The Hill Billies

Folk / Appalachian / Hill Billy band that formed in a Galax, Virginia barbershop in 1924 by Tony Alderman, Al Hopkins and Joe Hopkins. They stopped performing after the death of Al Hopkins in 1932. The band had many 'firsts' including: - First country musicians to perform in New York City; - First band to play for a US President (Calvin Coolidge); and - First band to appear in a movie (The Singing Fool - 4153751). Original band line-up is regarded as: Al Hopkins (Piano, Vocals) Joe Hopkins (Guitar) John Hopkins (13) (Banjo, Ukulele) Tony Alderman (Fiddle) John Rector (5 String Banjo) Charlie Bowman (Fiddle) Other players: Elbert Bowman (Guitar) Jack Reedy (Banjo) Fred Roe Henry Roe The band name morphed into others over the years including: Al Hopkins And His Buckle Busters Al Hopkins’ Original Hill Billies (starting 21-Jan-1929)