Winter 1999

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy introduces the issue by discussing her Master's thesis on Sally Ann Forrester and shares historical research on how musician-parents like Cousin Wilbur and Blondie Wesbrooks managed touring with an infant.
   Sally Ann Forrester by Murphy Hicks Henry A photograph and caption identifies Sally Ann Forrester and Ludie Harris as part of Georgia Slim’s Texas Roundup in Dallas
2. Betty Fisher: The Leader of the Band
   by Murphy Hicks Henry This article profiles bandleader Betty Fisher, beginning with her childhood musical partnership with her father, Buck, and their performances at the Carolina Barn Dance.
   BETTY AND BUCK: THE EARLY YEARS by Murphy Hicks Henry and Betty Fisher This section details Betty Fisher's childhood, her self-taught method of playing lead guitar, and her early professional performances with her father throughout North Carolina.
   "I DID NOT MISS THE MUSIC AT ALL" by Murphy Hicks Henry and Betty Fisher This section discusses Betty Fisher's departure from music after marriage to focus on family and her subsequent, unexpected return to performing via local gigs and church music.
   "I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT BLUEGRASS WAS." by Murphy Hicks Henry and Betty Fisher This section describes Betty Fisher's fateful re-introduction to the bluegrass scene at a festival, where reunions with Bill Monroe and other stars inspired her to form her own band with his guidance. Part 2 is promised in the next issue.
3. Women in Bluegrass: The Men Respond
   by Claire Levine This article presents a survey of opinions from seven male musicians on the barriers and opportunities for women as side musicians, covering topics like spousal jealousy, economics, vocal aesthetics, and band image.
4. WIB–LITE
   by Murphy Hicks Henry A historical anecdote by composer Ethel Smyth about the mythical origins of music and gender conflict.

Photos

• Ludie Harris, Wilene "Sally Ann" Forrester, page 1. Photo: courtesy of Bob Forrester Uncredited.
• Betty Fisher, page 3. Photo: courtesy of Bluegrass Unlimited Uncredited.
• Betty Fisher, page 5. Photographer unknown.
• Eldred Hill, page 7. Photo: courtesy of Bluegrass Unlimited Uncredited.
• Laurie Hicks, Murphy Hicks Henry, Nancy Hicks Pate, Red Henry, page 9. Photographer unknown.