Muskingum County Country Music Hall of Fame remembers inductees who died in 2009

Dodie Brewer, who sang with such bands as Dodie and the Country Chords, made her final exit from the country music scene in Zanesville, Ohio, on February 8, 2009.

Howard Jewett, who played upright bass with the Sleepy Hollow Band, followed on April 25. John W. Ray, singer, songwriter and guitarist of the Hickory Wind bluegrass band, joined them on June 23.

The Muskingum County Country Music Hall of Fame had announced its plans to memorialize those three on Sunday, October 11, 2009, at its 24th Annual Hall of Fame Day before two more of its members died.

Bobby Dunn, who played steel guitar, rhythm guitar and dobro and also "rattled the bones" with various groups, died September 27. Gerald Hill, a.k.a. “Buttercup,” a comedian and square dance caller for Dallas Bond and the Musical Farmers, passed on September 28.

Bobby had played with John’s Hickory Wind. Both Bobby and Gerald had been members of Dodie’s Country Chords.

So now, five members of this Southeast Ohio pickin’, grinnin’ and otherwise engagin’ in old-time country music organization, who died in 2009, will be remembered at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2009, during Muskingum County Country Music Hall of Fame Day at Roger’s Auction Barn, Salem Church Road, Adamsville, Ohio.

The Duncan Falls/Philo VFW will begin serving its all-day Hall-of-Fame-Day lunch at 11 a.m. Performers will take the stage at 12:30 p.m. Following the 3 o’clock memorial observance, new members will be inducted. Then the music will resume until the crowd leaves, usually around suppertime.

Cost of admission: Freewill donation and BYOC – Bring Your Own Chair. No one will be turned away.

Dodie, Howard and Bobby were among the inaugural class of inductees to the Hall of Fame when it was formed in 1986 to honor Muskingum County entertainers who had played, sung or performed publicly for at least 15 years. John and Gerald were inducted in 1987.

As part of the memorial portion of the event, emcee Phil Barnett will read each member’s obituary and present brass plaques and white carnations to their families.

Besides making and celebrating traditional country music, the Hall of Fame has made community service its mission.

Proceeds from Muskingum County Country Music Hall of Fame Day, as well as the group’s square dances, holiday parties and other activities throughout the year, help neighbors in need.

Next on the schedule: Muskingum County Country Music Hall of Fame's Annual Fall Round and Square Dance, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2009, at the Newton Township Fire Facility, 5490 Maysville Pike, State Route 22, White Cottage, Ohio 43791. Doors open at 6 p.m. Entertainment includes round, square and line dancing, as well as cake walks, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. Food will be available. Admission: $3 per person. Children 10 and under: Free. Proceeds benefit the Marvin Wheeler Cancer Fund.

For more information, contact Phil Barnett at 740-453-4519 or pbarnet2@columbus.rr.com.

Alana Baranick says she’s not really a fan of country music, but was surprised to recognize, remember fondly and enjoy the music of country music greats who are enshrined at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum when she visited Nashville, Tenn., in 2007.

This "Dash Between" column was originally posted on ObitsOhio.com on Oct. 7, 2009.