bringing Rod Brasfield to the Grand Ole Opry; early session work for Zeke Clements and Paul Howard; the positive influence of Paul Howard, Judge Hay (George D. Hay), and others. Paul Howard’s band; his musical education; playing on the Opry; country audiences of the 1940s; and comments on the Opry and Opry performers during the 1940s.