Biography

Country performer. Born 1937. Member of the Renfro Valley Barn Dance cast at the time of this interview.

Interview Summary

1985 December 3
(1 hour, 33 minutes)
Renfro Valley Barn Dance performer Al Ballinger talks about the show’s format from 1959 to mid-1980s. Discussion includes his childhood and early interest in the Barn Dance show; his first Renfro Valley Barn Dance appearance; memories of the 1959 show lineup; John Lair’s management style; the movie Renfro Valley Barn Dance; his experiences as a Barn Dance cast member and performers he worked with, including Slim Miller; assuming the program’s master of ceremonies role; experiences as a Barn Dance cast member, both onstage and as part of the Renfro Valley Folks road show; a description of the typical show atmosphere; and comments on the unique and enduring features of the Renfro Valley show.