September 1994

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry An introduction to the newsletter as a forum for a "niche within a niche"
   Database by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy reveals work on a database of professional and semi-professional women in bluegrass, both historical and current. She's going through old issues of Bluegrass Unlimited and is starting with 325 addresses to send a questionnaire to. Initial findings of the data is shared
   Important New Book by Murphy Hicks Henry Recommendation of a new book on women in music called "Finding Her Voice: The Saga of Women in Country Music" this book is referenced frequently in future issues
2. Spotlight on...Louisa Branscomb
   by Murphy Hicks Henry and Louisa Branscomb An interview with Louisa Branscomb, one of the first women Murphy saw playing banjo in the 70s. Discussions about differences in personalities and thoughts on the future of the women in bluegrass.
3. Ratifications
   by Casey Henry 16-year-old Casey's first column. She talks about being excited for the upcoming IBMA conference in Owensboro.
4. Why Did You Start Bluegrass
   by Carol Lombardo Carol Lombardo from Alaska talks about discovering bluegrass and deciding to learn and murphy reflects that many women discover bluegrass in the "second phase" of their life
   by Mary Ann Cornelius Mary Ann from San Antonio talks about learning bass to play with/because of Janet Davis
5. Guest Columnist Nancy Hicks Pate
   by Nancy Hicks Pate first column from Nancy Hicks Pate, Murphy's sister. Nancy talks about the experience of moving from Florida to Atlanta for work and family and feeling like she was leaving music behind until she started playing with Louisa Branscomb in "Born G____." Includes words to an original song called "Breathing In."
   Breathing Out by Nancy Hicks Pate
   Breathing In by Nancy Hicks Pate
6. Where you can find what we've been talking about
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Information on where to find music and books from this issue
7. Change of Life
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Info about Ginger Boatwright's recent mastectomy and cancer recovery as well as an invitation for women to reach out to Ginger with or for support
8. Back page
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of all-female bands that Murphy has found in her research so far

Photos

• Louisa Branscomb, page 3. Photographer unknown. On Omeka