Fall 1998

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy introduces the issue and recounts giving a keynote speech about women in bluegrass at the IBMA Trade Show.
   Tina Wright by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy describes meeting and jamming with the Wrights, whom she says are the first African-American family to attend the IBMA World of Bluegrass, focusing on the multi-instrumental talents of 10-year-old Tina.
2. Missy Raines Wins IBMA Bass Player of the Year
   by Murphy Hicks Henry This article announces and celebrates Missy Raines being the first woman to win the IBMA Bass Player of the Year award.
3. IBMA Keynote Address
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A transcript of Murphy Henry's IBMA keynote speech, which argues for greater recognition and inclusion of women in the bluegrass industry.
4. Ratifications
   by Casey Henry Casey's analysis of the prevalence of songs about dead, idealized, and religious mothers in early bluegrass music.
5. PLUGGED IN
   by Nancy Hicks Pate Nancy Pate's story about the trials and triumphs of acquiring and learning to use her first personal sound system for gigs.
6. Wiblets
   Women's Voices by Toni Murphy Toni Murphy's letter arguing against the criticism that women's voices aren't "bluegrassy" and advocates for utilizing strong female singers in bands.
   Keynote: Bones to Pick by Pete Wernick (printed “Peter Wernick” [sic]) Pete Wernick, president of the IBMA, responds to Murphy Henry's keynote speech, agreeing with its overall goal but challenging several of its specific examples and conclusions about IBMA.
   Women Pickers by Dolly Mae Bradshaw A letter from Dolly Mae Bradshaw which argues that female bluegrass artists must play an instrument to be taken seriously and encourages voting for deserving women in IBMA awards.

Photos

• Tina Wright, page 1. Photo: Mickey Bagley.
• Unidentified, page 10. Photo: courtesy of Ford Kave Uncredited.
• Unidentified, page 10. Photo: Murphy Hicks Henry.